US Airways lands GE financing deal US Airways and its largest lender yesterday struck a new financing arrangement that could free up \$140 million while the strapped airline remains in bankruptcy -- but only if holdout unions agree to major cost cuts.


#39;Tis the season to stop, chop and roll Nels Bergstrom loaded his wife and three children into a sport utility vehicle Friday morning and made the hourlong ride from his home in Delaware County to Walker #39;s Christmas Tree Farm in Carbon County.


Johnson Set for New York Yankees Trade  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Arizona Diamondback pitcher Randy  Johnson appeared bound for the Big Apple Monday, after Major  League commissioner Bud Selig approved a deal that would send  the five-time Cy Young award winner to the Yankees.


WENGER STEPS ON THE GUUS ANGRY Arsene Wenger last night branded Guus Hiddink  quot;appalling quot; after launching a bitter counter attack against his managerial rival.


Court Kings The familiar faces went their separate ways over the summer, the rivalry was declared dead more than a month ago, and all those years of accumulated magic came to a crashing end in the final minute Friday night.


English cricket team arrives in Harare The English Cricket team has defended its decision to go ahead with its controversial tour of Zimbabwe. Africa correspondent Sally Sara reports, the team has arrived in the Zimbabwean capital Harare.


They'll take a wait-and-see approach While some injured Patriots were either practicing or working out yesterday, coach Bill Belichick said it was too early to tell if they'd be available for tomorrow's game with the Ravens.


Given chance, West a contributing factor Delonte West was in uniform last night at the FleetCenter, after the Celtics activated the rookie point guard for the first time this season and placed forward Justin Reed (left hip pointer) back on the injured list. Although not fully recovered from the fractured right thumb he suffered the day before the season opener, West felt good enough to play.


Transactions BASEBALL New York (NL): Named Rick Down hitting coach and Tom Nieto catching instructor. BASKETBALL Boston (NBA): Activated G Delonte West from the injured list; placed F Justin Reed on the injured list. Philadelphia (NBA): Activated G Aaron McKie from the inujred list; placed G Kevin Ollie on the injured list.


Today's schedule College basketball: MEN -- Harbor Invitational at Dorchester, 1 and 3 p.m.; Northeastern at Harvard, 2 p.m.; MIT at Suffolk, 2 p.m.; WOMEN -- Wagner at BU, 1 p.m.; Dartmouth at Fairfield, 1 p.m.; Hartford at Central Conn., 2 p.m.; BC at UMass, 4 p.m.


Players dismiss security worries Given nearly a week to examine the security issues raised by the now-infamous brawl between players and fans in Auburn Hills, Mich., Nov. 19, the Celtics returned to the FleetCenter last night with two losses and few concerns about their on-court safety.


Sharing wealth was golden idea Kindergarten must have been good to LeBron James. With sharing at the top of that year's lesson plan, James might have collected a lot of gold stars for his behavior.


Fed Need Not Move on Inflation Wiggles Central banks should not respond to every wiggle from inflation as they seek steady prices and the  quot;too big to fail quot; mantle enjoyed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose a threat to financial stability, St.


Prioritizing NASA NASA administrator Sean O #39;Keefe seems bent on overstating popular support for President Bush #39;s space agenda. He did it again this week, pointing to this year #39;s \$16.2-billion budget as proof that Congress is


DODD LEADS DESPITE TRIPLE BOGEY Stephen Dodd paid a heavy price for one shot in his third round of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai on Saturday - but at the end of it the 38-year-old Welshman was still on course for his first European Tour victory.


Men: Nation #39;s best wins NIT by holding off Arizona Justin Gray scored 21 for the second straight game as No.1 Wake Forest beat No.18 Arizona 63-60 for the Preseason NIT title Friday.


Buffaloes beat Huskers, turn eye to Tigers Lincoln, Neb. - When the heavy lifting was over, Colorado wide receiver Dusty Sprague had one very important question.  quot;Hey, do you know what the Missouri fight song is?


Police arrest nine after Australian island riot Police arrested nine people on a remote Australian island on Saturday after about 200 islanders protesting against the death of a man in custody burnt down a police station, police residence and a courthouse.


California's New Stem-Cell Initiative Is Already Raising Concerns Medical ethicists are concerned that the \$3 billion that California approved for embryonic stem cell research could become a bonanza for private profiteers.


Ready, set, shop THE GAZETTE. But this is a different sacred day: Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, the high holy day of American consumerism.


Mitsubishi Motors, Merrill Lynch tie up over US auto loans Troubled Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is to tie up with Merrill Lynch and Co. in North American financing operations as part of its business rehabilitation efforts.


Computer crash hits pensions THOUSANDS of pensioners and people on benefits have been hit by a massive computer failure at the Department for Work and Pensions.


Famitsu Reveals All Popular Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu, seems to have gathered the juiciest bits of gossip regarding Nintendo in its latest issue.


UW Men Play in Alaska Shootout Semifinals The 22nd-ranked Washington Huskies (2-0) remain in Anchorage for the second of three consecutive games in the Great Alaska Shootout at Sullivan Arena.


Iraq's Allawi Takes Call-In Questions (AP) AP - Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi simply smiled during the live television show when a man called to praise terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The Iraqi leader then moved on, offering to find information about a woman's detained son and see why a student didn't get into the graduate program of his choice.


US troops clash with Iraqi rebels Iraqi insurgents reportedly occupy a government building in the town of Khalis before being driven out by US troops.


U.S. Soldier Killed in Roadside Bomb Blast Insurgents detonated a the bomb, shortly after dawn, next to a U.S. tank patrol north of Baghdad on Saturday.


North Korea Reactor Plan Suspended  Until 2005  NEW YORK, Nov. 26 -- An international consortium said Friday that it has extended for another year a freeze on a project to build two light-water nuclear reactors in North Korea.


Ex-Venezuelan Police Chiefs Seek Asylum Two former Caracas police chiefs requested asylum at El Salvador's embassy Friday amid investigations into their handling of violent 2002 protests that left 19 people dead, their lawyer said.


Court affirms denial of Wal-Mart workers #39; class-action suit PANAMA CITY -- An appeals court has refused to reinstate class-action status for a lawsuit that sought to represent 230,000 Wal-Mart employees across Florida over allegations the company forced many of them to work without pay during breaks and after hours


Big game hunters off the hook for bison population crash Big game hunters may be off the hook in the latest twist of a prehistoric whodunit that tries to explain why bison populations sharply crashed thousands of years ago.


Ten things we learned this week in the NBA 1. Item: At 71, Hubie Brown suddenly retired as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies Thursday night. Brown, who was 83-65 with the Grizzlies in parts of three seasons, said unexpected health issues were the cause


More groups call for delay in elections Influential Sunni Muslim groups and Iraq #39;s two main Kurdish movements yesterday requested a delay in nationwide legislative elections set for Jan. 30, saying they feared


Army deserter released from jail Accused US Army deserter Charles Jenkins, left, accompanied by his daughters, Mika, center, and Belinda, leaves Tokyo Women #39;s Medical University Hospital in Tokyo Saturday, Sept.


Russia finally grants visa to Dalai Lama Russia said on Friday that it would give the Dalai Lama a visa, the first it has given the Buddhist leader in a decade, but rushed to reassure China it was not supporting his demands for Tibetan autonomy.


eBay drops Microsoft's Passport SAN FRANCISCO - Online auctioneer eBay will stop supporting Microsoft's .Net Passport identification system by the end of January.


Americans flock to the stores Americans stormed the nation #39;s stores on the day after Thanksgiving, the traditional start of the key holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer electronics and Santa.


Moon gas may bail out energy-sapped earth A potential gas source found on the moons surface could hold the key to meeting future energy demands as the earths fossil fuels dry up in the coming decades, scientists said on Friday.


Irish eye No. 1-ranked Trojans Snoop Dogg running deep post routs for Matt Leinart. Snoop Dogg rapping and giving a pep talk inside the locker room of the top-ranked USC Trojans.


More feared dead after quake in Indonesia #39;s Papua A series of aftershocks in Indonesia #39;s remote Papua province on Saturday hampered rescue efforts a day after a major earthquake killed at least 13 people and injured 65.


Nine charged over Palm Island riot Nine men have been charged over yesterday #39;s riot on Palm Island, in north east Australia. Hans Mick reports the community #39;s police station and court house were destroyed.


Toyota Plans to Open Russian Plant (Reuters) Reuters - Toyota Motor Corp plans to build a\factory in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, the first local\production in that nation by any Japanese carmaker, company\officials were quoted by Kyodo news agency as saying.


Bush vows to work on WTO, blasts Airbus CRAWFORD, Texas - President Bush pledged Friday to work with Congress to comply with a WTO ruling in a row over payment of anti-dumping duties to US companies, and said he expected the trade body to hold Europe to account over  quot;unfair quot; subsidies to


Havana halts EU 'cocktail wars' Cuba restores contacts with eight EU embassies in Havana, ending a bitter row over "dissident cocktail wars".


Pampling retains Aussie Open lead Richard Green holed two chip shots on Saturday to close within one stroke of fellow Australian Rod Pampling going into the final round of the centenary Australian Open golf championship.


Williams just won #39;t let it go In the end, it wasn #39;t about holding on to the No. 1 ranking or the Preseason NIT title or even the game. For Wake Forest #39;s Eric Williams, it was just about holding on to the ball.


Southeast Asian Foreign Ministers Prepare for ASEAN Summit Southeast Asian foreign ministers are finalizing a free trade agreement with China and a score of other accords in preparation for a summit meeting in Laos beginning Monday.


Search for corpses in ghost town Tamil Tigers say 30,000 people are dead or missing in the north and east of Sri Lanka.


Treasuries Fall on Report China Cuts Back on US Debt Holdings US 10-year Treasury notes fell for a fifth week after a report that a Chinese central bank official said his country trimmed its holdings of US government debt.


US Air secures funding and lease deal from GE ARLINGTON, Virginia US Airways Group said Friday that General Electric, its largest creditor, had agreed to provide the bankrupt carrier with badly needed funds as it seeks to avoid liquidation.


Ancient hunters off the hook Prehistoric hunters may be off the hook in the latest twist of a prehistoric whodunit that tries to explain why bison populations sharply crashed thousands of years ago.


Canadian rocket launch delayed until January EDMONTON - When the Da Vinci Project rocket finally makes an attempt to fly into outer space next year, it will carry aloft a soccer ball once kicked by English footballer David Beckham and an Ellen DeGeneres doll dressed in a flight suit.


Pigeons homing instincts due to their magnetic beaks! Scientist have always wondered how pigeons manage to be such good navigators and have a  #39;nose for the north #39; and now a new study has suggested that it is because they have small magnetic particles in their beaks, which helps them detect different magnetic


Pampling struggles but maintains lead Irrespective of the conditions on day three of the Hillross Australian Open Championship, the Australian Golf Club #39;s layout was always going to provide a test of both game and character.


