Casey opens war with America A slanging match, instigated by Paul Casey of Europe #39;s Ryder Cup team, continues to simmer here as teams from 24 countries prepare for the World Cup which starts today.


Northwestern Barred The Northwestern boys' basketball team has been barred from postseason play after an infractions committee found they violated state rules for the third consecutive year.


Gulf war syndrome did damage to 6000 AN independently-funded inquiry called yesterday for the Ministry of Defence to compensate up to 6000 British veterans of the 1991 Gulf war for  quot;damaged health quot; as a result of their service.


Barroso heading for victory in commission vote The new European commission will start work on Monday after its incoming president, Jos Manuel Barroso, won the guarantee of substantial support for his team last night by making further concessions to the European parliament.


Widely panned, loos in China get clean-up In the panoply of human rights, it isn #39;t the first to trip off the tongue. But more than 150 delegates at an international conference yesterday urged that it should be.


LDP to propose self-defense force Japan #39;s ruling party is considering constitutional revisions for setting up a self-defense military force and also making the emperor the head of the state.


Speed Rules at De Francis The Grade I \$300,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Pimlico features a fast field despite not missing the country's prime burner Pico Central.


Trying to Notch a Berth Navy already has caught the attention of several bowl game officials and hopes a strong performance against Rutgers on Saturday will cement its chances of postseason play.


Racist Taunts in Spain Fans taunt black players on England's team Wednesday night during Spain's 1-0 victory in an exhibition game.


Wizards Outlast Celtics Antawn Jamison scores 27 points and the Wizards shut out the Celtics for the first 4:47 of overtime in a 110-105 victory Wednesday.


"Halo 2" goes AWOL As if it wasn't tough enough being a soldier these days, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service has run out of copies of "Halo 2." Missing Links


Photos: Sun execs talk tech Jonathan Schwartz looks to an open-source future, while Scott McNealy shows off the upcoming "Niagara" chip.


Michigan Beats Colorado in NIT Tourney  ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Sports Network) - Dion Harris dropped in  a game-high 24 points in helping to lead the Michigan  Wolverines to a 69-60 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes in  the second round of the Preseason NIT from Crisler Arena.


Dollar in Sight of All-Time Low Vs Euro  TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was in striking distance of  record lows against the euro and 7-    month lows versus the  yen on Thursday, as traders concluded that nations at an  upcoming G20 meeting would tolerate a weaker dollar.


SuperSonics Top Nets 79-68 in Ugly Game (AP) AP - A night of ugly basketball failed to blemish the Seattle SuperSonics' surprisingly good-looking record. Despite starting the first half 0-for-10 and the second half 0-for-8, the Sonics got some timely offense from Rashard Lewis and improved the NBA's best record to 8-1 Wednesday night with a 79-68 victory over the New Jersey Nets.


Hill Scores 32 Points, Magic Outgun Jazz (AP) AP - Grant Hill scored 32 points, his most in 4 1/2 years, and Steve Francis had 33 points and 11 assists, both season highs, to lead the Orlando Magic over the Utah Jazz 107-92 on Wednesday night.


Column: Cheaper Oil Fuels Stocks Rally  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil is still king on Wall Street --  and if you don't believe it, just take a look at this year's  stock market charts.


New York Unveils Last, Best Bid to Gain the Olympics in 2012 A massive plan to attract the 2012 Summer Olympics to New York, touting the city's diversity, financial and media power, was revealed Wednesday.


Nigeria lifts Plateau emergency Nigeria lifts the six-month state of emergency in the central highland state of Plateau.


Tobacco companies say government can #39;t sue under RICO WASHINGTON The tobacco industry urged a federal appeals court today to throw out a decision allowing the Justice Department to sue cigarette companies for 280 (b) billion dollars.


Japanese Co. Markets Dual-Network Phone Japan #39;s top mobile carrier has begun marketing a cell phone that can make Internet calls over Wi-Fi wireless networks in addition to regular ones.


England files complaint on racist chants The English Football Association says it plans to complain to soccer #39;s world and European governing bodies about racist chanting by Spanish soccer supporters at Tuesday #39;s under-21 game near Madrid.


Hampden stroll for Swedes SCOTLAND #39;s hopes of a fresh start following the sacking of Berti Vogts as manager were shattered at Hampden Park today. A double from striker Marcus Allback and a goal apiece for substitute Johan Elmander


Prosecutor drops marijuana charge against Anthony Prosecutors dropped a marijuana possession charge against Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday, saying it would be tough to get a conviction after a friend claimed the drug was his, not Anthony #39;s.


With new  #39;aggressive #39; red jerseys, Germany beats Cameroon 3-0 Forward Miroslav Klose scored twice as Germany put on another spirited display Wednesday to beat Cameroon 3-0 in a friendly and remain unbeaten under new coach Juergen Klinsmann.


No. 19 NC State 92, New Orleans 58 Time and again, a North Carolina State player turned down an open shot, choosing instead to pass the ball to an open teammate.  quot;I #39;m just really proud of them, because they did it the right way, quot; Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek said.


Shevchenko pair puts Ukraine clear ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Striker Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine upset Turkey 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier to move clear at the top of Group Two.


Iran got nuke design from Pak: Report An exiled Iranian opposition group has said that Iran obtained weapons-grade Uranium and a design for a nuclear bomb from a Pakistani scientist who has admitted to selling nuclear secrets abroad.


Australia-US Free Trade Agreement takes effect New Year #39;s Day TONY EASTLEY: After all the long negotiations, politicking, Labor amendments, and controversy, Australia #39;s free trade agreement with the United States will come into force on New Year #39;s Day.


New commissioners grilled by MEPs Hungarys Laszlo Kovacs, Italys Franco Frattini and Latvias Andris Piebalgs were interviewed on Monday and yesterday. Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso had to change his proposed team after it became


Cities need more toilets In Chinese cities, there were 3.18 communal toilets for every 10,000 citizens in 2003, said Zhang Yue, deputy director of urban construction department of Ministry of Construction said Wednesday in Beijing.


Japan may allow women on throne Japan #39;s ruling party is considering proposals to revise the constitution to let women take the throne, according to a draft seen by local media.


Clinton Library Reflects Its Subject's Volatile Era The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, in Little Rock, Ark., which is to be dedicated on Thursday, sprawls across eight years of big ambitions and small details.


House Republicans Act to Protect DeLay (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Emboldened by their election success, House Republicans changed their rules yesterday to allow Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Tex.) to keep his post even if a grand jury indicts him, and Senate GOP leaders continued to weigh changing long-standing rules governing filibusters to prevent Democrats from blocking President Bush's most conservative judicial nominees.


Hit this: Microsoft, Google set to face off SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO: As Microsoft Corp launched its own Web search engine last week to take on Google Inc, industry watchers wondered which rival will be left standing in the high-stakes competition.


Brazil upset in Ecuador China eliminated Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America #39;s World Cup qualifying.


Closer Percival OKs \$12M deal with Tigers DETROIT -- Free agent Troy Percival and Detroit agreed Wednesday on a \$12 million, two-year contract, giving the Tigers two closers for their bullpen.


Ancira GMC Pontiac Buick (Sports Network) - Ben Wallace will return to fold for Detroit tonight, when the Pistons begin a tough three-game homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Palace of Auburn Hills.


Inquiry: Gulf War Syndrome Does Exist LONDON - A report on Gulf War syndrome released Wednesday urges the British government to acknowledge the illness is real and calls for compensation for veterans who became sick following the 1991 conflict.


Google Opens Office in Microsoft's Backyard (Reuters) Reuters - Google Inc. has opened an office just\down the road from rival Microsoft Corp.'s headquarters in\Seattle's suburbs as it seeks to lure local engineering talent,\the No. 1 search engine company said on Wednesday.


A Daily Look at U.S. Iraq Military Deaths (AP) AP - As of Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, at least 1,214 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 944 died as a result of hostile action, the Defense Department said as of Wednesday. The figures include three military civilians.


Senate votes to raise US debt ceiling to 8.2 trillion dollars (AFP) AFP - The US Senate voted to raise the debt ceiling by 800 billion dollars to nearly 8.2 trillion dollars, allowing the US government to avoid the unwelcome prospect of running short of operating funds.


The Architect Behind Kmart #39;s Surprising Takeover of Sears About 10 days ago, Edward S. Lampert placed a call to his newest hire, Aylwin B. Lewis, whom he had installed as the chief executive of Kmart only a week earlier.


#39;Monday Night #39; flap gets FCC #39;s attention The head of the Federal Communications Commission joined the chorus Wednesday complaining about the steamy locker room opening to ABC #39;s  quot;Monday Night Football.


ONeal, Artest Lead Indy INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 17 (Ticker) -- In his return, Al Harrington got a nice reception and the better of former teammate Ron Artest. But the Indiana Pacers got the win.


Ecuador stun world champion Brazil Ecuador #39;s 1-0 win over Brazil has ended the world champions #39; unbeaten run in the region #39;s World Cup qualifying competition.


Pistons 93 Timberwolves 85 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. Detroit started to resemble the NBA championship team it was last season with some key parts back on the scene.


Stoudemire, Suns Sting Winless Hornets (AP) AP - Amare Stoudemire scored a career-high 38 points, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 95-84 victory over the winless New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.


Backup, Go  Forward It's only a matter of time before Redskins fans clamor for backup quarterback Tim Hasselbeck.


Friends in the End Ralph Friedgen and Frank Beamer's relationship goes back 32 years to College Park, but for about three hours on Thursday, that friendship will be suspended.


Japan Keeps Monetary Policy Unchanged (AP) AP - Japan's central bank decided Thursday to keep monetary policy unchanged to continue efforts to spur an economic recovery.


B.C. fishermen call for judicial inquiry into Pacific salmon fishery (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - The union representing B.C. fishermen says something's rotten in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and is demanding a judicial inquiry.


English Camps Reflect S. Korean Ambitions As tougher immigration laws make it increasingly harder for foreign students to learn English in the United States, immersion villages, according to experts, have promise beyond South Korea.


Brazil Upset in Ecuador; China Eliminated Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America's World Cup qualifying.


21 Pacific Rim Nations Hold Trade Talks Top government ministers from 21 Pacific Rim nations convened high-level talks on free trade and global security Wednesday, while police battled university students protesting the summit and a weekend visit by President Bush.


2 Fund Managers to Pay \$80 Million Settlements The \$80 million penalties against the founders of Pilgrim Baxter are the largest imposed on individuals since investigations began last fall into improper trading at some mutual fund companies.


California Regulator Is Suing Four Insurers and a Broker It Says Received Kickbacks The California insurance commissioner said on Wednesday night that the broker had agreed to cooperate in developing a case against the insurers.


