Top libraries to go online in deal with Google

Students take note - endless journeys to the library could become a thing of the past thanks to a new multimillion-pound scheme to make classic texts available at the click of a mouse.


Ask Jeeves Jumps Into Desktop Search

Ask Jeeves Inc. on Tuesday joined competitors in announcing plans to release a desktop search application that would list information from a user #39;s PC along with web-search results.


Hollywood to sue net film pirates

The US movie industry has launched legal action to sue people who facilitate illegal film downloading. The Motion Picture Association of America wants to stop people using the program BitTorrent to swap movies.


Firefox Burning Up Internet Explorer Market Share

quot;Firefox #39;s gains are clearly accelerating, quot; WebSideStory Chief Marketing Officer Rand Schulman said.  quot;Much of it has to do with the release of Firefox #39;s version 1.0 on November 9, after several months of offering a preview version.


Internet worm disguises itself as e-Christmas card

HELSINKI - Internet security experts are warning about a mass-mailing worm with the subject line  quot;Merry Christmas quot; or  quot;Happy Holidays.


Yahoo! Goes Mobile on Nextel

Yahoo! Inc. is going mobile on Nextel Communication Inc. handheld devices. A new partnership between the companies puts Yahoo! e-mail, instant messaging, games, news and more in Nextels products.


ATR Urges  #39;Buy #39; of Apple; Targets \$78 Price

American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu has initiated coverage of Apple Computer (AAPL) with a  #39;buy #39; recommendation, and a 12-month target of US\$78 per share.


IDC: mobile phone market growth to slow down in 2005

The global mobile phone marketis expected to see a slow down in market growth due to the lack ofadditional catalysts, US high tech market research firm IDC warnedon Tuesday.


IBM  amp; AMD Team Up on Strained Silicon

IBM and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are jointly developing a new method for implementing strained silicon technology. to improve performance on processors from both companies as early as next year.


Benitez Wont Blame Dudek

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was loyal to goalkeeper Jerky Dudek, refusing to blame his goalkeeper for the fumbled cross that enabled Portsmouth to snatch a last-gasp equaliser through Lomana LuaLuas header at Anfield on Tuesday night.


Tennis: After mixed year, Roddick drops his coach

Two of tennis #39;s strongest personalities have officially parted ways, as Andy Roddick and his high-profile coach, Brad Gilbert, announced that they had stopped working together by way of their own web sites and then made no further commen.


Ice Hockey: Talks fail to breach NHL labor deadlock

TORONTO : The National Hockey League slid closer towards losing a season to a labor dispute for the first time, as players rejected a new bid by management to end a three-month lockout.


Former Kan. Junior College Coach Indicted

WICHITA, Kan. Dec 14, 2004 - A former junior college basketball coach was indicted on charges that he provided false academic information about his athletes to Division I schools looking to recruit the players.


Right-hander was key part of 2002 World Series win

A weekend in Anaheim apparently in search of a reliever netted the Reds a starter from the local big league club. General manager Dan O #39;Brien announced Tuesday that


Bears #39; Tucker done for the season

LAKE FOREST, Illinois (Ticker) - Coming off their worst offensive performance of the season, the Chicago Bears placed guard Rex Tucker on injured reserve with a strained hamstring.


MLBPA files grievance for Neagle

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The MLB Players #39; Association filed a grievance Tuesday on behalf of pitcher Denny Neagle after his contract was terminated by the Colorado Rockies.


Chiefs win shootout with Titans

The Kansas City Chiefs played their kind of game on Monday night in Tennessee, and they wound up pulling out a victory over the Titans in the offensive shootout.


War crime trials will start next week

War crimes trials will begin next week for some of Saddam Hussein #39;s most senior deputies, Iraq #39;s prime minister, Ayad Allawi, said yesterday.


Abbas calls for end to violence

Mahmoud Abbas, the favourite to succeed Yasser Arafat as Palestinian leader, has called on his people to stop fighting Israel. Mr Abbas said Palestinians had a legitimate right  quot;to express their rejection of the occupation by popular and social means quot;.


Vodafone Denies Reports of Sprint Takeover Talks

Vodafone, the UK-based telecom company that co-owns Verizon Wireless, denies that it is involved in a bid to take over US telco Sprint.


Blockbuster Ends Late Fees, Sees Flat  #39;05

Blockbuster Inc. (BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday said it would eliminate late fees on movies and games in the latest attempt to jump-start a rental business


Google to put library books online

WASHINGTON - Google wants to save you a trip to the library. The search engine that revolutionized how people use the internet has teamed up with some of the world #39;s greatest libraries to put their books in your living room.


LuaLua stifles Anfield cheers

STEVEN GERRARD stood and watched in disbelief, his hands on his hips, as his Liverpool team-mates contrived to undermine his latest rescue act by conceding an inexplicable


Bettman rejects proposal; counteroffer turned down

TORONTO -- The NHL rejected last week #39;s proposal by the players #39; association and then had its own counteroffer turned down Tuesday during a 3-hour negotiating session.


France and Germany escape EU deficit doghouse

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Union executive body dropped disciplinary action against serial deficit offenders France and Germany, ending a three-year standoff that left the eurozone #39;s budget rules crippled.


Apple Supplier Toshiba Builds 80 GB  #39;Perpendicular #39; Drive

Perpendicular recording places bits of data end-to-end, instead of using the traditional method of storing them flat on the disk surface.


Gilbert returns serve

Tennis coach Brad Gilbert has hit out at the decision by world number two Andy Roddick to sack him as a mentor. Roddick released a statement earlier this week saying he and Gilbert had parted ways but the


NHL Rejects Union Plan, Talks End Without Contract (Update2)

Contract talks broke off today between the National Hockey League and its locked-out players union, leaving the sport a step closer to wiping out its whole season.


Dozens injured in Turkish cinema fire

A fire in a Turkish cinema injured dozens of people attending a film premiere on Tuesday, but no one was killed, the state-run Anatolian news agency said.


The symbol of unity and peace made from the earth of Israel

If you live in France, are a Muslim sympathizer, speak Arabic and have access to satellite television, you are probably a fan of al Manar broadcasts.


Blockbuster Ends Late Fees, Sees Flat '05 (Reuters)

Reuters - Blockbuster Inc.  on Tuesday\said it would eliminate late fees on movies and games in the\latest attempt to jump-start a rental business being hammered\by competition ranging from online companies to discount\retailer Wal-Mart.


NHL, Players' Union Reject New Proposals (AP)

AP - The NHL rejected last week's proposal by the players' association and then had its own counteroffer turned down Tuesday during a 3 1/2-hour negotiating session.


Server operators sued in bid to stymie online file-sharing

Hollywood movie studios on Tuesday sued scores of operators of computer servers that help relay digital movie files across online file-sharing networks.


Sony, Samsung bolster alliance, agree to share 24,000 patents

Sony Corp., the world #39;s second-largest consumer electronics maker, and Samsung Electronics Co., the world #39;s second-largest chip maker, said Tuesday they have agreed to share about 24,000 patents, fortifying an alliance between two of Asia #39;s biggest


Wells Finalizes 2-Year Deal With Red Sox (AP)

AP - David Wells could be back on the Yankee Stadium mound on opening day. With Pedro Martinez headed to the New York Mets and Curt Schilling's recovery from ankle surgery taking longer than expected, the Red Sox's newest acquisition might start the season opener against his former team at Yankee Stadium.


Report: Roddick replaces Gilbert with Goldfine

World No. 2 Andy Roddick replaced coach Brad Gilbert with US Davis Cup assistant coach Dean Goldfine, a Washington television station WUSA-TV reported.


Angels Agree to Byrd Deal, Trade Ortiz

Atlanta Braves starter Paul Byrd works in the fourth inning against the New York Mets in Atlanta, in this Aug. 1, 2004 file photo.


Browns Place Faine on Injured Reserve (AP)

AP - The Browns placed center Jeff Faine on injured reserve Tuesday, the 18th player and ninth starter Cleveland has lost for the season.


Afghanistan: Where the enemy is a flower

KABUL In his inaugural address last week, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan laid out his priorities for the next five years. Chief among them was stopping the country #39;s growing drug trade.


Grizzlies' Burks Breaks Right Pinkie (AP)

AP - Memphis Grizzlies reserve guard Antonio Burks will be sidelined at least six weeks with a broken right pinkie finger.


Former Kan. Junior College Coach Indicted (AP)

AP - A former junior college basketball coach was indicted on charges that he provided false academic information about his athletes to Division I schools looking to recruit the players.


EU Moving Close to Deal on Turkey Talks (Reuters)

Reuters - On the eve of a landmark summit at\which EU leaders will decide on opening membership talks with\Turkey, the final elements of a compromise package on the terms\for the negotiations was emerging.


Cuba Protests U.S. Christmas Lights with a Message

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba has demanded that the United States  take down Christmas lights in front of its mission in Havana's  busy sea-side drive because they include a reference to jailed  dissidents, the top U.S. diplomat in the country said on  Tuesday.


Oracle says PeopleSoft merger ready to roll by January

It may be one of the software industry's largest acquisitions to date, but Oracleexpects to work out its merger plans with PeopleSoftby the end of the year and will "hit the ground running in January," according to Oracle President Charles Phillips.


49ers Place Plummer on Injured Reserve (AP)

AP - San Francisco cornerback Ahmed Plummer, who hasn't played since Oct. 17, was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of bulging disc in his neck.


Choice rich, time poor

Its getting easier and more practical to take your photos without lm. In the second of our ve-part series on high-tech objects of desire, David Derbyshire looks at some of the best options for photographers


McKenzie: I #39;ve got a news flash for both sides

We #39;ve heard from the NHL and the NHLPA, so now let #39;s get a broader perspective. What we are going to see in the next little while is an increase in the rhetoric, which will get cranked up to an unbelieveable level.


Martin defends record in year-end interviews

Prime Minister Paul Martin was eager to touch on a number of issues, from missile defence to taxes to same-sex marriage, when he sat down for his annual year-end interview on Tuesday.


MPs demand wider investigation

MPS who kept Baha Mousa #39;s case in the public eye last night demanded a wide-ranging investigation into all allegations of brutality by British troops.


EU Moving Close to Deal on Turkey Talks

On the eve of a landmark summit at which EU leaders will decide on opening membership talks with Turkey, the final elements of a compromise package on the terms for the negotiations was emerging.


PeopleSoft customers, employees weigh deal

Oracle may be celebrating its long-awaited union with PeopleSoft, but a day after the landmark deal not everyone is happy. Among the people likely to be looking at the \$10.3 billion merger with some trepidation


Airlines headed for \$US5b loss this year

GENEVA: International airlines are heading for a near \$US5 billion (\$NZ7.12 billion) loss this year, largely due to a rise in oil prices, the industry #39;s global body said on Tuesday.


