NASA completes test flight of super-fast jet

NASA on Tuesday successfully conducted the final and fastest test flight of an unmanned experimental jet, at a record nearly 10 times the speed of sound, or 11,260 km per hour, it is reported.


Movie industry sues file swappers

Taking a page from the music industry #39;s playbook, the movie industry filed lawsuits in St. Louis and elsewhere Tuesday as part of a national campaign to crack down on piracy online.


Microsoft targets older people for web via TV

Seattle, November 17: For people trying to get their aging parents on the web so they can read e-mail and get digital photos of the family, Microsoft Corp has a message: Don #39;t give up.


Microsoft Retaliates By Poaching Novell #39;s Customers

After Novell slapped a lawsuit on Microsoft, blaming it for the death of its office productivity suite WordPerfect, the Redmond giant seems furious.


Hewitt rallies to beat Moya; Roddick wins without best serve

Lleyton Hewitt knows how it feels to be No. 1 in the world. Anything less is no big deal to him. Hewitt rallied to beat Carlos Moya 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in a first-round match at the ATP Masters Cup Championships


PO Little League

The PO Little League will hold an election of officers meeting at 7 pm Thursday at the YMCA. All officers, coaches, volunteers and interested parents are urged to attend.


CHELSEA DUO TO START AGAINST SPAIN

Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge will be handed the chance to stake his claim as the long-term solution to England #39;s left-sided midfield conundrum.


MVP Guerrero best in country, AL

With three of the top four contenders for the American League #39;s Most Valuable Player award from his country, Dominican Republic president Leonel Fernandez felt it was safe to host a celebration


Let Bob do his job: agent

CHICAGO -- Be prepared for the worst. That could be the message NHL Players Association executive director Bob Goodenow conveys to player agents at a meeting today.


Aid worker who cared for Iraqis is believed slain

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Margaret Hassan spent a large part of her 59 years helping needy Iraqis. On Tuesday, her friends and family said they believed her captors had executed her, unjustly ending her life in the land she had adopted as her home.


Tokyo Edge: Autumn Brings Gamers' Delights (PC World)

PC World - Handheld game devices and satellite radio receiver vie for gadget fans' attention with camcorders, big LCD TV, and more.


NASA Jet Sets Record for Speed

A tiny pilotless NASA jet soared above the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday at nearly 10 times the speed of sound, almost 7,000 miles an hour, thanks to a radical new engine technology.


China, Argentina to establish strategic partnership

China and Argentina have decided to establish and develop a  quot;strategic partnership, quot; Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Argentine counterpart Nestor Kirchner said Tuesday in Buenos Aires.


Microsoft CEO meets Indian prime minister

Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer brought his campaign to retain his company #39;s dominance in the Indian software market to the country #39;s leadership yesterday.


PPI takes 1.7 jump

Soaring energy costs and a surge in food prices contributed to a surprising 1.7 percent rise in US producer prices in October, the Labor Department reported Tuesday -- the biggest gain in almost 15 years.


Fox not fazed by CNBC

Rupert Murdoch said yesterday he expects to launch his new Fox business channel next summer and that it will be easy to compete against CNBC.


Spitzer warns of further insurance industry woes

Disclosures of bid-rigging within the insurance industry may lead Congress to a  #39; #39;Pandora #39;s box quot; of unethical conduct, a top investigator told Congress


X-43 hits 6,600 mph over Pacific Ocean

NASA #39;s X-43 unmanned aircraft hit a record 6,600 mph Tuesday in the program #39;s final test flight, providing researchers with data for use on future ultra-high-speed aircraft and spacecraft.


MPAA files Internet suits

The Motion Picture Association of America on Tuesday filed its first wave of lawsuits against people it alleges have traded illegally copied movies online, a practice the MPAA says represents


Kyoto protocol doesn #39;t have to be out of our reach

Charles F. Wurster is professor emeritus of environmental sciences at Stony Brook University and is a member of the board of Environmental Defense, a nonprofit organization.


Grid project puts unused PCs to work

IBM and several of the world #39;s leading scientific and philanthropic groups this week launched a project that would put millions of PCs to work on research problems ranging from Alzheimer #39;s to disaster forecasting.


Microsoft Cracks Down on Xbox Changes

Game Stop employee Lisa Hargreaves pulls out a stack of games for waiting customers at the University Mall in Davis Calif., at the stroke of midnight Nov. 9, 2004, as fans lined up to get first crack at the \$50 sequel from Microsoft Corp.


Notebook: Guerrero earns MVP

Vladimir Guerrero had such a powerful presence during the final week of the season that voting for the American League Most Valuable Player Award wasn #39;t close.


ABC apologizes for racy TO intro

A naked Nicollette Sheridan, playing a character who specializes in sleeping around the neighborhood, jumps into the arms of the Eagles #39; Terrell Owens, the most infamous superstar in the NFL.


