Wiltord helps leaders Lyon beat Auxerre

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


No. 10 Michigan State Routs Nicholls St. (AP)

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


Dollar takes another slide

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


Knicks Hold Off Raptors 108-102 (AP)

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


Da Vinci Rocket Launch Delayed Until January

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


Researchers develop 3-D phone technology

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


China releases leading dissident

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


Rugby: Australia beat England

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


Pennsylvania Turnpike Won #39;t Waive Tolls

Pennsylvania Turnpike officials have decided not to waive tolls on Sunday as a way to cope with a strike that has continued over the holiday weekend.


Holiday shoppers hospitalized after spray released in toy store

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


Ontario fuel to contain more ethanol

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


Hokies Take Control

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


NBA's Action Rankles Union

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


A's Get Kendall

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


BEST OF ECT NEWS Bitter Apple Replay?

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


Miller Wins Downhill

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


Sometimes when you lose, you actually win

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


France: Lyon edges Auxerre

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


Texas A amp;M Quarterback Finds Groove Once Again

Reggie McNeal switched his jersey number in the off-season, trading No. 16 for No. 1 in a salute to a departed teammate. McNeal has become the


UPDATE 1-Roma return to form in style with four goal win

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


Alpine Skiing: Bode Miller Wins Lake Louise Downhill

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


College Basketball: Illinois Routs Gonzaga

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


Iran Reasserts Its Right to Enrich Uranium as Standoff Persists

Iran #39;s foreign minister said Saturday that Iran had every right to keep, for research purposes, some of the centrifuges that could be used to enrich uranium, an indication


Iraqi Gov #39;t Rejects Postponing Election

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


US Army deserter Jenkins sobs after release from prison

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


Sunday Times:

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


Prabhakaran threatens war if peace talks don #39;t start:

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


Palestinians disband feared security force

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


Syracuse Upsets No. 17 Boston College (AP)

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


No. 7 Louisville Tops Cincinnati, 70-7 (AP)

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


MLB: Pirates Ship Kendall to A's (Reuters)

Reuters - The Pittsburgh Pirates\Saturday traded veteran catcher Jason Kendall and cash\considerations to Oakland in exchange for pitchers Mark Redman\and Arthur Rhodes.


No. 11 Ohio State Routs Yale, 80-43 (AP)

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


Scott Wins  #36;50,000, 2 Skins at Skins Game (AP)

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


Borrowing Seen in Social Security Plan (Reuters)

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


Finance: Give Gifts That Give Back (Reuters)

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


Barca extend Spanish lead

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


Kostelic wins first Aspen slalom

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


Fighting Irish No More

Where is the Humane Society when you need it? Where are those organizations against cruelty to dumb animals - or in this case, drunk Irishmen?


Colombian Tells of Marxist Plot Against Bush

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


Brunell Speaks Out

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


Arsenal under pressure as Chelsea, Man Utd Win

English Premiere League leaders Chelsea continued their good form in the recent weeks with another spectacular win over Charlton Athletic.


Barcelona grabs tough road win

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


Michigan St. Routs Nicholls St., 102-52

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


Tens of Thousands of Gallons of Oil Spill into Area River

(Paulsboro, NJ -WABC, November 27, 2004 ) - Authorities are working to clean up a slippery and potentially dangerous mess in a South Jersey river.


Claim Bush Kill Plot Thwarted

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


Breaking down the BCS

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


No. 10 Michigan St. 102, Nicholls St. 52

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


No. 6 Notre Dame 60, USC 56

With the game on the line, Notre Dame turned to its senior leaders to help the sixth-ranked Fighting Irish avoid an upset by unranked Southern California.


Tamil Separatists Threaten More Violence in Sri Lanka

The separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas declared Saturday that they would renew fighting unless the government immediately agreed


Saudi Forces Kill Suspected Militant (AP)

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


Cricket: England  #39;pay not to play #39;

Englands stance over the Zimbabwe crisis hardened yesterday. They are planning to offer compensation to Zimbabwes cricket board rather than make another tour of the country while Robert Mugabe is in


Kostelic grabs 20th World Cup victory

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


College Basketball: Michigan Pounds Nicholls State

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


College Football Wrap: Syracuse, Virginia Tech Win

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


R Obsession comes flying in Frances Genter

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


Gibbs Tells Redskins to Work Out or Else (AP)

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


Struggling Tories and NDP hit Quebec battleground in weekend encounters (Canadian Press)

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


Diabetes tests 'offer cure hope'

Scientists say they have made a breakthrough in transplant technology that could help cure more people with diabetes.


Cyclones Blow Chance

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


AMD planning US developer conference

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


Kostelic takes first World Cup race in nearly 2 years

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


Love match turns to hate as Russian stars attack Maria

Since winning Wimbledon as a virtually unknown 17-year-old last summer, Maria Sharapova has emerged as one of the world #39;s top ranked tennis players.


Barcelona wins again

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


No. 11 Ohio State Routs Yale, 80-43

Ohio State #39;s Jessica Davenport, left, shoots over Yale #39;s Erica Davis during the first half Saturday Nov. 27, 2004, in Columbus, Ohio.


Wiltord and Lyon rebound with win

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


Syracuse upsets No. 17 Boston College

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


Teheran tries to rewrite EU deal on nuclear programme

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


The Making of a Wise Man

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


Where Have All the Chief Financial Officers Gone?

The push for better ethics and transparent accounting in corporate America has had an unexpected side effect: more finance chiefs are calling it quits.


For a Takeover Artist, One Bluff Too Many?

Carl C. Icahn, the pushy financier, is Wall Street's perennial Boy Who Cried Wolf. So, why does anyone take him seriously anymore?


Utilities Funds Soar. But Are They Oil-Powered?

Utilities mutual funds are on a tear, but investors shouldn't expect a repeat performance next year.


Keeping Politics Out of the Fed

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


Holiday shoppers hospitalized after spray released in toy store

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


Is the Junk Bond Market Ready to Catch Its Breath?

IT is time to take a break from the junk bond market, which is overheating as companies rush to lock in surprisingly low interest rates before the Federal Reserve pushes them any higher.


Airbus gets go-ahead to build new airliner

The board of EADS, the parent company of Airbus, the aerospace giant, will tomorrow give the green light to develop its new aircraft, the A350.


Poll: Blair Retains Electoral Lead (AP)

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


Firm Intros Text-Friendly Coat for 2-Sided Discs (Reuters)

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


Rwanda May Still Send Troops Into Congo (AP)

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


Trading Technologies Expands Functionality of X_Trader Pro (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Trading Technologies, which develops trading software for derivatives professionals, has made 28 add-on components available.


Barghouti backs Abbas as next head of the PA

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


Southeast Asians Finish China Trade Pact but Avoid Touchy Issues

Southeast Asian ministers on Saturday completed a free trade pact with China and other accords to be adopted at a meeting of their leaders, but touchy


Typhoon flooding kills 25 in Vietnam

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


Pakistan to Scale Back Force Around Town Near Afghan Border

Declaring that peace had been restored in part of Pakistan #39;s restive tribal areas, Pakistani military officials have announced that troops will


No. 14 Vanderbilt Routs Siena, 76-47 (AP)

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


Largest Quake Since Oct. Hits St. Helens (AP)

AP - A 3.1-magnitude earthquake shook the crater at Mount St. Helens on Saturday, the strongest quake at the volcano since mid-October.


Why the ICC have all lost credibility

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


Australia edge England in Cook Cup thriller

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


Syracuse Upsets No. 21 Boston College 43-17: College Football

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


Here's the Hook: Gifts for Online Bill Payers

More businesses are out to convert die-hard check writers to electronic billing by offering perks, lower interest rates or discounted prices.


The Rise of the Bottomless Hot Water Heaters

Facing increased fuel prices, more Americans are choosing tankless water heating units, despite higher upfront costs.


Babes in a Grown-up Toyland

Are dolls, blocks and stuffed animals fading away in favor of electronic gadgets, and is childhood fading with them?


