Jon Stewarts Humiliation of Tucker Carlson the Most Popular Blog Story of 2004 Jon Stewart's Humiliation of Tucker Carlson the Most Popular Blog Story of 2004\\According to Intelliseek's BlogPulse, the transcript of comedian Jon Stewart's October debate with CNN "Crossfire" hosts Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala was the No. 1 "blogged" news item of 2004. Bloggers linked to the "Crossfire" transcript in their ...


Google Planning To Index Entire Libraries Google Planning To Index Entire Libraries\\For a long time there have been rumors going around about Project Ocean, a project by Google to index all the pre-1923 content in the Stanford Library. (I'd call it a little stronger than a rumor since it was in the New York Times, but ...


Ask Jeeves Introduces Yet Another Desktop Search Tool Ask Jeeves Introduces Yet Another Desktop Search Tool\\Ask Jeeves yesterday joined Microsoft in introducing a beta desktop search application. Ask Jeeves states that its Desktop Search makes it easy for people to find information on their computers or the Internet. Upon installation of the small (750K) application, Ask Jeeves Desktop ...


News: Long prison term for Lowe's wi-fi hacker A 21-year-old Michigan man who tried to steal credit card numbers from a national hardware store chain is sentenced to nine years in federal prison.


News: Bush prepares for possible shutdown of GPS network in national crisis The Associated Press By Ted Bridis


Mac OS X Tip of the Week: Be a Show-off  Want to impress your Windows-using friends and colleagues? Start a QuickTime movie, play a DVD, click on the visualizer in iTunes while it plays a song. Then press F9 and watch what happens.  Dec 15


A Magnetosphere of One's Own Magnetospheres, the giant magnetic fields around planets, are extraordinarily good at trapping plasma. To study them, and gain insights into how to produce fusion power, a group of scientists builds a mini magnetosphere at MIT. By Rachel Metz.


Ecobot Eats Dead Flies for Fuel Researchers are working on autonomous robots that eat to produce energy. The problem right now is that batteries are much better. By Lakshmi Sandhana.


Star Wars Sequel Lacks Force The follow-up to last year's hit game, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, offers more proof that sequels often pale next to the originals. While it boasts addictive gameplay and rich character development, the sequel suffers from numerous technical glitches. Game review by Suneel Ratan.


Anime Freaks Now Have a Guide Fans of Japanese animation get a travel book tailored to their interests. With Cruising the Anime City: An Otaku Guide to Neo Tokyo, geeks can pursue the ultimate pop-culture fix. By Chris Baker.


Fun of Mario Party Doesn't Last Mini games that use a mic and players' voices make Mario Party 6 a raucous game. Just don't expect the novelty to last long. Game review by Chris Kohler.


Hollywood Wants BitTorrent Dead The film studios' lobbying arm files lawsuits against the operators of sites and servers that help users of file-sharing networks locate movies and songs. By Xeni Jardin.


With Mini's Rivals, More Is Sometimes Less This month you will be able to choose from four competitors to Apple's iPod Mini, courtesy of Dell, Rio Audio, Virgin Electronics and Creative. How do they compare?


And Now for Something Slightly Different Apple's iPod is the 800-pound white gorilla of the digital music market. But a number of new music players, on the market or in the works, have Apple in their sights.


Game Ratings: U Is for Unheeded When it comes to rating video games, "teen" vs. "mature" can be a fine line. But either way, it leads to the cash register.


A Comic Strip Takes Video Games Seriously (Almost) An offbeat comic strip, published only on the Web, helps two video-game fans keep body and soul together.


Honda's Robot Advances, but to Where? Despite the technological advances, Honda has not made much progress in determining just what the robot might be used for.


Merger could affect Nextel Partners The proposed \$35 billion merger of Sprint Corp. and Nextel Communications could mean changes for Kirkland-based Nextel Partners Inc.


AOL fraud charges settled for \$210 mil WASHINGTON - Time Warner Inc. agreed Wednesday to pay \$210 million to settle criminal securities-fraud charges brought by the Justice Department against the company #39;s America Online unit.


FCC Considers Cell Phone Use On Airplanes Air travelers moved one step closer to being able to talk on cell phones and surf the Internet from laptops while in flight, thanks to votes by the Federal Communications Commission yesterday.


Caterpillar, Union Reach Tentative Pact Caterpillar Inc. and its largest union, the United Auto Workers, said late on Wednesday they had tentatively agreed on a new six-year labor contract, ending a four-month stalemate.


J amp;J to buy Guidant for \$23.9 billion in cash, stock Johnson  amp; Johnson (JNJ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will buy Guidant Corp. (GDT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) for \$23.9 billion in cash and stock, giving the health-care products


HP to make \$3 billion Itanium commitment Hewlett-Packard may have transferred its last remaining Itanium processor engineers to Intel, but the server maker is standing by the technology to the tune of \$3 billion.


Yahoo Maps Offer Live US Traffic Conditions Yahoo Inc. (YHOO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) is set to offer an online service that lets users view live US local traffic conditions on custom-created maps, the first


Kalou double strike sinks Rangers LONDON: Striker Bonaventure Kalou netted twice to send AJ Auxerre through to the first knockout round of the Uefa Cup at the expense of Rangers last night.


Ailing Roddick beats Fish in exhibition match ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Andy Roddick beat Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-3 in the Minnesota Tennis Challenge exhibition Wednesday night. Roddick, playing for the first time since firing coach Brad Gilbert over the weekend, was fighting a cold but still managed to win.


Hornets snap 11-game losing streak, top Warriors 98-89 The Hornets #39; injury epidemic gave diminutive Dan Dickau a chance to show he could play in the NBA. His latest performance made him a crowd favorite among New Orleans #39; victory-starved fans.


Heat #39;s winning streak stretches to six  quot;It #39;s a great question, quot; he said after his team somehow escaped with a 98-93 victory Wednesday night over the Washington Wizards.


Orioles Lose Sexson, Turn Attention to Burnett In his true diva way, Pedro Martinez must surely be chuckling that his signing with the New York Mets has created chaos in baseball, or at least in the American


Ravens #39; Secondary To Get First-Rate Test So much of the Baltimore Ravens #39; identity is built around their swaggering defense, and their pride in not allowing 100-yard rushers and not giving up big plays.


College Notebook: Ole Miss to hire coach Mississippi has hired Southern California assistant Ed Orgeron to coach the Rebels, Orgeron #39;s father told The Associated Press yesterday.


Indonesia orders huge security clampdown after terror warnings <b>...</b> Indonesian authorities on Thursday ordered a countrywide security crackdown after several foreign governments warned that terrorists were preparing to launch attacks against Western targets ahead of Christmas.


No agreement on missile test draft ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India failed to agree on the text of the draft agreement on advance notification of missile tests as the expert-level meetings on nuclear CBMs concluded here on Wednesday.


Blood tests show Ukrainian candidate has 6,000 times more dioxin <b>...</b> New tests show that the blood of Viktor Yushchenko, a Ukrainian presidential candidate, contains the second-highest level of dioxin poisoning ever recorded in a human - more than 6,000 times the normal concentration, according to the expert analyzing the


Time Warner Shares Surge After Settlement Time Warner investors celebrate the company's settlement with SEC over AOL accounting charges Wednesday, temporarily pushing its share price to a 52-week high. -The Washington Post


Sprint, Nextel Detail Merger Agreement Sprint and Nextel formally announced a \$35 billion merger agreement Wednesday and offered details on how the corporate combination would affect employees and consumers. -The Washington Post


Small Telecoms Losing Mandated Line Discounts Millions of customers may face higher phone bills as a result of an FCC vote Wednesday to phase out discounts that major regional phone companies must give rivals that rent space on the big companies' lines. -The Washington Post


FCC Considers Cell Phone Use On Airplanes Air travelers moved one step closer to being able to talk on cell phones and surf the Internet from  laptops while in flight, thanks to votes by the Federal Communications Commission yesterday.


Google Wins in Suit Over Ads Google Inc. won a major legal victory yesterday when a federal judge ruled that the Internet search engine's advertising policy does not violate federal trademark laws.


The Shipping News? Time's Almost Up   The e-mail offers are coming fast and furious.<br> "There's still time," screamed one that arrived in my inbox Tuesday, promising 20 percent off any item or free shipping at Art.com. I had only to enter "Santa" or "free shipping" in a special box at checkout -- and order by Dec. 16.


Wireless Abounds; The Focus Now  Is on Improving It   Nextel was the big story in telecommunications yesterday, thanks to the Reston company's mega-merger with Sprint, but the future of wireless may be percolating in dozens of Washington area start-ups.


A Push to Restrict Sales of Video Games   CHICAGO. Dec. 15 -- Decrying violence in fast-selling video games, Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) wants Illinois to make it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to buy violent or sexually explicit games. Among the targets would be the Grand Theft Auto series, Halo 2 and Mortal Kombat.


U.S. Missile Defense System Test Fails Latest setback for the Bush administration's effort to build a system for defending the country against ballistic missile attack fuels doubts about the system.


Oversight on Bioengineered Crops Is Poor, Report Says  Federal oversight of crops genetically engineered to produce medications  in their seeds and leaves is inadequate to prevent unwanted contamination of food crops, according to an analysis released yesterday by a scientific advocacy group. As a result, the report concludes, consumers are at risk of inadvertently dosing themselves with prescription drugs while eating a morning bowl of cereal.


J J Says to Buy Guidant for  #36;25.4 Billion (Reuters) Reuters - Johnson   Johnson  on\Wednesday said it agreed to buy Guidant Corp. , for\ #36;25.4 billion in cash and stock, giving the healthcare products\maker a foothold in the fast-growing market for implantable\devices that regulate heartbeats.


Oil Climbs to Two-Week High (Reuters) Reuters - Oil prices jumped to the highest\level in two weeks on Thursday, buoyed by a cold weather front\in the United States and below-average stocks of winter heating\fuels.


J J Says to Buy Guidant for \$25.4 Billion  PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson JNJ.N on  Wednesday said it agreed to buy Guidant Corp. GDT.N, for  \$25.4 billion in cash and stock, giving the healthcare products  maker a foothold in the fast-growing market for implantable  devices that regulate heartbeats.


SEC Calls on Fannie to Restate Earnings  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange  Commission on Wednesday said Fannie Mae misapplied accounting  principles and called on the mortgage finance company to  restate earnings.


Japanese Stocks Recoup Early Losses  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese stocks recouped early losses by  late afternoon on Thursday as banks clawed back into positive  territory a day after a key survey showing waning business  sentiment had sparked a sell-off in the sector.


Caterpillar, UAW reach tentative contract deal EAST PEORIA, Ill. United Auto Workers officials say they plan to hold a news conference tomorrow after the union and heavy equipment giant Caterpillar Incorporated reached a tentative agreement tonight on a new six-year contract.