Sonics #39; win streak at 7 with 103-95 win over Sixers

PHILADELPHIA - The difference between the two halves of the NBA used to be as distinct as red states and blue states. Teams residing on the left side of the country preferred an up-tempo game, while everyone else plodded through half-court sets.


France #39;s Chirac says UK won nothing from Bush support

LONDON: French President Jacques Chirac said in a newspaper interview yesterday that Britain has gained nothing from its support for the United States-led invasion of Iraq.


Flight Attendants #39; Union Calls For Strike

HONOLULU -- The country #39;s largest flight attendants union is calling for a national strike against four airlines now in bankruptcy.


Greece #39;s Alogoskoufis Says US, Japan Needed to Buoy Dollar

Greek Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said Europe alone can #39;t halt the euro #39;s rise and the US and Japan would have to pitch in to buy dollars to end the decline of the American currency.


Vodafone doubles interim dividend, extends buy-back

Vodafone Group doubled its interim dividend to 1.91p, the top end of forecasts, and extended a full-year share buy-back programme after strong underlying results.


Amex sues Visa, MasterCard

NEW YORK: American Express on Monday sued credit card associations Visa and MasterCard and eight banks for damages from what it called anti-competitive practices that prevented 20,000 US banks from using its credit card products.


Hewlett-Packard Shares Jump After Sales of Servers Rebound

Hewlett-Packard Co. shares jumped as much as 9 percent in Europe after the computer maker said fourth- quarter profit beat its forecast and Chief Executive Carly Fiorina said she #39;s fixed


Rupe tries roadblock

Rupert Murdoch wants to put up another gate to keep media mogul John Malone from buying a bigger stake in his kingdom. One week after adopting a poison pill to protect his News Corp.


Two top shareholders take opposing positions

LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) -- As the deadline for what Oracle Corp. has called its  quot;best and final quot; offer for PeopleSoft Inc. looms, two of the unwilling takeover target #39;s top shareholders were split Tuesday on whether to back the \$9.2 billion bid.


NASA  quot;scramjet quot; breaks speed record

A tiny unmanned NASA  quot;scramjet quot; soared above the Pacific Ocean yesterday at nearly 10 times the speed of sound, or almost 7,000 mph, in a record-breaking demonstration of a radical new engine technology.


Film Trade Group Files Anti-Piracy Suits

LOS ANGELES Nov 17, 2004 - Following the lead of record companies who curtailed rampant Internet piracy by targeting even small-time file swappers, Hollywood studios have launched a first wave of lawsuits against people who allegedly downloaded recent


Europe goes to the Moon

Europe #39;s first mission to the Moon is about to start. The unmanned, solar energy driven SMART-1 spacecraft has entered the orbit around the Moon.


Computers worldwide will power big project on proteins

If the Human Genome Project gave biologists the equivalent of a parts list for a car, then the latest biology mega-project will be like the instructions that show how the parts combine to make an operating fuel injector.


Vole stole my Yoga idea

AN ACADEMY Award winning screenwriter has sued the mighty Microsoft saying it stole his idea for a virtual yoga studio when it issued  quot;Yourself!


Microsoft Unveils Its New Search Engine -- at Last!

After months of speculation and two  quot;preview quot; releases, Microsoft unwraps its new MSN search engine, the first major competitor to join Web search major leagues in nearly a year.


Microsoft Uses Halo 2 to Catch Xbox Pirates

With Halo 2 racking up record sales and eager fans rushing to Microsoft #39;s Xbox Live online gaming service to compete with other gamers from around the world, it should be an exciting time for Xbox enthusiasts.


Nash enjoys emotional return to Dallas; Garnett gets best of Shaq

Back in Dallas, Steve Nash deftly ran the Phoenix offense and set up his new teammates with one smooth pass after another. Kevin Garnett kept the ball in his own hands, outclassing Shaquille O #39;Neal all night.


Cahill: Victory Should Have Been Ours

Tim Cahill revealed he thought Australia deserved to win tonights international match with Norway at Craven Cottage. Norway took the lead through Steffen Iversen shortly before half-time, before Tim Cahill


Basketball: Canada #39;s Nash makes triumphant NBA return to Dallas

DALLAS, United States : Steve Nash reminded the Dallas Mavericks how impressive a National Basketball Association player he can be, scoring 17 points and adding 18 assists to lead Phoenix in a 107-101 triumph here.


Tim and world are one

Maybe coach Lenny Wilkens should make copies of the game tape of the Knicks #39; 99-81 loss last night at SBC Center and distribute them to his players as required viewing.


SIGNS OF STARDOM

The colossal sign that is draped around one end of the American Airlines Arena is a rather imposing spectacle, to say the least. Theres little doubt that Dwyane Wade has achieved star status in south Florida.


Eli takes giant step to starter

When Archie Manning heard his 23-year-old son would be starting against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, he remembered what his other quarterback son told him after his first NFL start.