To Know Me, Know My IPod

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


No. 8 Georgia Beats Georgia Tech, 19-13

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


UPDATE 3-Chelsea go five points clear, United win again

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


Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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


France: Lyon extend lead at top of Ligue 1

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


NCAA Top 25 Roundup

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


Confusion over visa for Dalai Lama visit

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


Wal-Mart Sees Lackluster November Sales (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, slashed its own expectations of


Gamble of a lifetime for space odyssey to Titan

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


Miller wins long-chased World Cup downhill title

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


Insurgency threatens Iraq election

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


Summary: Ukraine Vote Declared Invalid (AP)

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


Mexico Police Suspended During Mob Probe (AP)

AP - Four federal police officers were suspended without pay as prosecutors investigate alleged police negligence in the vigilante killings of two federal agents this week, officials said Saturday.


Colorado Set to Play in Big 12 Title Game (AP)

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


Fratello Meets With Grizzlies Officials (AP)

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


Can #39;t Bury Raptors, but Knicks Hold Them Off

If the Knicks have not yet found the ability to crush teams at will, they have at least discovered how to win even when their minds wander and their discipline disappears.


Pitt Emerges As Big East BCS Frontrunner (AP)

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


Francophonie endorses Martin #39;s reform idea

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


Can't Bury Raptors, but Knicks Hold Them Off

Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, Stephon Marbury had 15 assists and Tim Thomas scored 17 to lead New York past Toronto on Saturday.


Mets Meet Martnez for Dinner at Home

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


Crossing Paths: Notre Dame and U.S.C.

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


Russia ties France 1-1 in Fed Cup final

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


Rugby / Australia edges out England in thriller

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


Miller Wins World Cup Downhill Race

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


Iraq Government Won't Postpone Elections (AP)

AP - The Iraqi government brushed aside Sunni Muslim demands to delay the Jan. 30 election, and a spokesman for the majority Shiite community called the date "nonnegotiable." Insurgents stepped up attacks, blasting U.S. patrols in Baghdad and killing a U.S. soldier north of the capital.


Texas Tech Stuns No. 23 Okla. St., 31-15 (AP)

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


Rwandan president again hints at military action against rebels in Congo (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) - Rwanda's President Paul Kagame said Saturday he has not ruled out sending troops to eastern Congo if Hutu rebels continue to threaten his country.


Indian PM rehires minister dismissed over mob killings (AFP)

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


Bulldogs Clip Jackets

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


Bulger mother 'sees son's killer'

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


Jones Ponders Choices

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


Minor earthquake at Mount St. Helens

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


Sports Round-up: Myskina gets Russians on track after early shock

FRENCH Open champion Anastasia Myskina pulled Russia back to 1-1 against defending champions France in the Federation Cup final after Nathalie Dechy upset US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 7-6 8-6.


No Criticizing Randall Now

Bryan Randall dropped back, unleashing a deep spiral down the left sideline. A redshirt freshman named Josh Hyman caught the pass in stride, behind Virginia #39;s secondary for the prettiest of touchdowns.


After 800 years, church leaders are still making bones over claim <b>...</b>

Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians were last night locked in dispute over an 800-year-old war crime and a box of 1,600-year-old bones that was meant to have brought them a giant step closer to reunification.


Patience and Hope Sustaining Jets' Jordan

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


For Now, Short-Handed Pacers Are Displaying Staying Power

Faced with the absence of their three top scorers, the Indiana Pacers have looked at themselves, turned inward and played with defiance, winning three straight.


COMPUTER MELTDOWN THREAT TO BENEFITS

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


Team Uses Biotech to Build a Better Turkey

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


Giteau #39;s kick in the teeth for Robinson

This so-called friendly for the Cook Cup, rather than something more global, was generally billed as the payback Test. The team inflicting the revenge was supposed to be England


Ukrainian poll re-run calls grow

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


No. 16 Pittsburgh Tops Loyola, Md., 93-57

Pittsburgh #39;s Chris Taft, left, goes over Loyola #39;s Bernard Allen, bottom, for a dunk in the first half in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004.


REGION: Iran says European position at N-talks still unacceptable

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


Retail #39;s Holiday Revelry

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


Best price

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


Tax-Free Bonuses Tagged Out

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


No. 6 Okla. St. Beats Sam Houston St. (AP)

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


Dual Screens Give Gamers New Options

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


Sorenstam #39;s putt sets up big pay day

LA QUINTA, Calif. - Annika Sorenstam calmly sank a short birdie putt on the ninth hole, earning a hug from Tiger Woods. Her putt kept \$250,000 in play in the Skins Game.


Tanker spills more than 100,000 litres of oil into Delaware River <b>...</b>

A tanker spilled about 114,000 litres of crude oil into the Delaware River between Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, creating a 32-kilometre-long slick that killed dozens of birds and threatened other wildlife, US officials said


NBA Game Summary - Chicago At Cleveland

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


Clubhouse Chatter: A trade that works for everyone

Usually when a trade involving a high-priced player of a small market team gets consummated, there is generally the sense that the small market team is being taken advantage of.


No. 13 Mich. St. Tops Santa Clara, 81-59 (AP)

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


Shiites Reject Delay of Election

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


Lawmakers want ASEAN to push Myanmar for reforms

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


Quake May Have Made Earth Wobble--US Scientists (Reuters)

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


Wall St. shops, too?

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


Toy shoppers get up early

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


Island Woes Stark Warning for Land Dwellers (Reuters)

Reuters - The\extinction of whole species, once specific to isolated islands,\is becoming a trend across continents.


Astronauts on Candy Diet After Pantry Raided (Reuters)

Reuters - The two U.S. and Russian astronauts on\the International Space Station had to rely on a candy-laden\diet for five weeks because their predecessors raided the\pantry.


St. Helens Has Largest Earthquake Since Mid-October

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


Indian Policeman Kills Seven Colleagues in Kashmir

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


WR Grace expects indictment

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


Indian Policeman Kills Seven Colleagues in Kashmir (Reuters)

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


Nuggets' Anthony Sprains Right Ankle (AP)

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


Bush Asks Americans to Volunteer, Give (AP)

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


Churches warned over 'gay slurs'

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


Hines, James Madison Ground Out the Victory

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


James Clubs Bulls

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


Palestinian's Death Sets Off Flurry of Probes

The shooting of a schoolgirl added to a growing number of incidents that have spurred Israeli soldiers to speak about abuses of Palestinians.


Troops Hunting Al Qaeda Members Withdrawn

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


Pope Returns Relics To Orthodox Leader

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


Shiites Reject Delay of Election

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


Violence Flares Across Sunni Areas

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


Virgin keen to invest in telecom

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


NBA Wrap: James Sets New Milestone as Cavaliers Keep Winning (Reuters)

Reuters - LeBron James had 26 points to become\the youngest player in National Basketball Association history\to score 2,000 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers eased to a\96-74 home win over the Chicago Bulls Saturday.


NBA Wrap: James Sets New Milestone as Cavaliers Keep Winning

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


India's Tribal People Safe After Tsunami-Official (Reuters)

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


Truly 'Magical' Tandem

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


Real vs. Artificial: Shoppers love  #39;em both

Real or fake? Natural or artificial? Such is the great Christmas tree debate. To put it in Shakesperian terms, it unfolds like this: To clean up pine needles or not to clean up pine needles?


Earthquake lets volcano blow off steam

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


Announcement expected in coming days

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


James pounds Pistons

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


Minaya, Martinenz talk turkey

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


Australian state to get anti-terror boat squad (AFP)

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


England cricketers shun Mugabe

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


Sarkozy to take over Chirac party

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


US promises to comply with WTO export rules

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


Yukos drawing up contingency plan

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


No. 10 Boise St. Wins 22nd Straight Game (AP)

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


Once unwanted by ACC, Hokies earned vindication

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


San Antonio Spurs

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


Building With  EBay, Piece  By Piece (washingtonpost.com)

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


NBA Game Summary - Utah at San Antonio

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


India strikes, SA lose Smith

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


Another Brick in the Firewall

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


Weather Data In Your Own Back Yard

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


Dual Screens Give Gamers New Options

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


Playing With TV

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


Romanians vote for new president to succeed Iliescu (AFP)

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


College Loans Need Creative Change

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


Bears, George Talk

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


Terps Trounce Quakers

One day after losing to LSU, Maryland's women's basketball team bounces back with a 76-56 win over Penn.


