Red Bull reveal first team livery The interim car, which Jaguar continued to develop throughout the time the sale of the team to Red Bull was being agreed, will be on track for three days from next Wednesday, with driver(s) yet to be confirmed.


Guerrero landslide honoree Vladimir Guerrero made such a huge impact during the final week of the season that voting for the American League most valuable player award wasn #39;t even close.


Aragones scolded for outburst against English Spain coach Luis Aragones was criticized Wednesday by the country #39;s leading sports daily for his outburst against the English on the eve of his team #39;s soccer friendly with England.


More woes out West for Bulls When Peja Stojakovic requested a trade from the Sacramento Kings over the summer, the Bulls #39; organization was one in which he expressed an interest.


Black Caps name Test side Black Caps coach John Bracewell was forced to make some tough decisions in naming his side for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane on Thursday.


Chiappone seeks 5-year bear hunt ban A Bayonne lawmaker is still hoping to save black bears in New Jersey from being shot by hunters, despite a court ruling issued yesterday that prevents the state #39;s Department of Environmental


CARE Director Believed Slain in Iraq Margaret Hassan, a British-born Iraqi national, the director of CARE International #39;s operation in Iraq, is seen in this January 2003 photo taken in New York.


Chirac Says Iraq War Created More Dangerous World Last year #39;s US-led invasion of Iraq and ousting of President Saddam Hussein has made the world more dangerous, French President Jacques Chirac said on the eve of a state visit to key US ally Britain.


Caught in a phishing trap Rise in online identity fraud has companies on the hook: Educate customers or lose them.


Sears, KMart to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sears, Roebuck   Co. S.N and  discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. KMRT.O on Wednesday  said they would merge in an  \$11 billion deal to form the  third-largest U.S. retailer.


HP, Sears Deal May Push Stocks Higher  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a higher  market open on Wednesday, bouncing back from the previous  session's fall, after computer and printer maker  Hewlett-Packard Co. HPQ.N reported better-than-expected  earnings and the announcement of a major retail merger.


Warning to child soldier scouts A human rights group urges the UN to take recruiters of child soldiers to the International Criminal Court.


HEADLINE STOCKS: Stocks to Watch, Nov. 17  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks to watch on Wednesday  include Sears, Roebuck   Co., Kmart Holding Corp.,  Hewlett-Packard Co., and Network Appliance Inc.


Final Round in Cable-ISP Fight WASHINGTON -- The US Supreme Court decided on Friday that it would consider whether cable companies should be forced to give third-party ISPs access to their networks.


European Shares Shrug Off Record Euro  LONDON (Reuters) - European shares shrugged off a spike in  the euro to a fresh all-time high Wednesday, with telecoms  again leading the way higher after interim profits at Britain's  mm02 beat expectations.


Mortgage Applications Rise Last Week  NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  rose last week as refinancing activity accelerated amid  relatively flat 30-year mortgage rates, an industry group said  on Wednesday.


Microsoft showcases technology initiatives New Delhi, Nov. 16: Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer today asked the Indian government to spend more on information technology (IT) while showcasing the software giants efforts to promote technology in the country.


Mozilla fires up tussle with Microsoft GET ready for Browser Wars: The Sequel. Six years after Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer defeated Netscape Navigator in the signature fight of the online age, a direct descendant of the pioneering Web browser is exacting a small measure of revenge.


ABC #39;s  #39;MNF #39; crosses line with opening Instead of its five-second delay, ABC Sports should have hit the delete button on its opening for the Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys game on Monday Night Football.


McCaw to captain with Umaga left out Richard McCaw will captain the All Blacks against Wales on Sunday morning, with Wellington #39;s Piri Weepu set to make his test debut at halfback.


Fiery Aragons loses his temper over race queries LUIS ARAGONS yesterday attempted to draw a line under the controversy surrounding his racist comments caught on camera last month.


SBC to offer Internet telephone service (SiliconValley.com) SiliconValley.com - SBC announced consumer tests of its Internet phone service Tuesday in Los Angeles and three other major cities and said it will offer the low-cost, feature-laden plans to all broadband customers in its 13-state territory including California early next year.


European Shares Shrug Off Record Euro (Reuters) Reuters - European shares shrugged off a spike in\the euro to a fresh all-time high Wednesday, with telecoms\again leading the way higher after interim profits at Britain's\mm02 beat expectations.


Mortgage Applications Rise Last Week (Reuters) Reuters - New applications for U.S. home loans\rose last week as refinancing activity accelerated amid\relatively flat 30-year mortgage rates, an industry group said\on Wednesday.


Clashes, Car Bomb Leave 10 Dead in Beiji (AP) AP - A car bomber rammed into a U.S. convoy Wednesday as American forces battled militants north of Baghdad, leaving a total of at least 10 people dead, witnesses said.


2 major PeopleSoft shareholders split on Oracle deal (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - Two of PeopleSoft's largest shareholders indicated Tuesday that they would split on supporting Oracle's  #36;8.8 billion takeover bid for its business software rival, plunging the deal into uncertainty.


India's prime minister offers unconditional talks over Kashmir (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - SRINAGAR, India (AP) - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh vowed Wednesday to press forward with peace talks on the disputed Kashmir region, saying he was ready to hold unconditional talks "with anyone and everyone."


Saudi Policeman Dies in Clash with Militants  RIYADH (Reuters) - One Saudi policeman died in a clash with  militants linked to al Qaeda who have been waging an 18-month  campaign of attacks in the oil-rich kingdom, an Interior  Ministry official said Wednesday.


Update 1: Kmart, Sears to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. and department store operator Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co. said Wednesday that they agreed to merge in an \$11 billion cash and stock deal that will create the nation #39;s third largest


Salvation Army will be ringing bells Friday A 113-year-old tradition will make its way to the streets Friday once again. From 11 am to 1 pm the Salvation Army will hold the official kickoff of the Red Kettle campaign outside Wal-Mart.


NASA scramjet smashes speed record NASA #39;s X-43A scramjet programme successfully smashed its own world speed record for aircraft by flying at nearly 10 times the speed of sound.


Firefox fortune hunters Just because Firefox is free and open source doesn #39;t mean developers aren #39;t cashing in on the popularity of the Mozilla Foundation #39;s new browser.


Latest R Kelly whistle-blower charged with extortion A Chicago man who threatened to go public with videotapes he claimed featured the troubled soul star R Kelly having sex with a professional athlete #39;s wife has been charged with extortion.


NBA Game Summary - New York At San Antonio San Antonio, TX -- Tim Duncan scored 17 points and hauled down 10 rebounds, while Tony Parker added 18 points as San Antonio routed New York, 99-81, at the SBC Center.


US military hopeful UN hostages in Afghanistan will be released <b>...</b> KABUL : A murky Taliban splinter group holding three UN hostages in Afghanistan for three weeks was silent after the hostages #39; families plead for their freedom, but the US military was hopeful they were alive and would be safely released.


Four Companies Plan Expansion in Virginia Four companies are planning to hire more than 10,000 workers for new homeland security-related jobs in Virginia over the next five years, Gov. Mark R. Warner is to announce today.


District Uses Cyberspace To Tidy Up The District of Columbia government, which long has struggled against an image of inefficiency, has begun cleaning out its closets with one of the most up-to-date instruments of modern electronic commerce.


SBC, Microsoft in  #36;400 Million Deal (AP) AP - SBC Communications Inc., the second-largest local phone company in the United States, said Wednesday it signed a 10-year,  #36;400 million agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide next-generation television services using Microsoft's TV Internet protocol television edition software platform.


US and 13 Other States Agree on Push to Gather Methane Gas The United States and 13 other countries signed an agreement on Tuesday to explore ways to capture methane gas emissions. Methane, a heat-trapping gas, is the primary component of natural gas.


Afghans Say Don't Think Militants Hold UN Hostages  KABUL (Reuters) - Three U.N. workers abducted almost three  weeks ago in Afghanistan are probably being held by criminals  and not by a Taliban splinter group that has threatened to kill  them, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.


The Price Paid for Blood on a Child Prosecutors have dropped charges against the parents who didn't pay enough attention to blood on their child's head when he returned home after being out all night.


Jack in the Box Quarterly Earnings Up (Reuters) Reuters - Fast-food chain Jack In The Box Inc.\ on Wednesday reported higher quarterly net profit,\beating expectations, helped by sales of such new products as\sourdough sandwiches.


Gamers get playing Half-Life 2 The global launch of the long-awaited Half-Life 2 game has been marred by online registration problems.


Blunkett concern on loyalty cards More checks on the use of information collected by supermarket loyalty cards needed says David Blunkett.


'Phishing' scam targets NatWest NatWest bank suspends some online banking facilities after bogus e-mails ask customers for their account details in a 'phishing' scam.


File Sharing Author Wallace Wang will be online to discusses file sharing and answer your questions.


Pull-Outs Threaten Polish-Led Force in Iraq (Reuters) Reuters - A Polish-led multinational division in\charge of security in south-central Iraq faces disintegration\if more countries pull their troops out, Polish officials said\on Wednesday.


Ton-Up Solanki Inspires Series Success Vikram Solanki beat the rain clouds to register his second one-day international century as England won the third one-day international to wrap up a series victory.


Retail giants merge in \$11bn deal Department store group Sears and discount retailer Kmart say they are to merge in a \$11bn deal, becoming the US's third largest retailer.


UPDATE 2-Kmart buying Sears in surprise \$11 billion deal Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. (KMRT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) will buy department store operator Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co.


Wal-Mart Stores  #39;well placed for Christmas #39; WAL-MART Stores, the worlds largest retailer and owner of Asda supermarkets, has reported a 12.7 per cent rise in its third-quarter earnings.


Flight attendants get OK to strike PITTSBURGH - The board of the nation #39;s largest flight attendants union unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a strike on Tuesday after its president accused the industry of using the bankruptcy process to cut workers #39; pay and other benefits.


SBC, Microsoft in \$400 million deal SAN ANTONIO -- SBC Communications Inc., the second-largest local phone company in the United States, said Wednesday it signed a 10-year, \$400 million agreement with Microsoft Corp.


Sainsbury #39;s falls into the red The struggling supermarket giant today revealed a 39 million pre-tax loss in the first half of its financial year. The slump into losses marks


UPDATE 4-Vivendi Universal raises 2004 profit forecast Vivendi Universal (EAUG.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) raised its 2004 earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in underlying third-quarter profit


DA #39;s office: Marsh to plead guilty in crematory case The criminal case against a former crematory operator in northwest Georgia appears headed for a plea deal. A prosecutor says in a letter to victims #39; families that Ray Brent Marsh -- who is


Chelsea keeps advantage Chelsea maintained its five-point lead Arsenal with a big win against Newcastle, while the Gunners sank Birmingham in the English Premier League.