Philips to Reduce Value of Stake in MedQuist Philips Electronics said on Wednesday that it would take a \$752 million charge in the fourth quarter to reduce the value of its stake in MedQuist, a medical transcription company.


Red Sox Take Notice After Yanks Meet Martnez The Red Sox' president, Larry Lucchino, and general manager, Theo Epstein, flew to Florida to meet with Pedro Martnez and one of his agents.


Van Gundy's Rockets Look Too Much Like the Knicks Jeff Van Gundy is nearly three years removed from his time with the Knicks, but escaping the pressure of New York has not given him much relief.


Australia PM Says Body of British Aid Worker Found  CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) - A body found in the Iraqi  city of Falluja appears to be that of kidnapped British aid  worker Margaret Hassan, Australian Prime Minister John Howard  said on Thursday. "The body found in Falluja appears to have  been Margaret's and the video of the execution of a Western  woman appears on all the available information to have been  genuine," Howard told parliament Thursday.


U.S.: Iran May Seek to Mate Missile, Nuclear Warhead  MANAUS, Brazil (Reuters) - Washington has intelligence  suggesting Iran is working on the technology to deliver a  nuclear warhead on a missile, Secretary of State Colin Powell  said Wednesday in a claim that could increase fears about  Tehran's nuclear activities.


Reports Suggest Economy Is Warming Up Industrial production and new home construction rose sharply last month, suggesting that the economy is overcoming high energy prices and rebounding from the summer slump.


Snow says cutting trade deficit a priority Treasury Secretary John Snow said Wednesday cutting the US current account deficit will be a top priority for the Bush administration #39;s second term.


Noranda opens takeover field to other suitors VANCOUVER, British <b>...</b> Noranda Inc. said on Tuesday it is reopening the field to other bidders, or may go it alone, after failing to seal a multibillion-dollar takeover by China Minmetals during seven weeks of exclusive talks.


2 Fund Managers to Pay \$80 Million Settlements The founders of the money management firm Pilgrim Baxter  amp; Associates agreed yesterday to each pay \$80 million in a settlement that resolves a longstanding complaint that they improperly profited


Google Opens Office in Microsoft #39;s Backyard Google Inc. has opened an office just down the road from rival Microsoft Corp. #39;s headquarters in Seattle #39;s suburbs as it seeks to lure local engineering talent, the No.


Philips to Reduce Value of Stake in MedQuist Royal Philips Electronics said on Wednesday that it would take a \$752 million charge in the fourth quarter to reduce the value of its stake in MedQuist


Hollywood #39;s One Strike Policy Say what you want about the recording industry #39;s take-no-prisoners approach to combating online piracy. At least when the music czars go after someone, they target persons suspected of trading


Loss Costs Brazil Top Cup Qualifying Spot Ecuador #39;s Edison Mendez, left, celebrates his goal beside of Brazil #39;s Kaka during their World Cup South American zone qualifying soccer match at Atahualpa stadium in Quito, Ecuador, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004.


Kasprowicz #39;s double strike puts Aussies on top Brisbane, Australia: Australia grabbed two key wickets to have New Zealand on the defensive on the opening morning of the first cricket Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.


Judge also refuses to hear doping allegations DENVER -- A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate the discrimination lawsuit brought by former US Olympic Committee drug czar Wade Exum.


In a day, Percival falls for Tigers, the town Percival became the Tigers #39; new closer Wednesday when he signed a two-year, \$12-million contract. He made one of the fastest free-agent decisions in recent memory, arriving in town Monday evening


SONICS 79, NETS 68 In terms of their inability to score, the Nets are turning back the clock this season, which is not necessarily a good thing. Nor is it aesthetically pleasing.


Harris leads Michigan past Buffs, into NIT semis Dion Harris was an important cog for Michigan #39;s run to the postseason NIT championship last season. Harris is now doing it again for the Wolverines in their push to become to the first


White House praises British aid worker believed killed in Iraq The White House expressed sympathy Wednesday night for the family of Margaret Hassan, the British aid worker who was kidnapped in Iraq and is believed to have been killed.


Powell says Iran pursuing nuclear bomb The United States has intelligence that Iran is working to adapt missiles to deliver a nuclear weapon, further evidence that the Islamic republic


US not alarmed by Russian development of nuclear missile The Bush administration says it is not alarmed by Russia #39;s announcement it is developing a new nuclear missile. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the program is part of efforts to improve Russia #39;s armed forces.


Asia-Pacific ministers talk trade, protesters battle with police = Ministers from nations facing the Pacific Ocean discussed stronger economic ties and the elimination of trade barriers against a backdrop of street clashes between anti-globalisation protesters and Chilean police.


UN wants Sudan peace deal by end of year opposition to promise to complete by December 31 a comprehensive peace agreement ending a 21-year civil war. Security Council would put pressure on both sides to wrap up the accord.


BOJ keeps policy ultra-easy The Bank of Japan left its ultra-easy monetary policy unchanged on Thursday, showing it was still committed to fighting deflation.


Afghanistan: Briton  #39;Kidnapped by Thieves, Not Taliban #39; An Afghan official said criminals were holding a British woman and two other kidnapped United Nations workers, not the Taliban-linked group that has threatened to kill them unless its jailed comrades are freed.


22 killed in Iraq car bombing, clashes BAGHDAD: A suicide attacker drove his bomb-laden car into a US convoy during fighting on Wednesday in a northern town, where hospital officials said at least 10 people were killed.


Hill Flashes Old Form Magic forward Grant Hill is enjoying his health and his comeback year, pouring in 32 points in Orlando's 107-92 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.


Mexican Election Tribunal Upholds Wins (AP) AP - Election officials on Wednesday upheld the contested mayoral victory of a millionaire dog-track owner in Tijuana, putting the party that ruled Mexico for 71 straight years back in power in a key city along the U.S. border.


Melting Glaciers Threaten World Water Supply (Reuters) Reuters - Mountain glaciers, which act as the\world's water towers, are shrinking at ever faster rates,\threatening the livelihoods of millions of people and the\future of countless species, a scientist said Thursday.


Sonics Streak to 8-1 Seattle grunts out an ugly 79-68 triumph over the punchless New Jersey Nets, moving the SuperSonics to the top of the Western Conference.


Trying to Get Big Enough to Battle Wal-Mart Some people may be wondering just how well Kmart and Sears will compete against Wal-Mart as parts of the same company.


Clinton Library Reflects Its Subject's Volatile Era The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, in Little Rock, Ark., sprawls across eight years of big ambitions and small details.


Mitsubishi Motors to get US\$960 million in extra aid from group <b>...</b> TOKYO : Scandal-hit Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will likely to get 100 billion yen (960 million dollars) in additional aid from three group firms, a report said.


Dulles, BWI Consider Security Shift Officials at Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International airports said they are considering the replacement of federal airport screeners at security checkpoints with workers employed by private contractors.


Loss Costs Brazil Top Cup Qualifying Spot Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America.


Nasas scramjet breaks speed record at 7000mph An unmanned Nasa jet screamed into the record books high over the Pacific Ocean by reaching speeds of almost 7000 mph, brightening hopes that humans might one day be able to fly across a continent in minutes instead of hours.


O-line must protect Manning Editor #39;s note: ESPN senior NFL writer John Clayton #39;s weekly  quot;First And 10 quot; column takes you around the league with a look at the best game of the week followed by primers for 10 other games.


INTERNATIONAL ROUND UP England lost 1-0 to Spain in an eventful match which saw Wayne Rooney substituted just before half time. He had already been booked for pushing the Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, into the advertising hoardings


NBA Game Summary - Minnesota At Detroit Auburn Hills, MI -- Chauncey Billups scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half to help the Detroit Pistons rally for a 93-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in coach Larry Brown #39;s first game back from hip surgery.


Nuggets Hold Off Raptors 112-106 (AP) AP - Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points and Kenyon Martin added 24 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Denver Nuggets hold off the Toronto Raptors 112-106 Wednesday night.


Moya Tops Gaudio in Rain-Delayed Masters (AP) AP - Carlos Moya had to wait out a rain delay of nearly eight hours before beating Gaston Gaudio 6-3, 6-4 Wednesday night in the second round of the ATP Masters Cup Championships.


Moya Masters Gaudio to Keep Title Hopes Alive

 By Steve Keating

 HOUSTON (Reuters) - Carlos Moya of Spain eased pastArgentina's Gaston Gaudio, 6-3, 6-4, on Wednesday, ending theFrench Open champion's hopes of picking up the Masters Cuptitle.


US tightens its grip on Mosul US and Iraqi forces recaptured police stations in the northern Iraqi town of Mosul yesterday as violence sweeping across the Sunni tribal areas claimed 20 more Iraqi lives.


Bombs explode at Argentine banks branches of US giant Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring a bomb squad officer.  quot;The government is asking people not to touch any packages and to call the police if they find them.


Google Rolls Out Search Product for Scholars (Reuters) Reuters - Web search leader Google Inc.\ on Wednesday unveiled Google Scholar, a new search\product aimed at helping users search scholarly literature such\as technical reports, theses and abstracts.


NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Skid  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in  his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also  welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85  triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.


Iran 'may seek to adapt missiles" US Secretary of State Colin Powell says Iran may be seeking to adapt its missiles to carry nuclear warheads.


More strength seen for rampant rand The rand remained below the psychological 6.00 per dollar level in late afternoon trade on Wednesday, having broken this at around noon on the back of a stronger euro.


Fund Founders to Settle, Pay \$160 M Gary L. Pilgrim and Harold J. Baxter, founders of a tech-based mutual fund that blazed and then fizzled in the 1990s, agreed yesterday to pay \$160 million to settle


Mitsubishi to have second-largest stake after GM -report TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Shares of Japan #39;s Isuzu Motors Ltd. rose Thursday after a published report that trading house Mitsubishi Corp.


U.S. Pounds Falluja Diehards; Violence in North (Reuters) 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.


Troubled retailers Sears, Kmart merge Two battered icons of the American shopping landscape, Kmart and Sears, yesterday announced an \$11 billion merger that will create the nation #39;s third largest retailer, with 3,500 stores.


IRS looking to give good news to taxpayers The IRS is looking for 1,025 Hoosier taxpayers who havent received their income tax refund checks. Twenty-one of those checks were addressed to residents in Johnson County.


Movie pirates under attack The Motion Picture Association of America has begun filing lawsuits nationwide against people who swap illegally copied movies over the Internet via file-sharing applications such as KaZaA, eDonkey and Grokster.


Google Rolls Out Search Product for Scholars Web search leader Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday unveiled Google Scholar, a new search product aimed at helping users search scholarly literature such as technical reports, theses and abstracts.