RIM Can Still Win

NEW YORK - At first glance it may look like the US Federal Appeals Court handed wireless handheld maker Research In Motion a resounding defeat in its long-fought patent litigation with NTP, the company set up to protect the patents of inventor Thomas


Check out the world #39;s leading libraries on Google

Google is adding the books and papers owned by some of the world #39;s leading libraries to its database in the latest step of its mission to make every piece of information available online.


MSN Desktop Search is quite capable

It now feels amazing how we have lived without this particular feature since ages now. Google introduced desktop searching to the world in spite of the fact lesser-known products existed since a long time.


Wells finalizes deal while Red Sox ponder rotation

With Pedro Martinez headed to the New York Mets and Curt Schilling #39;s recovery from ankle surgery taking longer than expected, the Boston #39;s newest acquisition might start the season opener against his former team at Yankee Stadium.


Top Saddam aides to go on trial from next week

BAGHDAD - Saddam Husseins top henchmen will start going on trial for crimes against humanity next week, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said yesterday, as he warned violence would increase after Iraqs landmark elections in January.


Blair to lead talks on Turkey #39;s EU entry

Tony Blair will have a showpiece start to Britain #39;s presidency of the European Union next year, overseeing the beginning of membership talks with Turkey.


TCS COP 10 Coverage: Climate Confusion

The current debate over climate change runs the gamut from C to shining C. It #39;s about climate. It #39;s about catastrophe. It #39;s about consensus.


Blockbuster Eliminates Late Fees

As of January first, you won #39;t have to pay those dreaded late fees at Blockbuster stores. Movie and game rentals will still have due dates, but if you need to keep it an extra day or so, you can do it stress-free.


Nortel loses about \$250 million US in third quarter, half due to <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Nortel Networks released preliminary financial results Tuesday showing the technology company lost about \$250 million US in the third quarter, about half of that due to the starup costs of a major contract in India.


Lewis Tapped to Become Chairman of BofA

Chad K. Gifford is retiring earlier than initially expected as chairman of Bank of America, a title he gained when the bank acquired FleetBoston Financial Corp.


Chartered Semi Lowers 4Q Outlook

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. on Tuesday lowered its fourth-quarter expectations as it becomes the latest chip maker to express concerns about weaker demand from customers.


Yahoo! wraps up carrier deals with Nextel account

Yahoo! Inc. launched a package of Internet-based wireless applications for Nextel Communications Inc. subscribers, the companies announced Tuesday.


Ask Matt

A: If you #39;ve seen the legions of music lovers walking around with white ear buds dangling from their ears: you #39;ve witnessed the iPod revolution.


Report: Transition to 3G Wireless Networks Could Be Bumpy

Wireless vendors are committed to building 3G systems despite the fear that users will turn up their nose at all the extra bandwidth.


Jockey Club drops Fallon inquiry

The Jockey Club suffered the latest in a series of setbacks yesterday when it dropped a planned inquiry into whether Kieren Fallon brought racing into disrepute over articles published in the News of the World in March.


D'backs to Continue Johnson Trade Efforts (AP)

AP - The Arizona Diamondbacks haven't given up on trading Randy Johnson, managing partner Ken Kendrick said Tuesday.


Continental Top Execs Face Concorde Probe (AP)

AP - French prosecutors summoned Continental Airlines' top two executives for questioning in the investigation of the July 2000 crash of a supersonic Air France Concorde, two lawyers said Tuesday.


Japanese Manufacturers Less Upbeat in Dec. (AP)

AP - Japanese companies were less upbeat in December than they were three months ago, amid recent data indicating that the world's second-largest economy may be losing steam, a key government survey showed Wednesday.


Danes win auction for Irish banks

The sale of National Australia Bank #39;s Irish businesses reached a surprise conclusion yesterday when Denmark #39;s Danske Bank clinched a 967m takeover.


Merck To Increase Job Cuts, Further Reduce Spending

Merck reduced its 2004 forecast by 50 cents to 55 cents because of lost revenues. The move followed the recall of Vioxx from the global market on September 30th, due to its association with increased risk of heart attacks.


Attendants vote to authorize strike

Flight attendants at US Airways Monday voted to strike if the carrier throws out a labor contract in order to secure \$150 million in job, wage and benefit reductions.


Players, Owners Reject Plans to End NHL Lockout

Hopes of saving the National Hockey League season all but vanished Tuesday when players and team owners rejected proposals to end the labor dispute.


Spaniard banned from Europe

VALENCIA midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo has been banned for seven matches by UEFA following incidents in their Champions #39; League match with Werder Bremen last week.


Egypt and Israel sign US-brokered trade agreement

Israel and Egypt signed a trade deal yesterday that could ensure thousands of Egyptian jobs and secure the two countries #39; often problematic relations.


Gates: Buffett #39;s Pal Bill Elected To Berkshire #39;s Board

Trump...and not Donald, this time. Berkshire Hathaway (nyse: BRKa - news - people ) on Tuesday said it elected Bill Gates to its board of directors.


Las Vegas Sands Prices Its IPO at \$29

Las Vegas Sands Corp. priced its initial public offering at \$29 per share Tuesday night, up dramatically from the company #39;s previous targets.


Flight attendants rally at White House

Airline employees, rallying outside the White House, accused the Bush administration Tuesday of siding with airline managers who the attendants said are claiming financial


Nortel Has Third-Quarter Loss of 6 Cents on Costs (Update2)

Nortel Networks Corp., which is restating results back to 1999, said it had a third-quarter loss of 6 cents a share because of expenses related to job cuts and a wireless contract in India.


Oracle President To Meet With PeopleSoft Execs Wednesday

Phillips foresees completing the takeover by Dec. 30 and seeks to allay customer and reseller worries. By Charles Babcock. Oracle president Charles Phillips will journey up the road to PeopleSoft Inc.


Microsoft Issues Five Bulletins on Windows Flaws

Microsoft has released five Security Bulletins warning of several vulnerabilities that put computers running Windows at risk of attack.


Martinez says he #39;s heading to Mets

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Star pitcher Pedro Martinez confirmed on Tuesday that he #39;s leaving the Boston Red Sox to join the New York Mets.


Union files grievance over Rockies #39; termination of Neagle

_ The baseball players #39; union is challenging the Colorado Rockies #39; decision to terminate the contract of Denny Neagle. The Rockies cut the pitcher loose last week -- after he was cited for soliciting a prostitute in suburban Denver.


Members of Saddam #39;s regime to face trial next week, Allawi says

In a surprise announcement Tuesday, Iraq #39;s interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi promised that former officials in Saddam Hussein #39;s regime will go on trial next week, before elections scheduled for January.


End attacks on Israel, says Abbas

MAHMOUD Abbas, the interim Palestinian leader, has called for an end to armed attacks against Israeli targets in an attempt to mark out a new strategy for peace in the wake of Yasser Arafats death.


US denies contacts with Hamas

The United States denied it had held contacts with Hamas as a leader of the radical Palestinian group has claimed.  quot;We don #39;t conduct business with designated terrorist organisations.


Lead, arsenic in imported herbal remedies - U.S. study (Reuters)

Reuters - More than a dozen "Ayurvedic" herbal remedies imported from India and Pakistan were found to contain harmful levels of the heavy metals mercury, lead and arsenic, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.


3 People Seduced by the Bloody Allure of the Ring

Clint Eastwood's drama about a grizzled boxing trainer and a spunky young fighter is the best movie released by a major Hollywood studio this year.


No more late fees at Blockbuster in 2005

Continued pressure from rival Netflix is obliging Blockbuster to stop charging late fees. This could remove up to \$300M in revenues per year.


Shapiro: We Still Want Clement

Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said Tuesday that he remains hopeful of signing free-agent pitcher Matt Clement.  quot;We #39;ll ride this out to the end, quot; Shapiro said, adding that he has already offered more


Players, Owners Resume Talks on Steroids (AP)

AP - Lawyers for baseball's players' association and owners resumed talks Tuesday aimed at a new agreement to toughen rules on steroid testing.


Browns' Faine Placed on IR

BEREA, Ohio, (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Browns  Tuesday placed center Jeff Faine on injured reserve with a left  ankle injury.


Vodafone shares hit by fear of pressure to fund US bid

VODAFONE shares fell nearly 3 per cent yesterday on fears that the mobile phone group could come under pressure from its US partner to provide \$25 billion (13 billion) to help to finance a bid for Sprint.


Viva Las Vegas Sands IPO

Las Vegas Sands Corp. #39;s initial public offering received a frothy reception from investors hungry to bet on another casino company.


Nortel Has Third-Quarter Loss of 6 Cents on Costs (Update3)


No. 1 LSU Beats No. 13 Minnesota, 75-67 (AP)

AP - Seimone Augustus scored 22 points to lead top-ranked LSU past No. 13 Minnesota 75-67 in a matchup Tuesday night of Final Four teams from last season.


Oracle, PeopleSoft  #39;Already Talking #39; on Transition

Oracle Corp. hopes to close its buyout of PeopleSoft Inc. within two weeks and have a new management organization in place for the combined companies sometime in January, Oracle co-president Charles Phillips said Tuesday.


Linux: Fewer Bugs Than Rivals

Linux advocates have long insisted that open-source development results in better and more secure software. Now they have statistics to back up their claims.


Mother in photos survived tsunami

A Swedish woman pictured running into the Asian tsunami to save her children survived with her family.


FA to run word Cech

PETR CECH faces a hefty FA fine after reports that he accused ref Graham Poll of cheating. The Chelsea keeper told a newspaper in his native Czech Republic he suspected Poll of being an Arsenal


Valencia midfielder Angulo banned seven matches

Valencia midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo has been banned for seven matches by UEFA following incidents in their Champions League match against Werder Bremen last week.


China will upgrade weapons technology if EU lifts arms embargo (AFP)

AFP - China is ratcheting up pressure for the lifting of its EU arms embargo to remove the stigma of sanctions but also because it needs the technology to upgrade its existing systems, analysts say.


Concorde crash  #39;due to US firm #39;

A French legal inquiry into the July 2000 Concorde crash near Paris has placed much of the blame on the American carrier, Continental Airlines.


Australia Minister Doesn't Want IAEA Post (AP)

AP - Australia's foreign minister said Wednesday that the United States had asked him to challenge International Atomic Energy Agency head Mohamed ElBaradei for the top job at the U.N. nuclear watchdog, but he had declined.


N.Korea: Japan Sanctions Would Be War Declaration

TOKYO (Reuters) - North Korea warned Japan on Wednesday  that it would treat economic sanctions as a "declaration of  war" and threatened to try to exclude Tokyo from six-party  talks on Pyongyang's nuclear arms programs.