St. Helens is fast growing its new top

While on most late fall days the clouds obscure new growth, the meters on the mountain don #39;t lie: Mount St. Helens continues to build a new mountaintop at a rapid rate.


Robinson optimistic ahead of Six Nations

LONDON (AFP) - England coach Andy Robinson was in upbeat mood despite a 21-19 Twickenham defeat against Australia that was the team #39;s first loss since the resignation of World Cup-winning supremo Sir Clive Woodward.


Source: Bears Intend to Sign QB George (AP)

AP - Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night.


Prince Harry 'in love' with teenage student (AFP)

AFP - Britain's Prince Harry is besotted with a blonde 19-year-old student in South Africa whose father runs a Zimbabwe game farm, the Mail on Sunday newspaper reported.


Utah QB Smith to Turn Pro

SALT LAKE CITY (Sports Network) - Utah standout quarterback  Alex Smith has apparently decided to take his skills to the  next level, opting to skip his senior season and enter April's  NFL Draft.


Russia Plans Laws Against Polluting Industry in 05 (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia plans its first laws to crack\down on industrial polluters next year, and will force\offending companies to invest in clean technology rather than\pay fines, the natural resources minister said Friday.


Tsunami Adds to Belief in Animals' 'Sixth Sense' (Reuters)

Reuters - Wild animals seem to have escaped\the Indian Ocean tsunami, adding weight to notions they possess\a "sixth sense" for disasters, experts said Thursday.


Gundy Named Football Coach at Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. (Sports Network) - Oklahoma State wasted  little time in finding a new football coach, promoting  offensive coordinator Mike Gundy to replace Les Miles.


No. 22 Maryland Tops Penn 76-56 (AP)

AP - Shay Doron and Crystal Langhorne had 16 points each to lead No. 22 Maryland to a 76-56 victory over Penn in the consolation game of the Coors Classic Saturday night


Leinart Leads Southern California Past Notre Dame

Matt Leinart made a strong pitch for the Heisman Trophy, and Southern California overcame a sluggish start to move within one win of a perfect regular season.


Mets Meet Martnez for Dinner at Home

Although Omar Minaya, the Mets' general manager, has not extended a contract offer, he is competing with the most prominent teams in baseball for Pedro Martnez.


Blunkett denies visa 'fast-track'

Home Secretary David Blunkett has denied abusing his position to help fast-track a visa application for a friend's nanny


In S. Florida, real Christmas trees still selling strong

Despite a national decline of real Christmas trees sales, South Floridians are after that fresh pine smell in their homes this holiday season.


As hurricane season ends, Floridians wonder whats in store for <b>...</b>

Thanks to hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, names that will be burned into memory, residents learned the hard way: Florida has a target on its back.


Orange sends BC away with a loss, gives Pitt a shot at BCS

Syracuse wasn #39;t able to follow Boston College to the Atlantic Coast Conference or stop the Eagles from leaving the Big East. The one thing the Orange could do was deprive


Hurricanes and Hokies to battle for the ACC title

Greg Olsen and Jon Beason weren #39;t in Blacksburg last year when Virginia Tech routed then-No. 2 Miami, but they both felt the disappointment of the bitter loss.


LeBron James scores 26 points as Cleveland beats the Bulls 97-74

LeBron James enjoys the Cleveland Cavaliers #39; teamwork even more than his individual accomplishments. One led to the other Saturday night as James scored 26 points to become the youngest player


Source: Bears intend to sign quarterback Jeff George

Struggling desperately at quarterback, the Chicago Bears intend to sign veteran Jeff George, a team source said Saturday night. The Bears will sign George on Monday, the source said on the condition of anonymity.


Smizik: Kendall deserves chance to play for winning team

How appropriate that the trade that finally sent Jason Kendall out of Pittsburgh would come on Thanksgiving eve. There can be no more thankful player in baseball than


Stem Cells Reverse Parkinson's in Monkeys (Reuters)

Reuters - Stem cells taken from tiny monkey\embryos and implanted in the brain reversed some of the\Parkinson's symptoms in monkeys used to study the disease,\Japanese researchers reported on Monday.


China Coal Mine Blast Traps 187 Miners -Xinhua

A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China has trapped 187 miners, the official Xinhua news agency said on Sunday. The blast tore through the state-run Chenjiashan


Elder Bush, Clinton to lead tsunami aid effort (AFP)

AFP - President George W. Bush put his father, George Bush, and his predecessor, Bill Clinton, in charge of efforts to raise private US donations for countries devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunamis.


Computer Screen Upgrade Crashes UK Government Network

A computer screen upgrade has crashed 80,000 government terminals at the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK. EDS and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) were blamed.


Like a force of nature, USC keeps flattening foes

Irish lore is full of a figurative parting of clouds. This sign from above was literal, tangible and wet. So did the Trojans start to crank up their awesome offense about the time the rain stopped Saturday night?


Bucs, Panthers know the ups and downs of NFL

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers both know the concept and reality of NFL parity. They #39;re prime examples of how swiftly teams can rise and how suddenly they can fall.


Megliola: BC blows golden opportunit

On one side, you had Boston College playing for its first Big East championship (by default, some would say) and an invite to a big-time, big dough, BCS bowl; a team saying


Another Brick in the Firewall (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - It's a sad state of affairs when the primary selling point of a new set of online software is "we won't get hacked like everybody else." But that's the way of the Windows world today.


No. 22 Wash. Upsets No. 19 Alabama 79-76 (AP)

AP - Will Conroy had 18 points and six assists to help No. 22 Washington beat No. 19 Alabama 79-76 on Saturday night in the championship game of the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.


Vatican returns relics of saints to Istanbul

(Vatican City-AP) Nov. 27, 2004 - Pope John Paul has handed over centuries-old relics of two Orthodox saints to the spiritual leader of the world #39;s Orthodox Christians.


Ukraine #39;s colors could help tip balance in Romania #39;s tight vote

A coincidence that could tip the scales in Romania #39;s tightly fought presidential and parliamentary elections on Sunday is literally the colors used by the two main political parties in their campaign.


7 firemen die in car park crash

GENEVA: Rescuers have found the bodies of five Swiss firemen who died after the ceiling of an underground car park collapsed during a fire, a police spokesman said last night.


Battered and grooved: Saturn #39;s moon Tethys

Having now passed closer to Tethys than the Voyager 2 spacecraft, Cassini has returned the best-ever natural color view of this icy Saturnian moon.


Washington Plays for Shootout Championship

The 22nd-ranked Washington Huskies (3-0) conclude their treacherous run through the Great Alaska Shootout bracket, meeting No. 19 Alabama (4-0) in the championship game on Saturday, Nov. 27.


Sri Lanka: LTTE leader impatient with the government

In Sri Lanka the leader of the LTTE guerillas, Velupillai Prabhkaran, has threatened with resumption of the civil war unless the government agrees to new peace talks.


Saudi Police Kill Suspected Militant in Jeddah

Saudi officials say security forces have killed a suspected militant in the western city of Jeddah after the man tried to use a hand grenade against them.


Trojans Can Almost Smell the Oranges

The result left top-ranked U.S.C. one victory from a perfect season and a berth in the B.C.S. title game.


Snapping out of it

The Milwaukee Bucks broke out of their tailspin Saturday night at the Bradley Center, where they defeated the Detroit Pistons, 96-90.


UPDATE 1-Wiltord helps leaders Lyon beat Auxerre

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


Wal-Mart misses comp-sales target

November same-store sales growth was sharply below target, Wal-Mart Stores said Saturday. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!


Icahn holds 8.4 of Hollywood Entertainment

Carl Icahn has emerged as a possible fourth bidder for Hollywood Entertainment, according to a regulatory filing. Free! Sign up here to receive our Midday Market Report e-Newsletter!