Mosul Forces Secure 75 Percent of Police Stations, US Says

US and Iraqi forces secured more than three quarters of Mosul #39;s police stations as calm prevailed following last week #39;s flare up in violence that saw insurgents raid police buildings in the city, the US military said.


Palestinian groups position candidates for election

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Militant groups behind many suicide bombings dismissed a call from interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday to halt attacks in the days leading up to a Jan. 9 election to replace Yasser Arafat.


Colin Powell to travel to Middle East on Nov 21-22

Washington, Nov 17 (PTI) US Secretary of State Colin Powell, facing his last weeks on the job, will travel to the Middle East as scheduled to accelerate prospects for peacemaking, the State Department has said.


Sharon mulls coordinating plan with new Palestinian leadership

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said he would be willing to consider coordinating his unilateral plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip with the Palestinians if the new leadership shows willingness to fight  quot;terror quot;.


UNH squelches Merrimack

Junior defenseman Jacob Micflikier scored a pair of goals and Preston Callander had three assists as the University of New Hampshire men's team handed Merrimack a 4-1 Hockey East loss last night in North Andover.


Angels' Vladimir Guerrero Wins AL MVP (AP)

AP - Vladimir Guerrero figured someone from his baseball-crazed country would be chosen as the American League's Most Valuable Player.


US to fight economic imbalances, but responsibility is shared: Snow (AFP)

AFP - US Treasury Secretary John Snow acknowledged that big US deficits are playing a role in global economic imbalances, but cited a  quot;shared responsibility quot; to fix the problems.


Pennington Is Ready, if a Bit Rusty

For the second time in two seasons, the Jets on Sunday will welcome Chad Pennington back after an extended absence because of injury.


Insurance probe bags two more

State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer told a subcommittee of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday that he expects more criminal pleas in connection with his investigation into price collusion and conflicts of interest in the insurance


Crematory operator may get 12 years

A former crematory operator accused of dumping 334 bodies, including those of Tennesseans, and passing off cement dust as their ashes has struck a plea deal that calls for up


Audit finds Newsday circulation heavily inflated

A long-awaited audit, released by the high court of publishing, confirmed Newsday #39;s admission that its circulation was heavily inflated and cut the size of its New York City edition.


12,000 counterfeit track suits seized

A total of 12,000 counterfeit track suits bearing the Nike logo were discovered in a 40-foot container by the container monitoring unit of the Customs Department.


Cahill felt Aussies deserved win

Tim Cahill says he feels Australia deserved to win last night #39;s international match with Norway at Craven Cottage. Norway took the lead through Steffen Iversen shortly before half-time, before Tim Cahill and


Arizona pulls away for another NIT win

Mustafa Shakur scored 23 and Ivan Radenovic 20 - both career highs - in No.10 Arizona #39;s 80-69 victory over San Diego on Tuesday in the first round of the Preseason NIT.


Chirac Says Iraq War Made World More Dangerous

LONDON (Reuters) - Last year's U.S.-led invasion of Iraq  and ousting of President Saddam Hussein has, if anything, made  the world more dangerous, French President Jacques Chirac said  on the eve of a state visit to key U.S. ally Britain.


Navy Unit Finds Perils in Rebuilding Fallujah

The assault on the city was accompanied by a pledge from U.S. officials to rebuild it after the offensive was complete. But keeping that promise may prove more difficult than anticipated.


Businessman sues singer Jackson

A businessman is suing Michael Jackson for \$3m alleging he is owed for unpaid loans and producing fees.


China's IT: An Inside Outsider's View

Letter An insight into piracy rates


Camera phones threat to privacy

A human rights group has suggested a mandatory flash on camera mobiles would counter illicit photography.


Revelations Only Confirm Suspicions About Drugs

Only the nave or willfully ignorant seem not to understand that drug use has been widespread for many years in elite sport.


Google Stock Slips as New Shares Hit Market (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Google Inc. stock dropped more than 6 percent yesterday as tens of millions of new shares held by early investors and employees of the search engine giant became available for sale for the first time.


Tokyo Stocks Edge Lower, Dollar Down (AP)

AP - Tokyo stocks edged lower Wednesday for the second straight day, led by export-dependent technology and automobile issues following Wall Street's overnight retreat. The U.S. dollar slid against the Japanese yen.


Exiles: Iran Hides Secret Military Nuke Site from U.N.

VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran's government is conducting nuclear  activities linked to a covert atomic weapons program at a  military site unknown to U.N. inspectors, says an exiled  opposition group that has given accurate information before.


76ers: Allen drops Sonic boom from long range

PHILADELPHIA -- For the second time this season, the 76ers got an up close look at a team that does what it wants to do on the offensive end.