Fed Panel Lifts Rates and Says More Increases Are Probable

As expected, the central bank raised the federal funds rate on overnight loans by a quarter point, to 2.25 percent.


US Central Bank Boosts Interest Rates Again

The American central bank, the Federal Reserve, Tuesday raised short-term interest rates for the fifth time in six months. Even with the quarter point increase short-term rates are a still-very-low 2.25 percent.


Airlines  #39;end 2004 \$5bn in red #39;

The world #39;s airline industry is set to rack up losses of almost \$5bn (2.6bn, 3.6bn euros) this year, global airline body AITA has forecast.


Jobs Survey Mixed Bag

Overall, the results of the latest Manpower Employment Survey suggest that US employers plan to increase hiring after the new year.


Google plans to bring libraries online

Google is back with another project that will help users find priceless information on the Internet, via Googles Print Program.


Microsoft Enters Desktop Search with MSN Toolbar Suite

The MSN Toolbar Suite is built on the current Windows security and privacy model. Microsoft officials said the tool respects the privacy of multiple users on a single PC by using the Windows


MPAA targets BitTorrent

BitTorrent is a wonderful way to download files with greater reliability than other conventional means, but of course that means that it is used greatly for piracy... apparently.


Hopes Dim As Players, Owners Reject Plans to End Lockout

NHL Players Association President Bob Goodenow gestures while speaking at a press conference after meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman at the NHL offices in Toronto, December 14, 2004.


Red Sox wish Pedro well

As far as the Red Sox are concerned, there are no hard feelings for Pedro Martinez. Team president/CEO Larry Lucchino says he, principal owner John Henry


French Report on Concorde Crash Blames Debris and Structural Flaw

A metal strip dropped on the runway by a Continental Airlines plane was a major element in the crash of an Air France Concorde jet near Paris in July 2000, but a previously


Family wins inquiry into killing of prisoner son

THE family of an Iraqi civilian allegedly unlawfully killed by British troops while in custody won a human-rights ruling yesterday, which opens the way for an independent investigation into his death.


Comet mission set for 2005 launch

Nasa gives details of a space mission to crash a projectile into a comet and peel away its outer skin to look inside.


Sharks respond to magnetic lines

Hawaiian scientists provide hard evidence to support the theory that sharks navigate with a biological compass.


G.M.-Fiat Talks Fail to Resolve Rift Over Partnership Agreement

The high-stakes standoff between General Motors and Fiat over the terms of a 2000 partnership moved a step closer to the courtroom on Tuesday.


Not Everybody Loves Raymond

When Raymond Gilmartin became chairman of the drug maker Merck, it was close to introducing several new medicines. Now, the company is in crisis.


Nortel reports loss in Q3, sees pickup in Q4

Amid continuing problems with the release of its financial statements, Nortel Networksreported a loss for this year's third quarter, coupled with a drop in sales from the second quarter, but added that it expects improvements in fourth-quarter revenue.


Microsoft issues five bulletins on Windows flaws

Microsofton Tuesday released five Security Bulletins warning of several vulnerabilities that put computers running Windows at risk of attack.


Sun refreshes development tools line

Refreshing its development tools arsenal, Sun Microsystems on Tuesday revealed plans for upcoming versions of Java Studio Creator and is unleashing upgrades to the NetBeans open source platform and Java Studio Enterprise.


Intellisync to give push e-mail capability for low-cost phones

The wireless airwaves may get a bit more crowded next year following the announcement that Intellisync's goAnywhere technology, unveiled this week, will give users of low-cost feature phones the same push e-mail capability that is now only available on pricier smart phones.


Ask Jeeves to boost search site with portal features

Ask Jeevesis actively looking at strengthening its flagship search engine Web site with features, services and technologies found elsewhere in its online network.


Microsoft Issues Five Bulletins on Windows Flaws

Desktops, servers affected, but no vulnerabilities deemed critical.


First Look: Service Speeds Wireless Info Gathering

Pocket Express makes it easier and faster to get the info you need on connected handheld.


For Sprint and Nextel, the Struggle Is Ahead

which could come as early as today - they will have completed the easy part. The harder part, industry executives and analysts


German Carmakers Catch Hybrid Fever

Caught off guard by the success of Toyota #39;s hybrid Prius model, German carmakers are racing to catch-up. DaimlerChrysler and GM announced plans on Monday to jointly produce hybrid technology for their cars and trucks.


German recycling violates EU law

Parts of Germany #39;s complex can and bottle recycling system violate European Union law, according to a ruling yesterday by the European Court of Justice, the EU #39;s highest court.


Court Upholds Patent Ruling Against Maker of BlackBerry

A United States appeals court upheld a finding of patent infringement against Research In Motion Ltd. yesterday, but struck down part of the ruling and sent it back to a lower court for further proceedings.


Blockbuster to scrap late fees

Blockbuster, the video rental company, yesterday said it plans to eliminate late fees as the chain struggles to stem the decline in the film rental market.


Pearson sells 743m stake in Spanish media group

Pearson, the publishingand business informationgroup, insisted it remained committed to financialnewspapers in spite of its decision tosell a controlling stake


Not Everybody Loves Raymond

Finding people who like the way he has run Merck, the giant drug maker, is much harder. Mr. Gilmartin has been chairman of Merck since November 1994.


Bobcats Edge Hornets, 94-93 (Overtime) (AP)

AP - Emeka Okafor hit a pair of free throws with 5 seconds left in overtime to give Charlotte's new NBA team a win over its old one as the Bobcats pulled out a 94-93 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.


Mexico 'Dirty War' Tale Ends Happily, Victim Found

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Aleida Gallangos met her brother in  Washington last week for the first time since he was kidnapped  by Mexican police 30 years ago, closing one chapter in the  annals of Mexico's "dirty war" on a rare joyous note.


Knicks Defeat Nets, 87-79 (AP)

AP - Jamal Crawford scored 30 points in a game otherwise defined by offensive ineptitude  #151; such as the New York Knicks holding the New Jersey Nets without a basket for 15 minutes  #151; in an 87-79 victory Tuesday night.


Google to scan universities #39; library books

By Paul Taylor in New York and Chris Nuttall in San Francisco. Google, the leading service for finding information on the internet, yesterday set out ambitious plans to become a catalogue and digital library for world literature.


NHL labour talks hit roadblock after sides reject each other #39;s <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - The NHL season isn #39;t dead yet, but it is on its last legs. The cautious optimism accompanied by last week #39;s offer by the NHL Players #39; Association was replaced by doom and gloom Tuesday as both


Martnez #39;s Being a Met Rests on a Physical Exam

Pedro Martnez went on television in the Dominican Republic yesterday to say what many in New York were waiting to hear and confirm what the Mets would not.


Good News (Wells), Bad News (Schilling)

Almost two months after defying the Curse of the Bambino and only one day after saying goodbye to Pedro Martnez, the Boston Red Sox kept moving on yesterday by welcoming the living embodiment


76ers 110, Nuggets 102

Allen Iverson had 31 points and 10 rebounds, and reserve Willie Green scored all of his season-high 17 points in the final 16 minutes, helping the Philadelphia 76ers overcome an 18-point second-half deficit in a 110-102 victory over the Denver Nuggets on


Stocks Open Higher in Tokyo on Key Survey (AP)

AP - Tokyo stocks edged higher Wednesday morning as a key economic survey came within expectations. The dollar was up against the Japanese yen.


Saddam officials to be put on trial next week

Iraq said yesterday it had captured a top foreign-based supporter of the anti-government insurgency and would begin to try former figures of Saddam Hussein #39;s regime next week.


Taliban suspects arrested

Information from a man caught in a vehicle loaded with explosives led to the arrests of two senior Taliban military commanders believed to be responsible for a series of terror attacks in southern Afghanistan, an official said yesterday.


Fire Breaks Out in Turkish Movie Theater

A fire broke out at a movie theater during a gala premiere Tuesday night, injuring dozens of people - none seriously, news reports said.


Australia boosts anti-terror defences with new maritime security zone (AFP)

AFP - Australia is to boost its defence against terrorism by creating a 1000-nautical mile security zone around its coast to protect its shipping, ports and oil rigs from attack, it was reported here.


Philippoussis Given Wildcard for Sydney International

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Former Wimbledon and U.S. Open runner-up  Mark Philippoussis has been given a wildcard entry for next  month's Sydney International.


Martnez's Being a Met Rests on a Physical Exam

If Pedro Martnez passes Wednesday's physical, he is expected to be introduced in a news conference at Shea Stadium on Thursday.


Good News (Wells), Bad News (Schilling)

The left-hander David Wells passed a physical and was introduced at a Fenway Park news conference, and the timing could not have been more striking.


For the Red Sox, Loyalty Is a Dish Not Served at All

There is too much of the one-sided version of the story going around, especially in Boston, now that Pedro Martnez has said he is on his way to Shea Stadium.


Martnez Leaves Fans Betwixt, Between

BOSTON, Dec. 14 - Most New Englanders are walking around with more cheer and about \$20 less in their pockets this holiday season. They are reliving the gift of their dreams - a Red Sox world championship highlight video on DVD.


Goalie Battles Toughest Foe

Bowling Green's starting goaltender, the senior captain Jordan Sigalet, was found to have multiple sclerosis.


Added Cargo Flights to Cut Down on Risky Truck Convoys

The Air Force is expanding its airlift of equipment to Iraq to reduce the amount of military cargo hauled over land routes.


Eskimos Seek to Recast Global Warming as a Rights Issue

The Inuit of the Arctic plan to seek a ruling from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that the U.S. is threatening their existence.


Wrenching Tale by an Afghan Immigrant Strikes a Chord

"The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini, a previously unknown son of an Afghan political refugee, has captivated reading groups across the country.


Software Sector Finally Enters a Merger Phase

There could be no more striking evidence of the trend toward consolidation in the computer software industry than the news of the last few days.


Court Upholds Patent Ruling Against Maker of BlackBerry

A United States appeals court upheld a finding of patent infringement against Research In Motion Ltd., which makes the BlackBerry data device.


Flawed Device Places F.D.A. Under Scrutiny

The F.D.A.'s oversight of a defibrillator may reveal shortcomings in its regulation of medical devices.


October Trade Gap a Record, Up 9 in Month

The trade deficit hit another record high in October, with imports outpacing exports by \$55.46 billion. The 9 percent increase from September was higher than expected


France and Germany Get Deficit Reprieve

The European Commission froze its threat of fines against France and Germany on Tuesday, granting the two biggest economies in the euro zone an extra year to bring down their bloated budget deficits.


McLeish says Novo ban is a tit-for-tat action

ALEX McLeish, the Rangers manager, last night accused the Scottish Football Association of administering  quot;tit-for-tat quot; punishment after Nacho Novo was given a three-match ban for his part in an incident during the controversial Old Firm match last month.