Consumer Prices Up 0.6 Percent in October (AP) AP - Consumer prices  #151; stoked by more expensive gasoline as well as pricier fruits and vegetables  #151; heated up in October, rising by 0.6 percent, the biggest gain in five months.


Seagate Ships 400GB Hard Drive (PC World) PC World - Device uses NCQ technology to prioritize a PC's requests.


Ex-Finance Exec Convicted of Wiretapping (AP) AP - The former chairman of consumer finance giant Takefuji Corp. was convicted of ordering the wiretapping of the home phone of a journalist who had written articles critical of the company, an official said Wednesday.


Space news: Europe #39;s moon probe, NASA #39;s scramjet There have been two important pieces of space-related news recently, the first of which was the European moon probe #39;s success in entering the moon #39;s orbit.


Microsoft, Dell and Vintela aim to eat IBM #39;s lunch Microsoft is set to change the way that organisations handle upgrades. The company has teamed up with Dell and Vintela in an attempt to cut the people-hours that are spent on software support.


Oscar-Winning Pulp Fiction Screenwriter Sues Microsoft November 17, 2004 - Roger Avary who won an Oscar in 1994 for his Pulp Fiction screenplay is suing Microsoft and ResponDesign Inc. over Yourself!


Seagate ships 400GB PC hard disk drive Hard-disk drive maker Seagate Technology LLC has started shipping a drive targeted at personal computers that offers 400GB of storage space, it said Tuesday.


Half-Life 2 In Stores Now November 16, 2004 - VU Games sends word that Half-Life 2 is now officially in stores: Why is the first minute of Tuesday, November 16th so newsworthy?


Boxer Holyfield Suspended NEW YORK -- New York boxing officials have suspended former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield following his loss to journeyman Larry Donald on Saturday.


Purnell thrilled with Red Bull takeover As a result of the successful sale, the team will compete in the 2005 under Red Bull ownership with Cosworth engines in 2005. It was also announced that Tony Purnell has been confirmed as Team Principal of


New Zealand rank outsiders for the first Test and series The first home international action of the Australian summer sees the visit of New Zealand for a brief two-Test series. The last time the teams met on Australian soil it resulted in one of the most even contests


RUDDOCK HOPING FOR PIECE OF HISTORY Wales head coach Mike Ruddock is urging his players to rewrite the history books with a famous victory over New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.


Raps down and out in LA The Raptors have to be reminded sometimes that defence is not just something you put around the flower garden. They obviously forgot last night, losing a laugher to the Los Angeles Clippers 101-89 at the Staples


Duncan, Spurs defeat Knicks Tim Duncan had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and began a key third-quarter burst that helped the San Antonio Spurs beat the New York Knicks 99-81 last night.


US midfielder Reyna out for another six to eight weeks Manchester City midfielder Claudio Reyna could be out for up to another eight weeks after a thigh injury flared up again on his comeback at the weekend, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.


Vivendi Universal Raises Profit Forecast (Reuters) Reuters - Vivendi Universal raised its 2004\earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in\underlying third-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven mainly by\strong mobile phone sales.


Vivendi Raises Outlook on Music Performance (AP) AP - Vivendi Universal SA raised its 2004 earnings forecast Wednesday after strong performances by its music and telecommunications units powered a more than fivefold increase in third-quarter profit.


Aid group says it will try to keep working in Iraq MARK COLVIN: Another announcement on Arabic TV, another brutal execution and again those doing their best to rebuild Iraq are being either killed or terrified into leaving.


US marines declare Fallujah battle over Baghdad: British aid worker Margaret Hassan was feared Wednesday to have been murdered by her Iraqi kidnappers, as US-led forces declared the battle for the restive Iraqi city of Fallujah all but over.


Backgrounder: African Union #39;s efforts to end Darfur crisis The United National Security Council will begin a two-day extraordinary session here on Thursday to push Sudan #39;s north-south peace negotiations to a conclusion and to stop a


Coup Plot Mercenaries Given Choice of Fines Or Prison Three men who admitted violating South Africas anti-mercenary laws for their role in an failed coup in Equatorial Guinea were ordered to pay fines or go to prison today.


European Parliaments OKs new commission The European Parliament approved a new slate of commissioners Tuesday in a delayed start of the new president #39;s administration.


APEC Ministerial Meetings Set to Begin in Chile Ministers from 21 Asia-Pacific economies will begin meetings later Wednesday in Santiago, Chile, ahead of a summit of leaders from the region later this week.


Japan may let women take throne \Japan's ruling party considers proposing constitutional changes to let women take the throne, reports say.


Creative declares marketing 'war' against iPod (MacCentral) MacCentral - Creative Technology Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Sim Wong Hoo told reporters in Singapore his company plans to spent US #36;100 million in 2005 in a marketing war aimed squarely at Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod. "The MP3 war has started and I am the one who has declared war," Hoo said.


SBC, Microsoft strike \$400M TV deal In 10-year deal, companies to provide IP television services like video on demand, DV recording. NEW YORK (Reuters) - SBC Communications said Wednesday that it reached a 10-year, \$400 million deal with Microsoft


Samsung ads shifted from Interpublic NEW YORK For the second time in six months, a large worldwide advertiser is shifting its account to agencies owned by WPP Group from agencies owned by Interpublic Group.


Lycos Shuts Down Controversial Screensaver Lycos Europe has shut down its screensaver, makelovenotspam, which delighted many Internet users with the opportunity to flood spammers #39; Web sites with junk e-mail.


Housing Starts Surge 6.4 Pct. in October (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. housing starts jumped a\larger-than-expected 6.4 percent in October to the busiest pace\since December as buyers took advantage of low mortgage rates,\a government report showed on Wednesday.


Soccer: Montella returns as experimental Italy take on Finns ROME : Six new faces and a former favourite will get the chance to impress as Marcello Lippi #39;s experimental Italy team host Finland in an international friendly in Sicily.


Taliban Says Women as Hostages Is Against Islam  KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan's Taliban guerrillas  reiterated on Wednesday that they had nothing to do with the  kidnapping of three U.N. workers and said they opposed the use  of women as hostages for the release of prisoners.


Nelsons Take Lead at Father-Son Challenge (AP) AP - Larry and Drew Nelson combined for a 12-under 60 on Saturday take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Father-Son Challenge.


Dutch Suspect Intelligence Leaked to Militants  AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A translator at the Dutch AIVD  intelligence service is suspected of leaking information to two  groups of Muslim militants including one allegedly linked to  the killing of a filmmaker, prosecutors said on Wednesday.


Gunbattle, Strike in Kashmir as Indian PM Visits  SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Indian troops killed two  heavily armed rebels in the heart of Kashmir's biggest city on  Wednesday, and said the gunmen planned to attack a meeting  nearby which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed just hours  later.


Bill Gates in Paris to Seal UNESCO Deal (AP) AP - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates signed a cooperation agreement with UNESCO on Wednesday to improve access to computers, the Internet and information technology training in developing countries.


Kmart Buying Sears in \$11 Billion Deal  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp.  KMRT.O will buy department store operator Sears, Roebuck    Co. S.N in a surprise \$11 billion deal that creates the  third-largest U.S. retailer, the companies said on Wednesday.


SBC, Microsoft in \$400 Million Deal SBC Communications Inc., the second-largest local phone company in the United States, said Wednesday it signed a 10-year, \$400 million agreement with Microsoft Corp. to provide next-generation television services using Microsoft's TV Internet protocol television edition software platform.


Consumer Prices: Biggest Jump Since May  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Surging energy costs drove U.S.  consumer prices up by a hefty and larger-than-expected 0.6  percent last month, the biggest jump since May, a government  report showed on Wednesday.


Stocks Seen Opening Higher After CPI Data  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures rose on Wednesday,  after dipping briefly, after a government report showed that  consumer prices, excluding food and energy, rose only slightly  more than Wall Street expected.


RED BULL RACING LIVERY UNVEILED This is how the new Red Bull Racing cars will look when they start testing later this month. The Austrian energy drinks company completed their takeover of Jaguar on Monday and have wasted no time in stamping their identity on the team.


Sears and Kmart in \$11bn merger Wall Street analysts were sent reeling by the surprise \$11 billion (6bn) merger of retailers Sears Roebuck and Kmart. The deal, which was unanimously approved by both companies


China Cos To Invest \$19.7B in Argentina Over Next 10 Yrs BUENOS AIRES (Dow Jones)--Argentine officials announced Tuesday night that Chinese companies have pledged to invest \$19.7 billion in Argentina over the next decade on projects ranging from railroad expansion to offshore petroleum projects.


CORRECTING and REPLACING Vivendi Universal Reports Quarterly <b>...</b> -- Consolidated cash-flow from operations(4) of EUR1,369 million. On a comparable(1) basis, consolidated cash flow from operations was up 42.


No redrawing of international borders: PM Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India will not accept any Pakistani proposal that involves the redrawing of international borders.


Afghanistan Says Criminals, Not Militants, Are Holding UN Hostages Afghanistan #39;s Interior Ministry says the militant group claiming to have kidnapped three UN workers is not, in fact, the group holding the captives.


SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service  NEW YORK (Reuters) - SBC Communications SBC.N on  Wednesday said it reached a 10-year, \$400 million deal with  Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O to provide next-generation television  services.


Vivendi Universal Raises Profit Forecast  PARIS (Reuters) - Vivendi Universal raised its 2004  earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in  underlying third-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven mainly by  strong mobile phone sales.


Nokia unveils first IPv6 mobile phone Nokia Corp. on Tuesday at the 3G World Congress Convention and Exhibition unveiled the industrys first Mobile IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) call using its CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology.


US, 13 nations OK methane agreement The \$53 million pact will develop methods to gather gas emissions and sell them as energy. By Michael Janofsky. WASHINGTON -- The United States and 13 other countries signed an agreement Tuesday to explore ways to capture methane gas emissions.


Seagate announces worlds highest capacity PC hard drive It might not sound like the most exciting headline, but Seagate has managed to cram 400Gb onto a standard hard drive to fit in a standard hard drive slot in a PC.


Network Apologizes For Steamy  #39;Monday Night Football #39; Opening ABC is apologizing for a steamy pre-game intro to its  quot;Monday Night Football quot; broadcast with some of the actresses from  quot;Desperate Housewives.


Kings 113 Suns 111 PHOENIX Chris Webber had a season-high 28 points and ten rebounds as the Sacramento Kings shook off their worst loss of the early season and beat the Phoenix Suns 113-to-111.


Manmohan nostalgic about the world of academia: India News: Srinagar, Nov 17 : It was an expression anyone who knows Prime Minister Manmohan Singh #39;s background would understand!