India feel pressure from home fans Pressure is building on the Indian team from millions of home fans to deliver their first home Test series victory in two years when they take on South Africa in the second and final Test on Sunday.


NASA plans trip to Moon With polls showing Americans desire of space exploration, NASA has received the green signal from Congress to carry out voyages to Moon and eventually to Mars.


PREVIEW-South Africa target rare series double in India South Africa have shrugged off accusations of negative tactics before the second and final test against India which starts on Sunday.


Summary Box: Move to Ease Ethics Rules (AP) AP - MOVE TO EASE ETHICS RULES: After Tom DeLay is snared in an ethics probe, House Republicans consider ways to make it harder to discipline members of Congress.


Dozens convicted in African coup plot MALABO, Equatorial Guinea A court convicted dozens of alleged mercenaries from South Africa and Armenia on Friday and sentenced them to prison terms for an alleged coup plot.


Troops find more bodies in Mosul US forces uncovered more bodies in the northern city of Mosul on Friday, apparent victims of an intimidation campaign by insurgents against Iraqs fledgling security forces.


Martha Stewart Shares Surge to High Despite her confinement in a federal women #39;s prison, homemaking maven Martha Stewart might have something to be thankful for this holiday season, after all - shares of her media company bounced to their highest level in more than three years during


Now, peace moves in Reliance group Senior industrialists, religious leaders and politicians have swung into action to mediate between the warring Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, even as a Reliance Industries spokesperson on Friday ruled out chances of Mukesh dragging his brother to court


NASA moves forward with Bush #39;s moon and Mars plan With a green light from Congress, NASA is moving swiftly to carry out President George W. Bush #39;s ambitious plan to return robots and humans to the moon and eventually to Mars.


Bush, Clinton to Lead Tsunami Fund Raising (AP) AP - President Bush enlisted two former presidents for an ambitious private fund-raising drive for victims of the deadly tsunami on Monday, asking Americans to open their wallets to help the millions left homeless, hungry and injured.


No. 13 Maryland 84, No. 25 Memphis 61 Maryland kept stealing the ball, running for layups and hitting shots. Led by John Gilchrist, the No. 13 Terrapins dominated No. 25 Memphis.


Johnson Set for New York Yankees Trade (Reuters) Reuters - Arizona Diamondback pitcher Randy\Johnson appeared bound for the Big Apple Monday, after Major\League commissioner Bud Selig approved a deal that would send\the five-time Cy Young award winner to the Yankees.


Ganguly to captain Asia in tsunami fundraising match (Reuters) Reuters - India's Saurav Ganguly will captain Asia against the world eleven in next week's one-day international to raise funds for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake disaster.


Titans QB Faces Possible Shoulder Surgery (AP) AP - The Tennessee Titans already have one quarterback recovering from surgery. They aren't in a hurry to operate on backup Billy Volek's throwing shoulder if they can avoid that.


Cingular to Sell Select Assets to Alltel Cingular Wireless LLC agreed to sell and swap certain assets with Alltel Corp. for \$170 million in cash as part of the company #39;s required divestitures following Cingular #39;s acquisition of AT amp;T Wireless Services Inc.


FIC to Roll Out Linux Video Player (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - FIC's "Vassili" includes a 3.6-inch color LCD screen and a 20GB hard drive, and can play multimedia content downloaded directly or via a TiVo


Computer crash to delay pension and benefit payments Payments to tens of thousands of people who receive state pensions and benefits will be delayed after a computer crash at the Department of Work and Pensions.


Scientists create smart phone that doubles as your nanny Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are working on software that will get to know you as well as your best mate - and even offers you advice.


Apple inventory update: iMacs, iPods in strong demand Data reveals strong demand for Apple #39;s iMac G5 and iPod products as the holiday shopping season kicks off. PowerBooks and eMacs are approaching the end of their life cycle, recent Apple inventory data has revealed.


Nebraska #39;s loss is a bowl-breaker Cedric Benson ran for 165 yards and a touchdown to lead the Longhorns over the Aggies in Austin, Texas. Vince Young added a touchdown run and 224 yards total for the Longhorns (10-1, 7-1 Big 12), who earned


The  #39;basketbrawl #39; in Detroit We #39;re all taught in elementary school a universal principle:  quot;Two wrongs don #39;t make a right. quot;. What happened in the NBA game between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers is a perfect example of how true that principle is.


Dodd Maintains China Open Lead (AP) AP - Wales' Stephen Dodd overcame a triple bogey to shoot a 2-under 70 on Saturday and maintain a three-stroke lead after the third round of the China Open, the first event of the 2005 PGA European Tour schedule.


Tributes to tragic Gurkhas The London-based security firm which employed four former Gurkhas killed in a rocket attack on their compound in Baghdad have paid tribute to them as  quot;brave and professional individuals quot;.


EU official says Darfur violence worse since pact inked The EU #39;s aid chief said the violence in Sudan #39;s Darfur region had worsened since the government and rebels signed new security agreements two weeks ago.


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


It #39;s time for Christmas tree sales Bob Lemos of Lemos Farm on Highway 92 near Half Moon Bay is optimistic about the Christmas tree season. He started selling trees last weekend, he said.


Alltel buying up Cingular castoffs Alltel Corp. wasted little time in seizing opportunities created by last months Cingular Wireless-AT amp;T Wireless merger, announcing plans Friday to buy most of the assets that US regulators asked Cingular to sell.


Cuba Renews Contact With European Nations (AP) AP - The Cuban government has resumed formal diplomatic contacts with eight European nations, including France, Germany and Britain, Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said Monday.


Video watchdogs say almost all new games are M-rated This season #39;s blockbuster video games give players the opportunity to hijack cars, mow down the walking undead with heavy artillery and ogle topless women.


Australia in total control over NZ New Zealand were forced to endure another demoralising day in the field on Saturday and then lost two early wickets after Australia declared their first innings on a massive 575 for eight in the second Test.


Riot not premeditated: Palm Is leaders Community leaders on Palm Island off north Queensland have rejected suggestions yesterday #39;s riot was premeditated. The community remains calm but tense, with police reinforcements sent to the island today.


Former rebel blasts Prabhakaran, wants India in peace process: World News: Colombo, Nov 27 : Tamil Tigers chief Velupillai Prabhakaran was Saturday dubbed a Hitler by an aide-turned-foe who called for an Indian role in Sri Lanka #39;s fumbling peace process.


Myanmar frees 500 more prisoners told Reuters on Thursday it was simply taking time to bring people to Yangon from around the country. where she is without a telephone and requires military permission to meet visitors.


Hooters Air brings flights to Rockford Hooters Air will begin offering nonstop flights out of the Greater Rockford Airport in early 2005 to Denver, Atlanta and Las Vegas, officials said.


Pigeons homing instincts due to their magnetic beaks!: World News: Washington, Nov 27 : Scientist have always wondered how pigeons manage to be such good navigators and have a  #39;nose for the north #39; and now a new study has suggested that it is because they have small magnetic particles in their beaks, which


SA skipper Smith suffers foot injury Kolkata: South African skipper Graeme Smith suffered an injury to his left foot in a minor accident near the team hotel here today.


Turnpike Opts Against Waiving Tolls Sunday November 27, 2004 - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission says it lost 2 (M) million dollars on Wednesday when tolls were waived on the first day of the toll takers strike.


Stumps bounce back Bee Garden Writer. Contrary to popular belief, Christmas tree farming is no longer a matter of clear-cutting stands of evergreens.


FDA Marks Thanksgiving With Two Approvals Biotechnology and pharmaceutical stocks were nearly flat during the holiday-shortened week as two long-awaited drugs received Food and Drug Administration approval.


NYSE trading in takeover target #39;s shares halted SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Gold Fields Ltd. welcomed Friday a decision handed down by a South African appeals court that the company said temporarily blocks Harmony Gold Mining Ltd.


Mitsubishi may partner with Merrill Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Japan #39;s only money-losing car maker, and US brokerage firm Merrill Lynch plan to set up a joint venture in North America, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said Saturday.


Canada draws bead on Imperial Tobacco Canadian authorities have raided the offices of Imperial Tobacco in their hunt for evidence of cigarette smuggling during the late 1980s and early 1990s.


Amar Singh urges Kokila Behn to resolve RIL issue Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh has appealed to Dhirubhai Ambani #39;s widow Kokilabehn to settle the differences between her sons Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani who run India #39;s largest private sector company.


Texas Beats A M, Lobbies for BCS Invite (AP) AP - Moments after Texas beat Texas A amp;M, Longhorns coach Mack Brown was busying lobbying for an at-large bid to the Bowl Championship Series. No. 6 Texas (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) guaranteed at least another week of arguing over just who belongs in the BCS, beating Texas A amp;M 26-13 Friday.


U.S. Sends in Secret Weapon: Saddam's Old Commandos (Reuters) Reuters - Twenty months after\toppling Saddam Hussein, U.S. troops still battling his\followers in the heart of Iraq's old arms industry are hitting\back with a new weapon -- ex-members of Saddam's special\forces.


Wake Forest Edges Arizona to Win NIT (AP) AP - Justin Gray scored 21 points for the second straight game and No. 1 Wake Forest beat No. 18 Arizona 63-60 Friday night in the championship game of the 16-team Preseason NIT, a game that had a March feel to it in late November.


Bhutto's Husband Wants Fresh Election in Pakistan (Reuters) Reuters - Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir\Bhutto's husband said on Saturday only fresh elections and an\end to military rule could lead to a rapprochement between\Bhutto's party and President Pervez Musharraf.


Colts Thrive in Grueling Four-Game Stretch (AP) AP - Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor could feel the weariness long before Thursday's game at Detroit. The constant hits, the barrage of meetings, the quick pivots from game plan to game plan had already worn down his body and mind. But Reagor and his teammates never succumbed to the Colts' most grueling test of the season  #151; playing four games in 18 days.


Legendary venture capitalist looks ahead Since founding Sequoia Capital in 1972, he #39;s helped nurture some of the Valley #39;s biggest successes, including Apple Computer, Cisco Systems, Electronic Arts and Oracle.


Name that tune -- then find it with GoFish (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - A new search engine launches Monday aimed at helping music lovers find tunes across a growing number of online music stores.


Intel Slammed As Apple Becomes More Appealing Tech stocks were mixed for the holiday week, with analyst revisions moving key sector players. Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people ) shares fell tumbled Tuesday after Credit Suisse First Boston lowered the


Death deluge makes forest mulch The sudden boost trillions of cicadas dying en masse give to North American forests is apparent from a new study published in Science magazine.


A virtual disgrace Regarding the creation of a John F. Kennedy assassination video  quot;game, quot;  quot;JFK Reloaded, quot; developed by Kirk Ewing for Traffic Games of Scotland: How truly unfortunate that this firm is so hard


Sony cornered by iPod fashion Juliana Sasaki didnt bother checking out Sonys digital music player before buying her green iPod mini.  quot;I knew Sony and other companies had MP3 players, but they cant beat the mini, quot; says Sasaki, 23, a language teacher.