AOL Concentrates On Security Issues With New Software America Online Inc. is releasing a new version of its software today that focuses on increasing online safety and security, which the company hopes will help it hold on to more subscribers.


Moya masters Gaudio to keep title hopes alive Carlos Moya of Spain eased past Argentina #39;s Gaston Gaudio 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday, ending the French Open champion #39;s hopes of picking up the Masters Cup title.


European Agreement Will Fail To Stop Iran From Getting WMDs <b>...</b> This week #39;s nuclear deal between Iran and three European countries has triggered a wave of criticism from Israeli and Jewish communal officials, who warn that the pact will fail to halt Tehran #39;s pursuit of nuclear weapons.


On the brink Pic: Ring-tailed lemurs, like all 20 species of lemur, are unique to Madagascar, but their long-term future is now under threat by the destruction of their rainforest habitat.


Owner of Big Electronic Stock Trading System Is Said to Be for Sale The Instinet Group, owner of one of the largest electronic stock trading systems, is for sale, executives briefed on the plan say.


Chinese Move to Eclipse U.S. Appeal in South Asia Beijing is making a big push to market itself, similar to the way the U.S. promoted its culture and values during the cold war.


Report: Israeli Tank Opens Fire on 3 Egyptian Troops (Reuters) Reuters - An Israeli tank opened fire on three\Egyptian troops Thursday on the sensitive border between the\two countries, mistaking them for Palestinian militants on the\way to carry out an attack, Israel Radio said.


Google Introduces New Research Tool (AP) AP - Online search engine leader Google Inc. is setting out make better sense of all the scholarly work stored on the Web.


Clemens' Son Signs to Play With Texas (AP) AP - Roger Clemens' son signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to play baseball for the University of Texas.


AOL Packaging New Security Features (AP) AP - America Online Inc. is packaging new features to combat viruses, spam and spyware in response to growing online security threats.


Oil Steady After U.S. Data  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday as  data showing stubbornly low U.S. heating fuel supplies ahead of  winter stemmed a rout of nearly \$10 since late October.


Moves to rid schools of weapons Head teachers in England could gain powers to tackle pupils carrying weapons, under government plans.


Women Voters Enter San Diego Mayoral Fray (AP) AP - The League of Women Voters of San Diego asked a court Wednesday to require that all votes cast for a maverick mayoral write-in candidate be counted, including ballots on which voters failed to fill in the circle next to her name.


Two Kings Dethroned Sears and Kmart hope that by joining together, they can overcome decades of strategic missteps that have turned the former retail innovators into also-rans.


Bush Eyes Tax Overhaul Changes to tax code would drastically cut, if not eliminate, taxes on savings and investment.


U.S. Knew Last Year of Flu Vaccine Problems The FDA found serious problems of bacterial contamination 16 months before Britain closed the site.


Fund Founders to Settle, Pay \$160 Million NEW YORK, Nov. 17 -- Gary L. Pilgrim and Harold J. Baxter, founders of a tech-based mutual fund that blazed and then fizzled in the 1990s, agreed yesterday to pay \$160 million to settle charges that Pilgrim took advantage of trading opportunities and Baxter shared inside information at the expense of investors.


Dulles, BWI Consider Security Shift  Officials at Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International airports said they are considering the replacement of federal airport screeners at security checkpoints with workers employed by private contractors.


Gas, Produce Push Price Index Up Consumers paid sharply more for fruits, vegetables and gasoline last month, the government reported yesterday, suggesting that inflation may be stirring again after being dormant for several months.


No Action Taken After OFHEO Probe The inspector general at the Department of Housing and Urban Development has closed, without any enforcement action, an investigation into whether there was improper political influence at the agency that regulates Fannie Mae.


Stock Sale by Lay's Wife Investigated  Federal prosecutors are investigating a stock sale by the wife of former Enron Corp. chairman Kenneth L. Lay just days before the Houston energy trader filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2001, according to lawyers involved in the probe.


Eisner Denies Seeing Ovitz as Threatening   GEORGETOWN, Del., Nov. 17 -- Lawyers for plaintiffs in a shareholder suit over Michael S. Ovitz's \$140 million severance package from the Walt Disney Co. suggested on Wednesday that Disney chief executive Michael D. Eisner may have viewed his former protege as threatening.


Rival retailers #39; shares fall on Kmart-Sears deal NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Shares of rival retailers fell in Wednesday trading following the news of Kmart buying Sears for \$11 billion.


Treasury Chief Rejects Idea of Trying to Stem Dollar #39;s Fall The dollar fell to a record against the euro and dropped against the yen yesterday as Treasury Secretary John W. Snow signaled that he would not back any agreement to stem the currency #39;s slide.


Investors Reward Kmart, Sears and Their Suppliers Stocks rose as an \$11 billion offer by Kmart for Sears, Roebuck lifted retailers and better-than-expected earnings from Hewlett-Packard ignited a rally in technology shares.


Court Panel Skeptical About Penalty Sought Against Tobacco <b>...</b> A panel of federal appellate judges raised significant doubts yesterday about whether courts can order tobacco companies to forfeit \$280 billion in past profits if the government proves they engaged in civil fraud and conspiracy.


Moratorium On Web Tax Advances Congress yesterday cleared the way to keep access to the Internet largely free from taxes for the next three years, breaking a year-long deadlock.


Sears-Kmart: Eddie #39;s Master Stroke Edward S. Lampert has made no secret of wanting to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Warren E. Buffett. Like the Sage of Omaha, Lampert formed a partnership at age 25 and invested in old-line companies that throw off lots of cash.


Analysis: SBC, others pose big challenge to cable WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- To understand why phone industry executives are so excited about their plans to offer TV service, it helps to know about the technology that will make it possible.


NASA #39;s  #39;Scramjet #39; makes hypersonic flight, 10 times at that : World News  gt; Washington, Nov 17 : NASA #39;s hypersonic experimental scramjet X-43A has broken the aircraft speed record by clocking 7000 miles per hour which is nearly 10 times the speed of sound.


Itsa miracle one would part with a talisman One of the first things we did after moving into our old house was to rip out the ancient radiators and put in a modern heating system.


Running Extra Mile Sets Humans Apart in Primates #39; World If walking upright first set early human ancestors apart from their ape cousins, it may have been their eventual ability to run long distances with a springing step over the African savanna


DuPont Faces New Complaint Chemical giant DuPont Co. withheld information from federal officials that indicates a dozen residents near its Parkersburg, W.Va.


New York undaunted by underdog Olympic status Projected as an underdog in the glamour-city competition to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, New York will emphasize its diverse population and unparalleled marketing potential


Drop the towel and pick up the pen maybe even a little awed -y the sexed-up introduction to  quot;Monday Night Football. quot;. Really  -atings-starved network (ABC) using a sagging sports property


Ronaldo blames altitude after shocking defeat Ronaldo blamed the high altitude after Ecuador ended Brazil #39;s 10-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.  quot;I had a big headache, I was short of air and I needed oxygen to


T amp;T, Costa Rica through Angus Eve scored a 90th-minute match-winner yesterday to send Trinidad and Tobago into the final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying round after beating St Vincent and the Grenadines, 2-1.


Grizzlies Beat Blazers for First Road Win Memphis Grizzlies guard Bonzi Wells, right, looks to pass as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon Stoudamire reaches in for a steal attempt during first quarter action of their game in Portland, Ore.


NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Skid Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.


Eriksson forced to hook  quot;wild quot; Rooney England boss Sven Goran Eriksson was forced to hook Wayne Rooney before halftime in last night #39;s 1-0 defeat in Spain. Rooney was hauled off before he was sent off, then swore at England No2 Steve McClaren.


Judge Refuses to Dismiss Case in Yetunde Price Shooting A judge in Compton, Calif., refused to dismiss the case against a man charged with murdering the half-sister of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.


Kashmir separatists to discuss peace plan Kashmir #39;s main separatist politicians are to meet to decide if they should revive a dialogue with New Delhi, a day after the Indian prime minister offered unconditional talks.


US Envoy Positive About Security Council Talks On Sudan Nairobi, Nov. 18 (NNN) : Ambassadors from the United Nations Security Council are set to meet in the Kenyan capital for talks on Sudan at a two-day event in Nairobi which will focus on the peace process in


Barroso finds favor with new cabinet members European Parliament politicians vowed to support Jose Manuel Barroso #39;s new European Commission cabinet, after he reshuffled his team.


Srebrenica massacre survivors to sue UN (AFP) AFP - Survivors of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre were set to file a suit in a French court demanding financial compensation from the United Nations for  quot;abandoning quot; the Muslim enclave of Bosnia.


NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Losing Skid  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in  his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also  welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85  triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.


Report: Israeli Tank Kills 3 Egyptian Troops  JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An Israeli tank opened fire and  killed three Egyptian troops Thursday on the sensitive border  between the two countries, mistaking them for Palestinian  militants on the way to carry out an attack, Israeli media  said.


World leaders condemn aid worker #39;s apparent killing DUBLIN - Mourners lined up at a church in Ireland Wednesday as world leaders condemned the apparent killing of international aid worker Margaret Hassan.


Iran: Concessions equal in agreement with EU A top Iranian nuclear negotiator on Wednesday counterattacked hardliners #39; criticism on a nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the European Union (EU), terming concessions as equal.


Boyz bid fails Sport. The US #39;s Eddie Johnson (centre) scores a goal past Jamaica #39;s goalie Donovan Ricketts (30) during the first half of their World Cup semi-final round qualifying match


India PM to visit Kashmir camp Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has arrived in Indian administered Kashmir #39;s winter capital of Jammu on the second day of his trip to the area.


Report: Israeli Army Mistakenly Kills 3 (AP) AP - The Israeli army mistakenly killed three Egyptian soldiers along the Gaza-Egypt border on Thursday, Israeli media reported.


Indonesia's Yudhoyono rejects foreign help to solve Aceh conflict (AFP) AFP - A state of civil emergency in the rebellion-hit Indonesian province of Aceh has been formally extended by six month, as the country's president pledged to end violence there without foreign help.


Wash. Governor's Race Forced Into Recount (AP) AP - The closest governor's race in Washington history was forced into a recount Wednesday as counties finished tallying the ballots and found only a few votes separating the candidates out of 2.8 million cast.


Questions on local impact of Kmart-Sears merger remain With the \$11 billion merger of Sears and Kmart announced Wednesday, a Grand Island financial consultant says the community will have to  quot;wait and see quot; about the impact it will have on Grand Island #39;s retail community.