Tsunami 'Wave Rat' Had Best Intentions, Mother Says (Reuters)

Reuters - A Canadian student was called a "wave\rat" for offering the domain name "tsunamirelief.com" for\ #36;50,000 on the online auction site eBay, but his mother said he\was only trying to raise money for relief efforts.


NBA Game Summary - Denver at Houston

Rockets guard Bob Sura was activated from the injured list prior to the game and had six points and six assists in 21 minutes. Sura missed the team #39;s first 14 contests after undergoing back surgery in September


Kiwis collapse has Aussies in command of second Test (AFP)

AFP - New Zealand faced the likelihood of conceding a massive first innings deficit against Australia after a clutter of wickets late on the third day of the second cricket Test at the Adelaide Oval.


Romania votes in close elections

Romanians go to the polls to choose between the governing ex-communists and a strong opposition alliance.


Barrera Edges Morales

Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera put on another battle for the ages Saturday night, with Barrera barely coming out on top.


Game Boy Player

I #39;ve been playing with the Game Boy Player since it #39;s March release in Japan. If you have any interest in some of the awesome Game Boy Advance games and don #39;t own a Game Boy Advance system already, this is a must buy.


Barghuti Withdraws his Candidacy and Supports Abbas

Palestinian leader Marwan Barghuti, 43, who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail, announced yesterday that he would withdraw his candidacy for the Palestinian presidency.


Texas Christian Tops No. 3 Georgia 64-63 (AP)

AP - Sandora Irvin had 28 points and 15 rebounds to lead Texas Christian to a 64-63 victory over No. 3 Georgia on Saturday night in the semifinals of the Rainbow Wahine Classic.


Shoppers Hospitalized After Pepper Spray

Police were reviewing video camera footage to find out who discharged pepper spray inside an elevator at Toys R Us #39; crowded flagship store, sending at least three people to the hospital, authorities said.


Full Court Mess

There was, no doubt, shock and dismay in some quarters when the National Basketball Association continued playing its schedule without interruption after the brawl in Detroit nine days ago.


Lonard wins second straight Australian Open

Australia #39;s Peter Lonard successfully defended his title in the centennial Australian Open on Sunday, shooting a 3-under 68 for one-stroke victory over countryman Stuart Appleby.


Orange Bowl hopes not finished yet

It might be a stay of execution for Coach P, or it might just be a Christmas miracle come early. SU #39;s upset win over BC has given hope to the Orange playing in a post season Bowl game.


Barrera earns majority decision over Morales in rubber match

Las Vegas, NV (Sports Network) - Marco Antonio Barrera has captured the World Boxing Council super featherweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Erik  quot;El Terrible quot; Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


Mets Reportedly to Make Pedro Martinez Contract Offer

NEW YORK - Omar Minaya wants to make a splash this winter. And with trade talks about Sammy Sosa cooling off, the Mets #39; GM has turned his attention to free agent Pedro Martinez.


Rayovac Nears Deal for United Industries

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Battery maker Rayovac Corp. ROV.N is  close to a deal to acquire privately held United Industries  Corp., a maker of lawn and garden products, for about \$476  million in cash and stock in a bid to diversify its product  mix, sources close to the situation said on Monday.


EU trio hits Iran with nuclear deadline

France, Britain and Germany have told Iran that if they had not reached a final agreement to freeze key parts of its atomic programme by Monday, they would not stop moves to seek sanctions against Tehran.


170 miners remain trapped in coalmine gas explosion

By 1 pm on Sunday, 123 miners were rescued alive after a major gas explosion took place at the Chenjiashan Coalmine, Shaanxi Province, around 7:10 am but another 170 remained trapped underground.


ASEAN #39;s minnows agree to enhance economic cooperation

VIENTIANE: Leaders of the four poorest countries within the 10-nation Southeast Asian group agreed to forge closer economic links Sunday as they strive to catch up with their wealthier partners.


Oh brother!

The stakes have never been higher for Mukesh and Anil Ambani. Sunit Arora and Dev Chatterjee find out why egos threaten to come in the way of economicsand what a compromise will cost.


GLOBAL INVESTOR

LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) -- Surging demand from emerging economies and rising commodity prices worldwide is casting daylight on coal-mining stocks.


Local residents due for tax refund

About three dozen area residents could get an unexpected windfall -- they are owed refunds by the Internal Revenue Service. They are among more than 6,400 refunds owed to taxpayers in New York that have yet to be claimed.


Berlusconi gets on early election footing (AFP)

AFP - Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has put his centre-right government on an election footing by announcing a cut in income tax in a bid to win back voters' confidence, with polls still 18 months away.


A Lot to Play for in Skins Game Finale

Annika Sorenstam calmly sank a short birdie putt on the ninth hole, earning a hug from Tiger Woods. More importantly, it kept \$250,000 in play in the Skins Game in La Quinta, Calif.


World Bank Head to Leave in June

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - World Bank President James  Wolfensohn told the Bush administration on Monday that he will  leave his post at mid-year, triggering a hunt for a replacement  for the top job at the global lender.


LONARD KEEPS AUSSIE OPEN CROWN

Defending champion Peter Lonard came with a late charge to retain the Australian Open title in Sydney. Lonard, successful when the event was held in Melbourne last year, fired a final-round three-under-par 68 following three successive 71s.


Lockheed, Northrop Face Big Cuts-Document

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp. LMT.N and  Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC.N would bear the brunt of proposed  cuts in U.S. weapons purchases totaling \$30 billion over the  next six years, according to the summary from a Pentagon budget  document made available to Reuters Monday.


Huskies win Alaska title; Cal tips BYU

NO. 22 WASHINGTON 79, NO. 19 ALABAMA 76: At Anchorage, Alaska - Will Conroy scored 18 points, leading five Huskies in double-figures scoring and Washington (4-0) won the Great Alaska Shootout title game over Alabama (4-1) on Saturday night.


Wal-Mart Sales Estimate Boosts Sector

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's No. 1 retailer, on Monday said December sales would be  at the top end of its prior estimate on better-than-expected  post-Christmas spending, driving its shares up 1 percent.


Terrorism ; Prabhakaran turns 50, but will he change? (COMMENTARY)

Terrorism News, New Delhi, As he prepares to celebrate his 50th birthday, Velupillai Prabhakaran remains firmly committed to his dream of breaking up Sri Lanka to carve out a Tamil Eelam state.


Year extension likely for troops

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi indicated Friday that extending the Self-Defense Forces #39; mission in Iraq was almost a done deal.


Sharon and Abbas Say They Ready to Meet - Newsweek (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\said in an interview published on Sunday that he was ready to\meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and try to coordinate a\Gaza pullout with a new Palestinian government.


Trojans #39; 31-point victory no fluke

LOS ANGELES - The first time Southern California drilled Notre Dame by 31 points two years ago, it was a fluke. The second time was a coincidence.


Bomb Explodes Near U.S. Military Convoy (AP)

AP - A car bomb exploded early Sunday near a U.S. military convoy on the road leading to Baghdad's airport, Iraqi police said, and a witness said two Humvees were destroyed.


Gasoline Pump Price Falls for 9th Week (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. retail gasoline prices declined\for the ninth week in a row and truckers are enjoying the\cheapest diesel fuel in almost four months, the Energy\Department said on Monday.


China's SARS vaccine tests to be completed by January (AFP)

AFP - China's SARS vaccine trials are expected to be completed by January as clinical experiments were going smoothly, state media reported.


Get your game on

It #39;s back -- the season of peace, good fellowship, and digital marvels. The Entertainment Software Association reckons that nearly one third of all Americans will give a computer game as a Christmas gift in 2004.


Catching the insurgents is a cat-and-mouse game in Iraqs north

MOSUL, Iraq - They come up in their Opels, attack and leave, says a business owner in the heart of Mosul, explaining how insurgents operate in Iraqs northern capital.


In a gesture of healing, pope returns saints #39; bones

Pope John Paul II returned the bones of two of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church on Saturday, one in a series of gestures aimed at healing a millennium of distance


Presidential, parliamentary elections begin in Romania

Presidential elections began early Sunday in Romania with around 18 million eligible voters expected to vote in the first round of the race.