Hall of a time November 27, 2004 -- Forget the hoopla over the newly reopened Museum of Modern Art. Hop on the 7 train to Flushing, Queens, and you can go to Mars or the ice moon Europa, just past Jupiter.


Researchers Develop 3-D Phone Technology TOKYO - It #39;s an idea that was popularized by Princess Leia #39;s plea for help in Star Wars: sending a 3-D hologram. Now, two Japanese scientists have developed technology they hope will one day turn the humble


Germany Wins Women's Under-19 Soccer Title (AP) AP - Germany won the FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over China.


Stepping out of shadows of WiFi (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - Bluetooth -- a short-range wireless technology -- is finally coming of age.


Pakistani Troops Leaving Tribal Region (AP) AP - The Pakistan army said Saturday it will withdraw hundreds of troops from a tense tribal region near Afghanistan where Osama bin Laden and his top deputy were believed to be hiding.


Bush visit, new relationship with U.S. fraught with political risk for Martin (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - It's being likened to a roll of the dice.


Pampling tackles Open grill GOLF has changed a lot in the 100 years since the captain of the Drouin Golf Club in Victoria, the Honourable Michael Scott, won the first Australian Open.


Mini China crisis for Stephen STEPHEN DODD paid a heavy price for one slack shot in his third round of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai today. But after nine holes, the 38-year-old Welshman still led.


Nets #39; slide reaches eight Throughout the day, dark clouds hovered above downtown Seattle, a fitting site for a Nets team off to one of its dreariest starts to a season.


Harry #39;s argy-bargy PRINCE Charles has asked Scotland Yard for an in-depth report on his son Harry #39;s trip to Argentina after reports of excessive drinking and a kidnap plot.


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


Telescope Buying Tips (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - As we approach the holiday \  season, many people may consider the purchase of a telescope. You might already \  have seen telescope ads in newspapers, catalogues or on TV shopping channels. \  A typical ad might say something like this:


Artificial Gravity: A New Spin on an Old Idea (SPACE.com) SPACE.com - Keeping an astronaut crew in tip-top shape during lengthy treks to and from distant Mars may demand portable gravity.


Army deserter Jenkins released in Japan US Army deserter Charles Jenkins was released from military jail on Saturday after serving 25 days for abandoning his squadron in 1965 and defecting to North Korea, where he lived for nearly four decades.


Father hopes for Damilola justice The father of Damilola Taylor remains confident four years after his son's murder that the killer will be caught.


Death deluge makes forest mulch The sudden boost trillions of cicadas dying en masse give to North American forest soils is apparent from a new study.


Ukraine Parliament Says Run-Off Poll Invalid Ukraine's parliament declared invalid the disputed presidential election, a non-binding move demonstrating the country's rising dissatisfaction with the outcome.


FireFox as a Security Risk Compared to IE? A not-so anonymous Anonymous Coward asks:  quot;The administrator at my work gave me the following reason for not using Mozilla. What do you think?


New Kazaa version to offer free Internet-based phone calls Sharman Networks Limited has launched Kazaa v3.0. This latest version includes the integration of Skype, which allows users to make free online calls anywhere in the world, using peer-to-peer (P2P) technology.


IAEA Diplomats See Agreement on Iran Next Week The International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors has put off a resolution on Iran #39;s nuclear program until Monday, to allow more time for European countries and Tehran to finalize a deal to freeze Iran #39;s uranium enrichment program.


UN slams British jails A United Nations anti-torture body has criticised Britain for the  quot;unsatisfactory quot; conditions in its prisons, including a  quot;substantial number of deaths in custody quot;, urging it to act at once to improve them.


Nawaz, Benazir agree on signing code of ethics ISLAMABAD: PML-N leader Mian Nawaz Sharif has presented a proposal to PPP-P chairperson, Benazir Bhutto for signing a code of ethics by both the parties for the sake of beginning of new democratic era in the country and the latter has okayed the proposal.


WTO Imposes Penalties on US Exports The World Trade Organization imposed penalties Friday on US exports ranging from apples to textiles, escalating a trade dispute the Bush administration has struggled to defuse by unsuccessfully


Wal-Mart Says November Sales Fell Short of Forecast; Rose 0.7 Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world #39;s largest retailer, estimated November sales at US stores open at least a year rose about 0.7 percent, less than its forecast, as the company scaled back


England players hit out ENGLAND #39;S players hit out at cricket #39;s authorities last night. They claimed they had been used as  quot;political pawns quot; after the Zimbabwe government produced a spectacular U-turn to ensure the controversial one-day series will go ahead.


Wal-Mart Sees Nov. U.S. Sales Up 0.7 Pct (Reuters) Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it expects a 0.7\percent increase in November sales at its U.S. stores open at\least one year, down from a forecast of 2 percent to 4 percent\a week ago.


Bonham and Hinchey: Fans and players alike should embrace civility Last week #39;s basketball brawl in Detroit, triggered by an on-court fight that spilled into the stands when a fan tossed a drink, has set the sports world buzzing.


Unbeaten Inter take on Juventus THERE can #39;t be many times when the only unbeaten team in the division goes into a match with the leaders with 15 points to make up.


APHC Real Kashmiri Representative: Islamabad Islamabad, Nov. 27 (NNN) : Rejecting Indias assertion to the contrary, Pakistan has said that the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) is the real representative of Kashmiri people.


Tamil Tigers threaten to resume war Sri Lanka #39;s feared Tamil Tiger rebels have threatened to resume a two-decade war for self-rule that killed more than 64,000 people if the government does not agree to discuss their demands soon.


UN urges UK to review foreign suspect detention policy The United Nations Committee Against Torture has urged Britain to carry out a review of its policy of detaining foreign suspects indefinitely under anti-terrorism laws.


Kazaa under Big Music #39;s gun p2pnet.net News:- With its renewed attacks on US p2p file sharers and its latest effort to turn Canada into another marketing and sales division going nicely, the Big Four music cartel are again turning their attention to Australia and Sharman Networks


Germany wins women #39;s under-19 soccer title; US is third Germany won the FIFA Under-19 Women #39;s World Championship on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over China. The United States finished third, beating Brazil 3-0 in the earlier game.


Bhutto #39;s Husband Wants Fresh Election in Pakistan Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto #39;s husband said on Saturday only fresh elections and an end to military rule could lead to a rapprochement between Bhutto #39;s party and President Pervez Musharraf.


SA helped save Zim cricket tour South African cricket played a key role in behind-the-scenes negotiations to save the England tour of Zimbabwe. The tour went ahead this week when the Zimbabwean government allowed the entire media contingent


Rough Reception for DNA Law California voters approve an aggressive DNA-collection program -- basically anyone held in connection with a felony will be tested -- and that has privacy advocates worried. By Julia Scheeres.


Travel Upstarts Take on Top Sites A new breed of specialty search engines promise to deliver the best bargains to travelers using the web to find the best airfares and accommodations. They're challenging established sites like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz.


Suit: Check Provisional Ballots A watchdog group tries to stop an Ohio county's elections board from rejecting thousands of provisional ballots until they are hand checked against voter registration cards.


Mitsubishi Motors, Merrill Lynch tie up over US auto loans TOKYO : Troubled Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will tie up with Merrill Lynch and Co. in North American financing operations as part of its business rehabilitation efforts.


Rwanda Retains Right to Attack Rebels in Congo (Reuters) Reuters - Rwanda can and will strike Rwandan\rebels in Congo if little continues to be done to disarm them,\but Kigali is not spoiling for a fight, President Paul Kagame\said on Saturday after meeting his Congolese counterpart.


Study finds cicada carcasses boost soil nutrients, plant growth 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 #39;s issue of the journal Science.


Micro-generators rev up the power A new micro-generator developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology holds promise for micro-generator technology #39;s future in electronics devices.


Mandaric: I #39;m not here to be popular Chairman Milan Mandaric has sought to reconcile the club with fans before Portsmouth #39;s predicament descends into pantomime farce by insisting:  #39;I #39;m behind you.


Langer stars as Kiwis fade Adelaide - New Zealand lost both their opening batsmen in the final session as Australia, led by Justin Langer #39;s third career double century, held a 519-run lead after the second day of the second cricket Test on Saturday.


Proteas skipper injures foot SOUTH AFRICAN captain Graeme Smith sustained a freak injury off the field but was likely to play in the second Test against India, a team official said today.


Pak insists Hurriyat real representative of Kashmiris Insisting that Hurriyat Conference is the real representative of Kashmiris, Pakistan has claimed that India is not ready to accept ground realities in Kashmir.


Nine arrested after Australian island riot protesting against the death of a man in custody burnt down a police station, police residence and a courthouse. northeast coast, said Queensland state police minister Judy Spence.


Pope returns relics to eastern Orthodox Pope John Paul returned relics of two early Christian saints to the Patriarch of Constantinople Saturday in another bid to warm ties with eastern Orthodoxy.


Wal-Mart Sees Nov. US Sales Up 0.7 Pct Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, said on Saturday it expects a 0.7 percent increase in November sales at its US stores open at least


Rovers win precious points Blackburn Rovers got their first away win of the season beating Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Paul Gallagher #39;s 10th-minute strike and a Paul Dickov penalty with 13 minutes remaining sealed the


Researchers Develop 3-D Phone Technology TOKYO Nov 24, 2004 - It #39;s an idea that was popularized by Princess Leia #39;s plea for help in Star Wars: sending a 3-D hologram.


UPDATE 1-Myskina beats Golovin for Russia to level at 1-1 Anastasia Myskina kept Russia #39;s Fed Cup hopes alive by beating Moscow-born Tatiana Golovin 6-4 7-6 in the second singles of the competition final against holders France on Saturday, levelling the score at 1-1.


Morales tries to prove that he #39;s worth the weight The fine, pure hate that Erik Morales has for Marco Antonio Barrera might be motivation enough for the Tijuana fighter here tonight, but there also is a more tangible factor in his favor.


Rams cut veteran Landeta The St. Louis Rams yesterday released punter Sean Landeta and signed Kevin Stemke to replace him. Landeta, 42, was one of only two former USFL players still in action in the NFL.


#39;Turn other cheek #39; doesn #39;t work either Minor league hockey player Dan Sullivan was suspended for 18 fewer games for mooning fans than Indiana Pacer Stephen Jackson was (30) for trying to punch their lights out.


Sri Lankan rebel leader threatens to launch freedom struggle The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader said Saturday the rebels would be compelled tolaunch the freedom struggle for the Tamil nation if peace talks were further delayed, the pro-rebel website TamilNet said.