Johnson  amp; Johnson to Acquire Guidant Johnson  amp; Johnson said on Wednesday that it will acquire device manufacturer Guidant Corp. for \$25.4 billion. Under the terms of the deal announced on Wednesday, each Guidant share will be exchanged for \$30.40


Five Killed, 30 Injured in Spanish Bus Crash  MADRID (Reuters) - Five passengers were killed and around  30 injured when their bus flipped over after tearing through  the central reservation of a motorway in the northern Spanish  province of Burgos, officials said on Sunday.


Hilton hotels in Indonesia hunker down after threat Hilton hotels in Indonesia ratcheted up security on Thursday but said they were seeing few cancellations amid warnings from Western governments that one of their chain could be attacked by militants.


#39;Chemical Ali #39; will be the first in the dock Baghdad - Iraq #39;s  quot;Chemical Ali quot; will be the first of toppled Saddam Hussein #39;s henchmen to stand trial. Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam #39;s who earned his nickname over his alleged role in the gassing


Bush Warns Syria, Iran Against Meddling in Iraq (Reuters) Reuters - President Bush Wednesday warned Iran\and Syria not to meddle in Iraq ahead of elections scheduled\for January 30 and voiced new hopes of forging peace between\Israel and the Palestinians.


Intel Plans to Hire Hewlett Designers In an effort to revitalize the struggling Itanium computer chip business, Intel and Hewlett Packard said Wednesday that Intel would hire a 300-person Hewlett-Packard design team based in Fort Collins, Colo.


Lue returns to Rockets lineup CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Houston Rockets activated point guard Tyronn Lue off the injured list Wednesday. Lue, who missed five games with a sore right knee, had four points, an assist and a steal in Houston #39;s 92-69 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.


Mets sign Pedro for \$53M The Braves will have to face Pedro Martinez regularly for the next four years. If the former Boston Red Sox right-hander with the questionable shoulder can stay healthy, that is.


Analysis: Philosophies keep union, NHL at odds In summarizing the swap of rejected proposals that led to the latest and gloomiest freeze of negotiations in the National Hockey League #39;s ongoing lockout, league commissioner Gary Bettman detailed how close he thinks the two sides actually are to a deal.


College Basketball: Georgia Tech, Wake Forest Win  ATLANTA (Sports Network) - Isma'il Muhammad scored a  team-high 14 points, Jarrett Jack added 13 and third-ranked  Georgia Tech rolled over James Madison, 72-47, in a non-league  tilt at the Alexander Memorial Coliseum.


Bush Warns Syria, Iran Against Meddling in Iraq  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush Wednesday warned Iran  and Syria not to meddle in Iraq ahead of elections scheduled  for January 30 and voiced new hopes of forging peace between  Israel and the Palestinians.


Colombia Captures 'Chancellor' of FARC Rebel Group  BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) - The chief of international  relations for Colombia's biggest leftist rebel group, who once  sought support from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was arrested  after a months-long manhunt, police said on Wednesday.


East Congo Battle Flares, Governments Trade Blame  KINSHASA (Reuters) - Congolese government forces clashed  with rebels at a town near the border with Rwanda for a third  day Wednesday as the two countries traded heated accusations  over who was involved in the fighting.


Clarke steps into Blunkett's role Charles Clarke is set to start work as Home Secretary after David Blunkett's shock resignation in a visa row.


Time Warner Settles 2 Cases Over AOL Unit The Justice Department announced yesterday that it would defer bringing criminal securities fraud charges against the America Online unit of Time Warner as long as Time Warner adopted


To Try to Stop Sale, Yukos Files Chapter 11 in US The Russian oil giant Yukos sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States on Wednesday, requesting an emergency court hearing in Texas to stop the Russian


ExxonMobil, Qatar land LNG financing SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- ExxonMobil Corp. and Qatar Petroleum said Wednesday they had lined up \$7.5 billion toward financing their giant Qatargas II project, which aims to export liquefied natural gas from the Middle East nation to Britain.


Five Dead in Peru Police Siege Shootout  LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Five Peruvian police officers died  in a shootout on Sunday with an armed group who took 10  hostages in the siege of a police station in southern Peru on  New Year's Day, RPP radio reported.


Apple fights back against RealNetworks CUPERTINO, Calif. Apple Computer is trying to stop RealNetworks from taking a bite out of the iPod market. Apple is blocking the technology used by RealNetworks Harmony music downloading service.


Nation #39;s capitol may lose baseball If you already marked the date on your Cardinals 2005 calendar, if you already purchased tickets for the series at Busch Stadium on May 27-29, if you bought the  quot;East Coast Pack quot; that includes games with the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets, you could be in for


Roddick Tops Fish in Exhibition Match ST. PAUL, Minn. Dec 16, 2004 - Andy Roddick beat Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-3 in the Minnesota Tennis Challenge exhibition Wednesday night.


Bosh takes it to KG in Raptors win TORONTO (CP) - It was certainly an unlikely ending to the Toronto Raptors #39; seven-game losing streak, a 96-90 win Wednesday night over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a heated affair.


To O #39;Neal, Bryant #39;s only  #39;That Guy #39; WASHINGTON Back when his goal in life was to become the first man to win an NBA championship and an Oscar, Shaquille O #39;Neal did some movies.


J J agrees \$25.4bn Guidant deal Drug giant Johnson   Johnson agrees to buy Guidant Corp, a key player in the heart technology market, for \$25.4bn.


Big Bells Allowed to Charge Rivals More for Line Access The F.C.C. voted to relax rules that had required the four large Bell telephone companies to give their rivals access to their networks at sharply discounted wholesale prices.


J.  J. Is Said to Be Near Deal to Buy Guidant Johnson   Johnson, the pharmaceutical and health care giant, is near a deal to buy Guidant, one of the nation's largest makers of devices to treat heart and circulatory illnesses.


Judge in WorldCom Lawsuit Sides With Plaintiffs on Issue of Due Diligence by Banks The judge in the WorldCom lawsuit ruled that the investment banks that sold billions of dollars in the companys bonds must persuade a jury that they conducted appropriate due diligence before the offering.


Full Track Downloads on Mobiles The service will be first available on Spanish network provider Telefonica. Melodeo provides music to wireless subscribers through a mobilemusic solution that resides on the wireless phone.


A scare for State Instead, freshman Andrew Brackman took over in the second half of Wednesday #39;s nightmare against Louisiana-Lafayette to help salvage a 78-72 victory and protect the Pack #39;s perfect record.


Bus hijackers demand \$1m ATHENS: Two suspected Albanians armed with rifles and dynamite hijacked a packed Greek passenger bus in Athens and warned they would  quot;light the fuse quot; if a this morning #39;s deadline for payment of a \$1.3 million (BD491,400) ransom and safe passage was not met


Sprint to Buy Nextel in  #36;36 Billion Deal (Reuters) Reuters - Sprint Corp. said Wednesday\it would buy mobile telephone company Nextel Communications\Inc. for about  #36;36 billion, creating a U.S. wireless carrier\with nearly 40 million subscribers.


GM seeks mediation to resolve dispute with Fiat The heads of General Motors Corp. and Italy #39;s Fiat SpA are expected to meet in the next four weeks to try and resolve their dispute over whether Fiat can force GM to buy the ailing Fiat Auto subsidiary.


Weak Dollar Sending More US Investors Abroad Americans have been stepping up their purchases of foreign stocks and bonds as the dollar #39;s decline has accelerated and foreigners have slowed their buying of securities in the United States.


COL BKB: North Car. St. 78, Lou.-Laf. 72 Andrew Brackman helped rally ninth-ranked North Carolina State to a tougher-than-expected, 78-72 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette Wednesday night.


Pistons persevere, knock off Knicks The Pistons trailed almost the entire game. They led for only 42.6 seconds. They were down by 16 at halftime, down by five in the fourth quarter, down by four with 1:42 left, down by three with 34.4 seconds left.


Saban: I #39;ll be at bowl game LSU football coach Nick Saban said Wednesday he  quot;absolutely quot; plans to be the coach of the Tigers for the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, but he stopped short of saying whether he would accept the


Rockets 92, Hawks 69 Yao Ming wouldn #39;t let the Rockets lose another home game, especially to the reeling Atlanta Hawks. Yao scored 23 points _ including seven during a pivotal third-quarter run _ and blocked a season-high five


Testing the Secondary That Ravens' swaggering defense will face its biggest test of the season Sunday, as Baltimore takes on the Colts and Peyton Manning.


Palmer Likely Out The Bengals probably will be without quarterback Carson Palmer for Sunday's game against the Bills.


Italian man may have been taken hostage, killed in Iraq (AFP) AFP - Italian authorities responded cautiously to reports that an Italian national may have been taken hostage and killed in Iraq.


J J Seals \$25.4 Bln Pact to Buy Guidant  PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson has agreed to  buy Guidant Corp. for \$25.4 billion in cash and stock, the  companies said on Wednesday, giving the healthcare products  maker a foothold in the fast-growing market for implantable  devices that regulate heartbeats.


Merger may heat up fight for wireless customers The \$35 billion merger of Sprint and Nextel announced Wednesday may make consumers jittery about rising prices in a consolidating industry, but experts say the remaining players will still wage a tough fight for every customer.


Morgan Stanley in governance move Morgan Stanley yesterday said it would end a defence against hostile takeovers, change how it compensates top executives and elects board members, and disclose political contributions


Kobe takes on the hard questions Bryant, in a taped interview on ESPN #39;s  quot;Pardon the Interruption quot; on Wednesday, did not elaborate much further about Malone, who was accused of making a pass at Bryant #39;s wife, Vanessa, at a Lakers game on Nov. 23.


Coming off break, Horns less than sharp Coming off an eight-day break for final exams, 14th-ranked Texas had as its first assignment a non-conference match with Texas-Arlington.


McGrady puts the hurt on Hawks Tracy McGrady gripped his left ankle and grimaced in pain. This time he worried he really had hurt it. McGrady had gone for a backdoor lob midway through the second quarter and stepped on the foot of Atlanta #39;s Tony Delk.


Bombing mars launch of political campaign in Iraq The Iraqi political campaign officially kicked off yesterday, colored by hope but tempered by violence that highlighted security concerns


\$500 million resolves criminal, civil allegations Time Warner has agreed to pay more than \$500 million to settle wide-ranging criminal and civil allegations that its America Online division improperly pumped up revenue and engaged


Briefs: Wal-Mart fires execs, citing rules violations Wal-Mart Stores Inc. confirmed Wednesday that it dumped several executives but would not detail why they were fired. The terminations occurred over the past several days, spokeswoman Mona Williams said.


N. Korea Economic Sanctions 'One Option' -- Japan (Reuters) Reuters - Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka\Machimura said on Thursday economic sanctions against North\Korea were "one option," but added that care was needed in\deciding whether Tokyo should take such a step immediately.


Iceland Offers Ex-Chess Champ Fischer Residency (Reuters) Reuters - Chess master Bobby Fischer has been\offered a new home in Iceland, but it's not clear if he'll be\able to make the move from Japan, where he is being detained.