Browns continue to pluck Ravens

Quarterback Jeff Garcia and center Jeff Faine were placed on injured reserve, and the Browns continued to pluck talent from the Baltimore Ravens in a flurry of roster moves Tuesday.


31 dead in passenger train collision in India

Two trains collided head-on yesterday in northern India, killing at least 31 people in a crash that the railway minister called  quot;brutal murder quot;.


No. 13 Louisville Tops N.C. A T, 85-51 (AP)

AP - Larry O'Bannon scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead No. 13 Louisville to an 85-51 victory over North Carolina A amp;T on Tuesday night.


Tokyo Stocks Edge Up

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.26  percent by midsession on Wednesday after the Bank of Japan's  quarterly "tankan" survey showed a weakening of corporate  sentiment that was in line with expectations.


Bombardier sacks its chief executive

Canadian train and plane manufacturer Bombardier Inc fired its chief executive officer on Monday and its share price dropped to record lows.


GM-Fiat Talks Fail to Resolve Rift Over Partnership Agreement

The high-stakes standoff between General Motors and Fiat over the terms of a 2000 partnership moved a step closer to the courtroom on Tuesday.


North California Grocery Union Sets Talks Deadline

Unionized Northern California grocery workers union set a Sunday deadline for contract talks and said they would hold a strike vote next week if necessary.


One in Four Bird Species May Die Out This Century

By the end of the century one in 10 species of birds in the world will be extinct and a further 15 percent will be on the brink of extinction.


FISCHLER: Cost-certainty is still the crux of this NHL malaise

Is the NHL season over because of the league #39;s rejection of the union offer - and vice versa? But the sands are flowing through big-league hockey #39;s hourglass.


Israel offers early troop withdrawal

Israel is prepared to withdraw troops from Palestinian areas well ahead of a planned pullout from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank next summer, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said.


Council Continues Debate

The D.C. Council continued to debate late Tuesday night over legislation that would clear the way to build a new baseball stadium for the Nationals in Southeast.


Living the High Life

The World Anti-Doping Agency is considering whether speedskating athletes should be allowed to use oxygen-deprived chambers designed to build endurance.


Murky Future for Tice

His contract status, public comments regarding the now-filled Washington Huskies job and another disappointing season have Vikings coach Mike Tice on thin ice.


Rebels Target Erickson

Ole Miss has received permission from the San Francisco 49ers to speak with head coach Dennis Erickson.


United Airlines nears deal on more cost cuts

United Airlines, the bankrupt carrier, yesterday made its first progress in efforts to achieve a second round of labour cost cuts when it said it had reached a tentative agreement


Pig Emissions Part of Global Warming (AP)

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


Comet mission set for 2005 launch

Nasa scientists have been giving details of a space mission to crash a projectile into a comet, peeling away its outer skin in order to look inside.


Szczerbiak Scores 28 Points; Wolves Beat Blazers

Wally Szczerbiak, Kevin Garnett and Sam Cassell were productive in Minnesota #39;s 100-89 win over Portland. Szczerbiak scored a season-high 28 points in helping Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders earn his 400th career victory.


At Least Five Dead in Another India Train Accident

An express train ran into a jeep in southern India on Wednesday, killing five people, a day after two passenger trains collided head-on in the north of the country.


Turkish captain foils EU #39;s would-be defenders

As a young man, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a gifted footballer; but not quite good enough to turn professional. So he concentrated on politics instead.


F. Poe dies from effects of stroke

MANILA Fernando Poe Jr., the popular actor who challenged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the presidential elections this year, died early Tuesday.


The Knicks Make It Seem Like Old Times

For half of the first quarter, the Nets looked like the team that had dominated the Knicks for the past three seasons. But with Jason Kidd still limited to 20


Tokyo Stocks Edge Up (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan's Nikkei average edged up 0.26\percent by midsession on Wednesday after the Bank of Japan's\quarterly "tankan" survey showed a weakening of corporate\sentiment that was in line with expectations.


Merger Puts Nextel at Crossroads

Daniel F. Akerson says the decisions he made as chief executive of Nextel Communications Inc. were all about survival. The choices facing the company in recent weeks, he adds, are a matter


U.N. Troops Fight Way Into Gang-Held Haitian Slum (Reuters)

Reuters - U.N. troops, backed by\armored vehicles and helicopters, fought their way into a\lawless slum in the Haitian capital on Tuesday in their first\attempt to end a killing spree by warring street gangs.


Timberwolves 100, Trail Blazers 89

Wally Szczerbiak scored a season-high 28 points, including the 5,000th of his career, to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 100-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.


Bobcats 94 Hornets 93, overtime

CHARLOTTE, NC Charlotte #39;s new team beat the old one, with the Bobcats outlasting the New Orleans Hornets 94-to-93 in overtime.


Pacers Top Hawks 108-97 in OT (AP)

AP - Jamaal Tinsley scored a season-high 29 points and the Indiana Pacers snapped a seven-game losing streak Tuesday night, beating the Atlanta Hawks 108-97 in overtime.


NEW DELHI (Reuters) - An express train ran into a jeep in  southern India on Wednesday, killing five people, a day after  two passenger trains collided head-on in the north of the  country.


US rate now 2 to choke inflation

WASHINGTON - The US Federal Reserve Board late yesterday boosted short-term interest rates for the fifth time in a row, warning of higher rates next year as it abandons easy money to head off inflation.


Wolfensohn May Step Down From World Bank (AP)

AP - James Wolfensohn said Sunday he anticipates bowing out in 2005 as World Bank president and not serving a third five-year term, but would do whatever shareholders ask of him.


Powell, Gov. Bush Prepare for Asia Trip (AP)

AP - Secretary of State Colin Powell and President Bush's brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, are leading a team of experts traveling to South Asia to get a close-up look at the devastation.


CBM talks focus on notification of tests: Up gradation of hotlines <b>...</b>

ISLAMABAD, Dec 14: The second round of Indo-Pakistan talks on nuclear confidence-building measures (CBMs) that began here on Tuesday zeroed in on formalization of pre-notification of missiles


Blast in Kandahar Wounds at Least Three Afghans (Reuters)

Reuters - A huge explosion rocked the southern\Afghanistan city of Kandahar on Wednesday and at least three\Afghan soldiers were wounded, the city's police chief said.


Hollywood Sues Computer Server Operators (AP)

AP - Hollywood movie studios on Tuesday sued scores of operators of computer servers that help relay digital movie files across online file-sharing networks.


Google Move Could Commercialize Libraries (AP)

AP - The Internet company that famously promised to "do no evil" is on a new mission to digitize the collections of some of the nation's leading research institutions and establish a massive online reading room.


Fed Raises Benchmark A 5th Time

Federal Reserve officials raised a key short-term interest rate yesterday for the fifth time this year, and indicated they will gradually move rates higher next year to keep inflation under control as the economy expands.


Airlines #39; losses expected to hit \$4.8bn

Geneva - The world #39;s major airlines were expected to rack up about \$4.8 billion (R27.3 billion) in losses this year and would climb back to profit next year only if oil prices fell, the top industry body said yesterday.


Transport costs lift UK inflation to 1.5

London - Britain #39;s inflation rate hit its highest level in five months in November, pushed up by air fares and surging utility bills, official figures showed yesterday.


Washington Passes Amended Ballpark Bill (AP)

AP - The District of Columbia Council approved an amended financing plan for a ballpark for the Expos, adding provisions that major league baseball is likely to reject and could jeopardize the proposed move of the franchise.


Google to Scan Books From Big Libraries (AP)

AP - Stacks of hard-to-find books are being scanned into Google Inc.'s widely used Internet search engine in its attempt to establish a massive online reading room for five major libraries.


Ont. set to increase minimum wage for second time in as many years (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - The 400,000 people who work for minimum wage in Ontario should not be left solely at the mercy of governments to get a raise, said Labour Minister Chris Bentley.


China Restrained in Response to Taiwan Poll (Reuters)

Reuters - China offered a measured response on\Wednesday to Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's party suffering\an election setback over the weekend, but warned that his push\for formal independence would exacerbate tensions.


Google to add searches on printed books

Written by Net 4 Nowt As part of its effort to make offline information searchable online, Google Inc. has announced that it is working with the libraries of Harvard, Stanford, the University of Michigan, and


Firefox ad readied as market share increases

The Mozilla group expects to run a thank-you ad in the New York Times by Christmas as new market share numbers showed continued progress against Microsoft.


Video Games Go Hollywood at Live Awards Show (Reuters)

Reuters - The stars of the video\game industry came out in force on Tuesday night to honor their\peers for creative excellence -- taking a page from the\Hollywood playbook with red carpets, glittering gems and a live\nationwide broadcast.


Verizon Backs Off From Possible Sprint Bid (AP)

AP - Verizon Communication Inc.'s wireless partner on Tuesday distanced itself from discussions on a potential bid for Sprint Corp.


Roddick fires coach Gilbert

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (Sports Network) - World No. 2 Andy Roddick fired coach Brad Gilbert this past weekend, just 1 1/2 years after forming a partnership.


Pacers Top Hawks 108-97 in OT

Atlanta Hawks forward Antoine Walker (8) fouls Indiana Pacers center Jeff Foster, left, on a drive during the fourth quarter, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, at Philips Arena in Atlanta.


Egypt and Israel in landmark trade deal

The deal is a trade pact that will enable Egypt to export goods to the US duty free - as long as they have a minimum percentage made in Israel.


Pakistan and India hold talks to avert nuclear catastrophe

Pakistan and India have held talks on giving advance warning of ballistic missile tests and other steps to avert any dangerous misunderstanding.


Microsoft Issues Five Bulletins on Windows Flaws (PC World)

PC World - Desktops, servers affected, but no vulnerabilities deemed critical.


American Indians Set to Manage U.S. Bison Refuge (Reuters)

Reuters - American Indians are poised to take a\step back into history when they begin managing portions of the\nearly 100-year-old National Bison Range in Montana, officials\said on Tuesday.


Voter Turnout in Colo. a Record 87 Percent (AP)

AP - Colorado's voter turnout in November's general election that featured hotly contested presidential and Senate races was 87 percent  #151; a record for the state.


Students Show Mixed Science, Math Scores (AP)

AP - U.S. eighth-graders are gaining on their peers across the globe in science and math, but fourth-graders are being passed as their test scores remain stagnant, according to an international review of school performance.


Blast in Kandahar Wounds at Least Three Afghans

KABUL (Reuters) - A huge explosion rocked the southern  Afghanistan city of Kandahar on Wednesday and at least three  Afghan soldiers were wounded, the city's police chief said.


Calif. Seeks to Create More Solar Homes (AP)

AP - California could have 1 million buildings producing solar energy by 2018, with half of all new homes powered by the sun, administration officials said as they outlined ways to meet one of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's more ambitious campaign promises.