Treo 650 voice dialing by VoiceSignal palmOne is now offering a voice dialing application for the Treo 650, based on VoiceSignal #39;s voice recognition system. The application, which requires approximately


Olympic bids in: Let the quest begin The race for the 2012 Summer Olympics entered its final phase yesterday, as candidate cities from New York to Moscow released the formal bids they hope will land them the Games.


Ecuador shock Brazil Buenos Aires - Defending World Cup champion Brazil suffered another setback in South American qualifying on Wednesday, while two-time champion Argentine held off a stubborn Venezuela 3-2 to take over first place in the 10-team group.


NBA: Miami 113, Milwaukee 106 Eddie Jones scored 27 points and Shaquille O #39;Neal had 26 Wednesday night in carrying Miami past Milwaukee, 113-106. Miami used a 21-7 run during the third period to break open the game, during which Jones scored nine points.


Grizzlies 101 Trail Blazers 82 Wells scored 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won on the road for the first time this season by beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 101-to-82.


British press raps Chirac for Iraq comments, eyes positive future LONDON - British newspapers rapped French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday for reopening old wounds over Iraq on the eve of an official visit to Britain, but looked ahead to improved relations between the two European powers.


10 die in attack on US convoy A car carrying explosives ripped into a US convoy yesterday in northern Iraq, killing at least 10 people, and US troops fought persistent pockets


APEC Ministers Start Trade, Security Talks (AP) AP - Top government ministers from 21 Pacific Rim nations convened high-level talks on free trade and global security Wednesday as police battled university students protesting the summit and a weekend visit by President Bush.


Dollar Hits New Euro Low; Nikkei Falls  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar hit a record low against  the euro Thursday as traders bet officials would not act to  stop its slide, sending gold to a fresh 16-year peak and  hurting Japanese stocks as a stronger yen weighed on exporters.


American Airlines  #39;Tangos #39; To Better On-Time Record FORT WORTH, Texas -- An airline #39;s on-time record is on of the biggest factors passengers consider when buying a ticket. American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, moved to third place among the top 12 carriers


Firefox - A faster, better web browser Mozilla Firefox is the Web browser you have been waiting for as an alternative to Microsofts Internet Explorer. If you are fed up with security warnings, virus threats and endless security patches from Microsoft, then switch to Firefox - now.


Moya endures rain, Gaudio to advance They waited for almost eight hours to finally start playing and then they rushed to finish with more sprinkles falling, but Carlos Moya wasn #39;t complaining in the end.


New York, Paris make 2012 Games proposals NEW YORK - New York City #39;s Olympic boosters revealed their last and best plan Wednesday before making their final efforts to convince the International Olympic Committee that the city should hold the 2012 Summer Games.


Warriors Defeat Winless Bulls 98-85 Chicago Bulls #39; Andres Nocioni, left, of Argentina, dribbles past Golden State Warriors #39; Calbert Cheaney in the first half in Oakland, Calif.


BUCKS: Shaq #39;s powers Heat to victory MILWAUKEE - If anyone questions Shaquille O #39;Neal #39;s position as the most dominant player in the NBA, just check the opinion of those at the Bradley Center Wednesday night.


Hip hip hooray: Billups rallies Pistons past Wolves Auburn Hills, MI (Sports Network) - Chauncey Billups scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half to help the Detroit Pistons rally for a 93-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in coach Larry Brown #39;s first game back from hip surgery.


NETS GET LICKED WITH UGLY SHTICK Games like these are why coaches don #39;t carry firearms. You play good defense, hold an offensive, blistering team under 80 points.


ROCKETS BY THE NUMBERS Because he does not overreact, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy has coolly and dispassionately assessed the season so far and reached a few simple conclusions.


Israeli army mistakenly kills 3 Egyptian soldiers along Gaza-Egypt <b>...</b> The Israeli army Thursday mistakenly killed three Egyptian soldiers along the Gaza-Egypt border, Israeli media reported. Israeli radios, newspapers and TV stations reported that soldiers in


Pakistan Arrests Suspect in US Consulate Blast Pakistani security forces have arrested an Islamic militant suspected of involvement in a 2002 bomb attack on the US consulate in Karachi in which 12 Pakistanis were killed, officials said Thursday.


Dollar Hits New Euro Low; Nikkei Falls (Reuters) Reuters - The dollar hit a record low against\the euro Thursday as traders bet officials would not act to\stop its slide, sending gold to a fresh 16-year peak and\hurting Japanese stocks as a stronger yen weighed on exporters.


Oil Steady After U.S. Data (Reuters) Reuters - Oil prices held steady on Thursday as\data showing stubbornly low U.S. heating fuel supplies ahead of\winter stemmed a rout of nearly  #36;10 since late October.


South Korea ready to act in case of speculative attack on won: official (AFP) AFP - South Korea's top economic official says the government would not sit idle in case of a speculative attack on the country's currency.


Indonesia's Birds of Paradise Dying Out- Scientist (Reuters) Reuters - Rampant illegal logging in Indonesia\and the demands of a rapidly expanding population and economy\in Indonesia are killing many of Asia's most exotic and rare\birds, conservationists said Thursday.


Moratorium on Web Tax Advances Congress Wednesday cleared the way to keep access to the Internet largely free from taxes for the next three years, breaking a year-long deadlock. -The Washington Post


New AOL Software Focuses on Security Dubbed AOL 9.0 Security, the latest version of America Online's software will give dial-up and high-speed subscribers free McAfee antivirus software and automatic upgrades. -The Washington Post


MIT Aims to Make Computing Easy Professor wants to redesign chip software and hardware for the mobile age, creating chips that can power chameleon devices.
-Leslie Walker


Prayer Breakfast Draws Strong Tech Turnout A growing number of technology executives believe that their Christianity should be part of their work as well as their private lives.
-The Washington Post


Congress Poised to Vote On Internet Taxes Congress is poised to extend a ban on taxing Internet access, a move that would please Internet service providers but possibly cost states millions of dollars in lost revenue. -washingtonpost.com


Celtics run out of steam During a four-day layoff, the Celtics suffered from a lack of game experience. Last night, they played five minutes too many at the MCI Center, losing to the Wizards, 110-105, in overtime.


Eagle eye Craig Smith can shoot 3-pointers. Honest, he can. And, if you let him, he can swoop in for the rebound, dribble up the court, and finish off the transition basket. His ballhandling skills have taken a quantum leap. Really, you should see it. But you won't.


Team as we know it is history The news comes fast and furious. Pedro Martinez goes to Tampa to visit George Steinbrenner. Theo Epstein and John Henry go to Florida for their turn with Pedro. Carl Pavano comes to Boston to visit Curt Schilling. Jason Varitek says he's not a goner. Derek Lowe is a goner, but he says he wishes it could be different. Orlando Cabrera ...


AP: Italy Offers Compromise on Cloning (AP) AP - Italy has offered with a compromise on human cloning that seeks common ground among U.N. member states who are sharply divided over competing treaties to ban the practice, diplomats said.


Yahoo Extends Microsoft Ad Deal  NEW YORK (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc. has agreed to extend its  deal to place advertisements on Microsoft Corp.'s MSN sites in  the United States and overseas by one year through June 2006,  Yahoo said on Thursday.


Legal woes for Zukauskas, Terrell Cleveland Browns offensive guard Paul Zukauskas was arrested and charged with drunken driving after an early-morning traffic stop.


Irish women roll by Duke Jacqueline Batteast scored 17 points, including 10 during a decisive three-minute run in the second half, to lead No. 11 Notre Dame to a 76-65 victory over No. 6 Duke in the Women's NIT semifinal last night in South Bend, Ind.


Minutemen on the clock There's trouble in the Atlantic 10. The league that received four NCAA bids and had two teams advance to the Elite Eight last season most likely will not repeat that success. Nine of the league's top 10 scorers have either graduated, left early for the NBA, or just left.


Creatini is named All-American, again Newton North High graduate Mari Creatini, a senior cocaptain on the Northeastern University field hockey team, was named the America East Championship's Most Outstanding Player after scoring the game-winning goal in NU's 2-0 victory over Boston University that clinched her team's fourth consecutive conference title.


Waiting on the changeup The Big East will undergo an extreme makeover next year when Boston College departs for the Atlantic Coast Conference and DePaul, Marquette, Cincinnati, Louisville, and South Florida arrive to expand the league into a mega 16-team basketball conference.


Google Plans New Service for Scientists and Scholars Google Scholar is intended as a first stop for researchers looking for scholarly literature like peer-reviewed papers, books, abstracts and technical reports.


Taking it from the top Kansas is on top right now, ranked first in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. In the past, such an honor would be regarded with some trepidation since the list of teams that started and ended the season No. 1 is a short one. North Carolina made the run in 1994, Duke in 1992 and UNLV a year before ...


Gold Helmet winners Clifton Dawson, Harvard -- The sophomore rushed for 160 yards and his school-record 16th touchdown of the season on 33 carries, leading the Crimson over Penn, assuring Harvard at least a share of the Ivy League crown. Dawson holds the school season records for scoring (102 points), rushing touchdowns (16), and total touchdowns (17). He ranks third on Harvard's all-time ...


Ephs put to the test Having narrowly missed consecutive NCAA Division 3 national titles, Williams will face a new challenge this season.


Scheduling a rerun The champion of the America East Conference this season likely will come from the ranks of last year's big three -- Boston University, Northeastern, and tournament winner Vermont.


Firepower rests with Bucknell Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard had his eye on Kevin Bettencourt three years ago, but the former Peabody High star opted for Bucknell. Now Bettencourt figures as a prominent road block for the Crusaders to return to the pinnacle of the Patriot League.


Framingham's Noel gets first-team honors Framingham resident Arly Noel, a junior midfielder on the Mount Ida College of Newton men's soccer team, was named to the All-North Atlantic Conference first team after finishing among the nation's top 30 NCAA Division 3 players with a team-high 11 assists.


Quite a swing for Daly-Donofrio She would be lying if she said she saw this coming.  quot;I really wasn't expecting much, because I had been playing so poorly, quot; said Heather Daly-Donofrio.  quot;I just decided to relax and if I finished near the bottom, I wasn't going to worry about it. quot;


Canton reaches goal Canton field hockey coach Christine O'Connor didn't think one goal would be enough to beat Watertown last night. She's overjoyed that her defense proved her wrong.


In Mosul, Kurdish militia helps keep order MOSUL, Iraq -- Real power on Iraq's streets often lies in the hands of men like Sadi Ahmed Pire.


Kmart to acquire Sears Bob Vila meet Martha Stewart. Two venerable icons and brands -- Vila the pitchman for Sears Craftsman tools, and Stewart, the home-goods queen for Kmart -- might be sharing shelf space at a Sears or Kmart near you.