Kansas City Lineman Catches Heat From ND (AP) AP - All he said was, "Jordan Black, Dallas Christian High School." That was more than enough to upset many Notre Dame fans.


RealNetworks promises iPod lockout fix Apple Computer Inc. has updated the software for some of its iPod music players so that songs bought from RealNetworks Inc. won #39;t play.


Billups keys Pistons win at MSG Instinct took over when Chauncey Billups grabbed a long rebound with 4.9 seconds left. Normally, he #39;d call a timeout and let coach Larry Brown design the final play.


Dolphins talking to LSU #39;s Saban Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga and president Eddie Jones met with LSU coach Nick Saban in Baton Rouge, La., on Tuesday night, in what both sides called  quot;a preliminary conversation quot; about the team #39;s search for a coach.


Manning #39;s pursuit of record draws media blitz And the nation will be watching Sunday night as Peyton Manning tries to shatter a 20-year-old record for the most touchdowns tossed in a single season.


Red Sox making noise in the offseason 1. Boston Red Sox. Yes, they lost one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history in Pedro Martinez when the veteran righty signed a four-year deal with the Mets.


India and Pakistan to set up a nuclear hotline India and Pakistan appear to have made some progress in a step-by-step peace process which began in January. Both countries have agreed to operationalise a nuclear hotline between their foreign secretaries as soon as possible.


Tokyo Stocks Close Down (AP) AP - Tokyo stocks fell Thursday as the U.S. dollar weakened against the yen and oil prices began to rebound.


Nepal army sends reinforcements Extra  troops are sent to a remote area in west Nepal after 20 troops die in a clash with Maoist rebels.


Congo, Rwanda at Brink of War After two years of fragile peace, one of Africa's most volatile regions -- the border area of Rwanda and Congo -- has been pushed back to the brink of war with Rwandan soldiers reportedly staging raids in eastern Congo and Congolese militias clashing separately with each other.


Colombia Captures 'Chancellor' of FARC Rebel Group

 BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) - The chief of internationalrelations for Colombia's biggest leftist rebel group, who oncesought support from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was arrestedafter a months-long manhunt, police said on Wednesday.


Global library heralds new information era Moves by Internet search giant Google to create a global virtual library could signal a communications revolution on a par with Johann Gutenberg and the invention of moveable type in the 15th century.


Saban might be ready to scratch that NFL itch BATON ROUGE -- If you had asked me a few weeks ago about Nick Saban and his coaching future, I would have told you he #39;d be back coaching at LSU the next two seasons.


Sloppy Pack still has enough to remain unbeaten RALEIGH The performance by the NC State men #39;s basketball team was the type that would leave training tables, Gatorade coolers and coaches #39; shirt collars in disarray in the postgame locker room.


At end, Nuggets golden Are these guys ever going to have a game that doesn #39;t come down to the last possession? It seems that, if nothing else, the Celtics give you 48 minutes worth.


NBA Game Summary - Atlanta at Houston Atlanta defeated Houston, 88-84, at Philips Arena last month to snap a two- game series losing streak. The Hawks, however, have lost in six straight trips to Houston...Before the game, the Rockets activated guard Tyronn Lue from the injured list.


Blunkett resigns, Charles Clarke new home secretary: World News: London, Dec 16 : British Prime Minister Tony Blair moved quickly to fill the political vacuum created by David Blunkett #39;s resignation as home secretary, appointing Education Secretary Charles Clarke in his place.


Dollar Near Record Low After Inflows Data  TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was within reach of a record  low against the euro on Thursday as U.S. capital flows data  fueled worries that a weaker greenback would be needed to help  repair the United States' huge trade imbalance.


Region's consumer confidence dives Not even a World Series win helped. New England's outlook turned decidedly gloomy over the last year as consumer confidence plunged farther than any other part of the country, according to data released today. The Conference Board, a nonprofit economic research group in New York, said its index of consumer confidence for New England dove to 77.9 in November, down ...


Sox make off-season pitch Red Sox executives are considering creating a hall of fame or museum at Fenway Park to help keep the fever going, and cash flowing, all year long.


Funding woes threaten MIT's Dublin media lab MIT Media Lab officials are engaged in sensitive talks with the Irish government this week over the future of the 4-year-old Media Lab Europe in Dublin, which is facing a funding crunch.


Tension, fear after mall shooting CAMBRIDGE -- In a quiet entryway of the CambridgeSide Galleria, 75-year-old Mary Dellolio stood gazing out the window, Sears bags in hand, waiting for a ride from a friend. Dellolio said she feels safe in the mall during the daytime but would never venture there after dark, though she lives only two blocks away.


FCC OK's wireless Net access on flights Domestic air travelers could be surfing the Web by 2006 with government-approved technology that allows people access to high-speed Internet connections while they fly.


Bush vows to cut deficit  President Bush pledged yesterday to work with Congress to reduce the government's huge budget deficit as a key step in assuring the world that his administration supports a strong dollar.


Time Warner to settle securities fraud charges  Time Warner Inc. agreed yesterday to pay \$210 million to settle criminal securities fraud charges brought by the Justice Department against the company's America Online unit. The media giant also is prepared to pay \$300 million to end another probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Roxbury group to buy S. Boston building The Mayo Group of Roxbury is expected to purchase 51 Sleeper St. in South Boston, a vacant eight-story building owned by Frank H. McCourt Jr. McCourt, who owns the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, defaulted on a \$22.5 million loan on the property this year. A group of investors sold the loan to Mayo Group for about \$17 million, and ...


Wireless deal will shake up market Sprint Corp.'s agreement to buy Nextel Communications Inc. , in a \$35 billion deal unveiled yesterday, will shake up the mobile phone market and create the third largest US wireless service provider.


FCC clears new phone rules Government regulators approved rules yesterday that would phase out discounts the four major regional telephone companies offer rivals for access to their networks, a move likely to lead to higher phone bills for some 18 million residential phone customers served by AT amp;T Corp., MCI Inc., and other carriers.


Hospital company settles fraud claims State and federal investigators said a day treatment center in Ashland for disabled people overcharged the government Medicaid program by exaggerating clients' disabilities to earn bigger payments.


Oil prices jump after US reports lower supplies Oil futures prices bolted 5 percent higher yesterday, climbing above \$44 a barrel after US government data showed a slight decline in crude and heating oil supplies as colder weather in the Northeast drove up fuel demand.


A Santa Claus on everyone's list BURLINGTON -- Trusting, but with a tinge of nerves, Justin and Brendan McKenney melted into Santa's welcoming arms inside the Burlington Mall.


Building a better English muffin WOBURN -- No sooner had David Vickers finished an on-air interview with West Coast radio host Gene Burns than the requests began pouring in.


Global library heralds new information era NEW YORK (AFP) - Moves by Internet search giant Google to create a global virtual library could signal a communications revolution on a par with Johann Gutenberg and the invention of moveable type in the 15th century.


Australia v Pakistan first test scoreboard  Cricket-Kiwis recall Tuffey for one-day series v Sri Lanka December 15, 2004 03:47:28 WELLINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Seam bowler Daryl Tuffey was recalled to the New Zealand squad on Thursday for the one-day series with Sri Lanka which starts later


Report: Sexson to sign with Mariners Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners have reportedly found their slugging first baseman for the 2005 season and beyond by coming to terms with free agent Richie Sexson.


Intel Acquires Chip Designers From HP (AP) AP - Intel Corp. has reached an agreement to hire hundreds of Hewlett-Packard Co. engineers who helped design the Itanium microprocessor, a massive joint project between the two technology companies since the early 1990s.


Global library heralds new information era (AFP) AFP - Moves by Internet search giant Google to create a global virtual library could signal a communications revolution on a par with Johann Gutenberg and the invention of moveable type in the 15th century.


Kyoto benefits outweigh the costs The onslaught of the winter Typhoon Nanmadol made everyone forget the intense legislative election campaign, as early warning and disaster prevention mechanisms were initiated in the hope of minimizing damage.


Sprint acquiring Nextel in \$35B deal Sprint Corp. said yesterday it will acquire Nextel Communications Inc. in a \$35-billion deal that will create the nation #39;s third-largest wireless phone carrier, Sprint Nextel.


3 Jockey for Power of House's Purse Strings (Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; In his campaign to become chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) recently gave a group of his most conservative colleagues a flier showing a bloated Uncle Sam. The caption: "Uncle needs a diet."


Speedy Net access coming to airplanes The plane #39;s on the tarmac, Philip Roth #39;s latest epic is on your lap and this guy stumbles in at the last minute, squeezes beside you (just when you thought the seat was empty), opens his laptop and dials his cell phone.


Johnson  amp; Johnson to acquire Guidant Corp. for \$25.4 billion US Johnson  amp; Johnson announced that it will acquire Guidant Corp., one of the world #39;s top makers of cardiac devices, for \$25.4 billion US.


Google Wins Geico Trademark Ruling A federal judge ruled in Google #39;s favor yesterday in the first US court ruling that search engines can sell advertising triggered by trademarked terms.


Heavy holiday travel expected, concerns over drunken driving WASHINGTON The Triple-A holiday travel forecast projects nearly 51 (m) million pople will be hitting the road in the United States for the Christmas and New Years holiday weekends.


United Tech says \$2.8b cash deal for Kidde accepted LONDON (CBS.MW) -- United Technologies (UTX) said its \$2.8 billion cash offer for UK fire safety group Kidde (UK:KID) has been accepted by Kidde #39;s board.


Baseball official calls stadium vote  #39;unacceptable #39; A top official of Major League Baseball has labeled a new stadium financing proposal approved late yesterday by DC City Council as  quot;wholly unacceptable quot; and offered to refund deposits that have been made toward purchasing tickets for Washington Nationals


Knicks pained by fall at end Jamal Crawford sat in a corner of the locker room, quiet and withdrawn, in total disbelief at the opportunity he and his Knicks teammates had squandered in their bid to beat the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons.


As Liverpool lose points at Anfield, need for new faces obvious Liverpool have lost two Portsmouth #39;s point at injury time. Portsmouth #39;s Lomana Lua Lua spoiled Christmas party for Liverpool scoring a late equaliser to earn a point against the Reds in a 1-1 draw at Anfield.


Anthony supplies win, atonement Boston - Three key Nuggets redeemed themselves Wednesday at the FleetCenter in the time it takes to microwave popcorn. That allowed Denver to atone for its mistake-laden loss at Philadelphia the previous night


Gunmen Kill Senior Iraqi Ministry Official (Reuters) Reuters - A senior official in Iraq's\Communications Ministry was shot dead as he was driving to work\in Baghdad on Thursday, a source at the ministry said.


Australian police search for teen shark attack victim (AFP) AFP - A pair of sharks killed a teenage water-skier at a popular Adelaide beach as horrified friends looked on, in Australia's second fatal shark attack in less than a week.