Group Releases Mouse Brain Genome Data (AP)

AP - The Allen Institute for Brain Science has released a major chunk of data from its mapping of the mouse brain genome, hoping the information will help researchers understand how the human brain works.


Ballpark Deal in Doubt

The D.C. Council approved a measure late Tuesday night that dramatically restructures Mayor Anthony A. Williams's deal with baseball to build a stadium.


Practice Rink Plans Set

A \$42.8 million training facility for the Capitals receives approval from the Arlington County Board on Tuesday and will be built at the Ballston Common Mall.


BU Bests Michigan

Chaz Carr scores 14 of his game-high 16 points in the second half and BU hands Michigan its first home loss of the season, 63-52.


Head of the Chiefs Plays Second Fiddle

Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers pays a visit to troops in Iraq, but model Leeann Tweeden steals the show.


Colombia Rebels May Explore Peace Talks

The smaller of Colombia's two leftist rebel groups offered Tuesday to meet with a Mexican mediator to discuss possible peace talks with the government and reiterated its call for a bilateral cease-fire.


Google Bets Big on Bringing Libraries to Web

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc. said on Tuesday it  would digitize some of the world's most important libraries in  a bold effort that could profit the company by attracting more  viewers to its site -- and its ads.


Video Games Go Hollywood at Live Awards Show

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Reuters) - The stars of the video  game industry came out in force on Tuesday night to honor their  peers for creative excellence -- taking a page from the  Hollywood playbook with red carpets, glittering gems and a live  nationwide broadcast.


RIM Patent Suit Partly Upheld

TORONTO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court upheld  a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device  maker Research In Motion Ltd. RIM.TO on Tuesday, but said  part of the earlier court ruling was flawed and sent the case  back to a lower court.


China Plans Big Production of Small Satellites (Reuters)

Reuters - China, which put its first man in orbit\last year, has built a national engineering and research center\for small satellites, paving the way for large-scale\production, state media said on Wednesday.


Oil Prices Climb Above \$42 a Barrel

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed above \$42 a barrel  on Wednesday, rising for the third day in a row as the heavy  consuming U.S. Northeast feels the first chills of winter.


Fuel Didn #39;t Fire Up Rate Hikes

The Federal Reserve #39;s policy year was fittingly capped on Dec. 14 with another quarter-point rate hike. This widely expected move by the Federal Open Market Committee, the Fed #39;s rate-setting arm, lifted the Fed funds rate to 2.25.


Oil Rises Nearly 2 Percent on Colder US Weather

Oil prices jumped nearly 2 percent on Tuesday as colder weather in the United States, the world #39;s largest heating oil market, brought temperatures more in line with seasonal norms.


Merck Looks Ahead Despite Vioxx Suits

Merck  amp; Co. officials said Tuesday they intend to defend aggressively their handling of the painkiller Vioxx against claims by patients who say they were harmed by the now-withdrawn drug.


Buffett #39;s Berkshire Names Microsoft #39;s Gates to Board (Update2)

Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the investment company run by billionaire Warren Buffett, named another billionaire, Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates, as a director.


Blockbuster to drop late fees

Blockbuster Inc., the nation #39;s biggest movie-rental company, said yesterday that it will eliminate late fees on games and movies as of Jan. 1 - but if you keep them too long, you buy them.


Irish disposals worth 967m to struggling NAB

National Australia Bank, which owns the Clydesdale, has sold its two Irish banks to Denmark #39;s largest bank for 967m in cash, a move will give hope of fresh investment in the Australian group #39;s beleaguered Scottish operation.


Hollywood sues computer server operators in major anti-piracy move

Major Hollywood studios on Tuesday announced scores of lawsuits against computer server operators worldwide, including eDonkey, BitTorrent and DirectConnect networks, for allowing trading of pirated movies.


RealNetworks says Apple blocks its music

RealNetworks Inc., which sells songs over the Web, said Apple Computer Inc. has altered the software for some of its market-leading iPod digital music players so that songs purchased from RealNetworks won #39;t play.


Sharks respond to magnetic fields

The discovery adds weight to the long-held theory that the fish possess an internal compass to guide them over long distances. The University of Hawaii biologists reported in Britain #39;s Royal Society journal


Go-ahead for new internet names

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) has approved two new internet address types: .mobi and .jobs. This is just a preliminary approval.


Dione and Titan: Zooming Into View

The map of Saturn #39;s moon Dione, generated from Cassini images taken during the spacecraft #39;s first two orbits of Saturn, illustrates in the banner image, the imaging coverage planned during Cassini #39;s first Dione flyby on Dec. 14, 2004.


IDC: mobile phone market growth to slow down in 2005

The global mobile phone market is expected to see a slow down in market growth due to the lack of additional catalysts, US high tech market research firm IDC warned on Tuesday.


Being Dragan slayer would be an Auxsome return for me

THE lonely walk to a seat in the Ibrox stand on big Euro nights served as a chilling reminder to Dragan Mladenovic of what was absent from his world.


Ballon d #39;Or - Le palmars des dix dernires annes

1995: 1. George Weah (LBR/Milan AC), 2. Jurgen Klinsmann (ALL/Bayern Munich), 3. Jari Litmanen (FIN/Ajax Amsterdam). 1996: 1. Matthias Sammer (ALL/Borussia Dortmund), 2. Ronaldo (BRE/FC Barcelone), 3. Alan Shearer (ENG/Newcastle).


Red Bull hoping they can give Coulthard wins

David Coulthard is in pole position for a Formula One drive with Red Bull Racing in 2005. Team managing director David Pitchforth clearly backs Coulthard and hopes a deal might be concluded before the resumption of preseason testing next month.


Pedro set to join Mets today

Tomorrow morning at a press conference in New York, Pedro Martinez is expected to don a Mets uniform for the first time, his seven-year Red Sox career over, his four-year stint with the Mets just beginning.


No. 7 Duke 88, Illinois-Chicago 55

For the second straight game, Duke overcame a slow start to win in a rout. Shelden Williams had 23 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks Tuesday night to lift the seventh-ranked Blue Devils past Illinois-Chicago 88-55.


Top-25 College Basketball

Durham, NC (Sports Network) - Shelden Williams finished with 23 points, 14 rebounds and seven blocks to lead seventh-ranked Duke to an 88-55 win over Illinois-Chicago at Cameron Indoor Stadium.


Poe death prompts Arroyo attack

THE death of Philippine movie star and defeated presidential candidate Fernando Poe has drawn some political backlash, with some people seeking to use his sudden demise as a platform to attack President Gloria Arroyo.


N. Korea threat over sanctions

TOYKO, Japan -- North Korea has warned Japan that it would treat economic sanctions against the nation as a  quot;declaration of war quot; as a row brews over the remains of abductees.


Cuban President Fidel Castro Honors Hugo Chavez

Havana, Dec 14 (AIN) Cuban President Fidel Castro awarded visiting Venezuelan Head of State Hugo Chavez with the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes Order at a rally marking the 10th anniversary of Chavez #39; first visit to Cuba.


Settlements Seen in U.S. Inquiries Into Time Warner

Time Warner is expected to settle with the Justice Department in its investigation of advertising deals between America Online and smaller Internet companies.


For Sprint and Nextel, a Battle With Titans

When Sprint and Nextel Communications merge, they will be competing against their much larger rivals, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless.


Many companies say they will hire in 2005

Many of the nation #39;s employers expect to begin the new year by hiring, according to a study released yesterday. That positive outlook continues the swelling of payrolls that has characterized the last three financial quarters.


PeopleSoft Board Rejects Oracle #39;s Takeover Bid Despite <b>...</b>

PeopleSoft Inc. #39;s board of directors unanimously rejected Oracle Corp. #39;s takeover offer Saturday, Nov. 20, only hours after PeopleSoft stockholders tendered a majority of their shares in favor of the deal.


New Rules for Auditors Proposed

Regulators yesterday proposed new rules that would bar auditors from peddling questionable tax strategies and preparing tax returns for top executives whose companies #39; accounting they review


Google can now take you inside seven great libraries

This is welcome news for researchers as their favorite web search engine Google will now scan the entire collections of seven prestigious libraries and make these pages available to Google users.


Site: SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Follow the countdown and launch of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket with NASA #39;s Deep Impact comet spacecraft. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.


Entire Season Could Be Lost After Latest Stalemate

NHL owners and players took turns rejecting each other #39;s proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement during a 3 1/2-hour meeting at league offices in Toronto yesterday, moving the league closer toward canceling the entire 2004-05 season.


Big Swing and a Miss for DC Baseball Efforts

As 11 o #39;clock approached last night, I called Commissioner Bud Selig at home to find out whether he knew that DC Council chairwoman Linda Cropp had just blown to smithereens the deal that


Angels, Byrd Agree to 1-Year Deal

The Angels agreed to a one-year, \$4.5 million contract with RHP Paul Byrd yesterday and traded RHP Ramon Ortiz to the Reds for a minor league pitcher.


UNDATED: the Hawks.

Clifford Robinson scored a season-high 25 points, Jason Richardson had a key follow dunk in the final minute and Golden State snapped a 12-game losing streak in Dallas.


Oil Prices Climb Above  #36;42 a Barrel (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices climbed above  #36;42 a barrel\on Wednesday, rising for the third day in a row as the heavy\consuming U.S. Northeast feels the first chills of winter.


Crude futures rise on colder weather

Oil prices rose 2 percent yesterday on the back of a rally in heating oil and natural gas futures that was supported by colder weather in the Western Hemisphere.


Sony and Samsung to Cross-License Patents

Sony Corp. (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday they had agreed to share patents on basic technology to speed up


Satellite System Puts Doctors in Ambulance (AP)

AP - For paramedics in rural areas, responding to frantic calls for help is at times akin to doing a high-wire act without a net. Mountains, valleys, bad weather and long distances between hospitals make communication with emergency room physicians spotty at best and nonexistent at worst.


Greek Bus With 27 People on Board Hijacked (AP)

AP - A Greek public bus with about 27 people aboard was hijacked Wednesday and shots were fired at police who surrounded it on the outskirts of Athens, police and bus company officials said.


Guest editorial: Google changes the world

Said one participant in the project,  quot;This is the day the world changes, quot; and you have to grant that he is on to something: Google #39;s plan to put the contents of five major libraries


Magnetic sharks add bite to compass theory

Marine biologists say they have obtained the first proof that sharks can spot changes in magnetic fields, boosting evidence that the fish have an internal compass to guide them as well as a phenomenal sense of smell.


Four Police Dead in Peru Shootout; Rebel Defiant

LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Four Peruvian police died on Sunday  after security forces battled to retake parts of a southern  town seized by an armed group early on New Year's Day to demand  the resignation of President Alejandro Toledo.