Taliban Says Women as Hostages Is Against Islam Afghanistan #39;s Taliban guerrillas reiterated on Wednesday that they had nothing to do with the kidnapping of three UN workers and said they opposed the use of women as hostages for the release of prisoners.


French Official Says No Sign Arafat Poisoned France #39;s health minister says there is no indication the death of Palestinian terrorist leader Yasser Arafat was the result of poisoning - amid rumors in the Arab world that Arafat was poisoned.


Animal extinction rate growing fast More than 15,000 species, from sharks to frogs to fir trees, are facing extinction and the total is rising faster than ever before.


Earnings growth slips Annual growth in workers #39; pay slowed unexpectedly in the three months to September to its lowest this year, official data has shown, providing more


No. 7 Texas Defeats New Mexico, 73-56 (AP) AP - Senior guard Jamie Carey scored a career-high 28 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead No. 7 Texas past New Mexico 73-56 on Saturday.


China Netcom Makes Strong Exchange Debut (AP) AP - Shares of mainland telecom firm China Netcom Group Corp. (Hong Kong) Ltd. exceeded market expectations in their debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange Wednesday. It was Asia's biggest telecom listing so far this year.


Dollar dives but Snow resists prop THE DOLLAR crashed to fresh record lows against the euro today as US Treasury Secretary John Snow signalled his reluctance to prop up the ailing currency by intervening in foreign exchange markets.


Oil prices still under pressure Oil prices extended recent losses Wednesday in anticipation of that another increase in crude supplies will be accompanied by a rise in heating fuel inventories.


China pledges \$20B to Argentina China has pledged to invest \$20 billion in Argentina in the next 10 years, La Nacion reported Wednesday. The announcement came during the first day of a two-day visit


NASA #39;s speedster scramjet noses near Mach 10 NASA #39;s X-43A unmanned experimental research jet nosed its way into the record books again on Tuesday as it flew close to Mach 10.


SAD DEATH OF NEAR-MISS PUNTER Jack Lee, the North-East pensioner who was agonisingly denied a near 1million jackpot on the Scoop6 at the end of last month, died last night at the age of 75.


Russia to accomplish major breakthroughs in nuclear sector - Putin MOSCOW. Nov 17 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia will accomplish achievements in the nuclear sector which no other nuclear powers have.


Snow tells Europe to boost growth The United States laid down the gauntlet to Europe Wednesday by saying the responsibility for trimming the US current account deficit cannot rest on the US alone and other countries must help by boosting demand.


Scramjet nudges Mach 10 NASA #39;s third and final test of the X-43A scramjet ended successfully yesterday when the vehicle reached a velocity of almost Mach 9.8 over the Pacific.


Britain #39;s unluckiest punter dies A pensioner who lost out on a near 1m betting jackpot has died hours before he was to be given a share of another winner #39;s windfall.


Margaret Hassan #39;s family devastated after murder video The family of Margaret Hassan have spoken of their profound grief after a videotape emerged last night purporting to show the execution of the aid worker.


Europe ; Russia to acquire new nuclear weapons systems: Putin Moreover, these will be things which do not exist and are unlikely to exist in other nuclear powers, he added. Putin failed to specify what type of systems he was referring to but Russia has been seeking


Consumer Prices and Housing Starts Surge  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Surging energy costs drove U.S.  consumer prices up a hefty and larger-than-expected 0.6 percent  last month, the biggest jump since May, while housing starts  showed the most strength since December, government reports  showed on Wednesday.


New York Says Best Asset in 2012 Bid Is City Itself  NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York's best asset in its bid to  host the 2012 Olympics is the city itself, campaign leader  Daniel Doctoroff said on Wednesday.


British grocer J Sainsbury rings up first ever loss (AFP) AFP - J Sainsbury reported its first ever pretax loss after investing heavily in restructuring aimed at arresting a decline in its fortunes.


Iran Got Warhead Design, Bomb-Grade Uranium-Exiles  VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran obtained weapons-grade uranium and  a design for a nuclear bomb from a Pakistani scientist who has  admitted to selling nuclear secrets abroad, an exiled Iranian  opposition group said on Wednesday.


Industrial Production Leaps in October (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. industrial output leaped 0.7\percent in October as the American economy shook off the\effects of a series of hurricanes that hit in the late summer,\the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday.


Sears and Kmart Agree to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal Kmart Holding Corporation and Sears, Roebuck and Co. said today that they are merging to form a new retail company called Sears Holdings Corporation that will be the nation #39;s third largest


Costs put pressure on Virgin VIRGIN Blue faces a clouded second half as it battles volatile fuel prices, rising charges by monopoly airport and navigation providers and an uncertain revenue growth caused by tough domestic competition.


Talbots 3Q Profit Slides 21 Percent Women #39;s clothing retailer Talbots Inc. on Wednesday said its third-quarter profit fell 21 percent despite a slight rise in retail sales and a gain from a tax break.


2 plead guilty in bid scheme Two former underwriters at Zurich American Insurance Co. pleaded guilty yesterday to participating in rigging fake bids in an ongoing investigation into insurance industry practices led by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.


Institutions split over PeopleSoft battle Two of the largest institutional holders of PeopleSoft shares are taking opposite positions on Oracle #39;s latest takeover bid, indicating that the battle for control of the company is still far from over.


SBC, Microsoft in \$400 mn IP-based TV deal NEW YORK, November 17 (newratings.com) - SBC Communications Inc (SBC.NYS) announced an agreement with Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) today, under which the US-based telecom giant will provider IP-based TV services based on Microsoft #39;s IP television


IRS seeks to refund locals PORTSMOUTH - Five former or current city residents are among the individuals the Internal Revenue Service is looking for because their income tax refund checks could not be delivered.


Australia to LA in 1 hour as jet smashes speed barrier A HYPERSONIC jet fuelled by Australian technology has smashed the world speed record reaching 10 times the speed of sound at 11,265km/h.


MPAA launches software snooping tool The Motion Picture Association of America said on Tuesday that it has filed an unspecified number of lawsuits against people who trade copyrighted movies online, following through on plans announced earlier in the month.


Virgin Mary on toast, but it #39;s a lot of dough NEW YORK: The Lord may move in mysterious ways but his mother, it is claimed, has chosen a rather ordinary piece of cheese on toast to make herself known to the world.


Creative declares marketing  #39;war #39; against iPod Creative Technology Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Sim Wong Hoo told reporters in Singapore his company plans to spent US\$100 million in 2005 in a marketing war aimed squarely at Apple Computer Inc.


Farina talks up Kewell twist of fate With Kewell playing below par, the Socceroos provided vital proof they no longer rely solely on Kewell #39;s magic to get a result.


Local developer buys stake in Canucks: reports CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Vancouver Canucks will announce Wednesday that local businessman Francesco Aquilini is buying half of the team, according to newspaper reports.


Tim Duncan and Spurs torch Kicks 99-81 Tim Duncan had 17 points and 10 rebounds, helping the San Antonio Spurs to a 99-81 victory over the New York Kicks. This was the Spurs fourth straight win this season.


New uniform, same hair-raising play in homecoming Don Nelson welcomes Steve Nash back to Dallas. Nash dazzled in the reunion with 17 points and 18 assists. STAR-TELEGRAM/JEFFERY WASHINGTON Same hair.


Hassan: please return my wife #39;s body THE grieving family of slain aid worker Margaret Hassan yesterday begged her murderers to hand over her body to allow her the dignity of a proper burial.


Canada's Nash makes triumphant NBA return to Dallas (AFP) AFP - Steve Nash reminded the Dallas Mavericks how impressive a National Basketball Association player he can be, scoring 17 points and adding 18 assists to lead Phoenix in a 107-101 triumph here.


MmO2 unveils maiden dividend, denies merger rumours (AFP) AFP - British mobile telephone operator mmO2 said it would pay a maiden dividend at the end of the current financial year, while dismissing speculation of a possible takeover by Spain's Telefonica.


US consumer prices up 0.6 per cent in October, most in five months US consumer prices - stoked by more expensive gasoline as well as pricier fruits and vegetables - heated up in October, rising by 0.6 per cent, the biggest gain in five months.


Fourtou: Vivendi Earnings Are Music To His Ears Finally, something to sing about at Vivendi Universal (nyse: V - news - people ). The French conglomerate raised its 2004 earnings forecast after reporting a fivefold increase in third-quarter profit, thanks to its music and telecommunications units.


Jack in the Box Posts Strong 4Q on Sales Jack in the Box Inc. on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings that sharply exceeded analysts #39; estimates due to increased sales and improved operating margins at its restaurants.


SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service SBC Communications SBC.N on Wednesday said it reached a 10-year, \$400 million deal with Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O to provide next-generation television services.


Dixons and Sainsbury #39;s interims reveal lower sales High street and shopping mall retail chain Dixons Group, the UK #39;s largest consumer electronics and equipment retailer, has warned that sales and profits have waned in the last quarter.


Redmond targets NetWare with migration incentives Fresh off striking a conciliatory tone with Novell, Microsoft is now going on the offensive with a program in the US to woo NetWare users to the Windows platform.


Desperate apologies for a naked promo Eagles owner Jeff Lurie after Monday night #39;s game said he had no problem with ABC-TV #39;s controversial pregame tease featuring Terrell Owens and naked actress Nicolette Sheridan in the Eagles locker room.


Studios sue internet film pirates Hollywood film studios file their first wave of lawsuits against people in the US who trade pirated films online.


SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service  NEW YORK (Reuters) - SBC Communications SBC.N on  Wednesday said it reached a 10-year, \$400 million deal with  Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O to provide next-generation television  services.


Saudi policeman dies in shoot-out A Saudi security officer is killed during a shootout with suspected al Qaeda militants north of Riyadh.


Dollar Ignores Data and Tumbles  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar tumbled against the euro on  Wednesday, as traders shrugged off the surge in U.S. consumer  prices in October and focused more on the upcoming G20 finance  minister's meeting in Berlin starting from Friday.


Stocks Open Higher After CPI, HP Earnings  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened higher on Wednesday  after news that core inflation rose only slightly more than  expected last month. Strong earnings from computer maker  Hewlett-Packard Co. HPQ.N and a major retail merger also  lifted Wall Street's mood.


Segway completes transcontinental voyage Tired scooter rider reaches Atlantic seaboad after "slice of life" journey across 14 states.\<br /> Photos: Segway--coast to coast


Dollar Hits New Low Against Euro  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar tumbled against the euro on  Wednesday, as traders shrugged off the surge in U.S. consumer  prices in October and focused more on the upcoming G20 finance  minister's meeting in Berlin starting from Friday.