Russia announces work on unique nuclear missile system MOSCOW -- Russia is developing a new nuclear missile system unlike any weapon held by other countries, President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday, in a move that could serve as a message to the United States as Washington pushes forward with a missile defense system.


Opposition group alleges Iran hasn't suspended nuclear work VIENNA -- Iran bought blueprints of a nuclear bomb from the same black-market network that gave Libya such diagrams and Tehran continues to enrich uranium despite a commitment to suspend the technology that can be used for atomic weapons, an Iranian opposition group said yesterday.


Bleidt's wife denies knowing of scam Local broadcast business reporter Bonnie Kirchner Bleidt said she didn't know anything about the alleged 20-year investment scam by her husband, Bradford C. Bleidt, before she received Bleidt's taped confession last Thursday at her office at radio station WBIX-AM, which he owns.


Russia touts plans for missile system MOSCOW -- Russia is developing a new nuclear missile system unlike any weapon held by other countries, President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday, in a move that could serve as a message to the United States as Washington pushes forward with a missile defense system.


Report lauds community hospitals A Harvard University researcher found that community hospitals did just as good a job treating most common illnesses as academic medical centers, but provided that care far more cheaply.


16 churches for sale worth \$28m The 16 churches the Archdiocese of Boston put up for sale this week are worth about \$28 million, according to local tax assessors.


A determined dig in Vietnam for the missing NGHE AN PROVINCE, VIETNAM -- ''They tell me to dig a hole, quot; said Derek Benedix, ''and I dig a hole. quot;


As prices rise, homebuilding surges NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH -- By its own modest standards, Massachusetts is experiencing a homebuilding boom. Through the first nine months of 2004, the state issued permits for more than 15,000 units of new housing, up about 10 percent from the same period a year ago. If the current pace continues, Massachusetts would build more housing this year than it has in ...


One killed in bombings at three bank branches BUENOS AIRES -- Bombs exploded at three banks in the Argentine capital yesterday, including two branches of US giant Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring a bomb squad officer, officials said. No group claimed responsibility for the bombs, none of which was big enough to cause major damage to the buildings. ''The government is asking people not to touch ...


Inflation picking up steam Consumer prices in October posted their biggest increase in five months, pinching pocketbooks at the gas pump and at the grocery store.


Dollar hits new low on Snow speech The United States supports a  quot;strong dollar, quot; Treasury Secretary John Snow said, while suggesting the Bush administration will not act to boost its value. His comments sent the currency plunging to a record low against the euro.


WHO urges more research on vaccines for flu, other illnesses THE HAGUE -- The world is unprepared for an inevitable flu pandemic that could kill tens of millions of people, but profit-driven pharmaceutical companies are putting too little research into the development of vaccines, the World Health Organization said yesterday.


Franklin Templeton in \$18m settlement Franklin Templeton Investments agreed to pay \$18 million to settle complaints that the mutual fund distributor failed to tell investors it paid brokers who recommended its funds, Attorney General Bill Lockyer said yesterday.


India offers unqualified talks on Kashmir SRINAGAR, India -- India's prime minister offered yesterday to hold unconditional talks on Kashmir ''with anyone and everyone quot; as his country began withdrawing troops from the divided Himalayan region as a goodwill gesture to rival Pakistan.


Mass. exports increase 19 in year Massachusetts exports grew at a record pace in the first nine months of the year, surging 19 percent from the same period the year before, Alliance for the Commonwealth, the research arm of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, reported. Through September, Bay State companies exported \$16.4 billion in goods to overseas markets, keeping them on pace to break the annual export ...


10 die in attack on US convoy BAGHDAD -- A car carrying explosives ripped into a US convoy yesterday in northern Iraq, killing at least 10 people, and US troops fought persistent pockets of rebels in Fallujah, a city wrecked by more than a week of fighting.


Uh oh! Franco-American is no more Here's one for nostalgia buffs: the Franco-American brand -- best known for SpaghettiOs -- is no more.


Video of shooting by Marine stirs outrage BEIRUT -- The chilling video of a US Marine shooting and killing a wounded and apparently unarmed man in a mosque in Iraq dominated the Arab world's media yesterday, overshadowing the slaying of a British aid worker who had been kidnapped by Iraqi insurgents.


Recent American deaths in Iraq As of yesterday, at least 1,206 members of the US military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003. Below is a list of those killed recently.


Disney chief defends paying \$140m to fired president Lawyers for investors suing Walt Disney Co. questioned whether chief executive Michael Eisner held a formal meeting to tell board members there were no grounds to deny then-president Michael Ovitz \$140 million in severance. Shareholders of Disney, the number two US media company, contend directors did not know Ovitz might be entitled to the \$140 million if ...


Dissecting the Merger Kmart Holding Corp. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. merged in an \$11 billion stock and cash deal that will create the country #39;s third-largest retailer, after Wal-Mart and Home Depot.


PILGRIM FUND #39;S FOUNDERS FINED \$160M The founders of the Pilgrim Baxter  amp; Associates money-management firm agreed yesterday to personally fork over \$160 million to settle charges they allowed a friend to


#39;Ringers #39; feel loss of Target The holiday sounds at one major national retailer will not include the familiar jangle of a hand-held bell this year. Because of an overwhelming number of competing charities, Target stores across the country


Workers worry that merger may eliminate their jobs Most adopt wait-and-see attitude as they await more details of historic retailing deal. By Francis X. Donnelly / The Detroit News.


Yahoo Begins Using DomainKeys Yahoo has started checking incoming e-mail using DomainKeys, its content-signing e-mail authentication technology, the company said Monday.


China football faces reform calls China #39;s elimination from the 2006 World Cup qualifiers has prompted calls for reform of the country #39;s scandal-tainted football bureaucracy.


Brown returns to job while lights are out Larry Brown was in the building, he brought a suit, and a special high-backed chair was set up at the end of the Pistons #39; bench.


Harris starts to blossom Dion Harris is playing with more confidence, and it showed big-time Wednesday night. Harris, a sophomore guard from Detroit Redford and a former Mr.


Diversity lags in college leaders The low number of minorities coaching in college football reflects a lack of diversity among college and conference leaders, according to a University of Central Florida study.


Iran and Pakistani linked PARIS An Iranian opposition group said Wednesday that Tehran bought blueprints of a nuclear bomb and weapons-grade uranium from the same Pakistani scientist who admitted selling atomic secrets to Libya and other countries a decade ago.


Blair-Chirac focus on Iraq war Tony Blair is holding talks with French president Jacques Chirac who is visiting London as part of centenary celebrations of the Entente Cordiale.


FRANCE STRUGGLES TO DENY  #39;POISONOUS #39; ARAFAT RUMOR JERUSALEM - France yesterday insisted Yasser Arafat did not die of poisoning as it tried to control a wave of conspiracy theories sweeping the Mideast in the wake of the Palestinian leader #39;s death.


Rare UN meeting on Sudan The UN Security Council is making a rare appearance outside its New York home, gathering in Kenya to talk about Sudan, Africa #39;s biggest and most troubled country.


Shake up ordered after violent clash An angry peasant pushes his clenched fists through the gates during a protest outside the gates of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, 17 November 2004, where police broke up a protest by striking workers and sympathisers a day earlier, leaving as many as seven


Federer beats Hewitt to reach ATP Masters Cup semis Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. HOUSTON, Texas, United States of America -- World number one Roger Federer won his 20th consecutive match over


DESPERATE EXECUTIVES The ABC television network is rightly being pilloried from all concerned - including FCC Chairman Michael Powell -or its tawdry  quot;Monday Night Football quot; opening this week.


#39;I see no hope whatsoever #39; CHICAGO -- There was no Chicago Hope yesterday. If there was any thought that NHL agents might be able to help solve the NHL lockout, it was quickly crushed when agent Mark Gandler declared there won #39;t be a season.


C #39;s have nothing extra: Comeback wasted in OT loss to Wiz The Celtics found themselves in an overtime duel here last night. Unfortunately for the Green, they played the extra inning like the Yankees.


Luisita victims #39; remains allowed at dispersal site Tension at the Hacienda Luisita ebbed Thursday as the remains of three plantation workers who died at the picket line were allowed to be placed at gate one of the plantation, the scene of Tuesdays bloody dispersal.


EU MPs Vote for New Commission Team Incoming European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is to present to the European Parliament his new team of commissioners on Thursday.


Thai Queen Urges End to Violence in Muslim South Thailand #39;s Queen Sirikit has made a rare public appeal for all Thais to help end 10 months of violence in the south that has killed hundreds of people.


eBay Agrees to Limit Racial Slurs on Auction Site (Reuters) Reuters - Internet auction house eBay Inc.\said on Wednesday it would limit the use of racial slurs after\U.S. city officials complained the offensive terms were being\used to advertise lawn jockeys and other antiques.


Kurdish Rebels Using European Bases (AP) AP - The recent Dutch raid against a suspected military training camp used by Turkish Kurdish rebels is the largest crackdown against the group in Europe, which has become a base for autonomy-seeking militants to collect money, recruit and train, authorities say.


U.S. Sees Sadr City As Model for Fallujah (AP) AP - Goats nibble on rotting vegetables, barefoot children scavenge through garbage and women in black robes scuttle over slivers of pavement to avoid raw sewage floating down the street. As U.S. soldiers pass by, the bustle continues uninterrupted.


Iran Said Trying to Fit Missiles for Nukes (AP) AP - The United States has intelligence indicating Iran is trying to fit missiles to carry nuclear weapons, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said.


AOL Concentrates On Security Issues With New Software (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - America Online Inc. is releasing a new version of its software today that focuses on increasing online safety and security, which the company hopes will help it hold on to more subscribers.


First woman deputy in Zimbabwe ZIMBABWE #39;S ruling party today elected long-time cabinet minister Joyce Mujuru as the country #39;s first woman vice-president.


Justice, tobacco lawyers debate racketeering law Lawyers for the tobacco industry and the government debated yesterday whether a law drafted to prosecute mobsters can be used to obtain \$280 billion from cigarette makers.


Sea-Tac keeping federal screeners Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will continue to use federal screeners, the Port of Seattle confirmed this week as airports nationwide ponder whether private contractors could do a better job.


Yahoo Extends Microsoft Ad Deal Yahoo Inc. has agreed to extend its deal to place advertisements on Microsoft Corp. #39;s MSN sites in the United States and overseas by one year through June 2006, Yahoo said on Thursday.


Solaris 10: Sun Struts Its Stuff, Details New Opportunities SAN JOSE, Calif.Sun executives took attendees for a trip down memory lane Monday as they unveiled the company #39;s upcoming Solaris 10 operating system.