SuperSonics Top Lakers 108-93 (AP)

AP - Rashard Lewis scored a season-high 37 points, and the Seattle SuperSonics improved to 18-4 with a 108-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night.


Shevchenko eases Ukraine pain

AC MILAN striker Andriy Shevchenko gave his strife-torn country Ukraine some reason for celebration when he was named European footballer of the year for 2004 yesterday.


Jamaica's Police Commissioner Resigns (AP)

AP - Jamaica's embattled police commissioner resigned following last year's record number of homicides in the Caribbean country, authorities said.


50 dead as trains collide in India

MANSAR, Dec 14: Two trains collided head-on in northern India on Tuesday, killing 50 people and injuring around 150, Punjab #39;s chief minister said, as rescue workers scrambled to free trapped passengers.


Greek passengers in armed hijack

At least one gunman has taken about two dozen passengers hostage on a bus in the Greek capital Athens, police say. Armed officers have surrounded the vehicle in the suburb of Marathon.


Philippines mourn downfallen movie star and former president <b>...</b>

Thousands of families, friends, fans and politicians paid non-stop visits to a church in Metro Manila, where the remains of the lost presidential candidate but evergreen action star, Fernando Poe Jr.


Arafat heir calls time on armed struggle

Mahmoud Abbas, the acting Palestinian leader, called on his people to drop their weapons in the struggle for a state. His stance marks a clear change of strategy for peace with Israel after the death of Yasser Arafat last month.


Now, read books on Google!

Google, the world #39;s top search engine, is all set to offer books from five famous libraries online, unlocking a fabulous treasure of information.


#39;Magnetic #39; sharks add bite to compass theory

Paris - Marine biologists say they have obtained the first proof that sharks can spot changes in magnetic fields, boosting evidence that the creatures have an internal compass to guide them as well as a phenomenal sense of smell.


Mexican Lawmakers Approve Controversial GM Law (Reuters)

Reuters - Mexican lawmakers approved a new\law on Tuesday to regulate genetically modified crops, but\opponents said it catered more to the interests of big business\than to the protection of centuries-old biodiversity.


Greek passengers in armed hijack

Police surround a bus in Athens on which about two dozen people are being held by at least one gunman.


Stronger hiring seen

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - If finding a new job is one of your New Year #39;s resolutions, you #39;ll be happy to know the hiring prospects for the first-quarter are much brighter than a year earlier, according to a Manpower survey released Tuesday.


Roethlisberger Benched for Season Finale (AP)

AP - With little to play for Sunday, the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers benched quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and two other injured starters  #151; running back Jerome Bettis and receiver Plaxico Burress  #151; for their regular-season finale against Buffalo.


Expos #39; move to Washington could be in jeopardy

Baseball #39;s plan to move the Expos to Washington might come apart after the District of Columbia Council voted Tuesday night to require private financing for at least half the cost of a new ballpark.


Prem Preview : Fulham-Man United

Following the Arsenal-Chelsea draw, Manchester United could really blow the title race open with a win at Fulham. Sir Alex Ferguson never gave up on the title.


Blue Devils Douse Flames, 88-55

Heading down the stretch in the first half, it seemed as though the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames were poised to take a second ACC team to the wire.


Concorde: judges call in US airline

French prosecutors investigating the manslaughter of the 113 people killed in the Air France Concorde crash four years ago are to summon senior executives of the US airline Continental.


Greek Police Surround Hijacked Bus Near Athens

Greek police surrounded a bus filled with passengers that had been seized by gunmen in the Athens suburb of Marathon early Wednesday, Greek police said.


North Korea says Japanese sanctions would be declaration of war <b>...</b>

SEOUL - North Korea warned on Wednesday that it would regard any sanctions imposed on it by Japan as a declaration of war and would hit back with an effective physical response.


Assam on high alert after serial blasts (Reuters)

Reuters - Soldiers patrolled the largest city in India's volatile northeast and frisked bus passengers on Wednesday after a series of grenade attacks blamed on a powerful underground group killed a man and wounded 50.


Cisco sells file-sharing, backup appliance

Cisco Systems debuted the File Engine, a file-based data-sharing appliance that offers companies the ability to consolidate management of distributed file and print services within branch offices.


Microsoft issues five bulletins on Windows flaws

Microsoft today released five Security Bulletins warning of several vulnerabilities that put computers running Windows at risk of attack. None are rated "critical," Microsoft's highest severity rating.


State of the Search Marketing Industry 2004

Jupiter Research and SEMPO (the Search Engine Marketing Professional Organization) have released results of separate surveys providing one of the most detailed looks yet at current practices and advertiser spending in the search marketing industry.


New ballpark for Nationals approved, but with a hitch

Washington, DC (Sports Network) - The District of Columbia Council approved legislation to finance construction of a new ballpark for the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, but the team might have to come up with some money to build it.


S. Mississippi Tops North Texas 31-10 (AP)

AP - Michael Boley was supposed to blitz, but pulled up in a timely moment of recognition, poised to jump for the screen pass he suspected was coming his way.


31 die as trains collide in India

Welders cut through metal and soldiers pulled bodies from the crushed cars of two trains that collided head-on Tuesday in northern India, killing 31 people.


Gunmen hijack Athens bus, hold passengers

ATHENS : Armed men hijacked a bus in an Athens suburb early Wednesday, taking some 20 passengers aboard hostage, a police source said.


Broken Wrist Sidelines Ravens' Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis was inactive for the Ravens' regular-season finale game against Miami on Sunday because of a broken right wrist.


Report: Majerus to USC

Rick Majerus will come out of retirement to coach Southern California at the end of the season, according to a report.


Samsung Electronics Agrees With Sony To Share Most Patent <b>...</b>

Samsung Electronics sealed a comprehensive cross license contract with Sony of Japan to share most of their patent technologies. Samsung Electronics and Sony announced on December 14 in Seoul


Redskins Lead, 7-0

The Redskins capitalize on a 66-yard kickoff return and lead the Vikings, 7-0, in the first quarter at FedEx.


Oxford, Harvard... libraries online on Google:

World News: London, Dec 15 : Rare and contemporary works from the libraries of five of the world #39;s most important academic institutions are to be digitised by Google and made available online.


Hollywood sues BitTorrent web site owners

Hollywood movie studios, through the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), have today sued scores of operators of computer servers that help relay digitised movie files across online file-sharing networks.


NBA Game Summary - Golden State at Dallas

The Golden State Warriors started a four-game road trip...This was the second meeting of the season between the two clubs. On November 8th, Dallas knocked off the Warriors, 101-98, in overtime in front of


SuperSonics 108, Lakers 93

Rashard Lewis scored a season-high 37 points, and the Seattle SuperSonics improved to 18-4 with a 108-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday night.


Blockbuster sacrifices late fees to lure renters

Fort Worth, Texas - Blockbuster is tired of being the butt of jokes on Leno and Letterman. And, even closer to home, it wants to eliminate what the company #39;s president calls  quot;those unpleasant conversations at the register.


Google Strikes Deals for Library Content

Google reached agreements with several major research libraries to digitize the content of thousands of books in their archives, adding momentum to the search giant #39;s effort to catalog vast amounts of offline information in addition to Web pages, the


SuperSonics 108 Lakers 93

SEATTLE Rashard Lewis scored a season-high 37 points and Ray Allen added 26 as Seattle whipped the Los Angeles Lakers 108-to-93. Lewis scored 17 points in the first quarter and had 22 by the break to help


Gunmen seize bus in Athens

ATHENS, Greece -- Gunmen have seized a public bus near the Greek capital of Athens and are holding about 25 passengers hostage. Authorities have surrounded the Athens-Marathon bus that was seized early Wednesday morning, Greek police told news agencies.


Southern Miss. Beats N. Texas in New Orleans Bowl

NEW ORLEANS (Sports Network) - Dustin Almond passed for 299  yards with a touchdown and rushed for another score to lead the  Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles to a 31-10 victory over the  North Texas Mean Green in the New Orleans Bowl at the  Superdome.


Iraq to Try Saddam Aides in Election Run-Up

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq will put some of Saddam Hussein's  top lieutenants on trial next week, a month before a national  election many hope will lay the ghosts of his rule, interim  Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Tuesday.


Brazil Laundering Probe Stings Bankers, Politicians

BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - A Brazilian congressional  probe accused 91 people, including a former central bank chief  and an ex-mayor of Sao Paulo, on Tuesday of involvement in  suspected laundering of money from drug trafficking, smuggling  and other crimes.


Mexican Lawmakers Approve Controversial GM Law

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican lawmakers approved a new  law on Tuesday to regulate genetically modified crops, but  opponents said it catered more to the interests of big business  than to the protection of centuries-old biodiversity.


Ask Jeeves Joins Battle for Desktop

Ask Jeeves today becomes the latest search engine to join the battle to organize the disparate information spread across users #39; computers.


Washington Council Approves Stadium, With Conditions

The City Council narrowly approved a taxpayer-financed plan late Tuesday night to build a new riverfront baseball stadium. But it was not clear whether the amended measure


Pacers must work OT to end losing streak

Jamaal Tinsley put up the biggest numbers, but he reserved his biggest praise for the old newcomer. Asked about Michael Curry #39;s contributions to the Indiana Pacers #39; 108-97 overtime


Bush Allies May Defect Over Fiscal Proposals

As the White House opens a two-day conference to promote its second-term fiscal priorities, powerful interest groups that once supported Bush are either working to undercut him or are wary of his proposals.


Federal Reserve Raises Benchmark A 5th Time

Federal Reserve officials raised a key short-term interest rate Tuesday for the fifth time this year, and indicated they will gradually move rates higher next year to keep inflation under control as the economy expands.


Directors Approve Sprint-Nextel Merger

The deal would create a new wireless telecommunications giant with 39 million customers.-The Washington Post


Nextel Merger Puts It at Crossroads

Daniel F. Akerson says the decisions he made as chief executive of Nextel Communications Inc. were all about survival.


Shrinking Coverage

Employer-paid health care for retired workers has been growing sharply more expensive, and the number of companies willing to provide it continues to shrink.


Kuwait Will Meet Its OPEC Cut

DUBAI (Reuters) - Core Gulf producer Kuwait will meet its  OPEC cut by lowering oil product sales by 190,000 barrels per  day (bpd) during first-quarter refinery maintenance, a Kuwaiti  oil official said on Wednesday.


Heating-oil, natural-gas futures rise amid Northeast chill

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Strength in heating-oil and natural-gas futures led an overall climb among energy prices for a second session Tuesday, as cold US weather sparked concerns over heating-fuel supplies for the winter season.