Taj Mahal to moonlight as nocturnal rendezvous for star-crossed <b>...</b>

Full moon nights, when the walls of marble shimmer in the light, are thought to be the most romantic time to see the Taj Mahal, except that - barring a few one-off occasions - such visits have been banned for 20 years.


Get your game on

It's back -- the season of peace, good fellowship, and digital marvels. The Entertainment Software Association reckons that nearly one third of all Americans will give a computer game as a Christmas gift in 2004. And this year's crop of games may be the most spectacular yet.


Beware of banks bearing 'gift' cards

Gift cards are hot items this holiday season -- both at stores and in the courts.


Unrest is stirring among Chinese factory workers

DONGGUAN, China -- Heralded by an unprecedented series of walkouts, the first stirrings of unrest have emerged among the millions of youthful migrant workers who supply seemingly inexhaustible cheap labor for the vast expanse of factories in China's booming Pearl River Delta.


Pepper spray spurs toy store evacuation

NEW YORK -- About 3,000 shoppers were evacuated from a Toys  quot;R quot; Us store in Times Square yesterday after pepper spray was set off inside, fire officials said.


Buying hockey gear with Cam Neely

ARLINGTON -- A labor dispute may sideline professional hockey for the season, but recreational players are lacing up their skates and hitting the ice -- eager to slap-shoot their way through another New England winter.


Etiquette at Work

Q: I own a small business. During the holiday season every year, I invite my employees to lunch at a restaurant. In the past, I've let everyone go home early (with pay) afterward. For several years now, a few people have skipped the lunch and gone straight home. This has caused some ill will among the other employees. One option ...


The man who shaped the Federal Reserve

At a time when the Federal Reserve chairman has rock star status, it's hard to imagine the world's greatest central bank as an obscure federal agency struggling for its independence.


More fiftysomethings turn to franchises

Crofton Rhodes gets called a ''geek quot; a dozen times a day, but he doesn't mind.


Letters

Placement of photo, headline confusing When I opened a recent business section, what I beheld above the fold was a picture of Lance Armstrong under a headline ''It is better to give when not being deceived quot; ( Nov. 21). My immediate reaction was that the Lance Armstrong Foundation was deceptive in its practices. It took a reading of your article ...


Investing in their future

What, having twins isn't enough? Patricia and Kevin Uniacke want to become landlords now, too?


Higher education can bring social costs

For many people, higher education is a ticket to a high-paying job. But what happens when the cost of that same ticket becomes a deterrent for a career that will pay a modest or middle-income salary?


Successful investing requires economic growth

Ordinary people don't need an economics lecture to get a sense of the big global financial issues of the day.


A video game guide for the holidays

Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal ( Sony ) System: Playstation 2


Study warned of offshore spills

ST. JOHN #39;S, NFLD. -- An environmental assessment panel predicted seven years ago how hard it would be to clean up oil spills from a project off Newfoundland that spilled 170,000 litres into the Atlantic last week.


US Firm Plans Macau #39;s Biggest Ever Casino: Report

An American casino company spearheading new growth in Macau #39;s 150-year-old gambling industry plans to open the biggest gaming hall the southern Chinese enclave has ever seen.


Web Holiday Shopping Up 25 Pct in 2004

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - U.S. online retailers posted  holiday sales of \$23.2 billion, excluding travel, up a  larger-than-expected 25 percent from the 2003 season, according  to a new survey released on Monday by Goldman, Sachs   Co.,  Harris Interactive and Nielsen/NetRatings.


Pakistan's Musharraf, Brazil's Lula to talk business (AFP)

AFP - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf travels to the Brazilian capital for talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he seeks to strengthen his country's international ties and open new commercial markets.


Rugby: Australia win Tri-Nations

A rampant Australia thrash Great Britain at Elland Road to win the Tri-Nations trophy.


Pakistan to withdraw troops

PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- The Pakistan Army said yesterday it will withdraw hundreds of troops from a tense tribal region near Afghanistan where Osama bin Laden and his top deputy were believed to be hiding.


Infanticide trials reexamined in Britain

LONDON -- On Nov. 9, Margaret Smith, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2002 for smothering her 4-month-old son, was acquitted at a retrial. She was one of several British mothers who lost one or more children in infancy and were convicted of murder.


Pope returns relics to Istanbul

VATICAN CITY -- Pope John Paul II, seeking to heal rifts with other Christians, yesterday handed over the relics of two Orthodox saints that were brought to Rome from ancient Constantinople centuries ago.


Number of detainees nearly doubles

ABU GHRAIB, Iraq -- More aggressive US military operations in Iraq over the past two months have generated a surge in detainees, nearly doubling the number held by US forces to about 8,300, according to the general in charge of detention operations.


Vegas-style casinos invade China

Glittery Las Vegas-style gambling has arrived in seedy Macau, promising new charms for China #39;s inveterate players, and this former Portuguese colony may never be the same.


Sudan government eases restrictions on aid work

The government said it had lifted all restrictions on aid workers and revoked a state of emergency in the troubled North Darfur state yesterday, after rebels


The games kids play today are too violent

No wonder people love computer and video games. They #39;re realistic, fast-paced, interactive and challenging. Just about any age can play.


Ask the Biz Brain

The Brain wrote last week about get ting a free credit re port. I know my credit is good, so why should I care? -- Good credit Consumer advocates are urging Americans to take advantage of the new service.


Stick with the proven year-end tax strategies

Sure, things could change, but the typical year-end  quot;timing is everything quot; maneuvers won #39;t hurt. BY PAMELA YIP. DALLAS -  quot;Some who were worried about a Kerry victory and a rollback of capital gains now don #39;t


Utes leave Furman feeling small in Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Andrew Bogut scored a game-high 19 points as Utah defeated Furman 62-50 in the Great Alaska Shootout on Saturday.


Teams Battle Like There's No Tomorrow, and There Isn't

The incentive of a postseason berth inspired the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers. And yet, when the game was over, each of the teams had lost.


Nearly 200 miners trapped in coalmine gas explosion in north China (AFP)

AFP - A gas explosion ripped through a coal mine in north China's Shaanxi province, trapping 170 miners in what threatens to be the worst disaster to hit the world's biggest coal producer in recent years.


Global forex volatility underscores China #39;s growing economic <b>...</b>

SHANGHAI : Foreign exchange markets felt the impact of China #39;s growing economic muscle this week when a report claiming the country #39;s central bank had sold US Treasuries helped push the euro to all-time highs, underscoring market sensitivity about a


Chrebet Makes an Early Exit, Perhaps Never to Return

After the Jets' Wayne Chrebet suffered a mild concussion on Sunday, you had to wonder if his season might be over, if not his career.


If NASA had a hammer . . . it would smash comets

You can learn something about a rock by looking at it. But what most geologists really want is to smack it with a hammer. And that #39;s just what planetary scientists will do July 4 when NASA #39;s Deep Impact mission


Talking Turkey

This is the time of the year when Americans nationwide are gobbling up gobblers at grocery stores for holiday dinners. But out on Darrell French #39;s


Lonard retains Australian Open title

Peter Lonard won his second straight Australian Open title on Sunday with a come-from-behind 68 to win the championship by one stroke over Stuart Appleby.


Barrera edges out Morales

Marco Antonio Barrera has claimed the WBC super-featherweight title with a majority points win over old adversary Erik Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


Syracuse ends BC #39;s BCS hopes

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


Bode #39;s well for Americans

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. -- Bode Miller is your typical pushy, aggressive American. And that #39;s the reason he was able to win his first World Cup downhill race yesterday.


Two US marines killed in Iraq #39;s Fallujah

Two US marines were killed on Thursday in the flashpoint city of Fallujah, where US marines are fighting pockets of insurgents, a US military spokesman said in a statement Saturday.


188 miners trapped after gas explosion in China

A gas explosion tore through a central Chinese coal mine today, trapping at least 188 miners and sending smoke billowing out the mine #39;s air vents, the government said.