Isiah needs a lone star

SAN ANTONIO - Sometimes, the planets align perfectly and, presto, you can rebuild in one fell swoop without ever hitting rock bottom.


Baptism of Eli passes QB test

Half the world expects Eli Manning to be the next Peyton Manning. The other half only wants him to be the next Ben Roethlisberger.


Yanks star swats sex-tortion bid

Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield revealed yesterday he was the victim of a shakedown artist who threatened to release X-rated video of his gospel-singer wife and a professional musician.


Pakistan hails Indian troop pullout from Kashmir (AFP)

AFP - Pakistan has welcomed the first withdrawal of Indian troops from disputed Kashmir, as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hinted at further reductions.


UK unemployment total falls again

UK unemployment fell by 67,000 in the three months to September to 1.38 million, official figures show.


Snow: Cutting Budget Deficit Top Priority (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said\on Wednesday that cutting a record budget deficit was a top\priority for the second-term Bush administration and challenged\Europe to play its part in helping trim the U.S. trade gap by\boosting its own economic growth.


Sainsbury #39;s reports first ever loss

The struggling supermarket chain J Sainsbury today reported the first loss in its 135-year history. Sainsbury #39;s, weighed down by the costs of overhauling its business, made a loss of 39m for the six months


UPDATE 3-Vivendi raises 2004 forecast after strong quarter

France #39;s largest media company, Vivendi Universal (EAUG.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) , raised its 2004 earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in third-quarter underlying operating profit, buoyed by a rebound in


Oil Retreat Deepens Ahead of U.S. Data (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices extended recent heavy losses\on Wednesday ahead of weekly U.S. data expected to show fuel\stocks rising in time for peak winter demand.


Film industry files first wave of anti-piracy lawsuits

The seven major studios filed their first wave of lawsuits aimed at ending Internet piracy. The lawsuits for federal copyright infringement were filed yesterday in several cities, including Denver, New York City, San Francisco and St.


Viagra TV ads make unsubstantiated claims, says FDA to Pfizer

Two Viagra TV ads are making unsubstantiated claims about sexual desire and should be pulled out, the FDA told Pfizer Inc, the makers of Viagra.


Adobe Unveils Acrobat 7.0 Software

Adobe Systems has introduced Adobe Acrobat 7.0 software suite, with features that could appeal to home offices and professionals who make a living from content design.


Firefox takes torch from Microsoft browser

Web surfing has belonged almost exclusively to Microsoft Corp. #39;s Internet Explorer ever since it buried Netscape #39;s pioneering browser.


Roddick beats Henman in Texas

Andy Roddick squeezed past Britain #39;s Tim Henman 7-5 7-6 at the Masters Cup overnight, giving his fellow Texans the hometown win they came to see.


Not all  #39;cheesecake #39; is the same to the NFL

Showing Nicollette Sheridan in a pregame promotion for  quot;Monday Night Football quot; wearing nothing but a towel? Showing the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders repeatedly during the game, all 38 of them dressed in costumes


Radcliffe #39;s resurgence to continue in Finland

PAULA RADCLIFFE is almost certain to challenge for the 10,000 metres title next summer rather than contest the marathon at the bi-annual World Champion-ships in Finland.


Snow: Cutting Budget Deficit Top Priority

LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said  on Wednesday that cutting a record budget deficit was a top  priority for the second-term Bush administration and challenged  Europe to play its part in helping trim the U.S. trade gap by  boosting its own economic growth.


Hassan Execution Make Relief Work Almost Impossible Says EU

The claimed execution of Anglo-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan makes relief efforts almost impossible to carry out in Iraq, the EU said today.


Indian prime minister visits Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday paid his first visit to Kashmir since taking office, as Indian troops began to withdraw from the territory.


Minister stubs out smoke policy

THE Government #39;s plans for a partial ban on smoking in public places seems to have fallen far short of what has been proposed by Liverpool City Council.


French media: Israelis aided Ivory Coast military in attacks

quot;Israel mercenaries assisting the Ivory Coast army operated unmanned aircraft that aided aerial bombings of a French base in the country, quot; claimed


China-Japan tensions over mysterious submarine

ELEANOR HALL: Diplomatic tensions erupted between China and Japan this week over a mystery submarine in Japanese waters. The Japanese Government had blamed the Chinese for the incursion.


Oil Retreat Deepens Ahead of U.S. Data

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices extended recent heavy losses  on Wednesday ahead of weekly U.S. data expected to show fuel  stocks rising in time for peak winter demand.


Africa Lobbies for More AIDS, TB, Malaria Funds

ARUSHA, Tanzania (Reuters) - African leaders lobbied the  Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for more money  Wednesday to solve a cash crunch facing its work, seen as vital  for the continent's health, officials said.


Motorola Sees 3G Phone Sales Quadrupling

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Motorola Inc., the No. 2 mobile phone  maker, said on Wednesday it expects sales of phones based on  the WCDMA third-generation technology to more than quadruple  next year, helping it claw back market share.