Shiite Leaders Seek to Quell Fears as Rebels Kill 18 Iraqi Soldiers

Leaders of the United Iraqi Alliance urged disaffected Sunnis to join in the elections for a national assembly.


At Merck, There Are No Easy Answers

Investors hoping for reassurance from Merck (MRK ) execs in light of recent problems got little besides generalities at the Dec. 14 meeting at the company #39;s Whitehouse Station, NJ, headquarters.


United Reaches Tentative Deal With Pilots

United Airlines, struggling to reorganize after two years in bankruptcy protection, reached a tentative agreement with its pilots #39; union on additional wage and benefit concessions, the union said yesterday.


Stadium 'to stage tsunami gig'

The Millennium Stadium is trying to stage a 'Live Aid' style concert to raise more than 1m for the Tsunami disaster appeal.


NBA Wrap: Lewis Guides SuperSonics Past Lakers (Reuters)

Reuters - Rashard Lewis notched a personal\season-high of 37 points, including seven three-pointers, as\the Seattle SuperSonics swept aside the Los Angeles Lakers\108-93 Tuesday to collect their 18th win of the season.


Hockey players reject NHL counteroffer

BEIJING, Dec. 15 -- The National Hockey League has slipped closer towards losing - for the first time - a season to a labor dispute.


DC throws a curve

WASHINGTON--Cynics might say Major League Baseball used competition from Northern Virginia to pry the District of Columbia #39;s pocketbook wide open for a new ballpark for the relocated Montreal Expos.


Bobcats clip New Orleans in overtime

CHARLOTTE - The storyline couldnt had been written any better for the Charlotte Bobcats Tuesday night in their first meeting with the New Orleans Hornets.


McDyess plans to face the Knicks

Despite spending more than a year-and-a-half as a Knick, McDyess managed played only 18 games last season after sitting out the entire 2002-03 season with knee injuries.


Greek Police Surround Hijacked Bus Near Athens

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek police surrounded a bus carrying  26 passengers that was seized by two armed hijackers along a  highway from an Athens suburb on Wednesday, police said.


Fed nudges up interest rates

As expected, the Federal Reserve raised a key interest rate one-quarter point in continuing efforts to stave off inflation while holding rates at near record lows to help fuel economic expansion.


To better compete with Netflix, Blockbuster is dropping its late <b>...</b>

The movie-rental company said Tuesday it will drop late fees for games and movies starting Jan. 1 - a positive move as seen by customers at the Blockbuster on Westheimer in Montrose.


Southwest changing ways under new chief executive

When Gary Kelly, the new chief executive of Southwest Airlines, dressed up as the Kiss frontman for Halloween, we should have known it was more than a prank.


Continental details pay, benefit cutbacks

Continental Airlines said Tuesday it will cut pay and benefits for managers and clerical workers by \$48 million. The announcement marks the first specifics outlined by Houston-based Continental


NK Subramanium, Special Correspondent

The core business of Internet search engines is being threatened by the evolution of new generation of content providers. The search engines like Google or Yahoo make money by indexing the web sites all over


Martinez is eager to repay the Mets

The once-fanciful concept of Pedro Martinez as a Met moved closer to reality yesterday, as the free-agent right-hander confirmed that he would be leaving the Boston Red Sox to sign with the Mets.


Charlotte NBA fans move on to Bobcats as Hornets stumble

Sometimes it takes looking into the casket and viewing the body to get closure. Sometimes it takes seeing the cadaver to accept finality.


Slump baffles guard Harris

Guard Dion Harris can #39;t explain it, but he #39;s in a major shooting slump. In the last five games, he has shot 17-for-66 from the field (25.8 percent), including 7-for-35 from three-point range.


Suicide Bombers, Gunmen Kill 32 in Iraq

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Suicide car bombers hit a bus packed  with Iraqi National Guards on Sunday, killing 26 people in the  deadliest attack of its kind in four months on Iraqis  cooperating with U.S. forces to secure a Jan. 30 election.


Bus hijacked on outskirts of Athens

A bus was hijacked today and shots were fired at police who surrounded it on the outskirts of Athens. Police did not know how many passengers were aboard the bus.


NBA Wrap: Lewis Guides SuperSonics Past Lakers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rashard Lewis notched a personal  season-high of 37 points, including seven three-pointers, as  the Seattle SuperSonics swept aside the Los Angeles Lakers  108-93 Tuesday to collect their 18th win of the season.


Continental announces wage, benefit cuts

HOUSTON Continental Airlines has finalized wage and benefit cuts and changed some work rules -- to save money. The action comes as Houston-based Continental seeks to achieve 48 (M) million dollars of 500 (M) million dollars in labor cost cuts.


Kuwait Will Meet Its OPEC Cut (Reuters)

Reuters - Core Gulf producer Kuwait will meet its\OPEC cut by lowering oil product sales by 190,000 barrels per\day (bpd) during first-quarter refinery maintenance, a Kuwaiti\oil official said on Wednesday.


Fed Raises Interest Rate to 2.25 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - The Federal Reserve pushed U.S.\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.


Majerus accepts offer to be USC #39;s basketball coach next season

BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) - Rick Majerus #39; stint as a college basketball analyst for ESPN apparently has been short-lived. According to an ESPN.


Angels agree to deal with Byrd

LOS ANGELES - The Anaheim Angels added a starting pitcher Tuesday, agreeing to a \$5 million, one-year contract with right-hander Paul Byrd.


Knicks get defensive

Someone asked Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury after his team #39;s 87-79 victory over the rival Nets at Continental Airlines Arena last night whether a message had sent to the three-time


No. 1 LSU too much for Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS - Top-ranked teams aren #39;t solo shows, and star Seimone Augustus sure has plenty of help around her with the LSU Lady Tigers.


Saddam #39;s aides face trial

Some of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein #39;s aides will go on trial next week, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said Tuesday.


British National Party Leader Arrested On Suspicion Of Racial <b>...</b>

HBN, LONDON, England, Weds. Dec. 15: Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, joined 11 other party members yesterday to be arrested on suspicion of incitement to commit racial hatred.


Hezbollah TV Network Ends Broadcasts To France

Dec 14, 2004 (AXcess News) Paris - A French satellite television provider says a channel operated by Lebanon #39;s Hezbollah militant group has ended its broadcasts to France.


Dollar Slips Against Yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar slipped against the yen on  Wednesday after a Bank of Japan survey suggested the  deterioration in Japanese business sentiment was not as bad as  some had feared.


Airlines may return to profit in  #39;05

Airlines worldwide may make a combined profit of \$1.2 billion next year, their first since 2000, as fuel prices fall from record highs and passenger traffic increases, the International Air Transport Association said.


United says it has landed tentative pact with pilots

United Airlines on Tuesday announced it has secured a tentative contract agreement with its pilots. The agreement makes the pilots the first of United #39;s four big unions to come to initial terms.


Wireless patent suit still murky

Research In Motion (RIMM), maker of the popular BlackBerry wireless e-mail device, got mixed news in court Tuesday - and a worst-case scenario that would stop BlackBerry sales in the USA.


Gifford retiring early at Bank of America

Chad Gifford, one of Boston #39;s most visible business leaders, said yesterday he would retire as chairman of Bank of America Corp.


Salvation Army faces risk of barer kettles

The Salvation Army may be forced to scale back its help for those in need if Londoners don #39;t start tossing more toonies into its kettles.


Fiat, GM to Start Mediation Over Option

MILAN (Reuters) - Fiat and General Motors Corp plan to  start one-on-one mediation to settle a dispute over whether the  Italian industrial group can sell its loss-mired car unit to GM  from Jan. 24.


MPAA SUES SERVERS THAT DOWNLOAD FILMS

The major Hollywood movie studios, as part of the industry #39;s latest legal action to battle piracy, sued the operators of server computers they say help people find and download millions of illegally copied movies.


NASA chief O #39;Keefe resigns

NASA administrator Sean O #39;Keefe on Monday resigned after three years in charge of the US space agency which included the Columbia shuttle disaster, a NASA spokesman said.


Toshibas latest 80GB drive

Toshiba Corporation, the leading manufacturer of electrical and electronic goods, said on Tuesday that it has produced an 80-Gbyte version of its 1.8-inch hard drive which will be used in a next-generation Apple iPod.


You #39;re Infected. Merry Christmas!

A variant of the Zafi worm, Zafi.d, is doing the rounds disguised as a Christmas message. This worm arrives via email and through peer-to-peer networks bearing the message  quot;Happy Hollydays quot; and the subject


Good bio sensor news for diabetics

New Delhi: American nanotechnology researchers at the University of Illinois have demonstrated a tiny, implantable detector that could one day allow diabetics to monitor their glucose levels continuously without ever having to draw a blood sample.


Technology worker opens shop for digital photos only

PLANO, Texas - All Jeff Goulston wanted was a little job security. Having watched thousands of jobs get shipped overseas, the technology consultant saw his long-term prospects drying up.


War funding request may hit \$100 billion

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration plans to ask for between \$80 billion and \$100 billion to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan next year, rather than the \$70 billion to \$75 billion the White House privately told members of Congress before the election, according to Pentagon and White House officials.


Iran to Comply with OPEC Output Quotas

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Iran, OPEC's second-biggest producer,  will comply with the cartel's decision to curb excess output  and pump crude oil at its official quota, an official said on  Wednesday.


FA to check Cech comments

The Football Association is to look into comments Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is alleged to have made about Graham Poll, and his decision to allow Arsenal #39;s controversial second goal at the weekend.


Sonics #39; Lewis steals spotlight from anticipated Kobe-Allen matchup

This was supposed to be a battle between Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant, meeting on the court for the first time since trading preseason barbs in the press.


NO cries foul following loss

PJ Brown sat slumped in his chair Tuesday night, still convinced he had knocked the ball away from Emeka Okafor. Yet with 5.7 seconds remaining in overtime and the Hornets holding


Clayton, Counsell now on board

The Diamondbacks introduced shortstop Royce Clayton as their newest member Tuesday after free-agent pitcher Matt Clement visited Bank One Ballpark.


Bennett is catcher on the deep, deep fly

When it became clear earlier this season that the Tennessee Titans wouldn #39;t be returning to the playoffs, the list of shortcomings included the complaint that Drew Bennett couldn #39;t catch the long ball.


Emissions must be cut, says chief UN scientist

BUENOS AIRES -- The world's chief climate scientist yesterday disputed the US government's contention that cutbacks in carbon dioxide emissions are not yet warranted to slow the pace of global warming.


Abbas opposes use of arms

RAMALLAH - New PLO chairman Mahmud Abbas called for an end to the armed uprising, as Israeli tanks rolled into Gaza yesterday in the aftermath of the most lethal Palestinian attack since Yasser Arafat #39;s death.