Disney lawsuit lifts curtain on real-life Hollywood drama LOS ANGELES - This week CEO Michael Eisner tells a court his version of how Walt Disney Co. paid a severance package of \$140 million - yes, that #39;s for not working - to a former close friend after only 14 months at work.


Jack in the Box Profit Surges 32 Percent SAN DIEGO - Jack in the Box Inc. on Wednesday said profit for its latest quarter soared 32 percent as sales rose sharply, operating margins improved and the tax rate sank.


Rocket scrams at 10 times speed of sound A HYPERSONIC rocket inspired by Australian technology has smashed the world speed record, travelling at 11,000km/h. RECORD bound .


Hollywood Studios Sue Movie Downloaders/Swappers Following the lead of record companies suing small-time song-swappers, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is representing several Hollywood movie studios in the first wave of lawsuits against individuals who have downloaded and/or are


Ten-Year-Old Grilled Cheese Sandwich Is Back On E-Bay E-Bay pulled the grilled cheese image of the Virgin Mary from its Web site, but reversed its decision Tuesday and put the 10-year-old sandwich back on the auction block.


NetWare holdouts courted by Microsoft, open source Microsoft is targeting diehard NetWare customers faced with a looming decision on migrating servers to either to Linux or Windows Server 2003.


English FA lodges protest over abuse of black players in Spain The Football Association has written to UEFA and FIFA to complain about racist abuse suffered by England #39;s black players in an under-21 international against Spain in Madrid on Tuesday night.


NYSAC chairman:  #39;It #39;s time the bleeding stopped #39; Even though he was dominated by Larry Donald on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield said he planned to keep boxing.


#39;Desperate #39; maneuver bites ABC The opening of ABC #39;s Monday Night Football game between the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys featured a sexy take-off skit starring Owens and three members of the popular  quot;Desperate Housewives quot; team.


Radcliffe back on track for world title HAVING shown her indomitable spirit by winning the New York Marathon ten days ago, just 11 weeks after the trauma of Athens, Paula Radcliffe yesterday decided to turn her attention to scaling


Canucks to announce partial sale The Vancouver Canucks have called a news conference for Wednesday morning at GM Place to announce the sale of a percentage of the National Hockey League club.


New York files final bid for 2012 Olympics New York City submitted its formal plan Monday to host the 2012 Olympics, as the centerpiece of the bid, a West Side stadium, continues to spark heated exchanges.


APEC forum: is there any point to it? WASHINGTONFifteen years after its birth, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum is increasingly dogged by an uncomfortable question: Is it any use?


Marines defend soldier #39;s killing of Iraqi US marines yesterday rallied around their colleague who is being investigated for shooting an unarmed, wounded insurgent in a Falluja mosque, as a senior UN human rights official called for an inquiry into alleged abuses in the city.


Muslims, Buddhists Clash in Thailand Description: Violence continues in southern Thailand, where some say Islamic separatists are bent on splitting off the largely Muslim south from the Buddhist north.


Canadian general elected to head NATO military committee (AFP) AFP - The Canadian armed forces chief of staff on was elected to take over as head of NATO's Military Committee, the alliance's highest military authority, military and diplomatic sources said.


French Government Says Arafat Was Not Poisoned  PARIS (Reuters) - The French government insisted on  Wednesday that Yasser Arafat was not poisoned and Le Monde  newspaper quoted doctors as saying he suffered from an unusual  blood disease and a liver problem.


Pope Health Seen Stable, Eyes N.Ireland Trip  VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul's health has  stabilized recently, so much so that the Pontiff has expressed  a desire to make at least two major trips abroad next year,  including one to Northern Ireland.


British grocer J Sainsbury rings up first ever loss J Sainsbury reported its first ever pretax loss after investing heavily in restructuring aimed at arresting a decline in its fortunes.


Creative Plans MP3 Marketing Blitz Against iPod Creative Technology will spend US\$100 million next year to market its portable media devices in a worldwide campaign to grab market share from Apple Computer and its popular iPod player.


Ruddock calls on Llewellyn to rise to challenge MIKE RUDDOCK last night explained why he is banking upon the experience of Gareth Llewellyn and the try-scoring exploits of Tom Shanklin to help Wales #39;  quot;class of 2004 quot; stamp their mark in the history books.


Kashmir withdrawal: Your views The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is visiting Kashmir for the first time since taking office, as some of its troops withdraw from Indian-administered Kashmir.


No sex, drink or smokes, we #39;re British BRITISH Health Secretary John Reid has emerged as Britain #39;s nanny-in-chief, with an extraordinary plan for state intervention in people #39;s personal lives.


Epiphany's New CRM Apps Offer Instant Analysis (Ziff Davis) Ziff Davis - Epiphany's new applications, which sit atop rival apps, don't delay in getting customer information into sales reps' hands. IBM weighs in with its support.


Putin Says Russia Working on New Nuclear Systems  MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is working on new nuclear missile  systems that other powers do not have in order to protect  itself against future security threats, President Vladimir  Putin said Wednesday.


Woman  #39;blessed by the holy toast #39; A half-eaten slice of cheese on toast purportedly showing the image of the Virgin Mary has got online bargain-hunters licking their lips.


Should You Use Margin? Before you get a loaner to buy stocks, consider the consequences if your position should fall flat.


British hostage feared dead in Iraq as rebels attacked in Mosul BAGHDAD (AFP) - British officials said they believed Margaret Hassan, a British-Irish aid worker kidnapped in Iraq last month, had been killed by her captors after a video was issued apparently showing her murder.


Singh: We will Withdraw more Soldiers from Kashmir Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh has said that India will withdraw more soldiers from Kashmir provided that the violence decreases.


Environment: World On Alert As Over 15,000 Species Face Extinction Global biodiversity is shrinking at an unprecedented rate and the prognosis given by one of the world #39;s leading conservation bodies, at the opening of a major environment conference here, is alarming.


The Matrix: Reworded THE MATRIX: A HAIKU INTERPRETAION BY KITTEN EXT. HEART O' THE CITY HOTEL Police cruisers flash Sirens lighting up the night Black sedan pulls up


US consumer prices surge 0.6 percent (AFP) AFP - US consumer prices surged 0.6 percent in October, with higher energy costs fuelling fears of renewed inflation.


Whitney Matheson:Pop Candy - What makes a great greatest-hits CD? (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - If it weren't for the Columbia House record and tape club, I'd own far fewer greatest-hits albums.


Pitcher Pedro Meets 'Daddy' Steinbrenner Pedro Martinez visited the enemy Tuesday, meeting with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner at New York's spring training complex in Tampa, Fla.


Putin vows Russian weapons boost President Putin promises Russia pioneering new weaponry - amid continuing crisis in the armed forces.


No. 10 Va. Tech Wins ACC Championship (AP) AP - Virginia Tech can now proclaim itself the Atlantic Coast Conference's best team  #151; and no one can argue.


UPDATE 5-Oil extends retreat ahead of US stock data Oil prices extended recent heavy losses on Wednesday ahead of weekly US data expected to show fuel stocks rising in time for peak winter demand.


Consumer Price Index up 0.6 in Oct. (Washington-AP) Nov. 17, 2004 - The Labor Department #39;s Consumer Price Index shows a larger-than-expected gain, but combined with Thursday #39;s reading on wholesale inflation, analysts say the picture is one where


SBC to sell cable-like TV service WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- SBC Communications on Wednesday became the second major local phone carrier to unveil plans to offer cable-like television services.


Technology ; MPAA launches first lawsuits against movie sharers Technology News, A trade group representing seven major movie studios filed a first wave of lawsuits against individuals they say are offering pirated copies of films using peer-to-peer file-sharing programs.


Disney, NFL look bad after racy MNF intro Prepared statements were flying like tickertape Tuesday, in the wake of ABC #39;s racy introductory skit on Monday Night Football.


Confidence in Casey Though Paul Casey and Luke Donald, England #39;s duo in this week #39;s World Cup, were both members of the winning Ryder Cup side at Oakland Hills, the last time they were partners was in the 1999 Walker Cup at Nairn.


NBA Roundup: Clippers slice through Raptors That other Los Angeles team is off to its best start in nine years at 5-3. LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Clippers are off to a winning start.


Blair defends ID cards for Britain (AFP) AFP - Prime Minister Tony Blair defended controversial plans to introduce identity cards in Britain, arguing they would help protect the nation from law-breakers.


US #39; Snow cites  quot;shared responsibility quot; to fight economic <b>...</b> LONDON (AFP) - US Treasury Secretary John Snow cited a  quot;shared responsibility quot; to fight global economic imbalances while acknowledging that big US deficits need to be tackled.


Dress Barn Posts Lower 1Q Profit Women #39;s discount clothing retailer Dress Barn Inc. said Wednesday that first-quarter earnings declined due to weak fall merchandise sales as a result of warmer weather and hurricanes that affected stores in the southeastern United States.


Kmart Buying Sears in \$11.5 Billion Deal  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp.  KMRT.O will buy department store operator Sears, Roebuck    Co. S.N in a \$11.5 billion deal unveiled on Wednesday that  will create the third-largest U.S. retailer.


Stocks Up 1 Pct. on Kmart, Sears Merger  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday lifted  by a merger between retailers Kmart and Sears,  better-than-expected earnings from Hewlett-Packard and data  showing a slight rise in core inflation.


AOL at 50,000 Feet AOL is looking to take off with its online travel site but it may be in for a bumpy landing instead.


Mourners honour Iraq aid worker A memorial service is held in Ireland for Margaret Hassan, as the EU warns of effects for relief workers in Iraq.


Jet zooms into record books - at 7000mph A TINY unmanned jet has soared above the Pacific Ocean at nearly ten times the speed of sound - almost 7000mph - in a record-breaking demonstration of a radical new engine technology.


US signs \$53M deal to control methane gas WASHINGTON - Seeking to bolster its credentials on global warming, the United States signed an agreement yesterday with 13 other nations that calls for investing up to \$53 million in companies that could profitably control emissions of methane, a


Beckenbauer warns about youth vs experience MUNICH - Former German football great Franz Beckenbauer has warned national team coach Juergen Klinsmann against fielding too many young players at the expense of experience.


India ; No division of Kashmir on basis of religion: Manmohan He was reacting to a question on Musharraf #39;s proposal to divide Jammu and Kashmir into seven zones and demilitarize them to be administered by India, Pakistan or the UN.


Female hostage likely executed by militants BAGHDAD, Iraq - British and Irish leaders today condemned the apparent slaying of a British aid worker who would be the first foreign woman killed in the wave of kidnappings that have beset Iraq.


Putin Says Russia Working on New Nuclear Systems Russia is working on new nuclear missile systems that other powers do not have in order to protect itself against future security threats, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.