Social Security a Priority for White House (AP) AP - The Bush administration predicts financial markets would applaud a costly overhaul of Social Security for tackling long-term financial obligations weighing on the federal budget.


Gunmen Kill Senior Iraqi Ministry Official  BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A senior official in Iraq's  Communications Ministry was shot dead as he was driving to work  in Baghdad on Thursday, a source at the ministry said.


N. Korea Economic Sanctions 'One Option'--Japan  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka  Machimura said on Thursday economic sanctions against North  Korea were "one option" but that care was needed in deciding if  Tokyo should take such a step immediately.


Lincoln-Sudbury grad achieves her goals at MIT Sudbury's Betty Zheng, a senior assistant captain on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology women's ice hockey team, will always remember MIT's Dec. 3 game against Chatham (Pa.) College.


Garry's possession skills displayed at UMass-Lowell Its's no coincidence that since Medway's Tim Garry suited up for the UMass-Lowell men's soccer team, the River Hawks have won back-to-back Northeast-10 Conference Tournament championships and earned a pair of automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.


Stehle leading Crimson in rebounds and steals Former Newton South High School basketball and golf captain Matt Stehle is now a junior at Harvard University, where the 6-foot-8-inch forward was leading the men's basketball team in rebounding and steals and was second in scoring through six games.


Woods is an exchange student You think the rush to exchange presents Dec. 26 will be furious? It might not compare with the mad dash of folks looking to reassess their 2004 viewpoints of one Tiger Woods.


Time Warner pays up Agrees to \$210M Justice Dept. deal and proposes paying an additional \$300M to end SEC probe. BY HARRY BERKOWITZ. Seeking to remove a cloud that has lingered over Time Warner for years, the media giant said yesterday


Fed hikes benchmark rate by a quarter point NEW YORK, December 15 (newratings.com) - The US Federal Reserve announced yesterday a widely expected quarter point hike in its overnight lending rate, the fifth hike since June this year.


Are cellphones meant to fly? Airline travel has always been a welcome refuge from the incessant chatter of cellphone users, so it is sobering to hear that regulators are thinking of allowing the use of cellphones up in the friendly skies.


A mother's search for her children The island of Car Nicobar has been devastated by the tsunami, with around half its population unaccounted for, as the BBC's Jonathan Charles discovered.


GEICO vs Google Ads: Google Wins abertoll writes  quot;A federal judge decided that Google is able to sell ads under the GEICO trademark, claiming that this is fair use of the trademark.


Holiday crackdown on unsafe drivers getting early start Alcohol-related auto accidents increase sharply during the holidays compared with other times in December, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association shows.


Wal-Mart Fires 7 Execs, Managers Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fired three executives and four managers from its Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters for violating company rules, the company said on Wednesday.


Hollywood vs BitTorrent p2pnet.net News:- Yesterday, the major movie studios turned their MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) loose on BitTorrent and eDonkey p2p networks, claiming the effort is necessary to bring file-sharing under control.


HP confirms that Itanium is Intel #39;s responsibility HP and Intel have confirmed earlier reports that located a massive migration of HP Itanium boat people making their way to Intel. True to speculation, Intel has agreed to hire hundreds of HP #39;s Itanium engineers working at a Ft.


#39;Wearable #39; solar panels to charge mobiles Wearable solar panels that could charge mobile phones, music players or light batteries are likely to go on sale within three years, according to New Scientist magazine.


NEC licenses Honeywell LCD tech Honeywell #39;s legal action against 34 electronics and computing companies for allegedly infringing one of its LCD patents has yielded its first public licensing agreement.


Let the new owner pay Congratulations to Linda Cropp and her fellow DC council members who voted with her Tuesday night. By insisting that private funding be included for a new baseball stadium in Washington, they did the right thing.


NBA Game Preview (Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons will try to avoid their first three- game losing streak of the season when they head to Madison Square Garden to battle the New York Knicks.


Successful, respected coach usually has last laugh Before we talk about the possibility Rick Majerus is the greatest coaching hire in USC sports history, let #39;s acknowledge that his arrival Wednesday raised a number of questions.


Bryant is sorry; Shaq justhasnothingtosay With their Christmas Day showdown nine days away, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Heat center Shaquille O #39;Neal shared thoughts Wednesday on their upcoming reunion game at Staples Center.


Sky #39;s the limit when it comes to Sox spending If you want to get a rise out of a small-market general manager, ask him about the Red Sox being limited by their budget. Already this weekend at the winter meetings, we #39;ve


Peace may now stand a chance In his olive nylon bomber jacket, olive fatigue pants and black combat boots, Al-Aqsa Martyr #39;s Brigades member Abu Said sees himself as a soldier, fighting Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.


British official resigns over nanny scandal Britain #39;s top law enforcement officer, a key member of Tony Blair #39;s Cabinet, resigned Wednesday after acknowledging that his department fast-tracked a visa for his former lover #39;s nanny.


Pakistan seeks investors for port Pakistan plans to invite foreign investors to operate its new port of Gwadar, an unusual step for a country that has attracted little foreign capital.


Oil prices jump after US reports lower supplies Oil futures prices bolted 5 percent higher yesterday, climbing above \$44 a barrel after US government data showed a slight decline in crude and heating oil supplies


Airbus forecasts increased demand for its largest fleet Airbus, the world #39;s biggest maker of commercial aircraft, forecast yesterday that airlines will need 1,902 jumbo planes over the next 20 years -- more than double the forecast of its rival, The Boeing Co.


'Truly' takes San Gabriel Truly a Judge edged Star Cross by a length yesterday in Arcadia, Calif., to win the \$150,000 San Gabriel Handicap at Santa Anita Park.


Portable panels mean power in your pocket London - European scientists have developed light, flexible solar panels that could be sewn on fabrics and placed on surfaces to charge objects ranging from cellphones and DVD players to batteries.


STN-LCD maker EDT projects above 130 CSTN capacity growth in 2Q <b>...</b> Emerging Display Technologies (EDT), specializing in small-to-medium STN/CSTN-LCD panels, will ramp up its monthly capacity for CSTN LCDs from 30,000 units at present to 70,000 in the second quarter of 2005, according to the company.


Replacements on US team? A labor dispute between the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and players has halted World Cup preparations and could result in the national team using replacement players for the Feb.


Tokyo's Nikkei Average Closes Lower  TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average closed lower  Thursday, ending a three-day winning streak as profit-taking  hit Toyota Motor Corp. and other exporters that had benefited  from gains on Wall Street and a weaker yen.


ABN AMRO Leads European Shares Higher  LONDON (Reuters) - European shares opened firmer on  Thursday led by ABN AMRO as investors applauded the savings the  Dutch broker will make from cutting jobs.


Google wins trademark ruling over online advertising policy Google Inc. won a major legal victory yesterday when a federal judge ruled that the search engine's advertising policy does not violate federal trademark laws.


Ex-Serono executive charged in bribery case Federal prosecutors yesterday alleged that a former sales director for Serono Inc. offered doctors bribes in return for prescribing its AIDS treatment as part of a marketing program at the Swiss drug company, whose main US offices are in Rockland.


Pioneering McCaw at epicenter of cell deals The announced union of Sprint and Nextel Communications yesterday marked the second mega-deal in the wireless industry this year - and the second involving a life change for a Craig McCaw-built venture.


Kansas rallies to nip Georgia Tech in OT Keith Langford's twisting shot with three seconds left in overtime capped a comeback from a 16-point deficit and lifted second-ranked Kansas to a 70-68 victory over No. 9 Georgia Tech yesterday at Lawrence, Kan.


Accounting department  As Papa Griffith used to say every Jan. 1, "Well, it looks like we made it through another year."


Holiday traveler outlook: no gifts MANATEE - Expect airports and roads to be even more crowded than usual this holiday season. That #39;s the word from AAA, which predicted Wednesday that a record number of Americans and Floridians will travel during the Christmas and New Year #39;s holidays.


Tennessee topples Aggies with ease DALLAS -- Looking nothing like the third-string quarterback he was most of the season, Rick Clausen led No. 15 Tennessee to five touchdowns in just 2 1/2 quarters and the defense had its way with 22d-ranked Texas A amp;M in a 38-7 victory in the Cotton Bowl yesterday. Winning was nice enough for the Vols after losing their last two bowl ...


Notebook: Washington move in jeopardy Major League Baseball is poised to cancel the move of the Montreal Expos to Washington after the District of Columbia Council on Tuesday amended the agreement


Seminoles end on high note JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Nice recovery, Chris Rix. Coach Bobby Bowden stuck with his struggling quarterback and Rix eventually sparked No. 17 Florida State with two long second-half touchdown drives yesterday, beating West Virginia, 30-18, in the Gator Bowl.


Antonio Tarver #39;s Transcendent Dreams By Patrick Kehoe: World light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver may be 35 and yet he #39;s not about to indulge in limits, conditional options or relativism of any kind.


Jones sues her accuser Marion Jones has filed a 12million lawsuit for defamation against the man who alleged he supplied her with performance-enhancing drugs.


Nuggets win on Anthony #39;s shot Anthony #39;s 15-foot jumper with 3.6 seconds remaining gave the Nuggets a 100-99 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, the fifth stop on Denver #39;s seven-game road trip.


Brackman provides heroics for Wolfpack Andrew Brackman provided the spark that No. 12 NC State so desperately needed Wednesday night. As a result, the Wolfpack stayed unbeaten -- barely.


Hurricanes are in a euphoric state ATLANTA -- Miami center Joel Rodriguez walked across the confetti-covered field carrying the Peach Bowl trophy, hugging teammates and waving to fans.


Budd inquiry uncovered the crucial second paper trail A SECOND paper trail in the Home Office blew apart David Blunketts defence that his only involvement with his nannys visa application was to check that it was correct.


Mud flies as Iraqis kick off campaign The Iraqi election season officially kicked off yesterday, and the mudslinging started right away. Iraq #39;s defense minister, an ally of Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, blasted


Petrino out, Miles eyed in LSU's search for Saban's successor Fresh off a victory in the Liberty Bowl, Louisville coach Bobby Petrino withdrew from consideration for the job at Louisiana State yesterday.


ABN AMRO Leads European Shares Higher (Reuters) Reuters - European shares opened firmer on\Thursday led by ABN AMRO as investors applauded the savings the\Dutch broker will make from cutting jobs.


Saudis Set Up Checkpoints Ahead of Protest (AP) AP - Police set up checkpoints and checked identity cards Thursday along streets leading to the area in the Saudi capital where anti-monarchists were expected to try to hold an illegal demonstration called by an exiled dissident.


Lakers' Bryant Would Apologize to Shaq (AP) AP - Lakers star Kobe Bryant wants to apologize to former teammate Shaquille O'Neal for mentioning his name during a police interview last year.