Apple iTunes signs Oasis exclusive Apple #39;s iTunes Music Store has signed an exclusive deal to distribute digital versions of Oasis #39; tracks. Apple #39;s success in signing Oasis to its service means that a new selection form the band #39;s


Colts #39; respected coach needs to be heard on issue By now, most of us can agree that ABC #39;s  quot;Monday Night Football quot; opening was lasciviously over-the-top, a crass effort at cross-promotion and titillation.


A Tiger-like run, a Vijay-like year for Sorenstam And her four-year run as the No. 1 player on the LPGA Tour is equally impressive, if not more, to the way Tiger Woods dominated the PGA Tour during a five-year stretch.


PLO Chief Vows Effort Against Militants The Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, vowed Wednesday to crack down on armed groups operating in Palestinian areas in preparation for the scheduled Jan. 9 presidential election for a successor to Yasir Arafat.


Employees, consumers mostly upbeat Many Kmart and Sears employees in metropolitan Indianapolis strolled into their jobs Wednesday morning unaware that their companies #39; planned to tie the knot in an \$11 billion merger.


Calls probe of wife Linda #39;s stock trades  quot;troubling quot; SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Former Enron chairman and CEO Kenneth Lay, facing federal charges in the company #39;s spectacular collapse, lashed out Wednesday against the man leading an investigation of his wife Linda for possible insider trading.


Al-Aqsa opposes Abbas, prefers Barghuti as Palestinian leader The militant Palestinian group Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades has said it is opposed to Mahmud Abbas being elected president of the Palestinian Authority to replace Yasser Arafat and would instead back jailed West Bank Fatah leader Marwan Barghuti.


Thai king in southern peace plea The king of Thailand appeals for the military and police to work together to restore peace in Thailand's south.


Lou Henson Hopes to Return to Coaching (AP) AP - Lou Henson is in a wheelchair and has no mobility in his right leg, but the New Mexico State men's basketball coach is optimistic he'll be back on the sidelines this season.


Update 5: Euro Reaches New High Against US Dollar The US dollar fell to another new low against the euro Friday, pushing the European currency higher than \$1.34 after US employment data came in weaker than expected.


N.C. State Wins BCA Invitational Opener (AP) AP - Jordan Collins was the perfect complement to North Carolina State's outside shooting. With five players making 3-pointers, Collins did all his scoring from the paint, finishing with a career-high 17 points to help the 19th-ranked Wolfpack beat New Orleans 92-58 on Wednesday night in the first round of the BCA Invitational.


Annika Sorenstam Having a Vijay-Like Year (AP) AP - Annika Sorenstam competed against the men last year at Colonial. Now she is being compared with them.


British Library gets wireless net Visitors to the British Library can now take advantage of broadband wireless internet access.


BT must open up network to rivals Telecoms regulator Ofcom says BT must provide rivals with "real equality of access" to its phone lines network, or else face action.


Virgin Mobile adds more customers Virgin Mobile added 647,000 new users in the last half-year as turnover grew by 18, but profits were down due to rising costs.


Sears, Kmart merge Kmart Holding Corp., the US retailer which emerged from bankruptcy protection only 18 months ago, announced a 11 billion dollar merger with Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co, on Nov. 17, 2004.


Enron inquiry targets Linda Lay US prosecutors are investigating whether the wife of Enron #39;s former chairman, Kenneth Lay, engaged in insider trading in selling shares of the company shortly before it collapsed into bankruptcy, people involved in the case said Tuesday.


Vivendi raises forecast as profit soars PARIS Vivendi Universal said Wednesday that its third-quarter profit surged, helped by tax savings and profit at its mobile phone division.


Gates, in Paris, is received by President Chirac PARIS Bill Gates was in Paris on Wednesday to meet with President Jacques Chirac of France and to sign an agreement with a UN body to improve access to information technology and training in developing countries.


eBay to remove racial slurs from listings WASHINGTON: Online auction giant eBay Inc is toughening its offensive material policy by eliminating offensive words used as search criteria or in descriptions of items for sale.


Offensive Linemen May Be Steelers' MVPs (AP) AP - When the Pittsburgh Steelers vote for the team's most valuable player this year, a lot of ballots might be split five ways.


Federer beats Hewitt at Masters Cup HOUSTON (Ticker) - Once again, Roger Federer of Switzerland got the better of Aussie Lleyton Hewitt. Federer, the top seed and world No.


Woods takes early lead at Dunlop Phoenix Tiger Woods overcame soggy conditions to fire a 5-under 65 for a three-stroke lead Thursday after the first round of the Dunlop Phoenix.


Jailed militant makes overture Marwan Barghouti, the popular militant leader imprisoned by Israel for his role in the Palestinian uprising, is relaying messages to new PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that could


Buyer prices rise in October Consumer prices, stoked by more expensive gasoline and pricier fruits and vegetables, heated up in October, rising by 0.6 percent, the biggest gain in five months.


Congress moves closer toward reinstating ban on Internet taxes Lawmakers revived a long-stalled effort Wednesday to block state and local governments from taxing Internet connections, in a last-minute agreement to ban the taxes until 2007.


E-mails highlight Vioxx concerns In June 1998, Merck was falling behind in a high-stakes race to get Vioxx on the market ahead of its rivals, and Edward Scolnick, the company #39;s chief scientist, was showing the strain.


Gates, UNESCO Sign Computer Access Deal Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates, left, shakes hands with UNESCO secretary-general Koichiro Matsuura prior to their press conference at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, after signing


Google Plans New Service for Scientists and Scholars Google Inc. plans to announce on Thursday that it is adding a new search service aimed at scientists and academic researchers. Google Scholar, which was scheduled to


Village #39;s sporting options have hit rock bottom Residents of the remote mountain village in northern India recently conducted their 100th annual Sati Pradha Mela competition, in which the residents divide into two teams and conduct a crude version of dodgeball.


British govt to complain to Spain about racist chants Britain will seek action at top government level after England #39;s black soccer players were racially abused by the crowd during Wednesday #39;s friendly international against Spain in Madrid.


UPDATE 3-Kiwis fight back against Australia Mathew Sinclair and Jacob Oram completed half-centuries to help New Zealand recover from an early batting collapse and reach 250 for seven at the end of the opening


LPGA Tour set for season-ending ADT Championship at Trump <b>...</b> WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Sports Network) -- The ADT Championship, which tees off Thursday, is the grand finale to the 2004 LPGA season.


Three Egyptian soldiers accidentally killed by IDF near border Three Egyptian soldiers were mistakenly killed by IDF tank fire on the Egyptian Israeli border near Rafah close to midnight Wednesday when soldiers mistook the three for terrorists.


Chirac meets Blair under shadow of Iraq As a sign of their continuing co-operation, the leaders of Britain and France are scheduled to hold a meeting in London on 18 November.


Spokesman says Arafat not in a coma, still in ICU Yasser Arafat was not in a coma but remained in intensive care Saturday after undergoing more medical tests, a senior aide to the ailing Palestinian leader said.


Euro sets new record high at 1.3063 dollars (AFP) AFP - The euro hit a new record high of 1.3063 dollars, beating its previous record of 1.3047 set a day earlier.


Bill Gates is most "spammed" person in the world: Microsoft CEO (AFP) AFP - Internet junkies, take heart: Microsoft chairman  Bill Gates receives four million e-mails daily, most of them spam, and is probably the most  quot;spammed quot; person in the world.


Microsoft's Ballmer Warns Asia of Linux Lawsuits (Reuters) Reuters - Microsoft Corp. Chief Operating\Officer Steve Ballmer on Thursday warned Asian governments that\they could face intellectual rights-infringement lawsuits for\using rival open-source operating platforms such as Linux.


Barnstable has its way once more Barnstable had the upperhand once again. The Red Raiders are one win away from defending their MIAA Division 1 state volleyball championship after blanking Chelmsford, 3-0, in the semifinals last night in Mansfield. It was the second time this fall Chelmsford had been frustrated by the powerful Barnstable lineup.


Marshfield rams way to final The last time the Marshfield girls' soccer team traveled to the Division 1 state final, in 2000, it earned its ticket by defeating Newton North in the EMass final. The last time they won a state title, in 1994, the Rams beat Newton North on penalty kicks.


Woburn back in fine form Senior Mike McLaughlin returned from a three-week layoff to lead Woburn past Watertown, 35-12, in a Middlesex League football game yesterday.


Wellesley makes good in overtime In a game filled with numerous opportunities, it was easy to understand the delay in celebrating when the winning goal was finally scored.


Hill finds magic touch Grant Hill scored 32 points, his most in 4 1/2 years, and Steve Francis had 33 points and 11 assists, both season highs, to lead the Magic over the Utah Jazz, 107-92, last night at Orlando, Fla. Mostly shooting jumpers over Andrei Kirilenko, usually a dependable defensive stopper, Hill shot 13 for 18 in his best offensive performance since scoring ...


Flakes? Here's hoping for plenty more of it At Boston's Ski Ball at the Ritz-Carlton last Friday night, a marvelous thing happened: Outside the window, snow swirled out of a black sky into streetlights below.


Kmart buying Sears in \$11 billion deal Some stores could close, but popular merchandise could be more widely available in Arizona after Wednesday #39;s announcement of Kmart Holding Corp.


VORNADO MAKES BUNDLE ON SEARS The real-estate investment trust recently bought an options position that equaled 4.3 percent of Sears, Roebuck shares - and announced that it had done so even though it wasn #39;t required by law.


Marsh, Aon Trail on Board Independence Amid Spitzer #39;s Probes Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos., Aon Corp. and Willis Group Holdings Ltd., insurance brokers whose business practices are the focus of a probe by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, have


Senate panel to scrutinize FDA over Vioxx review The nation #39;s system for ensuring that drugs are safe faces perhaps its biggest crisis in years, with the disclosures that federal regulators and drug giant Merck allowed Vioxx


Radio Chain to Cut Ties to Promoters Paid by Labels Infinity Broadcasting, one of the nation #39;s largest radio chains, said yesterday that it planned to sever its relationships with independent record promoters, distancing itself from a practice that critics have likened to bribes.


MPAA to pirates: We #39;ll shut you down #39; WASHINGTON The newly installed president of the Motion Picture Association of America is renewing Hollywood #39;s promise to go after movie pirates, no matter where they are in the world.


World #39;s largest hard drive released MAKERS OF PC bits and bobs Seagate Technology today announced that it has shipped what it reckons is the world #39;s largest PC hard drive.


Enjoy the Arctic while it #39;s still here The next time you step outside, take a good long look around. What you will see is how the Arctic has looked for at least 10,000 years and you may be among the last of the many generations who can say they have seen it that way.