UN powers  #39;arming Sudan #39; The report, by Amnesty International, came as the United Nations Security Council prepared for an extraordinary meeting today aimed at securing peace in the strife-torn African country.


Will you be fuming? Tough anti-smoking measures were introduced yesterday in the publication of the Government #39;s Public Health White Paper. Jamie Diffley takes a look at who it affects.


New Vote of Confidence in European Parliament Tomorrow The European Parliament (EP) will hold a vote of confidence in the new members of the European Union (EU) Commission led by Jose Manuel Barroso tomorrow.


SBC Gives Microsoft \$400 Mln Internet TV Deal  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - SBC Communications SBC.N will pay  Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O at least \$400 million over 10 years  for technology to help SBC sell video services over its  upgraded broadband lines, the companies said Wednesday.


Explosions rock Argentine banks A series of blasts rocks bank branches in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, killing a security guard.


Polanski court appeal with Lords Lawyers for director Roman Polanski say he should be allowed to fight a libel case in the UK from France.


Hollywood's One Strike Policy The motion picture industry is setting a new standard for toughness in its legal assault on online piracy.  Will it work? -washingtonpost.com


SBC Gives Microsoft  #36;400 Mln Internet TV Deal (Reuters) Reuters - SBC Communications  will pay\Microsoft Corp.  at least  #36;400 million over 10 years\for technology to help SBC sell video services over its\upgraded broadband lines, the companies said Wednesday.


Thirsty for learning, seniors fill college programs At Harvard University, a 63-year-old retiree -- trained in philosophy, but retired from real estate investing -- teaches a classroom of her peers about postmodernism.


The Higher Price of Economic Growth Last month, wholesale prices posted their biggest increase in 14 years, the Labor Dept. reported on Nov. 16. The Producer Price Index, a gauge of prices received by farms, factories, and refineries, rose 1.7, nearly twice as high as forecasted.


Developing countries to expand by 6.1 percent this year The World Bank released its annual report on global economic prospects saying developing countries will register growth of 6.1 this year and just above 5 in 2005 and 2006.


Historic hypersonic flight for NASA  #39;scramjet #39; made in Tennessee LOS ANGELES An unmanned NASA jet that set a speed record of almost seven-thousand miles per hour was built by a Tennessee company.


NTT DoCoMo Ships Wi-Fi/Cellular Phone MANHASSET, NY - NTT DoCoMo Inc. on Tuesday (Nov. 16) started selling what one analyst called the  quot;world #39;s first commercially available quot; combination Wi-Fi/cellular phone.


PC hard drive expands size and speed The increasing popularity of PC-based multimedia applications, particularly home video editing and downloading of films and TV shows from peer-to-peer networks, is driving demand for bigger hard-disc drives.


GLAZER HOUNDED WHERE EVER HE GOES Yesterday Deutsche bank were reported to be involved in talks on Monday with the Glazer camp about the possibility of replacing JP Morgan - not any more they ain #39;t.


India pulls 1,000 troops from Kashmir About 1,000 Indian army troops began withdrawing from the embattled Kashmir district Wednesday as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for peace.


Fury As Straw Admits to Knowing of Coup Plot BRITISH Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has disclosed that his government knew about the alleged plot to overthrow Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Nguema at least five weeks before mercenaries were arrested in March for planning the coup.


Authorities Raid Head Office of Yukos Oil (AP) AP - Law enforcement agencies raided the head office of Russian oil giant OAO Yukos and the company's most important subsidiary, a Russian news agency reported Wednesday.


Hollywood's One Strike Policy (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Say what you want about the recording industry's take-no-prisoners approach to combating online piracy.  At least when the music czars go after someone, they target persons suspected of trading hundreds or thousands of copyrighted songs over the Internet.


Japan's Docomo Unveils 3G Phones with 3D Sound (Reuters) Reuters - Japan's largest mobile operator, NTT\DoCoMo Inc. (9437.T), unveiled on Wednesday a new line of\advanced mobile phones with stereo-quality surround sound,\high-resolution digital cameras, and a special chip that allows\owners to use their phones as a debit card.


Swedes Beam Poetry Into Outer Space (Reuters) Reuters - Swedish poets have broadcast their\work into outer space by radio to give alien life forms -- if\they exist -- a taste of earthling literature.


Venezuelan Beach-Goers Get 'Croc' Shock (Reuters) Reuters - Swimmers and surfers on a\popular Venezuelan beach got a shock when a nearly 10-foot\(three-meter) fresh-water crocodile surfaced in the Caribbean\sea off the coast near Caracas, officials said on Wednesday.


Palestinians Head to Paris to Probe Arafat's Death  RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leaders plan to  dispatch a delegation to Paris to seek details on what caused  the death of President Yasser Arafat last week at a French  hospital, officials said on Wednesday.


US consumer prices increase 0.6 percent in October Consumer prices in the United States increased by 0.6 percent in October, the biggest gain in five months, the US Labor Department reported on Wednesday.


SBC Gives Microsoft \$400 Mln Internet TV Deal SBC Communications SBC.N will pay Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O at least \$400 million over 10 years for technology to help SBC sell video services over its upgraded broadband lines, the companies said Wednesday.


NASA  #39;Scramjet #39; Beats Air Speed Record Again Researchers are working on scramjets as a low-cost alternative to rockets in weapons such as cruise missiles. Unlike rockets, scramjets do not need to carry their  quot;combuster quot; with them, potentially a huge savings in weight and cost.


Casey takes back US  #39;hate #39; jibe England #39;s Paul Casey has been busy repairing Anglo-American relations as he prepares for this week #39;s World Cup. Casey told a Sunday newspaper he  quot;hated Americans quot; but claims it was a part tongue-in-cheek reference to Europe #39;s Ryder Cup motivation methods.


MAC adds third bowl tie-in, strikes deal with Silicon Valley For the first time, the Mid-American Conference will field three teams in bowl games this season after reaching a deal with the Silicon Valley Football Classic, the Toledo Blade reported.


Iraqis Angry, Distraught at Aid Worker #39;s Murder Iraqis reacted with anger and disbelief on Wednesday to news that British-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan, who worked in Iraq for decades before being kidnapped a month ago, had been killed by her captors.


Iran warns nuclear suspension subject to progress in talks TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran warned Wednesday that its agreement to suspend sensitive nuclear activities was subject to rapid progress being made in a new round of negotiations due to begin next month.


No. 7 Louisville Pummels Tulane, 55-7 (AP) AP - Stefan LeFors, who played high school ball in nearby Baton Rouge, threw for one touchdown and ran for another to lead No. 7 Louisville to a 55-7 victory over Tulane on Saturday.


Brazil Official Eyes Secret Military Files (AP) AP - A Brazilian government party official on Wednesday urged the opening of sealed records that could contain details of citizens tortured and killed by the former 21-year military dictatorship.


Dole Picked to Head 2006 Senate Campaigns (AP) AP - Senate Republicans on Wednesday narrowly chose North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole to lead their campaign operations for 2006.


U.S. Catholic Bishops Join Alliance (AP) AP - The nation's Roman Catholic bishops voted Wednesday to join a new alliance that would be the broadest Christian group ever formed in the United States, linking American evangelicals and Catholics in an ecumenical organization for the first time.


Palestinians Head to Paris to Probe Arafat's Death  RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leaders plan to  send a delegation to Paris to seek details on what caused the  death of President Yasser Arafat last week at a French  hospital, officials said on Wednesday.


Pink Locusts from North Africa Swarm Through Cairo  CAIRO (Reuters) - Swarms of pink locusts swept through the  Egyptian capital on Wednesday, evoking the biblical description  of the plagues which struck in the time of Moses.


Russian army off-duty deaths rise The Russian government says more servicemen died from suicide or in accidents than in the line of duty this year.


Philips Electronics Takes \$750 Mln Charge  AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Philips Electronics said it will  write off \$753 million for its healthcare unit MedQuist,  leaving analysts wondering if Philips will need to restate its  earnings.


Nokia Demos IPv6 Dual-Stack CDMA Handset, again Nokia yesterday demonstrated the  quot;first quot; wireless IPv6 call by using the companys dual-stack CDMA handset. The dual-stack IPv6 technology was put to the test over a year ago in 2003 at the 3G World Congress in Bangkok.


London organizers reveal Olympic marathon route LONDON (Ticker) - A new route for a London marathon is expected to be unveiled later this week, when details of the city #39;s bid for the 2012 Olympics are announced.


Phoenix Suns Team Report - November 17 (Sports Network) - The much-improved Phoenix Suns visit the winless New Orleans Hornets tonight at New Orleans Arena. Phoenix put an end to a two-game losing streak on Tuesday, tallying a 107-101 victory over Dallas at the AmericanAirlines Arena.


Indian PM offers Kashmir five billion dollar peace boost as troops <b>...</b> SRINAGAR, India (AFP) - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dangled a multi-billion-dollar plan for peace before Kashmiris as he pulled an army battalion out of the insurgency-hit state and hinted at further troop cuts.


BTC launches Bulgaria's third GSM network (AFP) AFP - The Bulgarian Telecommunications Company (BTC) launched the country's third GSM mobile phone network, ringing in the new service by phoning from Sofia to a landline in Bourgas on the Black Sea.


Global health suffering because of toilet taboo, hygiene experts say (AFP) AFP - Long-held silence over the taboo subject of toilets is taking its toll on global health and holding back developing countries, hygiene experts warned at a world toilet summit here.


Nepal police killed by landmine Eight policemen die when their vehicle hits a landmine laid by Maoists in western Nepal, authorities say.


Japan's Docomo Unveils 3G Phones with 3D Sound  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's largest mobile operator, NTT  DoCoMo Inc. 9437.T, unveiled on Wednesday a new line of  advanced mobile phones with stereo-quality surround sound,  high-resolution digital cameras, and a special chip that allows  owners to use their phones as a debit card.


Tech, Media, Telecoms Chiefs Brace for Slow 2005  AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Technology, media and telecoms chiefs  are expected to be cautious about 2005 when they gather in  Barcelona this week at Morgan Stanley's annual TMT investor  conference.


Microsoft, Dassault Systemes in Strategic Alliance  PARIS (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp., the world's largest  software maker, and France's Dassault Systemes have forged a  global, 5-year strategic alliance to deliver Dassault's 3D  software to firms using the Microsoft software platform.


Economy Expands Despite Rising Oil Prices  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Surging energy costs drove up U.S.  consumer prices a hefty and larger-than-expected 0.6 percent  last month, while industrial output grew strongly after  rebounding from hurricanes and housing starts leapt, government  reports showed on Wednesday.


Oil Prices Retreat as U.S. Supplies Build  LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices extended heavy recent losses  on Wednesday as U.S. government data showed crude stocks  building for an eighth straight week ahead of winter.