NASA is planning on a smash hit with a comet

You can learn something about a rock by looking at it. But what most geologists really want is to smack it with a hammer. That #39;s just what planetary scientists will do July 4 when NASA #39;s


We were made for running

A major study of fossils by US scientists has concluded that evolution has sculpted our bodies into finely-tuned distance-running machines.


Barrera outslugs Morales for title

Somehow Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales duplicated, and perhaps even surpassed, the action and drama of their all-time great first battle, which took place four years ago at 122 pounds.


Oil tanker spills 30,000 gallons into the Delaware

Times Staff and Wire reports TINICUM -- Globs of heavy crude oil were flowing down the Delaware River Saturday, covering boats docked along the river and threatening fish and waterfowl.


Don #39;t count Pacers out just yet

Wow, wouldn #39;t that be something if the NBA season ended with Ron Artest holding the championship trophy? It #39;s not out of the realm of possibility.


Illinois passes this test easily

After three successive blowouts, No. 5 Illinois was looking forward to its first real test Saturday against No. 24 Gonzaga. Now it looks like the Illini will have to wait until top-ranked


170 miners trapped in China

Beijing: At least 170 miners were trapped underground after a gas explosion on Sunday ignited a fire in a coalmine in north-west China #39;s Shaanxi province, reports said.


Defense chief hints Japanese troops could remain in Iraq through <b>...</b>

Japan #39;s defense chief on Sunday said that Japanese troops could remain in Iraq until late 2005, a year longer than their current mandate.


Japan eyes troops pullout from Iraq next December

Japanese Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori Ono said Sunday that late 2005 is a possible target date for Japanese troops to withdraw from Iraq.


Born to run

THE HUMAN body is a long-distance running machine that came off the evolutionary assembly line about 2 million years ago, according to researchers writing in the journal Nature last week. That may be hard to believe given the current obesity problem and the attachment Homo sapiens have for their expensive, multifunctional easy chairs. But on closer look the theory makes ...


Oil spill looks bad for Del.

quot;It does not look good. I #39;m not predicting a disaster or anything like that, but it would be really miraculous if we didn #39;t have some impacts, quot; Department of Natural Resources


ACC: Title in reach of Hokies

Bryan Randall is wrapping up his career at Virginia Tech in style, and with the biggest stakes in front of him. Randall threw two second-half touchdowns and the Hokies


Fiesta, Holiday bowls now on CU #39;s list of possibilities

When Iowa State beat Missouri on Saturday afternoon to propel Colorado into the Big 12 Championship game, the Buffs #39; bowl possibilities expanded.


Ankle sprain downs forward

Houston - Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby were dunking. Nuggets guard Andre Miller was leading the fast break and nailing jumpers. The Houston Rockets were getting soundly beaten.


Eye biz editor for CUNY post

Longtime Business Week editor-in-chief Stephen Shepard is expected to be named the first dean of the City University #39;s planned Graduate School of Journalism.


Wolfsburg lose second straight

Wolfsburg, Germany (Sports Network) - Wolfsburg #39;s magical start to the season is fading fast as the club lost for the third time in four matches Saturday, 3-2 against Hertha Berlin.


Eagles miss shot at Big East crown

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


Things looking up for Cavs

They #39;ve won three in a row and nine of the last 10 to improve to 9-4 overall. The Cavaliers are now 6-1 at the Gund. Only San Antonio, Seattle and Sacramento, who are undefeated at home, have better records in their home arenas.


Four rescued from mine blast

FOUR workers were pulled out alive from a mine in north China today, leaving 166 colleagues trapped and feared dead after a gas explosion, local officials said.


DUP won #39;t be  #39;bounced #39; into deal

As Northern Irelands talks to revive power sharing remained delicately balanced, the DUP leader told colleagues at a dinner last night in North Antrim if the deal was to work it must include the transparent destruction of IRA weapons.


Moonlit Taj Entralls hundreds after 20 years

Tourists, lovebirds and locals came in hundreds to view the Taj Mahal at night on Saturday, after the Supreme Court allowed visitors to gaze at the dazzling marble monument by moonlight for the first time in two decades.


Stephen Dodd Wins China Open (AP)

AP - Wales' Stephen Dodd won the China Open for his first PGA European Tour title, shooting a 4-under 68 on Sunday for a three-stroke victory over Denmark's Thomas Bjorn.


Grower Suggests Opening Your Mind to More Open Christmas Trees

Before you open your holiday gifts, Eric and Gloria Sundback want you to open up your Christmas tree. Instead of buying an evenly shaped tree densely packed with


BARRERA EDGES AHEAD IN MORALES TRILOGY

Marco Antonio Barrera has claimed the WBC super-featherweight title with a majority points win over old adversary Erik Morales at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


Washington freezes out competition in Alaska

When this college basketball season began, it was difficult to really know what to make of the University of Washington. Lorenzo Romar #39;s team did return five starters from last season.


James gives Bulls taste of his artistry

Trying to comprehend how Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James can be so good, so young. On Saturday night at Gund Arena, James became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 2,000 points for his career.


Charity helping teachers to teach children about tsunami in southeast Asia (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - A charitable group for children is sending information kits to teachers across Canada to assist them in helping students understand the effects of tsunamis in southeast Asia that have inundated the world with haunting images of grief and destruction.


Redfern  #39;mob #39; accused over Palm Island

PARTICIPANTS in the Redfern riots were among an angry mob who burned down a police station on Queensland #39;s Palm Island, police said yesterday.


Ukraine Sees Fresh Rallies After Parliament Vote (Reuters)

Reuters - Opposition supporters rallied anew on the\streets of the Ukrainian capital on Sunday, boosted by a\parliamentary vote declaring invalid a disputed presidential\poll handing victory to Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich.


Digital recorders bump old VCRs off the shelf

If you #39;re replacing an aging VCR, a recorder that uses digital technology now deserves first consideration. The reasons include picture quality that can exceed that of a


MacArthur sets sail on solo round-the-world challenge (AFP)

AFP - British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur set sail in an attempt to set a new solo round-the-world record.


Reliance Energy board to meet in next few days

Mumbai, November 28 :The board of power utility Reliance Energy Ltd will meet in the next few days to consider the resignations of six of its directors, the company said on Sunday.


LeBron makes NBA history

Cleveland Cavaliers youngster LeBron James scored 26 points in his side #39;s 96-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls to become the youngest player in NBA history to reach 2,000 points.


Barcelona #39;s Eto #39;o given racial abuse by Getafe fans

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto #39;o was the target of apparent racial abuse from opposition fans during his side #39;s 2-1 victory over Getafe in Madrid on Saturday.


Close two-man race for Romania #39;s presidency

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - Observers fear that vote tampering will mar results of Sunday #39;s presidential election in Romania. The close race is between Bucharest #39;s mayor, Traian Basescu, a frank-talking, hands-on


First Look: Skip Gateway's MP3 Photo Jukebox

Color display and photo support can't save oddly designed player.


It #39;s back to business as usual

CLEVELAND -- Former Bulls guard Ron Harper sat courtside at Gund Arena on Saturday night, shaking his head and laughing in disbelief at what has become of the team he helped win the last three of their six championships.


Plushenko, Slutskaya earn Cup of Russia titles

Evgeni Plushenko and Irina Slutskaya delighted the home crowd Saturday by winning the Cup of Russia with superb free skating programs in Moscow.


Dodd earns first win China Open

Jiangsu, China (Sports Network) - Stephen Dodd closed with a four-under 68 Sunday to win the Volvo China Open by three strokes. Dodd finished the tournament at 12-under-par 276.


Huskies keep Tide at bay

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Kennedy Winston, like his University of Alabama basketball teammates, sunk back in his chair on the bench and watched as the University of Washington accepted the trophy for the Great Alaska Shootout.


Crawford #39;s 30 keeps Knicks hot at home

Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, Stephon Marbury had 18 points and 15 assists and Tim Thomas scored 17 to lead the New York Knicks to a 108-102 victory over the visiting Toronto Raptors on Saturday.


Beyond Fallujah

The battle of Fallujah, the most significant of the Iraq war since the fall of Baghdad, is a huge military success for US forces. But it #39;s not clear now, nor will it be for some time - perhaps not until elections


Four rescued from China mine explosion

Four workers have been pulled out alive from a mine in north China, leaving 166 colleagues trapped and feared dead after a gas explosion, local officials said.