BUZZ: Desktops  New publishing system Adobe Systems Inc. released a new version this week of the popular Acrobat desktop publishing system, with features for both authors and recipients of electronic documents.


Hewitt rallies to beat Moya at ATP Masters Lleyton Hewitt knows how it feels to be No 1 in the world. Anything less is no big deal to him. Australia #39;s Hewitt rallied to beat Carlos Moya of Spain, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, in a first-round


2012 Olympics bids could hinge on politics, economics The fat  quot;Bid Books quot; for the 2012 Summer Olympics are in the money-grubbing hands of the International Olympic Committee.


It #39;s a winding road to Nextel Cup glory HOMESTEAD  So, what exactly do the top five in the Chase for the Nextel Cup have to do to win? NASCAR has done the math and it adds up like this: KURT BUSCH: Leading the Chase, Busch


Lippi delighted with new-look Italy Italy coach Marcello Lippi was delighted with the performances of his five new caps in Wednesday #39;s 1-0 win over Finland. Fabrizio Miccoli #39;s superbly-struck first half free-kick gave an experimental Azzurri


Wolfpack batters old friend in opener NC State playing at home, rolling over a hapless opponent powerless to stop the onslaught. But Wednesday night, Towe watched things from the other end.


Pistons #39; defense puts brakes on Timberwolves Chauncey Billups scored 15 of his 21 points in the third quarter and the Detroit Pistons rallied past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 93-85, last night.


Success quiets lineup anxiety NEW ORLEANS - Amar Stoudemire did not want to be a starting center. Shawn Marion was not excited about taking on power forwards.


Iran- Eu deal subject to progress in nuke talks LONDON, Nov 18 (IranMania) - Iran warned Wednesday that its deal to suspend sensitive nuclear activities in order to ease fears it is seeking the nuclear bomb was subject to rapid progress in a new round of negotiations to begin next month.


Hassan Body Found in Fallujah: Australian PM Australia #39;s prime minister says a body found in Fallujah is likely that of kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan. John Howard told Parliament a videotape of an Iraqi terrorist group executing a Western woman appears to have been genuine.


Israel kills 3 Egyptian police by mistake An Israeli tank has opened fire and killed three Egyptian police along the Gaza-Egypt border after mistaking them for Palestinian militants planting explosives against Israeli forces, military officials say.


US Consulate Bombing Suspect Arrested in Pakistan Pakistani authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind of a deadly bombing near the US Consulate in Karachi two years ago, but another key member of his network is still on the run, a senior official said today.


Revamped EU team faces vote The European Parliament is to vote on whether to approve the new executive commission team on Thursday. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday urged parliament to back his revised choice.


North Korean media drop Kim Jong Il #39;s glorifying title Pyongyang (AsiaNews/Ap) - North Korea #39;s state-run media dropped the title of  quot;Dear Leader quot; to glorify the communist nation #39;s leader Kim Jong Il in recent stories, a Japanese agency that monitors the regime #39;s media reported on Thursday.


Honeywell Confident About China Outlook  SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Honeywell, the U.S.  avionics-to-antifreeze conglomerate, will beat its own target  for \$1 billion of China sales in 2005 as it expands aerospace  manufacturing there, its country chief said on Thursday.


Virgin Mobile adds more customers Virgin Mobile added 647,000 new users in the last half-year with turnover up by 18, the firm says, but profits fell due to rising costs.


Sears merging with Kmart in US AILING US stores giant Kmart is hoping that sharing a sick bed with rival Sears Roebuck will cure its ills. The pair, under siege from Goliaths Wal-Mart and Target, yesterday unveiled plans for a 6bn merger.


AOL offers its customers online shield free of charge America Online blocked popup ads and intensified its fight against junk e-mail last year. Starting today, the largest online service is carrying its campaign against online plagues even further.


Regents Weigh Future of Labs, Race Data LOS ANGELESNew Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson urged UC to compete for continuing its management of the national Los Alamos weapons laboratorybut to partner up with an industrial company


Microsoft Director of Windows Product Management Talks Firefox BetaNews has an interview with Microsoft #39;s Gary Schare, which includes some discussion about Mozilla Firefox. The Director of Windows Product Management says that Microsoft is looking towards its browser add


#39;Monday Night #39; flap gets FCC #39;s attention That steamy locker room opening to ABC #39;s  quot;Monday Night Football quot; continued to draw reaction Wednesday, most of it negative.


History not on UF #39;s side GAINESVILLE  Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey has facial hair. He weighs 235 pounds and stands 6 feet 6. By society #39;s physical standards, Harvey certainly is considered an adult.


Union meets with agents; no progress An NHL lockout that #39;s already nine weeks old won #39;t end any time soon unless owners show some willingness to negotiate, agents said after a meeting with the players #39; union.


Nablus academic runs to succeed Arafat Abdel Sattar Qassem, a Nablus academic and political outsider, on Wednesday announced his decision to run in the upcoming election for the chairmanship of the Palestinian Authority.


HP Earnings Rebound (TechWeb) TechWeb - CEO Carly Fiorina says Enterprise Servers and Storage unit has returned to profitability.


U.S. Accused of Changing Drilling Rule (AP) AP - The Sierra Club alleges in a lawsuit that the Bush administration changed a rule so oil and gas producers could more easily drill under national parks from outside their boundaries.


Microsoft's Ballmer Warns Asia of Linux Lawsuits  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. Chief Operating  Officer Steve Ballmer on Thursday warned Asian governments that  they could face intellectual rights-infringement lawsuits for  using rival open-source operating platforms such as Linux.


Detail, not retail, drives Lampert The man behind the country #39;s biggest retail merger is best known for being secretive - and successful. By JEFF HARRINGTON, Times Staff Writer.


Dollar #39;s fall worries Japanese officials Masatsugu Asakawa has one of the busiest jobs in Tokyo these days: monitoring the US dollar #39;s fluctuation against the Japanese yen.


Ofcom clampdown on BT ELECOMS watchdog Ofcom today ordered BT to open up its modern services such as broadband to all its competitors at the same price it charges its own retail business within a matter of months.


Congress closes in on reviving Net tax ban WASHINGTON - Lawmakers revived a long-stalled effort Wednesday to block state and local governments from taxing Internet connections, in a last-minute agreement to ban the taxes until 2007.


Techs lead fall in Europe European equities retreated on Thursday, with technology stocks under pressure after disappointing news from Applied Materials, while the euro #39;s rise to new record highs against the dollar also weighed.


To meet goal, Salvation Army needs our help The Salvation Army has set an ambitious fund-raising goal for the holiday season. The organization hopes to raise \$300,000 in its annual kettle drive.


Motion Picture Association sues movie downloaders The Motion Picture Association of America filed an undisclosed number of lawsuits Tuesday throughout the country against individuals it believes illegally downloaded


Report follows humans #39; penchant for running To the Nike nation, the joggers in dogged pursuit of fitness or the finish line, the news will come as no surprise: The human body was built to run.


Sun to set Solaris free, after a fashion Sun Microsystems plans to announce a free version of its Solaris operating system Monday, taking a page that Red Hat tore from its playbook in 2003.


After towel drop, some big-league hypocrisy We were led to believe Tuesday that the world was shocked and horrified Monday night when ABC aired an intro for  quot;Monday Night Football quot; using a nude Nicollette Sheridan to entice Eagles star Terrell Owens from playing the game.


With no new talks set, NHL lockout expected to drag on An NHL lockout nine weeks old won #39;t end any time soon unless owners show some willingness to negotiate, agents said after a meeting with the players #39; union.


Buffs ousted from NIT play Dion Harris scored a career-high 24 points and had four assists and five steals Wednesday to lead Michigan to a 69-60 victory over Colorado in the second round of the preseason NIT.


SuperSonics 103, 76ers 95 PHILADELPHIA - Ray Allen scored a season-most 37 points, Rashard Lewis had 21 and Vladimir Radmanovic added 20, leading Seattle to its seventh consecutive victory.


UN Security Council to Discuss Sudan UNICEF spokesperson Paula Claycomb speaks in Khartoum, Sudan, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004. Claycomb expressed hope that the meeting of the United Nations security council in Nairobi, to begin Thursday, would encourage a comprehensive peace deal in Sudan.


US, Iraqi assessments: insurgents will to fight not broken by <b>...</b> BAGHDAD, Iraq Expert assessments have concluded the recapture of Fallujah has not broken the insurgents #39; will to fight and may not pay the big security dividend US planners had hoped for.


Abrams said US choice to succeed Kurtzer as Israel envoy Israel Radio reported Thursday that Elliot Abrams, director of the Middle East department of the National Security Council, was the leading candidate to succeed Daniel Kurtzer as US Ambassador to Israel.


UN appeals for release of Afghan hostages weeks after they were snatched from their car on a busy street in central Kabul. Nayan are with a Taliban splinter faction that has threatened to kill them unless Taliban prisoners are freed.


Hamas  amp; Islamic Jihad  The Attacks Must Continue (IsraelNN.com) Following a second round of talks in as many days between interim PA leader Abu Mazen and representatives of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror organizations, the terrorists exclaimed they are unwilling to comply with requests to halt


Gulf War syndrome real, says inquiry THERE is such a thing as  quot;Gulf War syndrome quot; and the Ministry of Defence should face up to the fact, an independent inquiry concluded yesterday.


NBA and union at odds over brawl ban appeals NEW YORK: The National Basketball Association and the players union were at loggerheads on Friday over who has jurisdiction to hear the appeal of the record suspensions meted out in the wake the ugly brawl at a Pacers-Pistons game last month.


Ofcom shake-up spares BT break-up Ofcom has warned BT to commit to  quot;substantive changes quot; or risk an inquiry under anti-price fixing laws, but has shied away from ordering a break up of the telecoms giant.


South Africa SABMiller had a gain of \$96 million from selling its 29.4 percent of Harbin Brewery Group to Anheuser-Busch Cos. and a gain of \$239 million from the disposal of 21 percent of South African retailer Edgars Consolidated Stores Ltd.


Sun to offer utility pricing for desktops com November 17, 2004, 2:22 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories for several months, but for many IT managers, ERP (enterprise resource planning


New York funeral for rapper ODB Friends, family and fans gather at a church in Harlem, New York, for the funeral of rapper ODB.


Modernisation plan transforms Britain's Royal Mail (AFP) AFP - Just two years ago the Royal Mail was losing over one million pounds (1.4 million euros, 1.9 million dollars) every day.