Houston Astros Hope Wireless Is A Hit (TechWeb) TechWeb - Baseball team keeps its eye on the technology ball by assembling an outside IT team to deploy Wi-Fi for fans.


Indonesia on alert after warnings of terrorist attack (AFP) AFP - Indonesia was on high alert after British and Australian warnings of a terrorist attack before Christmas amid fears that Islamic militants wanted for the Bali bombings are poised to strike again.


Pronger, McKenzie Eye Hockey in 2006 (AP) AP - NHL veteran Jim McKenzie thought about accepting a salary cap during the last lockout 10 years ago.


Social Security a Priority for White House (AP) AP - THE PROBLEM: Social Security faces a  #36;3.7 trillion shortfall over 75 years.


British Cities Become Wildlife Safe Havens (Reuters) Reuters - Britain's town and cities have become\key survival safe havens for the country's endangered wildlife,\according to a new survey published on Thursday.


Operating under cover Brown ground. Fast grass. Except for on the tip of Cape Cod, it doesn't really look like skiing or boarding conditions around these parts.


Forgotten Stewart still waiting for his chance Last night marked the first anniversary of Danny Ainge's bold, six-player trade with Cleveland in which Ricky Davis was the obvious attraction. The move generated plenty of controversy at the time, eventually cost the Celtics the services of Jim O'Brien and Dick Harter , ended a five-game winning streak, and now only Davis remains on the active roster of either ...


Top Iraq official shot dead  Gunmen shoot and kill a senior official in Iraq's communication ministry on his way to work in Baghdad.


A spot for Harvard, NU Harvard running back Clifton Dawson, a sophomore, was named to the Associated Press Division 1-AA All-America football team yesterday.


An advantage? Good question The NFL season has primarily been an exercise in watching the Patriots and Steelers dismantle their opposition on a weekly basis, and then trying to predict which one will blink first and lose home field for a possible playoff game.


Colombia captures rebel 'envoy' Colombian security forces arrest a man they say  was in charge of the Farc  guerrillas' international ties.


Competition is sight for Clement The Red Sox are one of seven teams that have an offer on the table to righthander Matt Clement , who came up in the Padres' system with Theo Epstein and remains one of the most attractive pitching options left on the market despite a career record under .500.


BALCO head Conte hit with suit from Jones Olympic track star Marion Jones filed a defamation lawsuit yesterday against BALCO head Victor Conte, who told a national TV audience that he gave her steroids and watched her inject herself with them.


Mountain climbing Leaving Beaver Creek, Colo., for Europe two weeks ago, Bode Miller had earned the distinction of being the best ski racer of the young World Cup season, and most signs were pointing toward extraordinary heights.


Transactions BASEBALL Arizona (NL): Signed SS Craig Counsell. Boston (AL): Signed SS Edgar Renteria and P John Halama. Chicago (NL): Named Grady Little special assistant in player development and minor league roving catching instructor, and Randy Bush special assistant to the vice president and general manager. Cincinnati (NL): Signed Ps David Weathers and Ben Weber. Colorado (NL): Signed OF Reggie Taylor ...


Players: Gloomy outlook NHL veterans Chris Pronger and Jim McKenzie think this lockout is far worse than the one that wiped out half a season 10 years ago.


Langer launches Aussie fightback Justin Langer hits a century to help Australia reach 220-5 at tea on day one of the first Test in Perth.


Drugs from anywhere FREEPORT, Bahamas -- At the back of the steel warehouse, pharmacists in lab coats are fetching bottles of prescription drugs from dimly lit shelves. They bear labels in French, Spanish, and Italian. Some come from New Zealand, 8,225 miles away.


Bombing mars launch of political campaign in Iraq BAGHAD -- The Iraqi political campaign officially kicked off yesterday, colored by hope but tempered by violence that highlighted security concerns leading up to the national election set for Jan. 30.


Hijackers surrender in Athens bus standoff ATHENS -- Two armed Albanian hijackers surrendered and released their hostages early today, 18 hours after seizing a bus in an Athens suburb and threatening to blow it up if authorities did not pay a ransom.


Militants beat man thought to be from US HENDALA, Sri Lanka -- Day after day, locked in a cement room somewhere in Iraq, the hooded men beat him. They told him he would be beheaded. ''Ameriqi! quot; they shouted, even though he comes from this poor Sri Lankan fishing village.


Britain's Blair left with political headache after key minister resigns (AFP) AFP - British Prime Minister Tony Blair was leaving for a key summit after a rapid and deeply unwelcome reorganisation of his government following the resignation of respected interior minister David Blunkett.


Top witness in Indonsian Bashir trial withdraws confession (AFP) AFP - Indonesian prosecutors' bid to link a radical Muslim cleric to bomb attacks suffered another setback when a key witness withdrew a confession tying the militant to a regional extremist group.


Regulators Probing Tips on Offerings -WSJ  NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. regulators are looking into  whether Wall Street firms are providing insider information on  upcoming offerings, either on purpose or inadvertently, the  Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.


Sprint, Nextel agree to join forces as No. 3 cellphone carrier in <b>...</b> The freewheeling wireless industry, known for its upstarts and edgy competition, got a little more run-of-the-mill Wednesday when Sprint and Nextel Communications formally announced a merger


Web access on jets may grow Seeking to speed the delivery of new communications services to US airline passengers, the government yesterday paved the way for at least one company to compete


YUKOS Surrenders to the Allies Yesterday morning YUKOS filed an application in a bankruptcy court in Houston, Texas for restructuring according to American laws.


CPP board tabs Denison TORONTO -- David Denison, current president of Fidelity Investments Canada, is taking over in January as the president and chief executive of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.


HP, Intel dissolve Itanium partnership Hewlett-Packard Co., the No. 2 maker of personal computers, is retreating from its involvement in developing the Itanium computer chip with Intel Corp.


Seeking a little iPod 101? A few tips on this hot gift Millions of people will buy or receive Apple Computers iPod digital-music players this holiday season. They are beautifully designed and easy to use.


Call him Jolly Ol #39; St. Rick It took all of about five minutes of an introductory press conference Wednesday at Heritage Hall for USC basketball to gain something it never really had before.


Johnson lifts Suns past Jazz Every other Suns starter has had his turn to shine in this season #39;s supernova. It was just a matter of time before Johnson stepped into the role of leading man, too.


Setting sights on Delgado Fresh off the Pedro Martinez signing, the Mets didn #39;t waste much time before moving on to their next order of business. A baseball official with knowledge of the team #39;s plans


Duke women take life out of Gamecocks, crowd The place known as much for its  quot;airball quot; chants as the winning basketball that is played there was silent when Shanika Freeman #39;s shot failed to hit the rim Wednesday night.


Comparisons inevitable in draft-day rematch It will be a Saturday afternoon soap opera, with the man the Giants vowed to have and to hold and the one they left at the altar crossing paths on the floor of Giants Stadium.


It's a fitting honor for school's finest He was an unparalleled star of his day, throwing touchdown passes, swatting home runs, and swishing baskets at Lynn Classical. Aristotle George Agganis, whose mother called him "Ari" and friends dubbed "Harry," was recruited in 1948 by football powerhouses including Notre Dame, but the Greek boy from Lynn chose to stay close to home at Boston University, where he instantly ...


Fed Raises Interest Rate to 2.25 Percent The Federal Reserve pushed US interest rates up by a modest quarter-percentage point on Tuesday and expressed confidence that inflation could be kept at bay by slowly lifting credit costs from rock-bottom levels.


ABN AMRO Leads European Shares Higher European shares opened firmer on Thursday led by ABN AMRO as investors applauded the savings the Dutch broker will make from cutting jobs.


Johnson  amp; Johnson buys Guidant for \$24 billion US health titan Johnson and Johnson has reached a deal to acquire US heart device manufacturer Guidant Corporation, in a stock-and-cash deal valued at \$23.9 billion, based on \$76 a share, the companies said in a statement early this morning.


Euro, pound see slight rise on greenback LONDON (CBS.MW) -- The dollar dropped sharply against the yen on Wednesday in Tokyo after the release of Bank of Japan #39;s tankan survey.


Casino deals itself short as IPO pops 61 Shares of casino operator Las Vegas Sands (LVS) jumped \$17.56, or 61, to \$46.56 in their first day of trading, hearkening back to the heady 1990s when initial public offerings would surge out of sight on their debut.


Ending will be far from perfect NEW ORLEANS -- Poor Auburn. A 12-0 record and Southeastern Conference title would be enough to make the Tigers a front-runner for the national title most years -- or at least cause a spirited debate about who's No. 1.


Web Surfers Flock To Family #39;s  #39;Out Of Control #39; Holiday Display Not only does he have 17,000 holiday lights on his Lafayette, Colo., house, he #39;s rigged up an interactive Web site to let virtual visitors turn the lights off and on with the click of a mouse.


This one has star quality FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Bowl Championship Series national championship matchup between No. 1 Southern California and No. 2 Oklahoma in Tuesday night's Orange Bowl is rich with tradition.


Hawkeye heroics go a long way ORLANDO, Fla. -- Warren Holloway has quite a story to tell at his next family reunion in Chicago.


Blunkett quits after Whitehall report DAVID BLUNKETT resigned last night after an inquiry found his office was involved in  quot;fast-tracking quot; his ex-lover Kimberly Quinn #39;s nanny #39;s application to stay in Britain.


Iraqi minister accuses Iran of orchestrating insurgency to <b>...</b> IRAQS national election campaign kicked off yesterday with angry accusations that Iran was masterminding the continuing insurgency in an effort to undermine democracy and bring about clerical rule.


Venezuelans Recall Catastrophic Floods Five years after catastrophic floods and mudslides killed thousands along Venezuela's Caribbean coast, survivors in this town still see the signs of destruction - shattered concrete walls and tall weeds growing atop streets covered in dried mud.


US Recognizes Yukos Right for Court Protection Boucher, asked during the press briefing whether the US government planned to get involved in the case, said, In terms of reaction, I think Id just have to say that Yukos management has the right to pursue any legal remedies it determines are in


Fiat and GM in secret talks Fiat #39;s chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, yesterday pressed Rick Wagoner, General Motors chairman, to take over the struggling Italian group at secret talks.


Johnson  amp; Johnson to Pay \$25.4 Billion for Guidant Johnson  amp; Johnson agreed to acquire Guidant Corp. for \$25.4 billion, adding electrical devices for treating heart disease to a lineup of thousands of health products including Band-Aids and cardiac stents.


Fannie Mae must restate its earnings The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered Fannie Mae, the nation #39;s largest buyer of mortgages, to restate its earnings over the last


United Technologies to Buy UK #39;s Kidde for \$2.8 Bln (Update5) United Technologies Corp., which offers security services through its Chubb unit, agreed to buy UK fire-protection company Kidde Plc for \$2.8 billion in cash to expand its range of building-services products.


Intel acquires chip designers from HP SAN JOSE, Calif. Intel has reached an agreement to hire hundreds of Hewlett-Packard engineers who helped design the Itanium microprocessor.