Fog could mar Taj night-viewing in winter months

Agra, Nov. 28 (PTI): The idea is right. But the timing is wrong. Being undertaken on an experimental basis for three months, night-viewing of the Taj Mahal may well be spoiled by an unwanted winter visitor -- the fog.


CRPF jawan goes berserk, guns down 7 colleagues

Srinagar, Nov. 28 (PTI): Apparently furious over his humiliation by seniors, a CRPF constable went berserk killing seven of his colleagues, including a company commander, before being shot dead at the battalion


Fiat boss denies end of GM tie-up

Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo brushes off media speculation that the carmaker wants to scrap its partnership with General Motors.


Artificial trees grow on Americans

More and more Americans are waking up Christmas morning to find Santa #39;s presents nestled under the plastic branches of an artificial tree.


Fiat boss denies end of GM tie-up

Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo has brushed off media reports that the company wants to scrap its partnership with US giant General Motors (GM).


Partner: The Guide to Cost Effective Business

Explore powerful options available to mid-sized companies


Inconclusive start sets up potential Sunday Skins bonanza

The first nine holes of the Merrill Lynch Skins Game decided, well, almost nothing Saturday. On a day that saw the fewest skins won in the 22-year history of the event


UPDATE 1-Briton Dodd wins maiden title in China

Britain #39;s Stephen Dodd fired a four-under-par 68 to clinch his maiden European Tour title with a three-shot victory at the China Open on Sunday.


Win offers some relief for coach

It #39;s almost certainly too little too late, although after what took place here on Saturday afternoon the rope reserved for the head coach has been put aside for the time being.


Depleted Pacers surviving, thriving

After losing stars Ron Artest, Jermaine O #39;Neal and Stephen Jackson to suspensions for the melee in Motown last week, many across the NBA figured the Pacers would fall flat until at least O #39;Neal returned from his 25-game suspension; Jackson is out for 30


Iraq elections still on target despite security concerns

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq #39;s landmark January polls looked set to take place as planned, although ongoing violence did nothing to alleviate the security concerns of the proponents of a delay.


At least 166 miners trapped, feared dead in China mine blast

BEIJING (AFP) - A gas explosion ripped through a coal mine in north China #39;s Shaanxi province, trapping 166 miners in what threatens to be the worst disaster to hit the world #39;s biggest coal producer in recent years.


Australia says relationship with ASEAN economic

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP): Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile said on Sunday that Australia #39;s relationship with ASEAN was an economic one amid calls for Canberra to sign a non-aggression pact with the grouping.


Summit of French-Speaking Countries Condemns Ivory Coast

Leaders at a summit in Burkina Faso of mostly French-speaking nations have condemned authorities in divided Ivory Coast for resuming hostilities in the rebel-held north earlier this month.


O Christmas tree

In the past five years, national sales of real Christmas trees have dropped faster than needles on an unwatered pine in the living room.


No title game for Iowa State

Crossett #39;s 25-yard field goal in overtime, the first of his college career, secured a 17-14 victory for beleaguered Missouri on Saturday.


Miller breaks through in downhill

The way Antoine Deneriaz figures it, he was the fastest human on the course during yesterday #39;s season-opening World Cup downhill at Lake Louise, Alta.


Iraq rejects vote-delay demands

BAGHDAD -- The interim Iraqi government brushed aside Sunni Muslim demands to delay the Jan. 30 election yesterday. And a spokesman for the majority Shiite Muslim community called the date  quot;non-negotiable.


Romanian Election also the subject of corruption

As the voting gets underway, in what is expected to be a tight race, there are already election fears of fraud. Many are worried that the PSD (Social Democrats) might attempt to manipulate the voting in some way.


IBM's PC unit lost money from 2001 onwards

IBM's personal computer division racked up \$965 million in losses between Jan. 1, 2001, and June 30, 2004, the company said in a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


eBay to drop Support for Microsoft's Passport

eBay will soon drop support for Microsoft's Passport service, which was originally intended to make the world's biggest software maker the gatekeeper of Web identities.


8 Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir

Eight paramilitary troopers were killed and two injured when a irate soldier went on a shooting spree killing in the Indian-administered Kashmir Saturday night.


15 students crushed to death by speeding Indian train

BHOPAL - At least 15 students were crushed to death on Sunday by a speeding train at a railway station in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, a local administrator told AFP.


Lockheed and the Future of Warfare

In the post-9/11 world, Lockheed Martin has become more than just the nation's biggest military contractor. It is putting its stamp on military policies as well.


Brief: Oracle reshuffles executives at PeopleSoft

Oracle Corp., now in the process of digesting its rival PeopleSoft Inc., did a top executive reshuffle in time for the new year, according to documents filed with the SEC.


High-tech truck toll system finally launched in Germany

Germany's high-tech truck toll system, which relies on GPS technology and GSM wireless networks, began operation on Saturday without a glitch.


Myskina gives Russia Fed Cup lead

Anastasia Myskina put Russia ahead in the Fed Cup final against France with a comprehensive win over Nathalie Dechy in the third singles rubber.


Pew study: Blogs busted out in 2004

For blogs and bloggers, 2004 was a good year, according to data released from the Pew Internet   American Life Project.


12 killed in train accident near Bhopal:

India News: Bhopal, Nov 28 : Twelve people, including a woman, were ploughed to death by an express train outside the Sukhi Sevania railway station near here Sunday.


US Treasuries Fall for a Fifth Week; Foreign Demand May Wane

The benchmark 10-year US Treasury note fell for a fifth week, its longest losing streak since May, on concern foreign investors #39; demand for US government bonds is waning.


FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF SAN FRANCISCO

Janet Yellen has had a dream career in economics -- a doctorate at Yale, prestigious appointments at UC Berkeley, White House economic adviser during the Clinton administration and two tours of duty at the Federal Reserve.


What it's like to switch to open-source

An IT director reports on problems associated with a move to Linux.


ABCs of the BCS

Six conference champions and two at-large teams will make up the participants in the four BCS bowl games, guaranteeing their schools huge paydays.


UPDATE 2-India peg back South Africa despite Kallis ton

Jacques Kallis hit his 17th test century but India #39;s fast bowlers took wickets at regular intervals to restrict South Africa to 227 for five on the first day of the second and final test on Sunday.


PM heads to ASEAN summit

AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister John Howard flies into the Laotian capital late today as security jitters threaten to engulf the ASEAN summit.


No BC in BCS

Adios, Fiesta. Sayonara, Sugar. Bye-bye, Bowl Championship Series. Gator, why don't you give a call?


Apology due for this sorry performance

There may have been gloomier, more depressing, and costlier days for a Boston College athletic team in the past 40 years, but I can't think of one.


Starting a Heat wave

MIAMI -- The signs are everywhere. From the absence of the dreaded balcony curtain inside American Airlines Arena to the giant poster on the outside of the building triumphantly announcing,  quot;Daddy's Home. quot; This is, indeed, one big daddy. Shaquille O'Neal always has had a larger-than-life persona, perhaps because he is, well, very, very large. His singular presence on the Miami ...


Browsing the James 'bible'

Manny Ramirez, who enters the 2005 season with 390 career home runs, has a 92 percent chance of joining the 500-home run club and a 44 percent chance of hitting 600, according to career assessments published in the  quot;2005 Bill James Handbook, quot; written by the statistical analyst whose stature in the game has not suffered by the Red Sox winning ...


Taking a liking to Vikings

East Boston's Jermaine Wiggins has roamed from college team to college team, NFL team to NFL team. He fills perfectly the role of nomad tight end.


New department for Bruins strength coach

For months, he's been a man without a team. Bruins strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides filled up some of the time helping defenseman Hal Gill rehabilitate from a broken foot suffered during the World Cup of Hockey. Now that Gill is healthy, Whitesides is working with the Wilmington Fire Department.