Vivendi Ups Forecast After Strong Quarter

PARIS (Reuters) - France's largest media company, Vivendi  Universal, raised its 2004 earnings forecast as it reported a  19 percent increase in third-quarter underlying operating  profit, buoyed by a rebound in music and strong mobile phone  sales.


Czechs recall Velvet Revolution

The 15th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that toppled the Communist Party is marked by Czechs.


Somali leader's house 'attacked'

The Nairobi residence of the newly elected Somali president is reportedly attacked by unknown gunmen.


HP stock surges on record results

Shares in Hewlett-Packard have risen by 8 per cent in after-hours trading after the US computer and printer manufacturer reported record revenues in every division and in every region.


1,100 losing jobs at GM Baltimore plant

General Motors Corp., the world #39;s largest automaker, announced Tuesday that the 1,100 remaining workers at its Baltimore assembly plant will lose their jobs


quot;Scramjet quot; Breaks Speed Record

It #39;s small, but it #39;s fast, as NASA #39;s unmanned  quot;scramjet quot; proved Tuesday in a record-breaking demonstration above the Pacific Ocean.


IBM Community to address social issues

New York: The US-based software major IBM, along with representatives of the world #39;s leading science, education and philanthropic outfits, has launched a global effort aimed at harnessing the vast computing power of individuals and business computers and


Microsoft fires broadside at Novell Netware

What Redmond giveth, Redmond taketh away. Barely a week after settling an anti-trust suit with Novell over unfair practices designed to drive Netware out of the Enterprise and a few days since Novell slapped


Guerrero wins MVP honors in AL

Vladimir Guerrero easily defeated his competitors on the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees yesterday to win the American League Most Valuable Player award.


ABC gulps down a promo-seltzer

An ABC-TV cross-promotion on  quot;Monday Night Football quot; for the new series  quot;Desperate Housewives quot; worked a little too well, so the network apologized all over itself yesterday.


Palestinian security talks continue amid fears of unrest

Palestinians pray at the grave of leader Yasser Arafat at the Muqataa, Arafat #39;s destroyed headquarters, in the West Bank town of Ramallah Nov. 15.


Afghans say UN hostages still in Kabul

Three UN workers abducted in Afghanistan are probably still being held in the Kabul area and not by a resistance group, the interior ministry said.


Kjus Ends Long Wait for Giant Slalom Win

BEAVER CREEK, Colorado (Reuters) - Norwegian Lasse Kjus won  a World Cup giant slalom for the first time in nine years as  Alpine skiing's golden oldies relived their past glories on  Saturday.


Child Soldiers in Front Line of Wars Across World (Reuters)

Reuters - Boys and girls as young as nine years\old are in the front line of wars across the world, and even\when the fighting has finished they are largely neglected in\the peace process, a report said Wednesday.


Arabs Enraged at U.S. Soldier Shooting Wounded Iraq (Reuters)

Reuters - Arabs were torn between seething rage at\images of a U.S. soldier shooting dead a wounded Iraqi in a\mosque and dismay at Iraqi insurgents in Falluja for turning\holy mosques into battlegrounds.


Vivendi Ups Forecast After Strong Quarter (Reuters)

Reuters - France's largest media company, Vivendi\Universal, raised its 2004 earnings forecast as it reported a\19 percent increase in third-quarter underlying operating\profit, buoyed by a rebound in music and strong mobile phone\sales.


Summary: a Bird? a Plane? No, a Scramjet (AP)

AP - SPRINT TO RECORD: A NASA-backed supersonic combustion ramjet  #151; or scramjet  #151; flew on its on power for 10 seconds, setting a world speed record for an air-breathing engine.


Backed Into a Currency Corner? Don #39;t Overreact

down - against other major currencies. The tumble has helped the portfolios of some fortunate Americans by bolstering the returns of their foreign stocks and bonds.


The Final Capitalist Frontier

Future space explorers might bring back more than just pictures from their excursions -- they could mine the planets for profit. By Mark Baard.


Halo 2: Playing to the Bitter End

Bungie's follow-up to its wildly successful shooter provides hours of fun, provided you're not too irritated by the ending or the long wait for a match on Xbox Live. By Lore Sjberg.


Vote Recount to Settle Doubts?

A vote recount in New Hampshire requested by the Nader campaign could allay concerns about anomalous election results in the state. But if the recount uncovers problems with voting machines, it could lead to a recount in Florida. By Kim Zetter.


AntiGrav Not Exactly Uplifting

The new PlayStation 2 game makes ingenious use of the gimmicky EyeToy controller, but glitches and repetition keep it from taking off. By Chris Kohler.


X-43A Jet Breaks Air Speed Record

NASA's X-43A 'scramjet' now holds the jet aircraft speed record after hitting a top speed of Mach 9.6, or nearly 6,600 mph. Engineers say the technology could find its way into military and commercial aircraft. By Amit Asaravala.