Apple Unveils iPod Photo  amp; U2 iPod in India Apple has launched two new variations of the iPod - the Apple iPod Photo and the U2 iPod. A digital music player with a high-resolution color screen, the iPod Photo can hold up to 25,000 digital photos, alongside a music library.


Win a Limited Edition of MechAssault 2 With the release of MechAssault 2 looming for Xbox, Microsoft has kicked-off what could very well be the easiest competition you #39;ll ever encounter.


McLEISH OFFERS NO EXCUSES Rangers manager Alex McLeish admitted his side had blown the perfect opportunity to reach the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. Rangers needed only a draw at home to Auxerre to qualify from Group F but were sunk 2-0


Britain #39;s Blair left with political headache after key minister <b>...</b> LONDON (AFP) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair was leaving for a key summit after a rapid and deeply unwelcome reorganisation of his government following the resignation of respected interior minister David Blunkett.


Explosion marks first day of Iraq campaigns Violence marred Iraq #39;s first official day of parliamentary election campaigning Wednesday as interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi announced his candidacy for the Jan. 30


Indonesia orders security clampdown after terror attack warnings JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities on Thursday ordered a nationwide security crackdown after several foreign governments warned that terrorists were preparing to launch attacks against Western targets ahead of Christmas.


China urged not to forget poorer neighbours Booming China has been urged to help its poorer neighbours by Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, who said a larger role by the nascent giant could boost development and improve regional security.


Court of appeal to make key ruling on terror suspects' detention (AFP) AFP - Britain's highest court of appeal was due to rule on whether foreign nationals can be detained indefinitely without trial in the country, a case with sweeping constitutional and security implications.


Great Whites kill teen on surfboard in second Australian shark attack (AFP) AFP - Two Great White sharks attacked and killed a teenage boy on a surfboard off a packed beach as his horrified friends looked on, in Australia's second fatal shark attack in five days.


London opens with gains on bid flurry London equities opened in positive territory on Thursday as a raft of bid news helped lift sentiment on the market. The FTSE 100 started trade up 0.3 per cent at 4,740.1 and the mid-cap FTSE 250 stayed flat at 6,755.7.


Heating oil demand fuels price hike Oil prices blasted higher yesterday, surging above \$44 a barrel after government data showed a slight decline in crude and heating oil supplies as a Northeast cold snap drove up fuel demand.


Bush to send signal on strong dollar US President George W Bush has said he intends to  #39;send a signal #39; to financial markets that he is serious about a strong dollar by tackling the US budget deficit.


Latest Zafi Worm Wreaking Holiday E-Mail Havoc The Zafi.D worm, which disguises itself as an e-mail holiday greeting, is currently the most frequently detected worldwide virus, software security company Panda Software said this week.


SAP offers automated security-check service SAP on Wednesday unveiled a service, SAP Security Optimization, that offers automated security-configuration checks for customers #39; software.


Defoe pitches in for pal Joe (AFP) AFP - Jermain Defoe has urged Tottenham to snap up his old West Ham team-mate Joe Cole who is out of favour with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.


Finish line, December 16 Olympics track athlete Marion Jones filed a defamation lawsuit Wednesday against Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative founder Victor Conte, who told a national television audience he gave her steroids and watched her inject herself with them.


Jets: Edwards says Pennington is still hurting Jets coach Herman Edwards said yesterday that Chad Pennington still has some discomfort in his right arm, lingering effects of a strained rotator cuff.


Bryant offers an apology to O #39;Neal Kobe Bryant apologized to Shaquille O #39;Neal on television Wednesday and would like to do so again in person for telling Eagle County, Colo.


Greek hijack siege ends peacefully A Greek bus hostage siege has ended peacefully as all 23 passengers were freed and as police revealed the two armed Albanian hijackers had been bluffing when they threatened to blow up the bus.


EU Leaders Poised To Offer Entry Talks To Turkey EU leaders were poised on Thursday to set a date to start accession talks with Turkey, as Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Brussels in an optimistic mood for a spate of last-minute diplomacy.


Pakistan urges China not to forget poorer neighours Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today urged booming China to help poorer neighbours, saying a larger role by the nascent giant could boost development and improve regional security.


Teen surfer killed by two sharks A young Australian surfer has been killed in a horrifying attack by two great white sharks at a popular Adelaide beach, the second fatal attack in five days, rescue officials and witnesses say.


Shi #39;ites bombed as Iraq poll campaign begins A bomb near a Shi #39;ite shrine has killed eight people and a fierce attack on Iran by a minister fuelled fears of sectarian strife as campaigning began for Iraq #39;s first election since Saddam Hussein #39;s fall.


Latest Zafi Worm Wreaking Holiday E-Mail Havoc (Reuters) Reuters - The Zafi.D worm, which disguises\itself as an e-mail holiday greeting, is currently the most\frequently detected worldwide virus, software security company\Panda Software said this week.


Australian Teen Surfer Killed by 2 Sharks (AP) AP - Two great white sharks attacked and killed a surfer while his friends watched in horror Thursday off a popular beach in the southern Australian city of Adelaide, authorities said.


Thai Zoo to Be Charged Over Illegal Orangutan (Reuters) Reuters - The owners of a Bangkok amusement park\will be charged with importing endangered animals illegally\after DNA tests confirmed a group of orangutan had not been\born in Thailand, forestry police said Thursday.


Taiwan sparks Japan-China row China warns Japan its granting of a sight-seeing visa to former Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui will harm ties.


It's career day for Pingree's Lloyd Pingree's David Lloyd matched his career high of 34 points in the second half alone as he totaled a school-record 61 points yesterday in a 78-68 win over host Cambridge School of Weston. Lloyd, a senior guard, added nine assists and four steals.


J amp;J to buy Guidant for \$25.4bn Johnson  amp; Johnson last night struck a deal to acquire Guidant, the US cardiac treatment group for \$25.4bn, in a move that will give it access to one of the fastest growing areas in health care.


ABN Amro to cut 2,800 jobs AMSTERDAM, DECEMBER 16: Dutch financial group ABN AMRO said on Thursday it would cut 2,850 jobs in a restructuring in which it broadens group shared services (GSS) and refines its wholesale clients business unit.


Apple ships Mac OS X update The 26MB upgrade to version 10.3.6 is available now via the OS #39; Software Update control panel and from Apple #39;s support web site.


quot;MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf quot; goes gold Hot on the heels of Microsoft #39;s reigning king, Halo 2, comes the latest time killer, MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf. The sequel to the popular Xbox Live launch title is in the bag and will be in store shevles December 28.


McCoist blasts  #39;powder-puff #39; Gers Former Rangers star Ally McCoist has described the current team as powder-puff following their UEFA Cup exit last night. Alex McLeishs side needed only a draw at home to Auxerre to progress to the last 32 but lost 2-0.


Expos move in jeopardy WASHINGTON - Baseballs response to Washingtons lawmakers was strong, swift and ominous. Or, as Mayor Anthony A. Williams put it: The dream of 33 years is now once again close to dying.


Expos #39; relocation to Washington in peril NEW YORK - Washington #39;s new baseball team shut down business and promotional operations indefinitely Wednesday as its move to the nation #39;s capital teetered on the brink of collapse.


Jets #39; failing  #39;O #39; is a sore spot The Jets have big problems on offense. The quarterback has a sore throwing shoulder and some of his teammates have sore feelings. Chad Pennington, who returned two weeks ago from a strained


RUSSIA * ROSGIDROMET * KYOTO * OPINION BUENOS AIRES, December 16 (RIA Novosti #39;s Yuri Nikolayev) - The mechanisms for compliance with the Kyoto Protocol are not focused on cutting greenhouse gas emissions yet, Alexander Bedritsky, head of the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and


Ruling due on terror detentions Nine Law Lords are set to a make a major ruling on the extent to which the government can restrict human rights in its bid to combat terrorism.


Turning the Holidays Green Looking for an eco-friendly gift for that special tree-hugger in your life? This guide has you covered, right down to the wrapping paper. By Lewis Wallace.


SEC advises Fannie Mae to restate earnings; \$9bn at stake NEW YORK, December 16 (newratings.com) - According to a report in the Washington Post today, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised Fannie Mae (FNM.


MechAssault 2: Where everything is destructible Gamers already eager to tear down their enemies with heavy weaponry have now become even more desperate. Microsoft Game Studios has announced that MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf for Xbox has gone gold and will be


Pedro exit official: Passes physical, set to join Mets Pedro Martinez, who replaced Roger Clemens on the Fenway Park mound in the late  #39;90s, has now matched the Rocket in Red Sox stats, schedule annals as the free agent pitcher who got away.


Greece Appeals for Calm after Bungled Hijack Ends Peacefully The Greek government appealed for calm today, fearing a public backlash against immigrants following the bungled bus hijacking by two Albanian gunmen.


Festive Season Brings Terror Warning Regarding Indonesia The Australian government has warned that terrorists may try to bomb a Hilton hotel in Indonesia, and it is urging Australian citizens to stay away


Incumbent Mesic Leads Presidential Race in Croatia  ZAGREB, Croatia (Reuters) - Croatians voted for president  Sunday, with liberal incumbent Stjepan Mesic expected to win a  second term and help shepherd the former Yugoslav republic's  planned 2009 entry into the European Union.


Full Extent of Indonesia Disaster Slowly Revealed  BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - Survivors huddle in  clearings without food or shelter above the water-damage line  all along the tsunami-ravaged coast of Indonesia's Aceh  province, and corpses float miles out to sea.


A boy named Tsunami Roy (Reuters) Reuters - Six-day-old Tsunami Roy doesn't know what all the fuss about him is, as he hungrily suckles at his mother's breast before dropping off for a contented nap.


Retail sales show festive fervour UK retail sales are better than expected in November as Christmas shoppers flock  to the High Street.


Blair calls for long-term effort to overcome 'global catastrophe' (AFP) AFP - Prime Minister Tony Blair called for a long-term effort from the international community to help overcome the tsunami tragedy in Asia which he said was a "global catastrophe".


China's Local Growth Economy Still Strong (AP) AP - China's investment in construction and factory equipment, a key growth indicator, slowed slightly in November on lower public spending, but local-level investments surged, the government reported Thursday.


HK delays Link REIT by 3 days (TheDeal.com) TheDeal.com - The offering, which would be the world's largest this year, is now scheduled to float Dec. 20.


Bankruptcy plan  #39;will not deter #39; Yukos sale YUKOS shareholders gave warning yesterday that the oil giants attempt to seek bankruptcy protection in the US was unlikely to prevent the Russian Government-ordered


Retail sales show festive fervour UK retail sales were better than expected in November as Christmas shoppers began their seasonal flock to the High Street, figures show.


All new chips multicore, says Intel Intel has confirmed that in future all its chips will be multicore and has revealed additional desktop, server and mobile processor plans.