Barghouti Backs Abbas in Palestinian Race (AP) AP - Jailed Palestinian uprising leader Marwan Barghouti dropped out of the race to replace Yasser Arafat on Friday, agreeing to support the candidacy of interim leader Mahmoud Abbas in a move intended to head off a split in the ruling Fatah movement.


Pakistan Downplays CIA Report on Leaks (AP) AP - Pakistan on Saturday downplayed suggestions that a new CIA report indicates that a renegade scientist provided more help to Iran's nuclear weapons program than previously disclosed.


Wal-Mart Sees November Sales Up 0.7 Pct Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, said on Saturday it expects a 0.7 percent increase in November sales at its US stores open at least


New multiple sclerosis drug near patients Biogen Idec Inc. #39;s Tysabri drug for multiple sclerosis may reach patients as soon as next week, and doctors said they plan to prescribe it first to patients who are no longer being helped by older medicines.


Canadian Dollar Gains for Fifth Week in Six on Rate Prospects Canada #39;s dollar gained for the fifth week in six, reaching the highest since January 1992, on speculation the central bank will lift its interest-rate target next month.


Sorenstam Plays Tiger Woods in Skins Game (AP) AP - Annika Sorenstam is mixing it up with the men again, and this time the competition includes Tiger Woods. Sorenstam and Woods will play against each other for the first time when they tee off Saturday in the Skins Game at the Trilogy Golf Club in the middle of the desert.


St. John's Bans Hoops Team From Postseason (AP) AP - St. John's imposed two years of penalties on its men's basketball team Friday after an investigation revealed a former player was given cash by an athletic department employee.


Forecast maps on trackfor new look Instead of the skinny black line, showing a hurricane #39;s forecast track, forecasters have drafted a couple of alternative graphics to depict where the storms might go -- and they want your opinion.


Chargers Confident Going Into Jets Rematch (AP) AP - A lot has changed for the San Diego Chargers since the mid-September afternoon when Drew Brees threw two interceptions, lost a fumble and sustained a concussion in a home loss to the New York Jets.


Football: Chelsea stay top John Terry's brace helps Chelsea move five points clear at the top of the table.


Locust alert in Canary Islands  A state of alert is ordered as swarms of locusts from Africa arrive in Spain's Canary Islands.


New Kazaa version to feature online calling Moving beyond media downloads, leading peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing company Kazaa, is now offering free, Internet-based telephone service via the Skype voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) application.


Blogger Uncovers Microsoft PR Gaffe The Public Relations India blog claims that Microsoft or its PR agency released this photo of the new MSN Search ... .. to AP using the IE competitor browser, Mozilla Firefox.


Live hunting online draws opposition The San Antonio resident set up the Web site, did a little research and recently launched his Internet service that allows registered users to shoot actual .22 rifles at paper targets via their computer.


P2P Company Gets Approval from Record Labels  quot;A small peer-to-peer start-up has won rights from three of the four major record labels to distribute their music online. The deals with Peer Impact, a new division of online marketing company Wurld Media


Myskina salvages Fed Cup tie for Russia vs. France MOSCOW -- French Open champion Anastasia Myskina pulled Russia into a 1-1 tie with defending champion France at the Fed Cup final Saturday after US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova lost the first singles match.


Windies tour in hands of pollies POLITICAL heavyweights have intervened in a bid to end the West Indies contracts dispute which threatens the one-day series in Australia.


CAPTAIN FANTASTIC GIVES POMPEY HEART Arjan De Zeeuw played a captains role to the full as the Portsmouth players superbly shrugged off a week of internal turmoil. The Dutch defender grabbed the winner in a 1-0 triumph against Bolton at the


Pirates send Kendall to Athletics PITTSBURGH The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded catcher Jason Kendall to the Oakland Athletics for left-handers Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes.


UPDATE 2-Rugby-Australia edge out England in Twickenham thriller Australia showed all their famed resilience to withstand a fierce fightback by England and beat the world champions 21-19 in a thunderous World Cup final repeat on Saturday.


Justin Langer smashes New Zealand Nothing much changed for New Zealand on day 2 of the second test match between Australia and New Zealand. Australia are dominating like they did on the first day and with Justin Langer completing his double


Springboks bounce back South Africa gained revenge for their surprise defeat at Murrayfield two years ago with a convincing 45-10 victory over Scotland in Edinburgh.


Democracy campaigner enters race A PALESTINIAN democracy activist who has campaigned for non-violent resistance to Israeli occupation said today he would run for president to succeed Yasser Arafat.


Chinese Police Detain Man In Bloody Knife Attack At School Americas Amber Alert News Center(BEIJING China) AP--BEIJING -- Chinese police have detained a man accused of hacking to death as many as nine boys as they slept in a high school dormitory in central China.


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


Tigers to resume  #39; #39;freedom struggle #39; #39; if talks not resumed Colombo, Nov 27 (UNI) The LTTE today threatened to resume the  #39; #39;freedom struggle #39; #39; if the Sri Lankan Government did not resume the peace talks on the basis of its proposal for an interim self-rule.


Sudan Lifts State of Emergency in North Darfur Sudan said it had lifted all restrictions on aid workers and revoked a state of emergency in the troubled North Darfur state on Saturday, after rebels pulled out from a town they occupied last week.


Hut by Hut, AIDS Steals Life in a Southern Africa Town What happens to a society when its fulcrum - its mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses, farm workers - die in their prime?


Colombian Rebels Planned to Kill President Bush

 BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) - President Bush was targetedfor assassination by Colombia's biggest Marxist rebel groupthis week when he visited the Caribbean port city of Cartagena,a top Colombian official said on Saturday.


Icahn enters Hollywood picture Hollywood Entertainment Corp. discovered Friday that it might have another suitor in the suddenly crowded field bidding to take over the Wilsonville-based video rental chain.


Mitsubishi Motors to Sell \$2 Bln of Loans to Merrill (Update4) Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said it will sell \$2 billion of US auto loans to Merrill Lynch  amp; Co. to help the automaker reduce debt.


Notre Dame LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Top-ranked Southern California tries to win a school-record 21st straight home game and post a 20th consecutive victory overall when it hosts rival Notre Dame on Saturday.


India in high spirits before second Test: Sports India, Cricket: Kolkata, Nov 27 : With the revocation of captain Sourav Ganguly #39;s two-match suspension, a resurgent Indian team is looking forward to the second and final Test against South Africa beginning at the Eden Gardens here Sunday.


3 GIs killed in Iraq attack A US soldier was killed yesterday in a roadside bomb attack on a military vehicle north of Baghdad while two marines were killed Thursday in the western Iraqi city of Fallujah, the US military said.


Habana scores two tries as Springboks outplay Scots 45-10 in rugby Bryan Habana scored two intercept tries in his first start and Jaco van der Westhuyzen collected a try and three drop goals Saturday as Tri Nations champion South Africa outplayed Scotland 45-10 at Murrayfield.


OPEC Unlikely to Change Quotas -Nigeria (Reuters) Reuters - OPEC oil producers are unlikely to\change output quotas at their December 10 ministerial meeting\and have no need yet to rein in a supply surge that has begun\to ease record prices, Nigeria's top oil official said on\Saturday.


Argentine Protesters on Streets Over Fatal Fire  BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Thousands of Argentines  mourning almost 200 young victims of a rock club fire took to  the streets of Buenos Aires on Monday to protest the  government's safety standards, as the city mayor resisted  pressure to resign.


FCC is watching SBC #39;s VoIP charge WASHINGTON--The Federal Communications Commission is keeping and eye on SBC Communications #39; new connection charge for calls made over the Internet.


Peru Orders Curfew in Siege Town  LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - The Peruvian government put a  southern Andean town under curfew on Monday after launching a  military offensive to retake a police station held for three  days by ex-soldiers demanding the president's resignation.


Calls for Iraq Poll Delay Fuel Tension (Reuters) Reuters - Iraq's main Shi'ite parties insisted on\Saturday that elections should go ahead on Jan. 30 as planned,\rejecting mounting calls from Sunni and secular politicians to\postpone the polls because of guerrilla violence.


Once-Proud Niners, Dolphins Flounder (AP) AP - Bill Walsh and Don Shula might want to avert their eyes from this one. Twenty seasons after the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins faced each other in two of their 10 combined trips to the Super Bowl, they've become the NFL's two most miserable franchises.


Soccer Racism Taints Spain's Reputation (AP) AP - Spaniards used to say they lived in one of Europe's most racially tolerant countries. Soccer has shattered that myth. In Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium  #151; the Yankee Stadium of soccer  #151; Spanish fans bellowed out monkey noises last week each time a black English player touched the ball in a match between England and Spain.


Arctic States Agree Small Steps to Slow Thaw Eight Arctic countries agreed on small steps to brake a rapid thaw of the region on Wednesday with indigenous peoples accusing Washington of


John Hall Returns As Redskins Kicker (AP) AP - Washington Redskins kicker John Hall will be back in uniform Sunday after missing five games with a groin injury.


Silent march in France on 100th day of captivity of journalists held in Iraq (AFP) AFP - Hundreds of people marked the 100 days in captivity of two French reporters in Iraq with a silent march through a western French town, while the family of one of the kidnapped men appealed for their release before Christmas.


White salutes Van der Westhuyzen South Africa coach Jake White praised fly-half Jaco van der Westhuyzen after his try-scoring contribution in the 45-10 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.


Insurgents Target Iraqi Security Forces (AP) AP - The warning left in the garage of Omar Hameed, Iraqi National Guardsman, showed two bloody swords and a message: "If you don't quit your job in three days, you will be killed."


Tamil Tigers warn of resumed violence Sri Lanka #39;s Tamil Tiger insurgency is threatening to resume armed struggles unless the government accepts the rebels #39; blueprint for self-rule.


Chelsea Routs Charlton in Premier League (AP) AP - Chelsea routed Charlton 4-0 on Saturday behind two goals by defender John Terry to open a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.


Inaugural Speeches Often Don't Inspire (AP) AP - Ask not why so few inaugural speeches resonate long after they are given.


Newsview: Political Rhetoric Has Price (AP) AP - President Bush says politicians should say what they mean. But doing so can sometimes be an invitation to disaster, as Arlen Specter, John Kerry, John Snow and Bush himself can attest.


Ailing US chief justice to miss work again: report (AFP) AFP - US Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, will again miss work when the Supreme Court reconvenes Monday, according to a report.


Newfoundland's flag flap with Ottawa raises ire among some Labradorians (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, Nfld. (CP) - Hurt and insulted by their premier's decision to pull down Canadian flags across the province, some patriotic Labradorians plan to raise the Maple Leaf in protest Tuesday.


Vatican returns relics of saints to Istanbul VATICAN CITY -- Pope John Paul is returning centuries-old relics of two Orthodox Christian saints in an effort to bridge the divide between the two churches.