Palko Throws for 5 TDs as No. 19 Pitt Routs South Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (Sports Network) - Tyler Palko threw for a  career-high 411 yards and five touchdowns, leading 19th-ranked  Pittsburgh to a 43-14 drubbing of South Florida at Raymond  James Stadium.


Flight attendants threaten to strike

Leaders of the nation #39;s largest flight attendants union, which represents workers at United Airlines and US Airways Group Inc.


BoE hints rates on hold for now

The Bank of England appears set to hold interest rates steady for at least the next few months after revealing policymakers did not even discuss raising borrowing costs at their November meeting.


Insurance industry misdeeds widening?

In town to testify on bid rigging and price-fixing in the insurance industry, California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi yesterday said ongoing investigations might reveal


Sainsbury profits slashed

First-half profit at J Sainsbury has tumbled almost two thirds as Chief Executive Justin King battles to regain market share and restore financial health to the country #39;s third-largest foodseller.


Oracle #39;s PeopleSoft Bid May Benefit From Arbitragers #39; Stake

Oracle Corp. Chief Executive Larry Ellison #39;s \$8.8 billion hostile bid to buy PeopleSoft Inc. may benefit from arbitragers who have loaded up on the stock and are likely to tender their shares.


France #39;s largest media company, Vivendi Universal, raised its 2004 earnings forecast as it reported a 19 percent increase in third-quarter underlying operating profit, buoyed by a rebound in music and strong mobile phone sales.


Salvation Army seeks to overcome Target ban

The Salvation Army started its annual holiday fund-raising campaign Tuesday with a \$85,000 hole in the kettle. That #39;s how much the charity estimates it collected in kettles in front of Target stores last year.


Internet telephone service planned by SBC in early 2005

SBC Communications announced Tuesday that it would offer residential Internet-based calling, joining what could be the future of home-phone service.


Studios sue internet film pirates

Hollywood film studios have filed their first wave of lawsuits against people in the US who trade pirated films over the internet.


Microsoft hunting last NetWare customers

This being the age to poach customers using rivals #39; operating systems, Microsoft Corp has announced financial incentives along with tools and support to persuade users to abandon Novell Corp #39;s NetWare for Windows Server 2003.


Pulp Fiction writer sues Microsoft over virtual yoga

Despite its best efforts to settle legal action it seems Microsoft just can #39;t stay out of court. Roger Avary, who won an Oscar for writing Pulp Fiction with Quentin Tarantino, is suing the software giant alleging it stole his idea for a yoga game.


Nokia Extends IPv6 To Phones

Nokia has demonstrated the first mobile IPv6 call, using its CDMA dual stack handset. The demonstration was made at the 3G World Congress Convention and Exhibition, which took place this week in Hong Kong.


GeForce 6600GT AGP, as good as it gets?

We reported on PCI-Express chipsets in numerous articles in the past two months, by reading those you would almost start to think that AGP was indeed dead and buried.


Roddick ousts Henman in Houston

Tim Henman, the British No 1, lost his rain-delayed opening match against the world No 2 Andy Roddick at the Masters Cup in Houston this morning.


FOOTBALL: DEFOE: I #39;LL GO IN ANY POSITION

but will play anywhere if it means he is in Sven Goran Eriksson #39;s plans. The 23-year-old Spurs striker is set to start on the


Kerr frustrated at victory margin

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr admitted he was frustrated his side did not score more than one goal in their friendly win over Croatia.


FA to complain over racism at under-21 friendly in Spain

England will complain to FIFA about racist abuse directed at their black players during an under-21 friendly international in Spain, a Football Association spokesman said on Wednesday.


Boss plans raid on Boston market

This wasn #39;t just an exercise designed to poke a stick at the world champion Red Sox. George Steinbrenner is enamored with the idea of signing one of the Yankees #39; all-time antagonists.


Bulls play hard, lose

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Although it was more competitive than most of their other trips to the West Coast in recent years, the result was the same.


Garnett does it all for Timberwolves

Kevin Garnett had 25 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists to pace the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 108-97 victory Tuesday against the visiting Miami Heat.


Clippers Surge in Second Half

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 (Ticker) -- Marko Jaric led a third-quarter charge that put the Los Angeles Clippers where they haven #39;t been in nearly 10 years.


CARE Director Believed Slain in Iraq

British and Irish leaders on Wednesday condemned the apparent slaying of a British aid worker who would be the first foreign woman killed in the wave of kidnappings that have beset Iraq.


#39;Half measures #39; for pubgoers condemned, Asthma UK

Asthma experts have condemned as a  #39;shabby half measure #39; the government #39;s decision not to implement a complete ban on smoking in public places.