DoCoMo to Offer Overseas Roaming-Capable 3G Phones (Reuters) Reuters - Top Japanese wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo\(9437.T) said on Thursday it would launch a 3G phone equipped\for use overseas and including a video conferencing function,\getting a leg-up on its closest rival, KDDI Corp. (9433.T).


Skiles ejected, Bulls respond MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Although the Bulls have yet to record back-to-back victories, they quietly are putting together a solid stretch of games.


Oracle may feel PeopleSoft's pain (TheDeal.com) TheDeal.com - After one of the most bitter takeovers in corporate history, the challenge is to stitch the two companies together.


Greece fears racist backlash THE Greek government has appealed for calm, fearing a public backlash against immigrants living in the country following the bus hijacking by two Albanian gunmen.


US fears Iranian influence in Iraqi elections Kicking off his country #39;s first democratic election campaign Wednesday, Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi declared his own candidacy, saying the country can handle the challenge.


Koivu Says Next NHL Season Also at Risk -- Paper  HELSINKI (Reuters) - The prospects of saving the National  Hockey League (NHL) season are grim and unless owners and  players start talking soon to end a lockout the 2005-2006  season is also at risk, Montreal's Saku Koivu said.


Humanoid robot learns how to run Honda's new, improved Asimo robot is able to run, interact with people and shake his hips.


Nintendo DS plays music and video Nintendo is making a media add-on for its DS game console that will let it play music and video.


DoCoMo to Offer Overseas Roaming-Capable 3G Phones  TOKYO (Reuters) - Top Japanese wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo  9437.T said on Thursday it would launch a 3G phone equipped  for use overseas and including a video conferencing function,  getting a leg-up on its closest rival, KDDI Corp. 9433.T.


Alleged Bin Laden Tape Criticizes Saudis (AP) AP - A man identified as Osama bin Laden bitterly criticized the Saudi regime in an audiotape posted on an Islamic Web site on Thursday.


EU Leaders Poised to Offer Entry Talks to Turkey  BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan  urged the European Union on Thursday to open its doors to  non-Christians after French President Jacques Chirac made a  vibrant appeal to bring Turkey into the EU.


Top UK Court Rejects Anti-Terror Detention Policy  LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's highest court ruled on  Thursday against the detention of foreign terrorism suspects  without trial, in a major judgment on how far human rights can  be restricted in the "war on terror."


Tankan suggests why Japan hasn #39;t intervened in forex TOKYO (CBS.MW) - The Bank of Japan #39;s latest tankan survey shows why Japan can afford to wait, and did not fight the yen #39;s strength against the dollar with currency intervention.


UK shoppers hit the streets in November British retail sales rose much more than expected in November, driven by strength across nearly all categories running into the key Christmas holiday shopping season.


Dutch bank unveils 4,000 job cuts The Netherlands #39; biggest bank ABN AMRO says it is cutting more than 4,000 back office and information technology staff as it aims to bring its cost base in line with its competitors.


EUROPE MARKETS LONDON (CBS.MW) -- European stocks nudged higher Thursday, boosted by investors applauding cost cutting initiatives at Dutch bank ABN Amro and overnight gains from US shares.


Helicopters reach isolated Aceh US helicopters start dropping food and medical supplies into parts of quake-ravaged western Aceh.


Preview: Steelers vs. Giants Rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has made the New York Giants #39; decision to acquire top overall draft pick Eli Manning instead of him look like a bad one, at least in the short term.


Retail sales stronger than expected Improved sales of household goods, clothing, footwear and food helped retail sales increase 0.6 per cent in November, increasing the likelihood of higher interest rates next year.


Tas university to play role in Saturn mission The University of Tasmania will be part of a mission to Saturn #39;s largest moon in the new year. The university #39;s two radio telescopes will track the space probe Huygens as it decends into the moon #39;s atmosphere.


Fannie Mae 'should restate books' US mortgage company Fannie Mae should restate its earnings, a move that is likely to put a billion-dollar dent in its accounts, watchdogs say


P2P Battle Reaches FTC The trade commission hears what's right and wrong with file sharing, but there's no guarantee it will institute regulations. Michael Grebb reports from Washington.


Inside the Mac Revolution Twenty years on, one of the engineers who helped create the Mac writes his memoirs. But programmer Andy Hertzfeld's account is no dry paean to code: It's funny, engaging and deeply human. Wired News interview by Leander Kahney.


Give Your Home a Brain for X-mas X10's ActiveHome Pro modules let you turn your ordinary household lamps and appliances into smart devices that go on and off according to your habits. Product review by Amit Asaravala.


Media Wish List for 2005 Our columnist Adam L. Penenberg wishes he could snap his fingers and change the media landscape for the better. Among his 2005 wishes: getting bloggers to actually break news, abolishing the FCC and making news organizations watchdogs again.


Another Viewtiful Day Capcom's Viewtiful Joe 2 offers a graphically impressive old-school beat-'em-up experience with unmatched stylistic flair. Game review by Chris Kohler.


Prepping to Pull the Plug on GPS Tucked into the Bush administration's space policy is a plan to take the global positioning system offline temporarily during a national emergency. The goal: preventing terrorists from using the navigational technology.


Stocky Monkey in Himalayas Becomes Newest Primate Species Scientists from India working in the Himalayas have discovered a new species of monkey.


When Shots Ring Out, a Listening Device Acts as Witness Police agencies around the country may soon be able to equip street corners with microphones and video cameras to fight gun-related crime.


In Theaters Soon: 'My Winter Vacation' Video cameras with three charge-coupled devices, or C.C.D.'s, can produce broadcast-quality images unattainable with a single-C.C.D. model. A look at four cameras.


Sprint buys Nextel for \$35 billion The boards of both the US telecoms giant Sprint Corp and mobile phone operator Nextel Communications Inc have announced their intention to create the third largest mobile operator in the US, in a deal worth \$35 billion.


Time will pay \$510m in AOL settlement TIME WARNER has agreed to pay \$510 million (262 million) to settle claims that America Online (AOL), its internet division, overstated its earnings capacity.


Fannie Mae  #39;should restate books #39; US mortgage company Fannie Mae should restate its earnings, a move that is likely to put a billion-dollar dent in its accounts, watchdogs have said.


UK Retail Sales Rose More Than Expected in November (Update3) Sales at British retailers rose a greater-than-expected 0.6 percent in November, led by household goods, clothing and footwear, as stores including Marks  amp; Spencer Group Plc offered discounts to lure holiday shoppers.


SAP offers new system security service Business software supplier SAP is offering customers a new service to ensure the security of their SAP systems, the company said on Wednesday.


Nintendo adds media playing to DS Nintendo is releasing an adapter for its DS handheld console so it can play music and video. The add-on for the DS means people can download TV programmes, film clips or MP3 files to the adaptor and then play them back while on the move.


India's parliament speaker threatens to quit (AFP) AFP - The speaker of India's parliament has threatened to resign, saying some members' accusations that he was behaving like a "dictator" had caused him agony.


Hijackers of Greece Bus Surrender The government asked its citizens not to retaliate against immigrants Thursday, a day after two Albanian gunmen hijacked a bus. The 18-hour standoff near Athens ended peacefully early Thursday after police


Bin Laden tape lays blame for Saudi unrest on regime DUBAI (AFP) - An audiotape message attributed to top terror mastermind Osama bin Laden and broadcast on an Islamist website laid the blame for the unrest in Saudi Arabia on the kingdom #39;s regime.


World Racked by Political, Social 'Evil' -- Pope  VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Social and political evil is  spreading through the world, causing war, injustice, violence  and desperation, Pope John Paul said in his annual peace  message on Thursday.


Baby turtle gives species hope A baby spiny turtle has hatched  in Jersey, giving conservationists fresh hope for the endangered species.


Local telecoms The area #39;s three major communication equipment makers said Wednesday they are optimistic about the proposed merger of Sprint Corp.


Suicide Bomber Kills 18 Iraqi Troops, 1 Civilian  BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - A suicide car bomber hit a bus  carrying Iraqi National Guards on Sunday, killing 19 people in  the deadliest attack of its kind in nearly four months on  Iraqis cooperating with U.S. forces to secure a Jan. 30  election.


Bush vows to reduce huge deficits US President George W Bush pledged on Wednesday to work with Congress to reduce the US #39; huge deficits, to assure markets that his administration supports a strong dollar.


CSM off after planning to sell sugar unit for 850m euro LONDON (CBS.MW) -- CSM (NL:33426) eased 0.8 percent after saying it expects to sell its sugar confectionary unit for 850 million euros to private equity investor CVC Capital Partners.


Rains bring new misery to Sri Lanka tsunami victims (Reuters) Reuters - Torrential rains brought fresh hardship to tsunami survivors in eastern Sri Lanka on Sunday, flooding refugee camps, forcing the evacuation of at least one and leaving others dotted with stagnant pools.


New Simian species found in Arunachal India has once again proved itself as the land of contradictions as scientists have now discovered a new species of monkey in Arunachal Pradesh, despite the fact that India has some of the fastest retreating forest lands.


SAP launches remote security service SAP AG has extended the scope of the SAP Active Global Support customer service portfolio with the addition of SAP Security Optimization, a remote service that investigates SAP systems for security vulnerabilities and proposes an action plan.


Magnificient Langer rescues Australia Justin Langer batted all day for a superb unbeaten 181 as Australia reached 8 for 357 at stumps on day one of the first Test against Pakistan at the WACA on Thursday.


ENGLISH CRICKETS NEW TV DEAL The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed a deal with pay-TV operator Sky Sports for all home Test matches, one-day internationals, Twenty20 and county action.


Purported new bin Laden tape surfaces A new audiotape purportedly from Osama bin Laden appeared on Arabic Web sites Thursday, with the voice on the tape saying the current instability in Saudi Arabia is due to the regime there.


Distrust dominates Iraq election BAGHDAD, Iraq - On the first official day of campaigning for the Jan. 30 elections in violence-racked Iraq, candidates were trying to figure out how to woo the voters.


Henin-Hardenne Ready for Comeback in Exhibition  BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Former world number one Justine  Henin-Hardenne will return to action in an exhibition match  this weekend after being out for three months with exhaustion.


EU to Lift U.S. Sanctions Jan. 1  BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission is sticking  with its plan to lift sanctions on \$4 billion worth of U.S.  goods on Jan. 1 following Washington's repeal of illegal export  tax subsidies in October, a spokeswoman said on Thursday.


Johnson   Johnson to Acquire Guidant Johnson   Johnson will acquire the cardiac device manufacturer for \$25.4 billion. The acquisition is the largest business deal in J J's 118-year history


Sprint, Nextel Detail Merger Agreement Sprint and Nextel formally announced a \$35 billion merger agreement Wednesday and gave details on how the corporate combination would affect employees and consumers. -The Washington Post


Dollar Eases Toward Record Low Vs. Euro  LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar eased toward last week's  record low against the euro on Thursday after capital inflows  data added to worries the United States may struggle to fund  its current account deficit.