Intel evaluating India for chip making unit (Reuters) Reuters - Intel Corp., the world's largest maker of computer microchips, is evaluating India as one of the options for setting up a chip manufacturing unit, its chief executive said on Thursday.


Bettman, Union Meet NHL commissioner Gary Bettman had lunch Friday with NHL Players #39; Association executive director Bob Goodenow in New York, and the league will listen to a new proposal from the union Thursday in Toronto.


Conspiracy Theories Persist on Arafat's Death The rapid decline of the 75-year-old Palestinian leader's health, the refusal of his wife and authorities at the French military hospital where he died last Thursday to release his medical records and Israel's threat a year ago to "remove" him have spawned a cottage industry of speculation among Palestinians.


Kashmiri Separatists to Consider Indian Offer of Peace Talks Kashmir's leading separatist political group said it would meet Thursday to discuss plans to resume peace talks with the Indian government, a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reaffirmed his desire for peace through dialogue.


APEC Ministers Start Trade, Security Talks Top government ministers from 21 Pacific Rim nations convened high-level talks on free trade and global security Wednesday as police battled university students protesting the summit and a weekend visit by President Bush.


Sagging Dollar Hits New Low Against Euro A stock trader reacts at the Frankfurt stock market, Germany, Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004. The German stock index DAX reached this year #39;s highest level on the same day the US dollar dropped to a new all-time low


New Scientist Gives New Microsoft Search Thumbs Up Popular British scientific magazine New Scientist has given Microsofts new MSN search engine, still in very early beta, good grades.


Nuggets use twin powers to win For the first seven games, the much-ballyhooed duo of Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin looked more like a misfit. But not Wednesday night, when the two perhaps gave


Notebook: McCaw to sell 50 percent of Canucks, GM Place British Columbia businessman Francesco Aquilini bought half of the Vancouver Canucks and General Motors Place arena from John McCaw of Seattle.


North Korean Media Drop Dear Leader #39; Title, Press Monitor Says North Korea #39;s official media have dropped the honorific dear leader #39; #39; from reports on Kim Jong Il, a Japanese news agency reported a day after other reports said his portrait had been removed at some public sites.


Creative declares 'war' on Apple's iPod MP3 player firm commits \$100m to out-spend rivals' ad campaigns


Eisner, on Ovitz, describes a culture clash at Disney GEORGETOWN, Delaware It was at his mother #39;s funeral in the summer of 1996 that Michael Eisner, the chief executive of Walt Disney, knew he had to dismiss the president he had hired just 10 months earlier.


Lampert rolls with the risks It #39;s all about Eddie. Wall Street is betting Kmart chairman Eddie Lampert will be able to add a successful combination with Sears, the biggest retail merger in history, to his impressive resume.


PBHG funds founders pay \$80M each Gary Pilgrim, once a poster boy for the hot-growth mutual fund mania and the cult surrounding their managers, and his partner Harold Baxter agreed yesterday to pay \$80 million each to settle


Dexia, Sanpaolo IMI confirm talks LONDON (CBS.MW) -- French-Belgian bank Dexia and Italy #39;s Sanpaolo IMI both confirmed a report on Thursday that they were in talks that could lead to the creation of the eurozone #39;s fourth largest bank.


Microsoft bags \$400 m Internet TV deal In the 10year deal, SBC Communications will launch video services over high-speed data lines using Microsoft technology. WASHINGTON: SBC Communications will use Microsoft Corp.


NM governor wants UC regents to continue running Los Alamos New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson traveled to California yesterday to urge the University of California regents to compete to continue managing the Los Alamos National Laboratory.


Lawmakers Slicing, Dicing Copyright Bill After cobbling together a string of copyright bills in the hopes of gaining enough support for final passage, lawmakers are ripping the package asunder in


UC rejects  #39;multiracial #39; category University of California regents yesterday resoundingly rejected a proposal that sought to add a  quot;multiracial quot; category to UC #39;s admissions application.


Creative declares  #39;war #39; on Apple #39;s iPod Digital music player maker Creative has pledged to spend \$100m to out-market Apple in a bid to take the market away from the iPod.


Federer beats Lleyton, again WORLD No.1 Roger Federer won his 20th match in a row over a top-10 opponent, beating Lleyton Hewitt for the fifth consecutive time to book a semi-final spot at the ATP Masters Cup.


China to fire Haan Arie Haan will be sacked as China national coach following the nation #39;s early exit from the 2006 Asian World Cup qualifiers according to Chinese officials.


First Test, Day one, Aus v NZ Stephen Fleming #39;s decision to bat first didn #39;t look the correct one at first as Michael Kasprowicz ripped though the tourists #39; top order, taking all of the first three wickets to fall, including Fleming for a duck.


NHLPA won #39;t alter original proposal NHL Players Association executive director Bob Goodenow said Wednesday the union has no immediate plans to submit a new proposal to the owners in hopes of ending the lockout that is now in its third month.


Bulls the answer to Warriors #39; struggles OAKLAND, Calif. - This can be said with absolute certainty: The Golden State Warriors were excited to see the Bulls show up at The Arena in Oakland.


Percival Signs 2-year deal with Tigers Just a few days after the start of the free agency period, the Tigers made their first big splash in free agency, coming to terms on a 2-year deal with former Angels closer Troy Percival.


Israel apologises to Egypt Jerusalem - Israel has presented its apologies to Egypt after three of its policemen were killed overnight on the border with the Gaza Strip, a source within Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s office said on Thursday.


PM lifts ban on recruitment in J amp;K JAMMU: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday announced lifting of the ban on recruitment in central government service in Jammu and Kashmir.


Euro sets new record high at 1.3074 dollars (AFP) AFP - The euro hit a new record high of 1.3074 dollars, even as eurozone officials called for the United States, Europe and Japan to take a common position against the currency's rise.


Oil Steady as Winter Worries Stem Decline  LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday as  concern over lean heating fuel supplies in the United States  and Europe ahead of winter stemmed falls of nearly \$10 since  late October.


Chirac Visits Blair Amid Rancor Over Iraq (Reuters) Reuters - French President Jacques Chirac began a\visit to Britain Thursday overshadowed by his withering\accusations against Washington and London of endangering the\world by invading Iraq.


Palestinians to Host Western Diplomats (AP) AP - The leading sponsors of the "road map" peace plan will send top officials to the West Bank next week in a renewed effort to revive the internationally backed peace plan, Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said Thursday.


CORRECTED: Microsoft's Ballmer Warns Asia of Linux Lawsuits (Reuters) Reuters - Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive\Officer Steve Ballmer on Thursday warned Asian governments that\they could face intellectual rights-infringement lawsuits for\using rival open-source operating platforms such as Linux.


Use Linux and you <cite>will</cite> be sued, Ballmer tells governments Lawsuit doom over 228 'stolen' patents predicted


CORRECTED: Microsoft's Ballmer Warns Asia of Linux Lawsuits  SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive  Officer Steve Ballmer on Thursday warned Asian governments that  they could face intellectual rights-infringement lawsuits for  using rival open-source operating platforms such as Linux.


Davao bombing suspects arrested \Two men suspected of planting bombs in the southern Philippines city of Davao last year are arrested.


German trial stirs torture debate An ex-police officer goes on trial in Germany charged with threatening a suspect with torture.


Update 1: Philippine Shares End Higher Philippine shares ended higher Thursday, with blue chip Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. , or PLDT, providing a boost after the strong overnight performance of its American Depositary Receipts, traders said.


Running turned humans into what they are today, U. of U. biologist <b>...</b> The thousands of runners who step up to the starting lines of marathons each year may be following in the footsteps of our earliest human ancestors.


eBay to clean up racial slurs Madison City Councilwoman Cynthia McCollum played a key role in the National League of Cities #39; negotiations with eBay to limit the use of racially derogatory words on listings on eBay #39;s Web site.


Crass interference or no flag? Whatever you do, don #39;t ask Colts coach Tony Dungy,  #39; #39;Are you ready for some football? #39; #39;. Dungy lambasted ABC, the NFL and the Eagles for the cross-promotion of the network #39;s new hit show  #39; #39;Desperate Housewives


Woods on top at rain-soaked Dunlop Phoenix Tiger Woods fired a superb five-under-par 65 in torrential rain to take a three-stoke lead after the first round of the Dunlop Phoenix tournament on Thursday.


FOOTBALL: FAB TAKES MICC TO DUMP FINNS A GOAL from Fiorentina striker Fabrizio Miccoli gave a rookie Italian side victory over Finland. Coach Marcello Lippi fielded only a handful of the players who have helped his side to the top of Scotland #39;s World Cup qualifying group.


Bulls nearing wrong record OAKLAND, Calif. -- What little optimism there was before the start of the season has all but faded, and it appears the only record-setting performances by the Bulls this season will be of the dubious variety.


Cubs not out of options for closer Cubs general manager Jim Hendry wasn #39;t down for long Wednesday after learning free-agent closer Troy Percival had signed with the Tigers.


Australia play game of patience Paceman Michael Kasprowicz justified Australia #39;s decision to retain him in the team ahead of Brett Lee by taking 3-54 against New Zealand in Brisbane.


Minorities remain rare in power The low number of minorities coaching in college football reflects a lack of diversity among college and conference leaders, according to a University of Central Florida study released Wednesday.


UN Security Council meets in Kenya to discuss Sudan #39;s civil wars NAIROBI, Kenya Kofi Annan (AN #39;-nan) has called on the UN Security Council to give  quot;the strongest warning quot; to forces fighting in Sudan to end its civil wars.


Russia Says It Will Build Nukes That No One Else Has Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to build new nuclear weapons, which he said other nuclear powers did not yet have and were unlikely to develop.


Mercenaries to testify against Thatcher in coup case Several South African mercenaries have agreed to testify against the son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Sir Mark Thatcher.


Moratorium on Web Tax Advances (washingtonpost.com) washingtonpost.com - Congress yesterday cleared the way to keep access to the Internet largely free from taxes for the next three years, breaking a year-long deadlock.


Greens Paint Grim Picture of Future, Warmer World (Reuters) Reuters - Environmentalists forecast a grim\future for planet Earth Thursday, predicting that droughts,\heatwaves and hurricanes will become increasingly common and\more severe if global warming is allowed to continue unchecked.


House GOP Alters Its Rules to Shield Combative DeLay (Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; House Republicans changed a party rule Wednesday to allow Rep. Tom DeLay of Texas to remain as majority leader even if indicted in an investigation of campaign finance violations in his home state.


US dollar hits record low against euro; Snow rules out <b>...</b> NEW YORK, November 18 (newratings.com) - The US dollar declined to a new record low against the euro and dropped against the yen yesterday, following the news of the US Treasury Secretary, John W Snow, ruling out government intervention to stem the