Afghans arrest 2 Taliban commanders

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Information from a man caught in a vehicle loaded with explosives led to the arrests of two senior Taliban military commanders, including a former security chief of the hard-line regime's leader, Mullah Omar, an official said yesterday.


Documents detail abuse of detainees

WASHINGTON -- US Marines fired a pistol in a mock execution involving four young Iraqi looters and shocked another Iraqi detainee with an electric transformer until he ''danced, quot; a document made public yesterday showed.


Doctor who coauthored memoir of UN peacekeepers is let go

UNITED NATIONS -- UN officials have decided not to renew the contract of a doctor who coauthored a controversial memoir about life on the front lines of UN peacekeeping in the 1990s.


Concorde crash laid to debris, flaw

CERGY-PONTOISE, France -- A metal strip that fell off a Continental Airlines jet and a fuel tank design fault led to the deaths of 113 people in the Concorde air disaster near Paris in 2000, an official report said on yesterday.


Restaurant guide critic loses whistleblower suit

PARIS -- The  quot;storm in a saucepan quot; intensified yesterday for a former top restaurant inspector who has become the enfant terrible of French gastronomy.


Business confidence dips in Japan

Japan industrialists are gloomier about the economic outlook for the first time since March 2003,  the central bank's quarterly Tankan survey finds.


Coming and going

A shade more than 14 months ago, David Wells appeared at a news conference in Fenway Park, not far away from the room where he greeted reporters yesterday. Back then, Wells was a card-carrying member of the Evil Empire, a true believer in the Curse of the Bambino, on the verge of pitching Game 3 of the Red Sox-Yankees AL ...


Martinez showed his true colors

So how are you enjoying your offseason so far? Anyway, I'll bet you didn't sign a \$54 million contract. I know I didn't.


NHL is on thin ice

There was plenty of rejection to go around yesterday. First, the National Hockey League owners -- via commissioner Gary Bettman -- voted a unanimous thumbs down on the Players Association's extensive proposal put forth last Thursday. Then, the NHLPA said thanks but no thanks to the league's counterproposal, which predictably included what the union said it would never ...


Brown has it double covered

FOXBOROUGH -- Troy Brown has tried not to be torn by his loyalties to his Patriot teammates. But they have made the versatile 12-year veteran a prized possession in a playful tug-of-war between the offense and defense.


Senate Panel to Set Hearings on Insurgency, Shortages

The Armed Services Committee's hearings will include an examination of criticism that the Defense Department failed to prepare for the insurgency and went into action with a shortage of armor for trucks and Humvees.


Brockton mayor questions MIAA

Brockton city officials, irritated by the logistical nightmare that plagued fans at both Super Bowl venues and questioning gate receipt totals for the six games, has taken aim at the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.


Blockbuster to end late fees Jan. 1

Desperately trying to mollify its restive customers, Blockbuster Inc. said yesterday that it plans to effectively eliminate late fees on game and movie rentals, starting Jan. 1.


Retirees' health costs jump for third year

Retirees for a third straight year are paying double-digit increases for healthcare coverage through their former employers, which are shifting a greater share of the cost to new retirees, according to a study released yesterday.


Dollar rises narrowly against euro

The US dollar rose slightly against the euro yesterday as the Federal Reserve raised a key interest rate by a quarter-point and the US trade deficit was larger than expected.


US trade deficit hits record high

America's trade deficit swelled to a record high of \$55.5 billion in October as imports -- including those from China -- surged to the loftiest levels ever. Skyrocketing crude oil prices also contributed to the yawning trade gap.


Stocks post gains after Fed raises rates

US stocks gained yesterday, after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates as expected, while it reassured investors that inflation was in check and indicated the economy was growing at a moderate pace.


United, pilots tentatively agree on additional cuts

United Airlines, seeking cost cuts to help it get out of bankruptcy, has reached a tentative agreement with its pilots union, the first labor accord on additional concessions the carrier proposed last month.


Fewer teen techies find jobs waiting in the field

Caleb Sima still marvels at how angry the people around him got when he fled high school for a computer job during the high-tech boom, thumbing his nose at the traditional career path.


Turkish Engineer, 2 Aides Missing in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 14 -- A Turkish engineer and two Afghans were apparently kidnapped Tuesday in an area of eastern Afghanistan where bandits and insurgents from the Taliban and other Islamic extremist groups operate, officials said.


Air Force awards \$240.5m contract

Raytheon Co. , the fifth-largest US defense company, got a \$240.5 million award from the US Air Force to produce training aircraft, extending the company's largest contract for military aircraft. The award covers production of 50 of the T-6A training aircraft for use by the Air Force and Navy under the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System program, Raytheon spokeswoman Jackie ...


A Plea for Support of Innovation

America risks losing its leadership of the global economy if government and industry fail to make changes that encourage innovation, a panel of leading executives and university presidents say in a study to be released today.


Nonprofit launches plan to reduce medical errors

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston, run by Harvard physician Dr. Donald Berwick, will try to save 100,000 patients from fatal medical errors and poor care in the next 18 months by persuading hospitals to improve in six areas.


Lucchino thinks it was a bad move

The president and chief executive officer of the Red Sox thinks Pedro Martinez made the wrong decision. But Larry Lucchino nonetheless had nothing but praise for


Lewis (37) is superman for Sonics

Rashard Lewis scored a season-high 37 points, and SuperSonics improved to 18-4 with a 108-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers last night in Seattle.


No. 13 Louisville 85, N. Carolina A amp;T 51

Larry O #39;Bannon scored a season-high 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead No. 13 Louisville to an 85-51 victory over North Carolina A amp;T on Tuesday night.


Bus with 26 passengers hijacked in Greece

A hijacked bus is seen on a street some 30 kilometres north of Athens December 15, 2004. Greek police forces surrounded the bus after two armed men hijacked it early Wednesday morning with 26 passengers


Abbas says intifada was mistake

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader campaigning to succeed Yasser Arafat in elections next month, said the four-year-old armed uprising against Israel was a mistake and must end.


Martin meets with cabinet ministers, diplomats over tsunami aid (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Prime Minister Paul Martin met with key cabinet ministers and diplomats Sunday to talk about Ottawa's response to the tsunami crisis that has devastated south Asia.


Verizon unlikely to bid for Sprint

update Verizon Communications has no imminent plans to bid for Sprint, people familiar with the situation said Tuesday, toppling a potential obstacle to Sprint #39;s \$37.8 billion bid for Nextel Communications.


United Airlines, seeking cost cuts to help it get out of bankruptcy, has reached a tentative agreement with its pilots union, the first labor accord on additional


Demtchenko of Russia Wins Men's Luge (AP)

AP - Albert Demtchenko of Russia won the men's singles Sunday to break up a sweep by the powerful German team of all five races at a Luge World Cup event.


WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Robbie Savage has been branded a coward for a vicious eye-gouging attack on Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg. Former top ref Jeff Winter raged:  quot;It was sly and not the act of a man.


Other Voices: Red Sox, not Pedro, lacking loyalty

It is much too easy to call Pedro Martinez the selfish one, to say he is walking out on the Red Sox, his baseball family, for the extra year of the Mets #39; crazy money.


Schu doesn #39;t score

World champion Michael Schumacher failed to score a goal at Madrid #39;s Santiago Bernabeu (Spain) soccer stadium - recently evacuated after a bomb scare - on Tuesday night.


Trading in old loyalties generates buzz

CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Hornets left this basketball-crazy city two years ago in a dispute over a new stadium, leaving behind angry fans and leaders disappointed with losing the first big-time pro sports team ever based in North Carolina.


For Second Day, Bomb Explodes Near Green Zone

Description: For the second consecutive day, a suicide bomb explodes near the entrance of Baghdad #39;s heavily fortified Green Zone.


Tokyo Edge: More Mobile Music

Sony embraces MP3, while new Blu-ray and speaker technology reaches the living room.


Eskimos Seek to Recast Global Warming as a Rights Issue

Experts say the move could lead to suits against the U.S. or private companies.


Water Contract Renewals Stir Debate Between Environmentalists and Farmers in California

The farms served by the Central Valley Project, the country's largest irrigation system, get about 20 percent of California's water supply.


Feds raise key rate again

Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan and his central bankers gave the national economy a vote of confidence yesterday and raised the key federal funds interest rate by a quarter-point.


Reaction To The PeopleSoft/Oracle Merger

When Internet-based companies, especially ones the size of Oracle and PeopleSoft, announce fundamental changes, responses are usually swift.


Inflation hike sends sterling higher

Rising energy and transport costs helped push inflation higher last month, raising the prospect that interest rates may increase next year.


Pilots reach agreement

United Airlines, seeking to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, yesterday said it has reached a tentative agreement with its pilots - the first of four major unions to settle with the nation #39;s second-largest carrier.


Target #39;s giving in the millionsWednesday, December 15, 2004

In response to the letter  quot;Glad some still let bells ring quot; (People #39;s Forum, Dec. 8), it is true that Target is no longer letting Salvation Army bell ringers stand at the front of their stores.


Iraq Downgrades Representation at Meeting (AP)

AP - Iran said Sunday it was downgrading its representation at a ministerial meeting of Iraq's neighbors in Jordan this week, apparently to protest accusations by Jordan's monarch that Iran was trying to influence the upcoming Iraqi elections.


Croats Vote in Presidential Election (AP)

AP - Croats voted Sunday whether to give President Stipe Mesic a second term in an election that was not monitored by international observers, an indication of the former Yugoslav country's democratic progress since it gained independence in a bloody 1992 war with a rebel Serb minority.


Kidnapped Turk Killed in Afghanistan -- Witness (Reuters)

Reuters - A Turkish engineer abducted by a militant\gang in eastern Afghanistan was found dead on Wednesday, a\witness who saw the body being carried down from a mountainside\told Reuters.


Study: Airborne soot on the decline

Levels of potentially dangerous airborne soot declined nationwide between 1999 and 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency reported Tuesday, and may be nearly a third lower than concentrations 25 years ago.


Microsoft warns of new vulnerabilities, five bulletins issued

Considered important vulnerabilities that leave users open to attack in Microsoft #39;s (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows for desktop and server installations, the Redmond


Yahoo Announces Mobile Deal with Nextel

Yahoo Inc. (YHOO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it will provide mobile Internet services to Nextel Communications Inc.


Implanted Nanotubes Track Blood Sugar

An implanted nanotube sensor has been developed that can track blood sugar, promising pain-free continues glucose monitoring for diabetics and future devices that can check other biological changes.


Players reject latest deal

Toronto - It #39;s getting so late in the game, so to speak, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin has offered federal mediation as a last-ditch possibility.


Match for Roddick?

No contract has been signed and no announcement is expected for at least a week, but Dean Goldfine appears to be tennis star Andy Roddick #39;s first choice to replace Brad Gilbert as his coach.