Simmering Trade Disputes Will Greet Bush in Canada Canadians remember two things about Ronald Reagan #39;s trip to Quebec City in 1985: his rendition of  quot;When Irish Eyes Are Smiling quot; with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and the announcement


Barghouthi Drops Palestinian Election Bid . Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouthi, who is illegally jailed in Israeli occupation prison, will not run in the Palestinian presidential election, an official


Building a better turkey through biotech Most of the turkeys gracing the nation #39;s dinner tables Thursday have been selectively bred for their white meat for so many generations that simply walking


Chelsea surge into five point lead LONDON, England -- England defender John Terry scored twice as Chelsea crushed Charlton Athletic 4-0 to go five points clear at the top of the English Premier League.


Italy beats US Eagles Italy fought off a strong second-half comeback by the United States and won its rugby union Test 43-25 on Saturday. Flyhalf Luciano Orquera scored 20 points including a try, and winger


Iran dug tunnel for military nuclear work-magazine BERLIN - Iran is working on a secret nuclear programme for military purposes despite promising the European Union it would halt all activities related to uranium enrichment, the news magazine Der Spiegel said on Saturday.


Palestinians disband feared security force Palestinian officials have disbanded a Gaza security force feared by civilians and under fire by human rights groups in one of the first concrete steps toward security reform in months, says a security official.


Romanians Have Stark Choice in Election (AP) AP - When Romanians pick a president Sunday, their main choice is between the forces of the past  #151; flawed but comfortingly familiar  #151; and an inexperienced challenger promising a dynamic, Western-leaning future.


Pro-government Sudanese militia kill 16 in Darfur: SLM (AFP) AFP - Sudan's pro-government Janjaweed militia killed 16 people in a western village in the troubled Darfur region, a spokesman of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement told AFP by telephone.


Young Afghan heart patient, once deathly ill, leaves Canada in good health (AFP) AFP - A 10-year-old Afghan boy saved from death after being airlifted to Canada for emergency heart surgery has flown home with a new lease on life.


Harper maintains message consistent in Quebec and rest of Canada (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - QUEBEC (CP) - Stephen Harper denied accusations of political opportunism in Quebec on Saturday, saying he wants voters in the province to chose the Conservatives for principles that apply across the country.


Ambani v Ambani SO what if ownership issues crop up in the Rs 90,000-plus crore Reliance group even if Mukesh, the elder of the two Ambani brothers, seeks to say there is none?


Pedro Martinez Meets With Mets' GM (AP) AP - Free agent Pedro Martinez met with the general manager of the New York Mets in his home country, a month after helping the Boston Red Sox win their first World Series title since 1918, a baseball source told The Associated Press.


Scholes: We Must Make Up For Lost Time Paul Scholes grabbed his third goal in three games with a brace against West Brom on Saturday, and then urged United to make up for their sluggish start to the campaign.


City #39;s run of form continues Manchester City recorded back-to-back Premiership wins for the first time since April 2003 with a well-deserved win over Aston Villa at Eastlands.


Barrerra vs Morales  quot;Mexican World War 3 quot; Tonight on HBO PPV, only one of the two brave warriors will emerge with the bragging rights as to which one is the superior Mexican fighter, The Baby Faced Assassin Marco Antonio Barrera or Erik El Terrible Morales?


Firefighters die in roof collapse SEVEN Swiss firefighters were presumed dead today after they were trapped under the collapsed roof of a burning underground car park.


Law change call for terror cases David Blunkett is being urged to bring forward plans to allow phone-tapping evidence in UK courts so trials of foreign terror suspects can go ahead.


No. 5 Illinois Beats No. 24 Gonzaga 89-72 (AP) AP - Deron Williams scored 20 points to lead No. 5 Illinois to a 89-72 win over No. 24 Gonzaga on Saturday in the John Wooden Tradition at Conseco Fieldhouse.


Saudi Police Shoot Dead Suspect Militant in Jeddah (Reuters) Reuters - Saudi security forces shot dead a\suspected militant on Saturday in a clash in the Red Sea port\city of Jeddah, police and witnesses said.


We #39;ll quit tour if we have to meet Mugabe, warns England skipper HARARE (AFP) - England skipper Michael Vaughan turned up the pressure ahead of the opening match against Zimbabwe by warning that his team will quit the tour if they are forced to meet Robert Mugabe.


Kiwis in trouble after Langers double Adelaide, November 27: Justin Langer made 215 of Australias 575 for eight declared before New Zealand stumbled to 56 for two at the close of the second days play in the second Test on Saturday.


Martinez meets with Mets GM in Dominican Republic Free agent Pedro Martinez met with the general manager of the New York Mets in his home country, a month after helping the Boston Red Sox win their first World Series title since 1918, a baseball source told The Associated Press.


Lyon seek return to winning ways French champions Olympique Lyon hope to regain their momentum when they meet ambitious AJ Auxerre on Saturday. The Ligue 1 leaders have won only one of their last four games, losing for the first time this


Wiltord helps leaders Lyon beat Auxerre Sylvain Wiltord scored one goal and made another as he returned to lead Olympique Lyon to a 2-1 victory over AJ Auxerre in a Ligue 1 game on Saturday.


No. 10 Michigan State Routs Nicholls St. (AP) AP - Led by Maurice Ager's 19 points, No. 10 Michigan State scored more than 100 points for the third straight game in a 102-52 win over Nicholls State on Saturday.


Dollar takes another slide Here #39;s another good reason to finish your holiday shopping early: The US dollar reached a new all-time low against the euro Friday for the fourth straight day, raising the strong possibility that US consumers will pay much more for imported goods as the


Knicks Hold Off Raptors 108-102 (AP) AP - Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, Stephon Marbury had 15 assists and Tim Thomas scored 17 to lead New York past Toronto 108-102 on a Saturday of season highs for several Knicks.


Da Vinci Rocket Launch Delayed Until January The Golden Palace.com Space Program Powered by the da Vinci Project announced that the launch of its private rocket has delayed until at least January.


Researchers develop 3-D phone technology TOKYO - It #39;s an idea that was popularized by Princess Leia #39;s plea for help in Star Wars: sending a 3-D hologram. Now, two Japanese scientists have developed technology they hope will one day turn the humble


China releases leading dissident Chinese dissident Liu Jingsheng is freed after a decade in jail but says his freedom of speech is limited.


Rugby: Australia beat England England fall to the first defeat under new coach Andy Robinson after Australia run out narrow winners at Twickenham.


Pennsylvania Turnpike Won #39;t Waive Tolls Pennsylvania Turnpike officials have decided not to waive tolls on Sunday as a way to cope with a strike that has continued over the holiday weekend.


Holiday shoppers hospitalized after spray released in toy store _ At least three people were hospitalized and others suffered irritated eyes when someone released pepper spray at Toys R Us #39; flagship store during the busy holiday shopping weekend, fire and police spokesmen said.


Ontario fuel to contain more ethanol Ontario, Canada, Premier Dalton McGuinty has said gas sold in the province will have to contain five percent ethanol within three years.


Hokies Take Control Bryan Randall throws for two touchdowns as No. 11 Virginia Tech moves one victory away from the ACC title Saturday with a 24-10 victory over No. 16 Virginia.


NBA's Action Rankles Union The punishment of Ron Artest by David Stern has convinced players' union head Billy Hunter that Stern's power needs to be addressed in current labor talks.


A's Get Kendall With physicals completed, the trade between the Pirates and Athletics that sends All-Star catcher Jason Kendall to Oakland is also completed.


BEST OF ECT NEWS Bitter Apple Replay? It #39;s ironic that in this moment of triumph for Apple CEO Steve Jobs, the greatest challenge yet to Apple #39;s online music dominance is emerging.


Miller Wins Downhill American Bode Miller takes the opening World Cup downhill race of the season on Saturday, his first World Cup downhill victory of his career.


Sometimes when you lose, you actually win NEW YORK CITY -- Arizona came very close to pulling the huge upset over No. 1 Wake Forest. The Cats had a dominating first half performance but a 21-5 second half run by the Demon Deacons was too much for the Cats to overcome.


France: Lyon edges Auxerre Sylvain Wiltord and Juninho each scored Saturday to lead unbeaten French first division leader Lyon over fourth-place Auxerre 2-1.


Texas A amp;M Quarterback Finds Groove Once Again Reggie McNeal switched his jersey number in the off-season, trading No. 16 for No. 1 in a salute to a departed teammate. McNeal has become the


UPDATE 1-Roma return to form in style with four goal win AS Roma ended a run of four defeats with a 4-0 win at Siena in Serie A on Saturday with two goals each from Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti.


Alpine Skiing: Bode Miller Wins Lake Louise Downhill America #39;s Bode Miller won his second race of the season Saturday with victory in the opening World Cup downhill by almost a second over nearest rival Antoine Deneriaz.


College Basketball: Illinois Routs Gonzaga INDIANAPOLIS (Sports Network) - Deron Williams and Luther Head scored 20 points apiece, Dee Brown chipped in with 17, and No. 5 Illinois routed 24th- ranked Gonzaga, 89-72, in the John R. Wooden Tradition at Conseco Fieldhouse.


Iran Reasserts Its Right to Enrich Uranium as Standoff Persists Iran #39;s foreign minister said Saturday that Iran had every right to keep, for research purposes, some of the centrifuges that could be used to enrich uranium, an indication


Iraqi Gov #39;t Rejects Postponing Election US Army 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment soldiers lead Iraqi men suspected of insurgent involvement from the scene of a joint raid by Iraqi National Guard and US forces near a mosque in central Mosul, Iraq, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004.


US Army deserter Jenkins sobs after release from prison (Camp Zama, Japan-AP) Nov. 27, 2004 - Charles Jenkins hopes to make one more trip to the US before settling down to a new life in northern Japan.


Sunday Times: Ministers were this weekend embroiled in a stars for Labour row after they were told to use their contacts with the rich and famous to get them to back the party.


Prabhakaran threatens war if peace talks don #39;t start: World News: Colombo, Nov 27 : Tamil Tigers leader Velupillai Prabhakaran Saturday threatened to resume his armed campaign if Sri Lanka did not quickly begin talks on his proposal for an administrative set-up in Tamil areas, which many fear will only


Palestinians disband feared security force Palestinian officials have disbanded a Gaza security force feared by civilians, says a security official, marking a step toward reforms ahead of an election to choose a successor to Yasser Arafat.


Syracuse Upsets No. 17 Boston College (AP) AP - Diamond Ferri ran for 141 yards two touchdowns and scored again on an interception Saturday as Syracuse rolled to a 43-17 victory over No. 17 Boston College to deprive the Eagles of a Bowl Championship Series berth and a farewell outright Big East title.


No. 7 Louisville Tops Cincinnati, 70-7 (AP) AP - Montrell Jones caught two touchdown passes and returned a punt for a score, and No. 7 Louisville clinched its third Conference USA championship since 2000 with a 70-7 rout of Cincinnati on Saturday.