Web access in sky set to take off The dream of bidding on an eBay auction, sending an e-mail or even making a cell phone call while 30,000 feet in the air came one step closer to reality yesterday.


Netherlands CSM Sells Candy Operations Dutch bakery ingredients company CSM NV said Thursday it will sell its candy business to investment company CVC Capital Partners Ltd.


Corus Expects First Full-Year Profit on Rising Prices (Update2) Corus Group Plc, the UK #39;s biggest steelmaker, expects to report its first full-year profit after increasing prices four times since January.


Grocery outlook grimmer The grocery workers union representing about 19,000 members in the Sacramento Valley have terminated a contract extension with Safeway, Albertson #39;s and Ralphs, increasing the threat of a strike at stores throughout Northern California.


You can #39;t move for desktop searches out there Desktop Searches are nothing like buses. Not even buses arrive five at a time. But with Ask Jeeves and Microsoft both launching new desktop searches to rival Google #39;s, and with Yahoo!


Apple locks out RealNetworks with iPod update Apple has updated the software for some of its iPod digital media players so that songs bought from RealNetworks will not play. The change affects Apple #39;s new iPod Photo, which was introduced in late October


New Simian species found in Arunachal: World News: New York, Dec 16 : India has once again proved itself as the land of contradictions as scientists have now discovered a new species of monkey in Arunachal Pradesh, despite the fact that India has some of the fastest retreating forest lands.


Is an 80Gb iPod around the corner? Toshiba has announced a new and improved 40Gb and 80Gb version of its small hard drive found in the Apple iPod. Toshiba claims the new drives are the world #39;s first hard disk drives based on perpendicular recording


Wednesday #39;s Sports In Brief SAN FRANCISCO - Olympic track star Marion Jones filed a defamation lawsuit against BALCO head Victor Conte, who told a national TV audience that he gave her steroids and watched her inject herself with them.


Eli should envy friends of Ben #39;s Ben Roethlisberger knows how good he has it in Pittsburgh these days with a talented supporting cast around him. And he knows how bad Eli Manning has it in New York without much of a supporting cast at all.


Women #39;s NCAA volleyball Final Four Schedule: Semifinals (today), Washington vs. Stanford, 5:30 pm (tape delay on ESPN2 at 8); Minnesota vs. USC, 7:30 pm (tape delay on ESPN2 tomorrow at 1 pm).


Bin Laden Alive, Releases Audio Tape -- Web Site An audio recording purportedly by Osama bin Laden, praising gunmen who carried out a Dec. 6 attack in Saudi Arabia, was posted on the Internet on Thursday, suggesting the al Qaeda leader is still alive.


Australian surfer eaten by sharks Two Great White Sharks have killed a teenage surfer off a popular beach in southern Australia. The 18-year-old man was attacked after falling from a surfboard being towed behind a boat at West Beach in the city of Adelaide, authorities said.


Kidde Accepts Takeover by United Tech (AP) AP - Kidde PLC, the British fire and safety company, said Thursday it had agreed to a 1.4 billion pound ( #36;2.8 billion) takeover by United Technologies Corp.


Wall Street Looks Set for a Mixed Start  PARIS (Reuters) - Wall Street looked set for a mixed start  on Thursday as oil prices remained near two-week highs and  investors braced for a clutch of economic data and earnings  from high-profile firms like Goldman Sachs GS.N and Nike  NKE.N.


Chirac backs Turkish EU entry The French president throws his weight behind Turkish EU membership ahead of a key summit decision.


YUKOS awaits US ruling on break-up order Embattled Russian oil group YUKOS (YUKO.RTS: Quote, Profile, Research) should hear later on Thursday whether a US bankruptcy court will attempt to hold up the


Aetna reportedly reaches deal in investor lawsuit LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Aetna (AET) has reached a tentative accord with investors who accused the company of hiding accounting misstatements when SEC Chairman William Donaldson led the company, an Aetna spokesman was quoted as saying in Thursday #39;s Los Angeles


British fire and safety firm Kidde accepts takeover by United <b>...</b> _ Kidde PLC, the British fire and safety company, said Thursday it had agreed to a 1.4 billion pound (\$2.8 billion) takeover by United Technologies Corp.


Cendant to buy Gullivers Travel for \$1.1 billion cash LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Cendant Corp. (CD) said it #39;s agreed to buy privately-held Gullivers Travel Associates for \$1.1 billion in cash.


Travis Perkins to buy Wickes for 950m British building materials merchant Travis Perkins Plc said on Thursday it agreed to pay 950 million (\$1.84 billion) for home-improvement chain Wickes, sending its shares down nearly 3 percent.


Nvidia TurboCaches GeForce 6200 Nvidia Corporation, a leader in graphics and digital media processors has introduced the Nvidia GeForce 6200 graphics processing unit (GPU) with TurboCache technology.


Law lords back terror detainees Detaining foreigners without trial under emergency anti-terror laws breaks European human rights laws, law lords ruled today. The decision from nine of the law lords, who make up Britain #39;s highest court, throws


DUP Honour Commitments By Standing Up To Terrorism I am extremely glad to see the DUP standing firm on commitments made to the electorate. The DUP made its case clear to both governments and to the public time and time again.


Baseball in Washington in jeopardy (USATODAY.com) USATODAY.com - Washington's new baseball team shut down business and promotional operations indefinitely Wednesday as its move to the nation's capital teetered on the brink of collapse. The decision by major league baseball followed the D.C. Council's decision Tuesday to require private financing for at least half the cost of building a new stadium.


Google wins in trademark lawsuit Google won a major legal victory when a federal judge ruled that the search engines advertising policy does not violate federal trademark laws.


FCC to consider allowing cell phones on planes The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday kicked off efforts that could reshape the communications services available to airline passengers.


Symantec to Buy Veritas for \$13.5 Billion Security software maker Symantec Corp. has agreed to buy Veritas Software Corp. for \$13.5 billion, expanding into the backup and recovery software market, the companies said on Thursday.


Google hails adwords victory A district judge has ruled that Google can continue selling advertising triggered by searches for trademarked brand names. Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that the adwords program does not violate US federal trademark laws.


LSE still prey but deal seen likely A new CEO, chairman, head office and corporate structure -- much has changed at the London Stock Exchange since Deutsche Boerse last proposed marriage to Europe #39;s biggest equity market four years ago.


Johnson  amp; Johnson to Buy Guidant Johnson  amp; Johnson announced last night that will buy medical-device maker Guidant for \$23.9 billion in cash and stock. The deal, approved by both boards but subject to regulator approval, is one of the largest


Most services more expensive in Consumers in Dublin pay more for basic goods and services that people elsewhere in the country, according to figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.


ABN Amro Plans to Cut 2,850 Jobs as Earnings Decline (Update6) ABN Amro Holding NV, the largest Dutch bank, plans to cut 2,850 jobs, or about 3 percent of its workforce, to stem a decline in operating profit as revenue growth stalls.


No Marsh, Spitzer deal in  #39;04: WSJ Company said settlement for bid rigging claim likely this month, but says investigation is ongoing. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos.


Central Bank Comments on China Aviation Singapore authorities said Thursday China Aviation Oil #39;s US\$550 million losses in oil gambles could have happened  quot;in any other financial center quot; and said it had no plans to overhaul its corporate reporting and disclosure standards.


Ameritrade CEO Moglia Extends Contract Online brokerage firm Ameritrade Holding Corp. said Thursday that chief executive officer Joe Moglia has agreed to extend his contract at least through the current fiscal year, which ends Sept.


Symantec to Buy Veritas for  #36;13.5 Billion (Reuters) Reuters - Security software maker Symantec Corp.\has agreed to buy Veritas Software Corp. for  #36;13.5 billion,\expanding into the backup and recovery software market, the\companies said on Thursday.


New monkey species found in India New Delhi - Scientists have discovered a new species of monkey in north-eastern India, 101 years after the last species of its kind was found, a member of the investigating team said on Thursday.


Adobe patches holes in Acrobat Reader Adobe has patched two bugs in its Acrobat Reader application that could allow an attacker to take over a user #39;s system via a malicious PDF attached to an e-mail message.


Report: Linux Gathering Pace, Moving  quot;From Niche to Mainstream quot;  quot;When all manifestations of Linux operating systems are counted, Linux is clearly a mainstream solution, quot; said Vernon Turner, group vice president and general manager of Enterprise Computing research at IDC, as an IDC Linux market share and forecast study


Russian Space Agency to Supply Equipment for NASAs Mars Rover NASA has released an inventory of the scientific devices to be put on board the Mars Science Laboratory rover scheduled to land on the surface of Mars in 2009, NASAs news release reads.


Net domain costs on the rise? com December 16, 2004, 4:00 AM PT. Internet users may soon be required to pay an additional annual fee for each domain name they own, thanks to a virtually unnoticed requirement that will begin to take effect next year.


Wi-Fi access point squeezed onto single chip Wireless chipset manufacturer Atheros announced on Wednesday that it has managed to fit the full functionality of a high-speed wireless access point onto a single processor.


Langer looking to  #39;hurt #39; Pakistan Justin Langer plans to heap more misery on Pakistan after his opening-day unbeaten century revived Australia in the first Test at the Waca.


NJ would welcome homeless baseball team Could the Meadowlands be the next stop for the vagabond Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals Major League Baseball franchise? That would be good move for the sport, according to New Jersey Sports


Defoe wants Cole at Spurs Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe wants former West Ham team-mate Joe Cole to join him at White Hart Lane. Cole, who has been a peripheral figure at Chelsea since the start of the season, is reportedly ready


Warriors go sleepwalking Hornets up record to 2-19 New Orleans -- Only one coach could praise his team #39;s effort following the Warriors- Hornets game on Wednesday night. New Orleans coach Byron Scott sat at the podium, looking weary but proud, and spoke freely about his team #39;s intensity.


Bosh front and centre Chris Bosh faced the best power forward in the NBA last night and did not blink. The Raptors #39; second-year standout put together a career game, guiding his struggling squad to a 96-90 upset win over the powerful


Giants just can #39;t get the offense moving That was one thing Jim Fassel wanted from his offense when he was head coach of the Giants. Break the huddle, get to the line of scrimmage, run the play, back to the huddle, back to the line, run the next play .


Leader Barcelona hosts defending champion Valencia in Spanish <b>...</b> Defending champion Valencia #39;s recent improvement will be put to the test when it visits runaway leader FC Barcelona in the Spanish league #39;s 16th-round this weekend.


Osama Bin Laden is back: reports A new audiotape reportedly of Osama bin Laden appeared on Arabic Web sites. The voice on the tape says current instability in Saudi Arabia due to the regime there.


Olympic training helped end siege Anti-terrorist training received by Greek police ahead of this year #39;s Olympic Games helped resolve the Athens bus hijacking, the government has said.