UN Security Council to Meet in Nairobi on Sudan

The United Nations Security Council is traveling to Nairobi, Kenya, for a special two-day meeting on the conflicts in Sudan. The Security Council meetings on Thursday and Friday are intended to put pressure


Kim #39;s portraits removed upon instruction from North Korean <b>...</b>

PYONGYANG, November 17 (Itar-Tass) -- Kim Jong Ils portraits were removed from some state offices frequented by foreigners at the initiative of the leadership of the country, an informed source in the Russian embassy in Pyongyang told Tass.


MPC sets record as rates peak

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee #39;s latest demonstration of unanimity - voting 9-0 to keep interest rates unchanged - is the latest piece of evidence to suggest that interest rates have peaked.


Vivendi reports sizzling third-quarter profits (AFP)

AFP - Media and mobile telephone group Vivendi Universal said that third-quarter profits had risen by nearly sixfold and upgraded its full-year profit outlook owing to a change in tax arrangements.


NBA Today (AP)

AP - Minnesota at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST). The Timberwolves, who had the Western Conference's best regular-season record last season, meet the defending NBA champions.


Sudan's main foes say peace deal imminent (AFP)

AFP - Sudan's government and main rebel group are ready to clinch a final deal to end more than 20 years of war within days of talks resuming next week, spokesman for both sides said, a day before the UN Security Council opens a rare meeting in Nairobi on the country's peace process.


Indian PM offers Kashmir new start as first troops pullout (AFP)

AFP - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered Kashmiris peace and prosperity as he pulled an army battalion out of the troubled state and held out hope of further troop cuts.


Sears, KMart to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal

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


Oil Extends Retreat Ahead of U.S. Data

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices extended recent heavy losses  on Wednesday ahead of weekly U.S. data expected to show fuel  stocks rising in time for peak winter demand.


Microsoft Caught Out

Software piracy threatens to rob our cultural pioneers of their incentive to keep bringing us the best in everything they do. Microsoft is committed to preventing piracy from hurting legitimate software users, but by staying informed, you can ensure you're being part of the solution.   -- Microsoft on Software Piracy    Oops. Not taking your own advice is just silly.


Arabs Enraged at U.S. Soldier Shooting Wounded Iraqi

DUBAI (Reuters) - Arabs were torn between seething rage at  images of a U.S. soldier shooting dead a wounded Iraqi in a  mosque and dismay at Iraqi insurgents in Falluja for turning  holy mosques into battlegrounds.


Another attack suspect arrested

The German authorities have arrested a fourth man in connection with a suspected plan to attack the Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi during a visit to Berlin earlier this week.


Annan is teetering on his pedestal

UNITED NATIONS, New York For years, Kofi Annan was seen at the United Nations as a Mandela-like figure, a statesman who brought a serene sense of personal confidence and institutional steadiness to the task of settling conflict and a person frequently


Aragones Causes More Controversy

Spain coach Luis Aragones has risked further uproar with an attempt to repair the damage caused by his racist comments about Thierry Henry.


New slaying in southern Thailand after queen #39;s plea for peace

A gunman fatally shot a villager early Wednesday in southern Thailand, a day after the country #39;s queen made a plea for an end to violence in the Muslim-dominated area.


Insurgents strike Iraqi police station, mosque

Militants kill at least 30 in assault on Baghdad; US forces say 22 insurgents killed in Mosul. A Iraqi man mourns the death of his brother.


Czechs Mark 15th Anniversary of Uprising (AP)

AP - Evoking decades of repressive rule, Czechs took to the streets for concerts and speeches by former dissidents Wednesday to mark the 15th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that ended communism.


Spitzer tells Senate of insurance probe

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer tells US lawmakers that many insurance brokers systematically fix the market.


US department store operator Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co. (SN: Quote, Profile, Research) and discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. (KMRT.


HP performance hitting its groove

Riding on record revenue across all its business segments, Hewlett- Packard Co. delivered surprisingly strong financial reports for its fiscal fourth quarter, with profit up 26.5 percent.


Murdoch to meet News Corp rivals

NEWS Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch said today he plans to meet media investor John Malone in the coming months, and played down reports of hostility between the two tycoons.


Britain #39;s Jobless Rate at New 20-Year Low

Britain #39;s unemployment rate fell to a new 20-year low of 4.6 percent in the latest quarter, according to official data released Wednesday.


Bell-ringer shortage could take toll

It may be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but Rich Forney is worried it sure won #39;t sound like it. Forney, administrator of the Salvation Army #39;s Lawrence operations, said the nonprofit #39;s annual bell


Nasa jet flies at  #39;10 times speed of sound #39;

A tiny unmanned Nasa  quot;scramjet quot; set a new world speed record after flying at nearly 10 times the speed of sound. The 12ft supersonic combustion ramjet flew at just under 7,000mph - or around Mach 9.6.