MLB: Pirates Ship Kendall to A's (Reuters) Reuters - The Pittsburgh Pirates\Saturday traded veteran catcher Jason Kendall and cash\considerations to Oakland in exchange for pitchers Mark Redman\and Arthur Rhodes.


No. 11 Ohio State Routs Yale, 80-43 (AP) AP - Jessica Davenport had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 11 Ohio State to an 80-43 win over Yale on Saturday.


Scott Wins  #36;50,000, 2 Skins at Skins Game (AP) AP - Adam Scott won  #36;50,000 and two skins on the second hole Saturday, then he and the more-famous members of the foursome  #151; Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Fred Couples  #151; left  #36;250,000 out on the golf course during the next seven holes of the made-for-TV tournament.


Borrowing Seen in Social Security Plan (Reuters) Reuters - Facing record budget deficits,\the Bush administration likely will turn to short-term\government borrowing to help finance its plan to add personal\retirement accounts to Social Security, officials said on\Saturday.


Finance: Give Gifts That Give Back (Reuters) Reuters - (Linda Stern is a freelance writer who covers personal\finance issues for Reuters. Any opinions in the column are\solely those of Ms. Stern. You can e-mail her at\lindastern(at)aol.com).


Barca extend Spanish lead Barcelona held off a spirited comeback by newcomers Getafe to claim a nervous 2-1 win and cement their hold on the leadership of the Primera Liga on Saturday.


Kostelic wins first Aspen slalom ASPEN, United States (AFP) - Croatian Janica Kostelic won a women #39;s alpine World Cup slalom ahead of Sweden #39;s Anja Paerson and Finland #39;s Tanja Poutiainen.


Fighting Irish No More Where is the Humane Society when you need it? Where are those organizations against cruelty to dumb animals - or in this case, drunk Irishmen?


Colombian Tells of Marxist Plot Against Bush Marxist rebels had planned to assassinate President Bush last Monday during his four-hour stopover in Colombia to meet President lvaro Uribe, Defense Minister


Brunell Speaks Out Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell says he wants to start next season and is uncertain if he could be content in a backup role.


Arsenal under pressure as Chelsea, Man Utd Win English Premiere League leaders Chelsea continued their good form in the recent weeks with another spectacular win over Charlton Athletic.


Barcelona grabs tough road win Getafe, Spain (Sports Network) - Leaders Barcelona survived a late rally by promoted Getafe to earn a 2-1 road win Saturday. The win gives Barca a strong nine point lead over second place Espanyol, which edged Atletico Madrid Saturday 2-1.


Michigan St. Routs Nicholls St., 102-52 Michigan State #39;s Maurice Ager shoots a 3-pointer in the first half against Nicholls State Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004, in East Lansing, Mich.


Tens of Thousands of Gallons of Oil Spill into Area River (Paulsboro, NJ -WABC, November 27, 2004 ) - Authorities are working to clean up a slippery and potentially dangerous mess in a South Jersey river.


Claim Bush Kill Plot Thwarted (CBS/AP) The largest guerrilla group in Colombia ordered an assassination attempt on President Bush during his visit to the country last week, a senior official said.


Breaking down the BCS ACC: After Virginia Tech beat Virginia, it all comes down to the Hokies visit to Miami next week. The winner earns the ACC #39;s BCS bowl bid.


No. 10 Michigan St. 102, Nicholls St. 52 Led by Maurice Ager #39;s 19 points, No. 10 Michigan State scored more than 100 points for the third straight game in a 102-52 win over Nicholls State on Saturday.


No. 6 Notre Dame 60, USC 56 With the game on the line, Notre Dame turned to its senior leaders to help the sixth-ranked Fighting Irish avoid an upset by unranked Southern California.


Tamil Separatists Threaten More Violence in Sri Lanka The separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas declared Saturday that they would renew fighting unless the government immediately agreed


Saudi Forces Kill Suspected Militant (AP) AP - Saudi security forces killed a suspected militant in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Saturday and confiscated weapons in his possession, the Saudi Interior Ministry said.


Cricket: England  #39;pay not to play #39; Englands stance over the Zimbabwe crisis hardened yesterday. They are planning to offer compensation to Zimbabwes cricket board rather than make another tour of the country while Robert Mugabe is in


Kostelic grabs 20th World Cup victory The same three smiling faces that stacked the podium following Fridays World Cup giant slalom were back on top Saturday after the first of two womens slalom races on Aspen Mountain.


College Basketball: Michigan Pounds Nicholls State EAST LANSING, Mich. (Sports Network) - Maurice Ager scored 19 points and pulled down six rebounds, as 10th-ranked Michigan State crushed Nicholls State, 102-52, at the Breslin Center.


College Football Wrap: Syracuse, Virginia Tech Win CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (Sports Network) - Diamond Ferri and Damien Rhodes each rushed for over 100 yards and combined to score four touchdowns as Syracuse routed 17th-ranked Boston College, 43-17, in Big East action at Alumni Stadium.


R Obsession comes flying in Frances Genter The speed battle trainer Tim Ritvo hoped would develop to enhance stretch-running R Obsession #39;s chances in Saturday #39;s \$100,000 Frances Genter Stakes at Calder never materialized.


Gibbs Tells Redskins to Work Out or Else (AP) AP - Joe Gibbs laid down the law to his players Monday, a day after the end of his worst season as an NFL coach. His message: Show up for every single offseason workout, meeting and practice  #151; or else.


Struggling Tories and NDP hit Quebec battleground in weekend encounters (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - QUEBEC (CP) - Canada's national opposition leaders played local politics and stole ideas from other parties Saturday as they scoured Quebec for just the tiniest toehold.


Diabetes tests 'offer cure hope' Scientists say they have made a breakthrough in transplant technology that could help cure more people with diabetes.


Cyclones Blow Chance Iowa State makes a slew of late-game errors and falls to Missouri, 17-14, in overtime. The loss sends Colorado to the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma.


AMD planning US developer conference SAN FRANCISCO - After years of holding meetings with analysts and media at rival Intel's biannual developer conferences, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) plans to host its own developer conference this year in the U.S.


Kostelic takes first World Cup race in nearly 2 years Janica Kostelic of Croatia beat Anja Paerson of Sweden Saturday to take her first World Cup race in nearly two years in Aspen of Colorado, the United States.


Love match turns to hate as Russian stars attack Maria Since winning Wimbledon as a virtually unknown 17-year-old last summer, Maria Sharapova has emerged as one of the world #39;s top ranked tennis players.


Barcelona wins again Barcelona is now nine points clear at the top of the Primera Liga table thanks to a 2-1 win at Getafe. An easy win looked on the cards for Barca when Rafael Marquez and Deco put it 2-0 up after just 22 minutes


No. 11 Ohio State Routs Yale, 80-43 Ohio State #39;s Jessica Davenport, left, shoots over Yale #39;s Erica Davis during the first half Saturday Nov. 27, 2004, in Columbus, Ohio.


Wiltord and Lyon rebound with win Lyon, France (Sports Network) - French international Sylvain Wiltord scored his first Ligue 1 goal of the season Saturday as Lyon edged Auxerre, 2-1.


Syracuse upsets No. 17 Boston College Diamond Ferri ran for 141 yards two touchdowns and scored again on an interception Saturday as Syracuse rolled to a 43-17 victory over No.


Teheran tries to rewrite EU deal on nuclear programme By Damien Mcelroy in Vienna and Philip Sherwell in Washington. Iran #39;s rulers want to revise a deal part-brokered by Britain to suspend their nuclear weapons programme, throwing the agreement into doubt just


The Making of a Wise Man Can Stephen A. Schwarzman rise above his status as just another rich deal maker and achieve renown in the worlds of art and Washington politics?


Where Have All the Chief Financial Officers Gone? The push for better ethics and transparent accounting in corporate America has had an unexpected side effect: more finance chiefs are calling it quits.


For a Takeover Artist, One Bluff Too Many? Carl C. Icahn, the pushy financier, is Wall Street's perennial Boy Who Cried Wolf. So, why does anyone take him seriously anymore?


Utilities Funds Soar. But Are They Oil-Powered? Utilities mutual funds are on a tear, but investors shouldn't expect a repeat performance next year.


Keeping Politics Out of the Fed THE Fed's decision today was widely anticipated, and I hope the economic effects of the tightening of monetary policy are fully examined before moving much further in this direction.


Holiday shoppers hospitalized after spray released in toy store The holiday shopping season got an unexpected twist of craziness Saturday when someone released pepper spray in an elevator at the Toys R Us store in Times Square, sending at least three people


Is the Junk Bond Market Ready to Catch Its Breath? IT is time to take a break from the junk bond market, which is overheating as companies rush to lock in surprisingly low interest rates before the Federal Reserve pushes them any higher.


Airbus gets go-ahead to build new airliner The board of EADS, the parent company of Airbus, the aerospace giant, will tomorrow give the green light to develop its new aircraft, the A350.


Poll: Blair Retains Electoral Lead (AP) AP - Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour Party maintains a healthy lead over the opposition six months before elections widely expected in May, a poll released Saturday suggests.


Firm Intros Text-Friendly Coat for 2-Sided Discs (Reuters) Reuters - DualDisc and DVD(plus) discs have\until now been devoid of graphics, apart from limited text on\the inner ring. Because both sides of these CD/DVD hybrids\contain optical data, it has been impossible to apply graphics\to them.


Rwanda May Still Send Troops Into Congo (AP) AP - Rwanda's President Paul Kagame said Saturday he has not ruled out sending troops to eastern Congo if Hutu rebels continue to threaten his country.


Trading Technologies Expands Functionality of X_Trader Pro (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - Trading Technologies, which develops trading software for derivatives professionals, has made 28 add-on components available.


Barghouti backs Abbas as next head of the PA The imprisoned leader of Fatah #39;s Tanzim in the West Bank, Marwan Barghouti, announced on Friday that he will not run for the post of Palestinian Authority chairman.


Southeast Asians Finish China Trade Pact but Avoid Touchy Issues Southeast Asian ministers on Saturday completed a free trade pact with China and other accords to be adopted at a meeting of their leaders, but touchy


Typhoon flooding kills 25 in Vietnam Torrential rains hit the region this week and floods submerged more than 10,000 houses and brought traffic to a standstill. A disaster management official from the coastal province of Quang Ngai says a red


Pakistan to Scale Back Force Around Town Near Afghan Border Declaring that peace had been restored in part of Pakistan #39;s restive tribal areas, Pakistani military officials have announced that troops will


No. 14 Vanderbilt Routs Siena, 76-47 (AP) AP - Ashley Earley scored 21 points to lead No. 14 Vanderbilt over Siena 76-47 in the championship game of the Vanderbilt Tournament on Saturday.


Largest Quake Since Oct. Hits St. Helens (AP) AP - A 3.1-magnitude earthquake shook the crater at Mount St. Helens on Saturday, the strongest quake at the volcano since mid-October.