Abbas Fails to Win Palestinian Militant Truce Pledge  GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas failed at  talks with militants on Wednesday to win a commitment to end  attacks on Israelis in the run-up to Jan. 9 elections for a  replacement to Yasser Arafat, political sources said.


Brazil Official Eyes Secret Military Files A Brazilian government party official on Wednesday urged the opening of sealed records that could contain details of citizens tortured and killed by the former 21-year military dictatorship.


Bombings at Two Buenos Aires Banks Kill 1 Homemade bombs exploded in two Buenos Aires banks Wednesday, killing a security guard and shattering windows, police said.


Bombings at Two Buenos Aires Banks Kill 1 Homemade bombs exploded in two Buenos Aires banks Wednesday, killing a security guard, police said.


Bombs Hit Three Argentine Bank Branches, One Dead

 BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Bombs exploded at threebanks in the Argentine capital on Wednesday, including twobranches of U.S. giant Citibank, killing one security guard andinjuring one other person, police said.


Microsoft to spread software through U.N. Software maker teams up with UNESCO to boost the number of languages in which its applications are offered.


Abbas Fails to Win Palestinian Militant Truce Pledge (Reuters) Reuters - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas failed at\talks with militants on Wednesday to win a commitment to end\attacks on Israelis in the run-up to Jan. 9 elections for a\replacement to Yasser Arafat, political sources said.


Hyper Growth = Hot IPO InPhonic finally made its public debut amid insatiable investor demand for IPOs.


Palestinians Head to Paris to Probe Arafat's Death (Reuters) Reuters - Palestinian leaders plan to\send a delegation to Paris to seek details on what caused the\death of President Yasser Arafat last week at a French\hospital, officials said on Wednesday.


British soldier wounded in roadside bomb in Iraq (AFP) AFP - British soldiers operating south of Baghdad were targeted in two bomb attacks, including one suicide car bombing and another attack that left one soldier injured.


Wal-Mart Still Sees Sales Up 1-3 Pct. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the world #39;s largest retailer, on Saturday said it still expects a 1 percent to 3 percent increase in December sales at its US stores open at least a year.


Microsoft, Dassault Systemes in Strategic Alliance (Reuters) Reuters - Microsoft Corp., the world's largest\software maker, and France's Dassault Systemes have forged a\global, 5-year strategic alliance to deliver Dassault's 3D\software to firms using the Microsoft software platform.


Ontario to dedicate  #36;12.5 million to water studies and watershed protection (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - The effects of urban sprawl and industrial development on Ontario's ecologically sensitive watersheds will be more closely examined under a  #36;12.5 million provincial initiative.


Ohio Provisional Ballots Seem Legitimate (AP) AP - The vast majority of provisional ballots cast in Ohio were legitimate, say election officials who are poring over thousands of presidential election ballots.


Pink Locusts from North Africa Swarm Through Cairo (Reuters) Reuters - Swarms of pink locusts swept through the\Egyptian capital on Wednesday, evoking the biblical description\of the plagues which struck in the time of Moses.


Treasuries Prices Rising  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasuries rallied on Wednesday as  U.S. retail inflation rose less than many had feared,  suggesting the Federal Reserve could stay measured when raising  interest rates.


Treasuries Prices Rising (Reuters) Reuters - Treasuries rallied on Wednesday as\U.S. retail inflation rose less than many had feared,\suggesting the Federal Reserve could stay measured when raising\interest rates.


Kmart swings to profit in 3Q Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. reported a third-quarter profit Wednesday, reversing a year-earlier loss, as asset sales and cost containment helped offset a further decline in sales.


Update 1: Snow Says US Dealing With Budget Deficit US Treasury Secretary John Snow reassured critics Wednesday that America is dealing with its huge budget and trade deficits, but discounted any suggestions of official intervention to prop up the ailing US dollar.


World Bank predicts growth for countries The world #39;s developing countries this year will turn in the strongest economic growth in three decades and should continue to enjoy solid expansion in 2005 and 2006, the World Bank predicted Tuesday.


SBC Tunes in Microsoft #39;s IP TV In its latest move in an ongoing battle with cable companies, SBC Communications today announced a 10-year, \$400 million deal to use Microsoft #39;s (Quote, Chart) IP television platform.


Vivendi rings up blistering third-quarter profits PARIS, Nov 17 (AFP) - Media and mobile telephone group Vivendi Universal said on Wednesday that third-quarter profits had risen by nearly six-fold and upgraded its full-year profit outlook owing to a change in tax arrangements.


PBHG Funds, Founders Settle Charges (Reuters) Reuters - The founders of the PBHG mutual funds\agreed to pay  #36;160 million in restitution and civil fines, and\to accept a lifetime ban from the securities industry to\resolve allegations they facilitated improper trading in the\funds, regulators said on Wednesday.


Indian Prime Minister Takes Peace Proposals to Kashmir  SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan  Singh took his proposals for peace to the Kashmiri people on  Wednesday, holding out the promise of further troop withdrawals  on his first visit to the region.


Hollywood Strikes Back: MPAA Lawsuits Filed Today The Motion Picture Association of America has escalated its hunt for Internet movie pirates with the filing of several lawsuits against individuals the MPAA says are distributing pirated movies.


Top Researchers Ask Web Users to Join Science Grid IBM and top scientific research organizations are joining forces in a humanitarian effort to tap the unused power of millions of computers and help solve complex social problems.


Pulp Fiction Writer Sues Microsoft over Yoga Game According to the lawsuit, screenwriter Roger Avary met with the Microsoft team and pitched them a detailed concept for a video game designed to lead players through yoga poses using Microsoft #39;s Xbox.


Sun Releases Solaris 10 for Free November 15, 2004 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- In an effort to win back some lost market share, Sun Microsystems (sun.com) released Solaris 10, the latest version of the company #39;s Unix-based operating system software, for free on Monday.


Creative plans US\$100m advertising campaign for its MP3 players Creative Chairman and CEO Sim Wong Hoo is aiming for a 40 percent share of the global market for MP3 players next year. To achieve its target, the Singapore-based company will


Federer, Hewitt ready for US Open rematch in Houston Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Reigning world No. 1 Roger Federer and former top-ranked star Lleyton Hewitt will meet in a blockbuster  quot;Red Group quot; round- robin match Wednesday at the ATP #39;s season-ending Tennis Masters Cup.


Unlucky Aussies MIDDLESBROUGH goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will not forget this match at Craven Cottage early this morning. His woeful error cost Australia victory in a 2-2 draw with Norway.


Source: Thompson to step down at end of season East Carolina football coach John Thompson will step down at the end of the season, a school source told The Associated Press on Wednesday.


Philadelphia 76ers Team Report - November 17 (Sports Network) - The 76ers saw a three-game win streak come to an end on Tuesday night, falling 103-95 to the Seattle SuperSonics at the Wachovia Center.


Wrexham Handed Two-Week Stay of Execution Wrexham have been given a stay of execution after the High Court granted the club more time to solve their financial problems. However, the Coca-Cola League Two outfit have been given just two weeks to sort out the crisis or face a winding-up order.


Hassan #39;s Family, Officials, Respond To Apparent Killing The husband of Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan has asked Islamic militants to return his wife #39;s body to him so that she can, in his words, rest in peace.


Bombs hit three Argentine bank branches Bombs have exploded at three banks in the Argentine capital, including two branches of US giant Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring one other person, police say.


PBHG Funds, Founders Settle Charges  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The founders of the PBHG mutual funds  agreed to pay \$160 million in restitution and civil fines, and  to accept a lifetime ban from the securities industry to  resolve allegations they facilitated improper trading in the  funds, regulators said on Wednesday.


SBC Gives Microsoft \$400 Mln Internet TV Deal  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - SBC Communications SBC.N will use  Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O technology to launch video services  over upgraded high-speed data lines, the companies said  Wednesday.


USA : Oil price lifts mens apparel prices Wholesale prices for domestically produced mens and boys apparel rose 0.6 percent in October 2004, which economists attributed to higher energy costs rather than real pricing power, the Labor Departments Producer Price Index revealed on Tuesday.


Seagate announces 400 GByte harddrive Hitachi #39;s 400 GByte Deskstar got company: Seagate announced it is shipping its Barracuda 7200.8 to retail stores and system builders, also offering up to 400 GByte storage space.


Hewlett-Packard strikes Blu note for DVDs PC buyers can look forward to DVDs with up to 10 times the storage they now have when Hewlett-Packard rolls out machines supporting next-generation DVD technology next year.


Casey #39;s anti-US comments not that smart, says Verplank Englishman Paul Casey will be in for a hard time on the US Tour next year after his outspoken remarks about American golfers, Scott Verplank warned on Wednesday.


Spurs #39; Richards says chances of tumour  #39;extremely low #39; Tottenham Hotspur defender Dean Richards says there is an  quot;extremely low quot; chance that he has a tumour after a scan had revealed an  quot;abnormality on the brain quot;.


Young US squad set to face Jamaica Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - With the United States men #39;s national soccer team having already booked a place in the final round of World Cup qualifying, head coach Bruce Arena is likely to put a young squad on the field Wednesday against Jamaica at


Wrexham win stay of execution Wrexham have been given just over two weeks to solve their financial problems by the High Court, a day after the club applied to go into administration.


Houston Rockets Team Report - November 17 (Sports Network) - The Rockets came up short on Tuesday, falling 88-84 to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Yao Ming made good on 13-of-15 shot attempts in a 27-point, 11-rebound performance for the Rockets, who have lost three of four.


Stocks Gain on Retail Merger, HP Earnings  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks jumped on Wednesday on news of  a merger between retailers Kmart and Sears,  better-than-expected earnings from computer maker  Hewlett-Packard and government data showing a moderate rise in  a key U.S. inflation measure.


Dollar Sinks to All-Time Low Vs Euro  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar plunged to an all-time low  against the euro on Wednesday ahead of an upcoming G20 finance  ministers' meeting in Berlin, as analysts fretted that  officials would do little to stem the greenback's fall.


Preview: South Africa Bids to Underline Strength  SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - South Africa will underline  their strength in depth if Trevor Immelman and Rory Sabbatini  can retain their title at the WGC-World Cup of Golf starting on  Thursday at Seville's Real Golf Club.


New York Unveils Olympic Bid A massive plan to attract the 2012 Summer Olympics to New York, touting the city's diversity, financial and media power, was unveiled today.


U.N. Approves Global Gene-Test Standard (AP) AP - The World Health Organization said Wednesday it approved the first international standard for a human genetic test to help laboratories improve the accuracy and quality of their results.


US Pounds Falluja Diehards, Violence in North  FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. artillery pummeled Falluja  on Wednesday and troops hunted guerrillas still fighting days  after Washington said its offensive had destroyed rebel control  of the Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad.