Hill, Magic deep-six 76ers

Grant Hill scored 29 points and Steve Francis added 26, leading the Magic to their fourth win in five games, a 105-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers last night in Orlando, Fla. Francis had 15 in the fourth quarter, with 6 in the final 48 seconds. His jumper with 48 seconds left put the Magic up, 101-97, but Allen Iverson ...


Blue Hens punch ticket to quarters

Sonny Riccio ran for two touchdowns and passed for 148 yards to lead Delaware to a 28-14 win over visiting Lafayette yesterday in the first round of the Division 1-AA playoffs.


Broncos capture another WAC title

RENO -- Jared Zabransky passed for 244 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 10 Boise State past Nevada, 58-21, last night and keep the unbeaten Broncos' hopes alive for a spot in the BCS with their 22d straight win.


For Davis, Tulsa, win is a wacky one

TULSA, Okla. -- Ashlan Davis extended his NCAA record with his fifth kickoff return for a touchdown this season and Tulsa beat No. 24 UTEP, 37-35, yesterday for its first win against a ranked opponent in more than eight years.


Gopher trio is golden

The Harvard women's hockey team faced the question every top team in the nation will try to answer this season: How to stop Minnesota's quick-shooting, sharp-skating top line.


Hard feelings likely to linger

Parting with Syracuse and the Big East was such sweet sorrow for Boston College after the 17th-ranked Eagles, playing their final game as a Big East member, absorbed a ruinous 43-17 loss yesterday that prevented them from winning the conference title outright and clinching a Bowl Championship Series berth.


No keeping up with Jones

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Montrell Jones caught two touchdown passes and returned a punt for a score, and No. 7 Louisville clinched its third Conference USA championship since 2000 with a 70-7 rout of Cincinnati yesterday.


Wildcats again hits on the road

STATESBORO, Ga. -- The University of New Hampshire went down to Georgia and stole a playoff game from Georgia Southern.


Where to now? Look out below

If yesterday's 43-17 loss to Syracuse weren't disappointing enough for Boston College, which had hopes of its first Bowl Championship Series berth, more bad news could be coming in the next several days.


Pittsburgh in driver's seat now for top berth

Syracuse's 43-17 victory over Boston College forged a four-way tie for first place in the Big East among the Orange, Eagles, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia.


Not much fight in Irish

LOS ANGELES -- They were playing the role of spoilers, heavy underdogs to a Southern California team that wants to prove it is the best college football team in the country this season.


Perfect seasons on the line

East Boston finishes the regular season undefeated and moves on to the playoffs to host a team with a potent running attack and a complicated offensive scheme. Sound familiar?


Tigers hoping to break through

Tyngsboro is fast becoming comparable to the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s. After three consecutive Super Bowl losses, the Tigers once again find themselves with a playoff berth and yet another Commonwealth Large title.


Newton North's Barnicle headed to nationals

NEW YORK -- Second time's a charm for Newton North senior Chris Barnicle. After finishing 10th last year, he won the Foot Locker Northeast Regional cross-country race yesterday at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx with a time of 15 minutes 27.2 seconds.


Will defense or offense win out?

Last Saturday against Minuteman, the North Shore offense looked unstoppable in a 63-32 win. Meanwhile, the St. Mary's defense has held opponents under 15 points in 10 of 11 games.


India peg back South Africa despite Kallis ton (Reuters)

Reuters - Jacques Kallis hit his 17th test century but India's fast bowlers took wickets at regular intervals to restrict South Africa to 227 for five on the first day of the second and final test on Sunday.


Trade organization slaps sanctions on American exports Clash over <b>...</b>

WASHINGTON - The World Trade Organization imposed penalties yesterday on US exports ranging from apples to textiles, escalating a trade dispute the Bush administration has struggled to defuse by unsuccessfully urging Congress to repeal legislation aimed


2004 reviews: Platforms

InfoWorld reviews the year in operating systems, including the arrival of the v2.6 Linux kernel.


Pepper spray spurs toy store evacuation

About 3,000 shoppers were evacuated from a Toys  quot;R quot; Us store in Times Square yesterday after pepper spray was set off inside, fire officials said.


Torvalds and others set for keynote at Linux summit

Growing importance of Linux in the enterprise is focus of event.


Beware parents: Some video games not for kids

It may be hailed as one of the most innovative and popular video games to date, but media watchdogs are warning parents to think twice before placing the sexually explicit and ultra violent Grand Theft Auto:  quot;San Andreas quot; adventure under the tree for


Weekend warriors in test of technique and temperament

THE breeze barely tickled the flags around the first tee, the weather was warming and the air light. The greens were true and gave good grip to approaches.


Heisman watch

Cedric Benson, RB, Texas: Carried 33 times for 165 yards and made three receptions for 13 yards against Texas A amp;M on Friday. Reggie Bush, RB, USC: Caught two passes for 73 yards and one touchdown, and carried seven times for 24 yards against Notre Dame.


Knicks tighten defense in time

When Stephon Marbury practically scraped the sky with a fourth-quarter jumper that barely beat the shot-clock buzzer and gave the Knicks a 12-point lead with 1:59 to play Saturday afternoon, Madison Square Garden began to empty.


It #39;s Up to Players, Hubie Brown Says

Thursday #39;s unexpected resignation of Memphis Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown left a lot of questions unanswered. In his unique way of putting things, the 71-year-old Brown seemed to indicate he was burned out and had some health concerns.


Tamil minister asks Tigers not to go back to war :

Colombo, Nov 28 : The Sri Lankan government today asked the Tamil Tigers to work for a negotiated political settlement to the decades-old ethnic strife, a day after LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran threatened to go back to war.


4 ASEAN nations vow to further sub-regional cooperation

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV), four less-developed countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Sunday vowed tofurther their sub-regional


Firefighters die under rubble

Gretzenbach, Switzerland - Seven Swiss firefighters were killed in the collapse of a parking garage ceiling in a fire in northern Switzerland, officials said on Sunday.


Jack Sirard: Free credit report should be read by consumers

Bee Columnist. Beginning Wednesday, California consumers will be eligible to receive free copies of their credit reports. If you #39;ve never had a copy of your credit report, now is a good time to initiate the action.


McDonalds names 2nd CEO in 7 months

McDonalds Corp. is welcoming its second new CEO in seven months, as Charlie Bell abruptly resigned to focus on battling the colon cancer doctors detected two weeks after he became the fast-food giants chief.


Sharon says Iran making every effort to possess nuclear arms

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in comments published on Sunday that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Europe were not doing enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms.


Myskina eases past Dechy to put Russia in charge

French Open champion Anastasia Myskina put Russia on the brink of their first Fed Cup title on Sunday, a 6-3 6-4 victory over Nathalie Dechy giving the home team a 2-1 lead in the final against holders France.


Barca Eto #39;o encounters racism at Getafe

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto #39;o encountered apparent racial abuse from opposition fans during his side #39;s 2-1 victory over Getafe in Madrid on Saturday.


Report: FBI Finds Link Between P/11, Madrid Bombs (Reuters)

Reuters - The FBI has established the clearest\link yet between the March 11 Madrid train bombings and the\Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, a Spanish\newspaper reported Sunday.


Chirac Rival Sarkozy Gets French Party Boost (Reuters)

Reuters - French Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy\took over the ruling conservative party Sunday at a glitzy\American-style congress that put him on course to launch a\presidential bid and possibly challenge Jacques Chirac.


Tree traditions

Soon, Linda Anderson and members of her family will bundle up and make the annual trip to the Christmas tree farm in search of a tree.


PRODUCT RECALLS

-- Procter  amp; Gamble Co. of Cincinnati is recalling 175,000 SweepVacs by Swiffer Vacuum Cleaner. In some cases, when the vacuum cleaner is left in the on position, the rotor can lock up and cause the unit to overheat.


Industry outlines agenda for Bush

The nation #39;s home builders, real estate salespeople and mortgage bankers stood by their man in the presidential election, and now they hope he stands by his housing agenda during the next four years.


Italian automaker Fiat chief denies GM pullout

Italian automaker Fiat chief Luca Cordero de Montezemolo denied on Saturday rumors that US car giant General Motors is planning to pull out of the Italian carmaker.