Why the ICC have all lost credibility At first sight there might not be too much in common between this week #39;s decision by the International Cricket Council to overturn Sourav Ganguly #39;s two-match ban and the shenanigans surrounding England and their tour of Zimbabwe.


Australia edge England in Cook Cup thriller LONDON: Australia retained the Cook Cup with a 21-19 win against England here yesterday, their first victory at Twickenham since 1998.


Syracuse Upsets No. 21 Boston College 43-17: College Football Diamond Ferri ran for two touchdowns and returned an interception for another as Syracuse defeated No. 21 Boston College 43-17, likely knocking the Eagles from a Bowl Championship Series game.


Here's the Hook: Gifts for Online Bill Payers More businesses are out to convert die-hard check writers to electronic billing by offering perks, lower interest rates or discounted prices.


The Rise of the Bottomless Hot Water Heaters Facing increased fuel prices, more Americans are choosing tankless water heating units, despite higher upfront costs.


Babes in a Grown-up Toyland Are dolls, blocks and stuffed animals fading away in favor of electronic gadgets, and is childhood fading with them?


To Know Me, Know My IPod When a colleague recently sold me his iPod with more than 3,000 songs still on it, his musical tastes showed me a side of him I had never seen.


No. 8 Georgia Beats Georgia Tech, 19-13 No. 8 Georgia Hangs on to Beat Georgia Tech, 19-13, After Collapsing in Second Half of Game. Georgia quarterback DJ Shockley evades Georgia Tech defender Gerris Wilkinson during the first quarter Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004 in Athens, Ga.


UPDATE 3-Chelsea go five points clear, United win again Chelsea crushed Charlton Athletic 4-0 to go five points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Manchester United extended their winning run with a 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.


Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ATHENS, Georgia (Ticker) -- Georgia Tech quarterback Reggie Ball lost count of the downs at a most inopportune time. Ball inexplicably threw the ball away on fourth down in the final minute as Georgia held on for a 19-13 victory over the Yellow Jackets.


France: Lyon extend lead at top of Ligue 1 LYON, Nov 27 (SW) - Lyon stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to six points over idle Lille with a 2-1 victory over Auxerre at the Stade Gerland on Saturday.


NCAA Top 25 Roundup At Louisville, Ky., Montrell Jones caught two touchdown passes and returned a punt for a score, and Louisville clinched its third Conference USA championship since 2000.


Confusion over visa for Dalai Lama visit MOSCOW: A spokesman for the Tibetan exile government in India said yesterday that Russia has issued the Dalai Lama a visa to visit Buddhists in its Kalmykia region and that he could make the trip as early as tomorrow.


Wal-Mart Sees Lackluster November Sales (Reuters) Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, slashed its own expectations of


Gamble of a lifetime for space odyssey to Titan In a few weeks, after a seven-year journey across the solar system, a robot spacecraft bristling with British instruments will plunge into the atmosphere of the mysterious, methane-shrouded world of Titan.


Miller wins long-chased World Cup downhill title Bode Miller of the United States clinched his first World Cup downhill title in six years in Lake Louise, Alberta of Canada on Saturday.


Insurgency threatens Iraq election Iraq #39;s fragile political settlement appeared to be on the brink of collapse last night, with Sunnis, Shias and Kurds divided over whether elections can take place in January as planned.


Summary: Ukraine Vote Declared Invalid (AP) AP - IMPASSE CONTINUES: Ukraine's parliament declared the country's disputed presidential election invalid Saturday amid international calls for a new vote.


Mexico Police Suspended During Mob Probe (AP) AP - Four federal police officers were suspended without pay as prosecutors investigate alleged police negligence in the vigilante killings of two federal agents this week, officials said Saturday.


Colorado Set to Play in Big 12 Title Game (AP) AP - Colorado will have more to remember about this season than just scandal and turmoil  #151; most notably, a trip to the Big 12 title game that seemed nearly impossible just a few weeks ago.


Fratello Meets With Grizzlies Officials (AP) AP - Former NBA coach Mike Fratello met with Memphis Grizzlies officials about the team's vacant coaching position.


Can #39;t Bury Raptors, but Knicks Hold Them Off If the Knicks have not yet found the ability to crush teams at will, they have at least discovered how to win even when their minds wander and their discipline disappears.


Pitt Emerges As Big East BCS Frontrunner (AP) AP - This hardly seemed possible when Pitt needed frantic rallies to overcome Division I-AA Furman or Big East cellar dweller Temple. Or when the Panthers could barely move the ball against Ohio  #151; not Ohio State, but Ohio U.


Francophonie endorses Martin #39;s reform idea OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO - Delegates to the Francophonie summit decided Saturday not to expel Ivory Coast from the organization, instead they passed a resolution condemning the violence in the country and threatened future sanctions.


Can't Bury Raptors, but Knicks Hold Them Off Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, Stephon Marbury had 15 assists and Tim Thomas scored 17 to lead New York past Toronto on Saturday.


Mets Meet Martnez for Dinner at Home Omar Minaya and Pedro Martnez met on their home turf in the Dominican Republic and tried to determine if they could extend their common ground.


Crossing Paths: Notre Dame and U.S.C. How has U.S.C. head coach Pete Carroll been able to build a successful program, while his Notre Dame counterpart Tyrone Willingham is 6-4?


Russia ties France 1-1 in Fed Cup final Anastasia Myskina helped Russia tiedefending champion France 1-1 in their Fed Cup final, beating Moscow-born Tatiana Golovin 6-4 and 7-6 in the second singles on Saturday.


Rugby / Australia edges out England in thriller Australia showed all its famed resilience to withstand a fierce fightback by England and beat the world champion 21-19 in a thunderous World Cup final repeat yesterday.


Miller Wins World Cup Downhill Race Bode Miller of the United States blasts down the course on his way to winning the men #39;s World Cup downhill ski race in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, on Saturday Nov. 27, 2004.


Iraq Government Won't Postpone Elections (AP) AP - The Iraqi government brushed aside Sunni Muslim demands to delay the Jan. 30 election, and a spokesman for the majority Shiite community called the date "nonnegotiable." Insurgents stepped up attacks, blasting U.S. patrols in Baghdad and killing a U.S. soldier north of the capital.


Texas Tech Stuns No. 23 Okla. St., 31-15 (AP) AP - Sonny Cumbie, the nation's leading passer, had a season-low 281 yards but threw for three touchdowns to lead Texas Tech to a 31-15 win over No. 23 Oklahoma State on Saturday.


Rwandan president again hints at military action against rebels in Congo (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) - Rwanda's President Paul Kagame said Saturday he has not ruled out sending troops to eastern Congo if Hutu rebels continue to threaten his country.


Indian PM rehires minister dismissed over mob killings (AFP) AFP - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reappointed a minister dismissed four months ago for alleged involvement in the killing of 10 villagers three decades ago, officials said.


Bulldogs Clip Jackets Quarterback David Greene throws a 28-yard touchdown pass for No. 8 Georgia in its 19-13 victory over Georgia Tech on Saturday.


Bulger mother 'sees son's killer' The mother of murdered toddler James Bulger has reportedly tracked down one of her son's killers and plans to find the second.


Jones Ponders Choices Owner Jerry Jones seems to not enjoy the decision to pull rookie Drew Henson during the Cowboys' 21-7 victory against Chicago on Thanksgiving.


Minor earthquake at Mount St. Helens A minor 3.1 magnitude earthquake split the lava dome in the crater of Mount St. Helens on Saturday, continuing a series of minor earthquakes rattling the site since October, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.


Sports Round-up: Myskina gets Russians on track after early shock FRENCH Open champion Anastasia Myskina pulled Russia back to 1-1 against defending champions France in the Federation Cup final after Nathalie Dechy upset US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 7-6 8-6.


No Criticizing Randall Now Bryan Randall dropped back, unleashing a deep spiral down the left sideline. A redshirt freshman named Josh Hyman caught the pass in stride, behind Virginia #39;s secondary for the prettiest of touchdowns.


After 800 years, church leaders are still making bones over claim <b>...</b> Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians were last night locked in dispute over an 800-year-old war crime and a box of 1,600-year-old bones that was meant to have brought them a giant step closer to reunification.


Patience and Hope Sustaining Jets' Jordan Sunday's game between the Cardinals and the Jets features two of the league's greatest runners, but LaMont Jordan, the backup for the Jets, might be the most intriguing back.


For Now, Short-Handed Pacers Are Displaying Staying Power Faced with the absence of their three top scorers, the Indiana Pacers have looked at themselves, turned inward and played with defiance, winning three straight.


COMPUTER MELTDOWN THREAT TO BENEFITS EXPERTS were battling yesterday to deal with the biggest computer crash in British government history. Pension, child benefit and income support payments have been in crisis since a software upgrade ended in chaos on Monday.


Team Uses Biotech to Build a Better Turkey Stars, a plump, white-feathered turkey from Rocky Point Farm in Carthage, Mo., looks around the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington just before he was granted the traditional Thanksgiving season pardon by President Bush, Nov. 24, 2003 file photo.


Giteau #39;s kick in the teeth for Robinson This so-called friendly for the Cook Cup, rather than something more global, was generally billed as the payback Test. The team inflicting the revenge was supposed to be England


Ukrainian poll re-run calls grow Momentum is growing in Ukraine for last Sunday's disputed presidential election to be re-run.


No. 16 Pittsburgh Tops Loyola, Md., 93-57 Pittsburgh #39;s Chris Taft, left, goes over Loyola #39;s Bernard Allen, bottom, for a dunk in the first half in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004.


REGION: Iran says European position at N-talks still unacceptable TEHRAN: Iran is still unable to accept some positions of European countries in crucial talks on its nuclear programme at the UN atomic agency, but an agreement remains possible, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi said on Saturday.


Retail #39;s Holiday Revelry The Christmas shopping season began with the now-traditional pre-dawn sales at Wal-Mart, Target and Staples, among others. Judging by the weight of holiday catalogues, the absence of early discounting and


Best price  In stock trading, a commitment by the market maker to find the highest price for a seller #39;s shares, or the lowest price for a buyer, that is available in any market at that time.


Tax-Free Bonuses Tagged Out Where there #39;s a will there #39;s a way, the old saying goes, but when it comes to ducking taxes it #39;s more like, where there #39;s a way someone will.


No. 6 Okla. St. Beats Sam Houston St. (AP) AP - Joey Graham scored 25 points, John Lucas III added 17 and No. 6 Oklahoma State recovered from another subpar first half to beat Sam Houston State 73-57 on Saturday night.


Dual Screens Give Gamers New Options At first, you might mistake Nintendo #39;s new DS handheld game device for a high-end organizer or an ultralight laptop. But the expression on the face of whoever #39;s using it ought to give the secret


Sorenstam #39;s putt sets up big pay day LA QUINTA, Calif. - Annika Sorenstam calmly sank a short birdie putt on the ninth hole, earning a hug from Tiger Woods. Her putt kept \$250,000 in play in the Skins Game.