Enbridge pays US\$613M for Shell natural gas pipelines in Gulf of <b>...</b> CALGARY (CP) - Pipeline operator Enbridge Inc. is going south with a \$613-million-US purchase of Shell #39;s natural gas network in the Gulf of Mexico south of Louisiana and Mississippi.


IBM launches global research grid US IT giant IBM and a number of research organisations have launched the World Community Grid, a global humanitarian effort that applies the unused computing power of individual and business computers to help address the world #39;s most difficult health and


Gates: Signs Paris Deal To Bring More Computers To Third World Making the world safe from Linux? Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Chairman Bill Gates is in Paris this morning, signing an agreement with UNESCO to boost computer literacy in developing countries.


Indian soldiers kill militants Indian soldiers killed two militants after a fierce gunbattle in Kashmir #39;s main city last night, as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh began a visit to promote peace in the disputed region.


Iran #39;s nuclear gamesmanship Having been duped last year by Iran, negotiators for France, Germany and Britain labored mightily over the past months to produce what they hoped would be an airtight agreement that would force Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.


Ivory Coast Rebel Leader Travels to South Africa The leader of the northern rebels in Ivory Coast is traveling to South Africa to meet with President Thabo Mbeki to discuss the peace process in the world #39;s number one cocoa-producing nation.


Species disappearing at an alarming rate, report says The world #39;s biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, the recognized global watchdog on endangered species said Wednesday in announcing its annual list of most vulnerable wildlife.


Bears Wide Receiver Terrell Arrested  LAKE FOREST, Ill. (Sports Network) - Chicago Bears wide  receiver David Terrell has been arrested for traffic  violations.


RIM's BlackBerry Subscribers Top 2 Mln  TORONTO (Reuters) - The BlackBerry wireless e-mail device  is now being used by a record two million subscribers, less  than a year after it topped the one million market, Research In  Motion Ltd. (RIM) RIM.TO said on Wednesday.


U.S. Pounds Falluja Diehards, Violence in North  FALLUJA, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. artillery pummelled Falluja  on Wednesday and troops hunted guerrillas still fighting days  after Washington said its offensive had destroyed rebel control  of the Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad.


Sears and Kmart to Merge When resurgent discount retailer Kmart (Nasdaq: KMRT) branded a new CEO, it was rumored that chairman Edward Lampert might have designs on merging the company with Sears (NYSE


Microsoft Turns On IPTV Microsoft has turned the channel on its slow-moving television software business by winning a key contract for its new Internet-based TV platform from SBC Communications.


Historic Hypersonic Flight for NASA  #39;Scramjet #39; Made in Tennessee An unmanned NASA jet that set a speed record of almost 7,000 miles per hour was built by a Tennessee company. The 12-foot-long X-43-A supersonic combustion ramjet, or Scramjet, flew on its


MPAA Files Movie Piracy Lawsuits Andrew Bridges, an intellectual property lawyer in the San Francisco office of Winston  amp; Strawn, said the MPAA could fare better than the recording industry, which has experienced slow progress


IPass To Offer Flat-Rate Hotspot Pricing Aggregator says it expects flat-rate pricing to simplify budgeting for enterprises and to increase usage of hotspots. By Mobile Pipeline News.


Building up ties between the All Blacks and Welsh All Black assistant Steve Hansen wants to develop a relationship between traditional foes New Zealand and Wales. He has instigated talks about the twinning concept, a year out from plans to have


Anti-APEC protesters unite POLICE fought street battles today for a second straight day with university students protesting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile and the weekend arrival of US President George W. Bush.


Bears Wide Receiver Terrell Arrested (Reuters) Reuters - Chicago Bears wide\receiver David Terrell has been arrested for traffic\violations.


Sears and Kmart to Merge After much speculation, two discount giants move to create third-largest retailer.


'Monday Night Football' Rankles FCC (AP) AP - The nation's chief media regulator expressed disappointment Wednesday over the steamy locker room opening to ABC's "Monday Night Football" broadcast.


Internet auction house eBay launches Philippine operations (AFP) AFP - Online auction site eBay said it has launched its operations in the Philippines.


UPDATE 1-Founders of PBHG funds settle market timing case The founders of the PBHG mutual funds agreed to pay \$160 million in restitution and civil fines, and to accept a lifetime ban from the securities industry to resolve allegations they facilitated improper trading in the funds


Wake-up call on climate change The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment has released an alarming report on the impacts of climate change across the Arctic. The ACIA is a multiyear evaluation of the impact of climate change and increased ultraviolet radiation across the Arctic region.


Microsoft launches Windows-based hosting solution 3.0 US software maker Microsoft has announced the general availability of the Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting version 3.0.


Sony Introduces Double-Layer DVD for Macintosh Sony #39;s new double-layer DVD player for the Mac will give Macintosh users access to higher-capacity removable storage. The device, which is available in both internal and external versions, can record up to four hours of video on a single disk.


Racism riddles Spanish football The racist abuse suffered by England #39;s Under-21 stars against Spain on Tuesday is a regular part of the Spanish game, says an anti-racism campaign body.


Mutu forces Chelsea on to back foot with appeal Disgraced Romanian international striker Adrian Mutu lodged an appeal against his sacking by Premiership leaders Chelsea for taking cocaine.


Wrexham Crisis Moves into Extra-Time Wrexham today breathed a huge sigh of relief after being given a stay of execution by the High Court - but the Coca-Cola League Two club have been given just two weeks to sort out the crisis or face a winding-up order.


Report Says Dozens Of Iraqi Policemen Abducted A policeman who says he escaped from the ambush said a group of around 20 armed men attacked a hotel occupied by the policemen near the Jordanian border.


Analysis: Rice to spearhead realization of Bush #39;s vision for <b>...</b> US President George W. Bush #39;s plan to play midwife to a Palestinian state took another turn Tuesday with his decision to appoint National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as his new secretary of state.


EU urged to  #39;get back to work #39; after three-week limbo Incoming European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday urged the EU to  quot;get back to work quot;, ahead of a vote expected to end an unprecedented limbo and let him take office three weeks late.


EU warns of sanctions on US The European Union threatens to impose sanctions on some US imports unless Washington repeals its anti-dumping law.


Computer, TV Merger Begins SBC and Microsoft strike a \$400 million deal to provide internet TV.   Also: Gates agrees to computer charity work in developing countries   hellip;.  Japan gives us surround-sound cell phones   hellip;. and more.


RIM's BlackBerry Subscribers Top 2 Mln  TORONTO (Reuters) - The BlackBerry wireless e-mail device  is now being used by a record two million subscribers, less  than a year after it topped the one million market, Research In  Motion Ltd. (RIM) RIM.TO said on Wednesday.


Jack in the Box Has 32 Pct Hike in Profit  LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Fast-food chain Jack In The Box  Inc. JBX.N on Wednesday reported a higher-than-expected 32  percent rise in quarterly net profit, helped by sales of new  products like sourdough sandwiches and a lower tax rate.


Miers Picked As White House Counsel (AP) AP - President Bush has decided to name Harriet Miers, a longtime Texas associate, as White House counsel, a senior administration official said Wednesday.


Broncos DT Elliss to Miss Sunday's Game (Reuters) Reuters - Denver Broncos veteran defensive\tackle Luther Elliss is listed as out for Sunday's game at New\Orleans with a calf injury.


Trucking Industry Won't Fight Diesel Rules (AP) AP - After years of resistance, the U.S. trucking industry says it will not try to impede or delay a new federal rule aimed at cutting diesel pollution.


China Eliminated From World Cup Qualifying (AP) AP - China was eliminated from qualifying for the 2006 World Cup despite a 7-0 victory Wednesday night over visiting Hong Kong, with Kuwait finishing first in the group on the fifth tiebreaker.


2 Pilgrim-Baxter Fund Founders to Settle (AP) AP - The two founders of the Pilgrim-Baxter mutual fund family have agreed to pay  #36;80 million each to settle regulators' charges of improper trading of their funds to benefit themselves and friends at the expense of longer-term shareholders, the authorities announced Wednesday.


Feelin' Blue About Blue Nile Investors didn't appreciate news of their management's plans to sell shares.


Enbridge to Buy Shell #39;s Gulf Pipelines for \$613 Mln (Update4) Enbridge Inc., Canada #39;s second- largest pipeline company, agreed to buy Shell Gas Transmission LLC for \$613 million to gain pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time.


US scramjet clocks nearly 10 times speed of sound EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, California (AFP) - A US hypersonic experimental scramjet, the X-43A, raced into the record books, flying at a world-record speed nearly 10 times faster than sound, NASA confirmed.


MPAA Sues First Movie Swappers Industry group will offer a free program to help users find and eliminate illegal files. The Motion Picture Association of America this week announced that it has begun filing lawsuits against people who use


ebay Fun and Holy Toast! The Internet megasite eBay yelled  #39;hold the cheese #39; when they found a 10-year-old grilled cheese sandwich that its owner says bears the image of the Virgin Mary being auctioned off on its website.


#39;World Community Grid #39; seeks to harness unused computers NOVEMBER 17, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - IBM and officials from some of the world #39;s leading science, education and philanthropic organizations yesterday launched a global grid computing project aimed at harnessing unused global computing power to help solve a


Seagate ships 400GB hard disk drive NOVEMBER 17, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Seagate Technology LLC said yesterday that it has started shipping a hard disk drive, targeted at PCs, that offers 400GB of storage space.


English FA lodges protest over abuse of black players in Spain LONDON (AFP) - The Football Association has written to UEFA and FIFA to complain about racist abuse suffered by England #39;s black players in an under-21 international against Spain in Madrid on Tuesday night.


Denis Doyle/Getty Images 1. ABC and the NFL are still wiping the egg of their face for the racy lead-in to Monday Night Football in which Desperate Housewives co-star Nicollette Sheridan dropped her towel and jumped into the arms of Eagles wideout Terrell Owens.


Thousands remember former England captain Emlyn Hughes SHEFFIELD, England - Thousands paid their respects Wednesday at the funeral of Emlyn Hughes, the former England and Liverpool captain who was one of the greatest English soccer players of his generation.


WORLD/ASIA vSAMARRA, Iraq, Nov 17 (AFP): Saboteurs attacked a domestic oil pipeline west of the restive Iraqi city of Samarra Wednesday in the latest in a barrage of attacks against Iraq #39;s crucial insustry, police said.


Game Review: Classic NES Is Nostalgia Trip (AP) AP - Nintendo has wet my old-school whistle, yet again. I spent a majority of my earlier years plopped in front of the TV screen playing NES games, and blowing into the cartridges to get the games to work (which Nintendo, apparently, does not condone).