Tanker spills more than 100,000 litres of oil into Delaware River <b>...</b> A tanker spilled about 114,000 litres of crude oil into the Delaware River between Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, creating a 32-kilometre-long slick that killed dozens of birds and threatened other wildlife, US officials said


NBA Game Summary - Chicago At Cleveland Cleveland, OH -- LeBron James had 26 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and became the youngest player in NBA history to score 2,000 points, as the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers pasted the Chicago Bulls, 96-74, at Gund Arena.


Clubhouse Chatter: A trade that works for everyone Usually when a trade involving a high-priced player of a small market team gets consummated, there is generally the sense that the small market team is being taken advantage of.


No. 13 Mich. St. Tops Santa Clara, 81-59 (AP) AP - Kelli Roehrig had 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 13 Michigan State to an 81-59 victory over Santa Clara on Saturday in the semifinals of the Rainbow Wahine Classic.


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


Lawmakers want ASEAN to push Myanmar for reforms KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN should deny Myanmar the chairmanship of the regional grouping in 2006 if the military-run state fails to show tangible proof that it is moving towards democracy, regional lawmakers and activists said on Saturday.


Quake May Have Made Earth Wobble--US Scientists (Reuters) Reuters - The deadly Asian earthquake may\have permanently accelerated the Earth's rotation -- shortening\days by a fraction of a second -- and caused the planet to\wobble on its axis, U.S. scientists said on Tuesday.


Wall St. shops, too? NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Malls may not be the only places where shoppers reign Friday, as stock market futures indicated a higher open for Wall Street #39;s abbreviated session despite continued weakness in the dollar.


Toy shoppers get up early Crowds at Times Square Toys  #39;R #39; Us find what they #39;re looking for -- after getting in line at 4:30. By Deshundra Jefferson, CNN/Money Staff Writer.


Island Woes Stark Warning for Land Dwellers (Reuters) Reuters - The\extinction of whole species, once specific to isolated islands,\is becoming a trend across continents.


Astronauts on Candy Diet After Pantry Raided (Reuters) Reuters - The two U.S. and Russian astronauts on\the International Space Station had to rely on a candy-laden\diet for five weeks because their predecessors raided the\pantry.


St. Helens Has Largest Earthquake Since Mid-October A three-point-one magnitude earthquake shook the crater at Mount Saint Helens Saturday morning. That is the mountain #39;s biggest earthquake since the new lava dome began growing in mid-October, according to the US- Geological Survey.


Indian Policeman Kills Seven Colleagues in Kashmir A policeman ran amok at a security camp in Indian-controlled Kashmir after an argument and shot dead seven colleagues before he was gunned down, police said on Sunday.


WR Grace expects indictment WASHINGTON - WR Grace  amp; Co. disclosed Friday that federal prosecutors were likely to indict the chemical and building material supplier during the first quarter of 2005 on charges related to environmental


Indian Policeman Kills Seven Colleagues in Kashmir (Reuters) Reuters - A policeman ran amok at a\security camp in Indian-controlled Kashmir after an argument\and shot dead seven colleagues before he was gunned down,\police said on Sunday.


Nuggets' Anthony Sprains Right Ankle (AP) AP - Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony sprained his right ankle after a hard fall in the third quarter Saturday night against the Houston Rockets.


Bush Asks Americans to Volunteer, Give (AP) AP - President Bush issued a holiday-season call on Americans to volunteer and give to charity  #151; "to share our blessings with the least among us." He singled out for special praise those who have given time and energy to U.S. troops stationed around the world.


Churches warned over 'gay slurs' The Archbishop of Canterbury has written to churches across the world asking them to stop using harsh words against gay people.


Hines, James Madison Ground Out the Victory Raymond Hines rushed for 193 yards and a one-yard touchdown as James Madison defeated Lehigh, 14-13, in the first round of the Division I-AA playoffs in Bethlehem, Pa., yesterday.


James Clubs Bulls Cavaliers guard LeBron James lights up the stumbling Chicago Bulls for 26 points on 11-of-17 shooting for a 96-74 Cleveland triumph.


Palestinian's Death Sets Off Flurry of Probes The shooting of a schoolgirl added to a growing number of incidents that have spurred Israeli soldiers to speak about abuses of Palestinians.


Troops Hunting Al Qaeda Members Withdrawn   PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov. 27 -- The Pakistani army announced Saturday that it would withdraw hundreds of troops from a tense tribal region near Afghanistan where Osama bin Laden and his top deputy were believed to be hiding.


Pope Returns Relics To Orthodox Leader  VATICAN CITY, Nov. 27 -- Pope John Paul II on Saturday handed over the bones of two saints to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, in hopes that the gesture will revive talks over unifying Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity, two major forces in Christendom.


Shiites Reject Delay of Election  BAGHDAD, Nov. 27 -- Iraq's Shiite Muslim parties and the religious leadership headed by Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani on Saturday rejected a demand by other communities for a delay in nationwide elections scheduled for Jan. 30, in an escalating dispute that magnifies the country's ethnic and sectarian fault lines.


Violence Flares Across Sunni Areas Violence flared across Sunni areas of Iraq on Saturday as insurgents attacked U.S.-backed forces near Baquba and fighting erupted in Ramadi. A U.S. soldier was killed in a roadside blast north of Baghdad and while 17 bodies were discovered in Mosul.


Virgin keen to invest in telecom New Delhi: When someone as colourful as the Chairman of the Virgin group, Sir Richard Branson, comes visiting there is bound to be some fun and games.


NBA Wrap: James Sets New Milestone as Cavaliers Keep Winning (Reuters) Reuters - LeBron James had 26 points to become\the youngest player in National Basketball Association history\to score 2,000 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers eased to a\96-74 home win over the Chicago Bulls Saturday.


NBA Wrap: James Sets New Milestone as Cavaliers Keep Winning LeBron James had 26 points to become the youngest player in National Basketball Association history to score 2,000 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers eased to a 96-74 home win over the Chicago Bulls Saturday.


India's Tribal People Safe After Tsunami-Official (Reuters) Reuters - India's dwindling aboriginal\population in the remote Andaman and Nicobar islands is safe as\most lived in jungles, far away from the coast hit by a\devastating tsunami, a coast guard official said on Thursday.


Truly 'Magical' Tandem Steve Francis and Grant Hill combine for 54 points to guide the climbing Magic over the 76ers, 105-99, on Saturday night.


Real vs. Artificial: Shoppers love  #39;em both Real or fake? Natural or artificial? Such is the great Christmas tree debate. To put it in Shakesperian terms, it unfolds like this: To clean up pine needles or not to clean up pine needles?


Earthquake lets volcano blow off steam A minor 3.1 magnitude earthquake has split the lava dome in the crater of Mount St Helens, continuing a series of minor earthquakes that have rattled the site since October.


Announcement expected in coming days Two days after Hubie Brown #39;s sudden retirement, Memphis Grizzlies might have a replacement without the interim tag. Mike Fratello was in Memphis on Saturday, meeting with Grizzlies officials to finalize details


James pounds Pistons If LeBron James was sending a post-Olympics message to Larry Brown, he wouldn #39;t admit it. Perhaps trying to prove Brown was wrong to bench him in Greece, James scored a career-high 43 points to lead the Cleveland


Minaya, Martinenz talk turkey When Omar Minaya and Al Leiter agreed to walk away from negotiations last week, the Mets #39; general manager explained the move by saying both sides had other options they wanted to explore.


Australian state to get anti-terror boat squad (AFP) AFP - Australia's largest state said it would invest 27 million dollars (21.3 million US) in a specialist marine command capable of conducting high-speed pursuits of terrorists and other criminals.


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


Sarkozy to take over Chirac party French Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy is due to be made head of President Chirac's governing party.


US promises to comply with WTO export rules The WTO gave European nations and other countries the go-ahead to impose punitive duties on US exports ranging from lobsters to trucks because of Washington #39;s failure to repeal a law the WTO says unlawfully protects the US steel industry.


Yukos drawing up contingency plan The Russian oil giant Yukos said on Friday that management was putting together an emergency plan to continue running the company for a few months, even after the auction of its prize asset next month.


No. 10 Boise St. Wins 22nd Straight Game (AP) AP - Jared Zabransky passed for 244 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 10 Boise State past Nevada 58-21 Saturday night and keep the unbeaten Broncos' hopes alive for a spot in the Bowl Championship Series with their 22nd straight win.


Once unwanted by ACC, Hokies earned vindication BLACKSBURG The ACC didn #39;t want these guys. Didn #39;t want them in 1953, didn #39;t want them two springs ago, didn #39;t want them if even they said pretty please with a Hokie Bird on top.


San Antonio Spurs SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs are using quick starts to finish off their foes. Bruce Bowen fueled another early surge as the Spurs jumped to a big lead and coasted to their third straight win, a 109-76 victory over the Utah Jazz .


Building With  EBay, Piece  By Piece (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Peggy Norris was in the final stages of building her West Virginia mountain getaway, still searching for the remaining flourishes to showcase the treasures she has collected in years of traveling the world.


NBA Game Summary - Utah at San Antonio San Antonio shot a sizzling 59 percent from the field, while the Jazz made 44 percent of their shots...The Spurs had a 37-24 edge on the boards...Mehmet Okur scored 10 points off the bench for Utah...The Spurs are off to their best start since the 1999-00


India strikes, SA lose Smith South Africa have lost the crucial wicket of skipper Graeme Smith in the second test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata today. Irfan Pathan struck early for India, inducing an edge from Smith which was taken by wicketkeeper Dinesh Kaarthick.


Another Brick in the Firewall AOL's new 9.0 Security Edition seems intended to burnish the online service's reputation as the crossing guard of the Internet, but that's a goal that this release can't quite achieve. -Rob Pegoraro


Weather Data In Your Own Back Yard WeatherBug would like to make meteorologists of us all, selling sensors that can turn anyone's back yard into a Web-connected weather station. -Leslie Walker


Dual Screens Give Gamers New Options Nintendo's new DS handheld gamer is not supposed to replace the Game Boy Advance; the idea is to carve out a whole new market.
-The washington Post


Playing With TV This holiday the hottest new products for kids have one thing in common: They all interact with the tube, whether by means of sensors, radio-wave technology or the regular old TV remote control.


Romanians vote for new president to succeed Iliescu (AFP) AFP - Nearly 18 million Romanians are eligible to vote Sunday in the first round of a presidential election to replace Ion Iliescu and lead the former communist state into the European Union.


College Loans Need Creative Change Bold, innovative solutions are key to addressing the rapidly rising costs of higher education and the steady reduction in government-subsidized help to finance such education.


Bears, George Talk The Bears intend to sign Jeff George, a team source said Saturday. George has not played since he was released by the Redskins in 2001.