Mutu forces Chelsea on to back foot with appeal (AFP) AFP - Disgraced Romanian international striker Adrian Mutu lodged an appeal against his sacking by Premiership leaders Chelsea for taking cocaine.


Quebec TV producer Guy Cloutier pleads guilty to five sex-related charges (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - Guy Cloutier, one of Quebec's best-known TV and music producers, pleaded guilty Wednesday to five charges, including sexual assault, indecent assault and having sex with a female under 14 who was not his wife.


Vodafone to hand back \$16b LONDON - Vodafone Group plans to hand 6 billion (\$16 billion) back to shareholders this year after doubling half-year and full-year dividends and boosting a multibillion-pound share buyback programme.


Bill Gates to Seal Unesco Partnership Microsoft chairman Bill Gates will sign a co-operation agreement with Unesco today to improve access to computers, the Internet and IT training in developing countries.


Trucking Industry Won #39;t Fight Diesel Rules After years of resistance, the US trucking industry says it will not try to impede or delay a new federal rule aimed at cutting diesel pollution.


IT Forum 2004: Microsoft rolls out Windows-Based Hosting Microsoft has announced general availability of Windows-Based Hosting Version 3.0, which is a platform for service providers to sell hosted offerings.


PARIS HOPE TO LEARN FROM PAST FAILURE Paris launched their candidature file for the 2012 Olympics on Wednesday with bid leaders insisting they have learned their lesson from past failures.


Wales dare not speak of All Blacks Wales have not beaten New Zealand for 51 years and in their efforts to end that barren run, they are banning all references to the All Blacks before Saturday #39;s Test at the Millennium Stadium.


Hot Stove Truth  amp; Rumors: Nov. 17, 2004 Signing shortstop Cristian Guzman and third baseman Vinny Castilla indicate that Washington GM Jim Bowden takes seriously his pledge to aggressively assemble a competitive team.


Burris highlights CFL Players of the Week Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Quarterback Henry Burris of the Saskatchewan Roughriders was among the CFL players recognized Wednesday for their outstanding performances in the division finals.


Study Looks at Minority Coaching Hires (AP) AP - The low number of minorities coaching college football teams reflects a lack of diversity among college and conference leaders, according to a University of Central Florida study released Wednesday.


Sudan conflict under UN spotlight UN Security Council  diplomats are in Kenya to push for a Sudan peace deal and progress on Darfur.


Yukos faces \$6.2bn tax deadline Russian oil giant Yukos says it is about to miss a deadline on a back tax payment of more than \$6bn due from 2002.


Pulp Fiction writer sues Microsoft Pulp Fiction co-writer Roger Avary is suing Microsoft, accusing the software giant of stealing his idea for a virtual yoga studio.


Culpepper Leading Pro Bowl Voting (AP) AP - Daunte Culpepper was leading Pro Bowl fan balloting through Wednesday with 325,383 votes.


Humans Were Born to Run, Scientists Say (Reuters) Reuters - Humans were born to run and evolved from\ape-like creatures into the way they look today probably\because of the need to cover long distances and compete for\food, scientists said on Wednesday.


Ancient Sea Reptiles Gave Birth to Live Young (Reuters) Reuters - Fossils of ancient marine reptiles that\lived 230 million years ago show the prehistoric creatures gave\birth to live young, scientists said on Wednesday.


French Harvests Show Hot Spots Over the Centuries (Reuters) Reuters - Grape harvest records have enabled\French scientists to track variations in summer temperatures in\France since the 14th century.


ScanSoft Scans for Deals On the surface, speech technologies make a lot of sense. But it may still be too early for them to make it in prime time.


US Economy: Consumer Prices, Industrial Production Rise US consumer prices rose in October, spurred by energy and food costs, and industrial production and housing starts surged, suggesting the Federal Reserve may keep raising its benchmark interest rate.


Cisco buys IT management start-up IT management is firmly anchored at number six, with outsourcing, cost control, and process improvement the order of the day. Cisco Systems signed an agreement on Wednesday to acquire network management start-up Jahi Networks for \$16 million.


FCC boss chides ABC for racy MNF intro WASHINGTON - The nations chief media regulator expressed disappointment Wednesday over the steamy locker room opening to ABCs Monday Night Football broadcast.


Talk NASCAR with Mike Massaro Welcome to The Show! On Novemeber 21 in Homestead, Fla, NASCAR will crown a champion when the inaugural Chase for the Nextel Cup concludes.


Batting first likely option in Brisbane Winning the toss is probably a  quot;bat first quot; proposition in the first cricket test between Australia and New Zealand starting at the  #39;Gabba on Thursday.


Microsoft, ScanSoft pair up for speech software Text-to-speech technology will be featured in a range of Redmond's server products, beginning with Speech Server 2004.


Microsoft invests in interoperability specialist The new recipient of Redmond's bounty, Vintela, sells software that integrates Unix and Linux tools with Windows environments.


Bush Turns to Adviser for Education Secretary Margaret Spellings has been a close adviser to President Bush since his days as Texas governor.


Staley Questionable, Bettis Probable for Steelers (Reuters) Reuters - Pittsburgh Steelers running\back Duce Staley is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at\Cincinnati with a hamstring injury.


New Nuclear Weapon to Surpass Others, Putin Says Reiterating previous statements, though providing no new details, President Vladimir V. Putin said Russia would continue to emphasize its nuclear deterrent.


Union prez threatens nationwide strike against 26 airlines Flight attendants union president Patricia Friend has threatened a nationwide strike against 26 airlines if US Airways ditches its union contracts while in bankruptcy.


PBHG Funds Founders Barred from Business The founders of PBHG mutual funds agreed to pay \$160 million in restitution and civil fines and to be banned for life from the securities industry to resolve allegations they facilitated improper trading in the funds, regulators said


UPDATE 2-ConocoPhillips reaffirms production outlook No. 3 US oil company ConocoPhillips (COP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday forecast higher capital spending in coming years and reaffirmed its production targets, banking on rising output in the Asia-Pacific region.


Internal Revenue Service launches website Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has improved its services to the nation through the establishment of a customer oriented Internet website to enhance voluntary tax compliance and lower cost of collection.


Try scratching this DVD Researchers at electronics giant TDK have developed a tough new coating that promises to make scratched DVDs a thing of the past and that will help usher in an emerging data storage format with 10 times the capacity of the current DVD standard.


Windows XP SP2: A bandage, not a panacea NOVEMBER 17, 2004 (INFOWORLD) - SAN FRANCISCO - Unless you #39;ve been living in a cave for the past few months, you already know Microsoft Corp.


NTT DoCoMo Launches Wi-Fi 3G Cell Phone Japan #39;s NTT DoCoMo has released a dual-mode phone that works on both 3G FOMA cellular networks and wireless local area networks.


Henson out to make NZ statement Wales centre Gavin Henson says he is determined to show-case his talent against New Zealand on Saturday. The 22-year-old was given his Wales debut by current New Zealand coach Graham Henry against Romania in 2001.


Tottenham #39;s Richards remains positive Tottenham defender Dean Richards has confirmed that a specialist has told him the chances of him suffering a brain tumour are  #39;extremely low #39;.


New nukes system for Russia PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin served notice today that Russia intended to remain a major nuclear power by deploying a new weapon in the coming years that other states lack and are unlikely to develop in the near future.


Dozens killed in Iraq unrest DOZENS of people, many of them women and children, were killed or wounded in attacks across Iraq overnight amid reports that more than 60 Iraqi policemen have been kidnapped.


Buenos Aires banks bombed The explosions on Wednesday occurred near ATM machines in branches belonging to Citibank and Banco Galicia, damaging the building #39;s facades, officials said.


APEC leaders to don chamantos CHILE said it will make US President George W. Bush and fellow leaders wear poncho-like  quot;chamantos quot; at this weekend #39;s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, answering what is always a burning question.


Portuguese PM defends income tax-cutting 2005 draft budget (AFP) AFP - Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes defended his government's budget for 2005 on the eve of its vote in parliament, arguing it will maintain budgetary rigor even as it cuts income taxes and raises pensions and civil servant salaries.


Polish rejection may derail EU patent directive The future of the controversial European Union (E.U.) software patent directive was thrown into doubt Wednesday after the Polish government indicated it could no longer support the legislation in its current form.


Linux distributors team up to push standardization Four major Linux players are to unite their distributions around a common core based on the Linux Standard Base (LSB) 2.0, in an effort to push Linux standardization to a new level. MandrakeSoft of France, Conectiva of Brazil, TurboLinux of Japan, and Progeny Linux Systems of the U.S. say the venture, called the Linux Core Consortium (LCC), has broad industry support from companies such as Red Hat, Novell, and Hewlett-Packard.


SBC switches on Microsoft in major IPTV deal Microsoft has turned the channel on its slow-moving television software business by winning a key contract for its new Internet-based TV platform from SBC Communications.
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AMD-Fujitsu venture plans 'mega' Japanese chip plant Spansion, the joint venture memory-chip maker formed by Advanced Micro Devices and Fujitsu, plans a major expansion of its chip-making capacity in Japan as part of its drive to overtake Intel and Samsung Electronics in the competitive flash memory market.


Seagate ships 400GB PC hard disk drive Hard-disk drive maker Seagate Technology has started shipping a drive targeted at personal computers that offers 400GB of storage space, it said Tuesday.


McNair Questionable for Game Against Jacksonville  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sports Network) - Tennessee quarterback  Steve McNair is questionable for Sunday's home game against  Jacksonville with a chest injury. McNair missed the Titans'  last two games with a bruised sternum.


Staley Questionable, Bettis Probable for Steelers  PITTSBURGH (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh Steelers running  back Duce Staley is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at  Cincinnati with a hamstring injury.


Five Across introduces server, adds RSS to IM client Five Acrosshas upgraded its workgroup instant messaging client by adding RSS support and developed its first workgroup instant messaging server, the Palo Alto, California company plans to announce Wednesday.


Update: Motorola to acquire MeshNetworks Motorola has agreed to buy MeshNetworks, a developer of technology and products for rapidly deployed, self-creating wireless mobile networks.


Wall Street Doubts Kmart Strategy Since emerging from bankruptcy in May 2003, the company has undergone a dramatic turnaround, seen an almost eight-fold increase in its stock price and now plans to buy department store operator Sears, Roebuck (S:NYSE - news - research) for about \$11


Flight Attendants #39; Union Threatens Strike NOVEMBER 17, 2004 -- Pittsburgh, Pa. -- The largest union representing flight attendants yesterday threatened strikes against airlines that seek to abrogate contracts through bankruptcy proceedings.


Eisner: Lawyer said Ovitz couldn #39;t be fired for cause Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner testified Wednesday that he relied on advice from the company #39;s top lawyer in determining that former Disney President Michael Ovitz couldn #39;t be fired for cause.