Hollywood sues 200 US internet thieves

Top Hollywood studios have launched a wave of court cases against internet users who illegally download film files. The Motion Picture Association of America, which acts as the representative of major film


Half-Eaten Grilled Cheese Draws Large Bids on E-bay

Take a look on e-bay, and you #39;ll find some cheesy items up for sale. But probably none as  quot;cheesy quot; as this one. The on-line auction website, e-bay, took a grilled cheese sandwich listing.


RFID tags on medication introduced in US

US regulators the Food and Drug Administration have released guidance for the attachment of RFID tags to drug packaging in order to  quot;insure that the drugs available in the United States are among the safest in the world.


Microsoft sued over  #39;stolen #39; game

ACADEMY Award-winning screenwriter Roger Avary is suing software giant Microsoft in California for allegedly stealing his idea for a virtual yoga studio.


Microsoft bites back at Novell

Microsoft has introduced a raft of migration tools designed to persuade Novell #39;s NetWare customers to defect to Windows. The move, which comes less than a week after Redmond handed over half a billion dollars


Nokia demos first mobile IPv6 call

Nokia has demonstrated what it claims is the world #39;s first mobile call made over the next-generation IPv6 internet protocol. The call, made using Nokia #39;s CDMA Dual-Stack handset, combined real-time streaming


Russian press hails Sharapova

Moscow - Russian newspapers lavished praise on Wednesday on 17-year-old Russian tennis sensation Maria Sharapova, saying her triumph over Serena Williams in the finals of the WTA Tour Championships was a victory for the history books and for her native


Red Bull reveal first team livery

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


Guerrero landslide honoree

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


Aragones scolded for outburst against English

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


More woes out West for Bulls

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


Black Caps name Test side

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


Chiappone seeks 5-year bear hunt ban

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


CARE Director Believed Slain in Iraq

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


Chirac Says Iraq War Created More Dangerous World

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


Caught in a phishing trap

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


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


HP, Sears Deal May Push Stocks Higher

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


Warning to child soldier scouts

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


HEADLINE STOCKS: Stocks to Watch, Nov. 17

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


Final Round in Cable-ISP Fight

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


European Shares Shrug Off Record Euro

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


Mortgage Applications Rise Last Week

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


Microsoft showcases technology initiatives

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


Mozilla fires up tussle with Microsoft

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


ABC #39;s  #39;MNF #39; crosses line with opening

Instead of its five-second delay, ABC Sports should have hit the delete button on its opening for the Philadelphia Eagles-Dallas Cowboys game on Monday Night Football.


McCaw to captain with Umaga left out

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


Fiery Aragons loses his temper over race queries

LUIS ARAGONS yesterday attempted to draw a line under the controversy surrounding his racist comments caught on camera last month.


SBC to offer Internet telephone service (SiliconValley.com)

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


European Shares Shrug Off Record Euro (Reuters)

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


Mortgage Applications Rise Last Week (Reuters)

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


Clashes, Car Bomb Leave 10 Dead in Beiji (AP)

AP - A car bomber rammed into a U.S. convoy Wednesday as American forces battled militants north of Baghdad, leaving a total of at least 10 people dead, witnesses said.


2 major PeopleSoft shareholders split on Oracle deal (USATODAY.com)

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


India's prime minister offers unconditional talks over Kashmir (Canadian Press)

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


Saudi Policeman Dies in Clash with Militants

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


Update 1: Kmart, Sears to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal

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


Salvation Army will be ringing bells Friday

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


NASA scramjet smashes speed record

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


Firefox fortune hunters

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


Latest R Kelly whistle-blower charged with extortion

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


NBA Game Summary - New York At San Antonio

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


US military hopeful UN hostages in Afghanistan will be released <b>...</b>

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


Four Companies Plan Expansion in Virginia

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


District Uses Cyberspace To Tidy Up

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


SBC, Microsoft in  #36;400 Million Deal (AP)

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


US and 13 Other States Agree on Push to Gather Methane Gas

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


Afghans Say Don't Think Militants Hold UN Hostages

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


The Price Paid for Blood on a Child

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


Jack in the Box Quarterly Earnings Up (Reuters)

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


Gamers get playing Half-Life 2

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


Blunkett concern on loyalty cards

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


'Phishing' scam targets NatWest

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


File Sharing

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


Pull-Outs Threaten Polish-Led Force in Iraq (Reuters)

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


Ton-Up Solanki Inspires Series Success

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


Retail giants merge in \$11bn deal

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


UPDATE 2-Kmart buying Sears in surprise \$11 billion deal

Discount retailer Kmart Holding Corp. (KMRT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) will buy department store operator Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co.


Wal-Mart Stores  #39;well placed for Christmas #39;

WAL-MART Stores, the worlds largest retailer and owner of Asda supermarkets, has reported a 12.7 per cent rise in its third-quarter earnings.


Flight attendants get OK to strike

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


SBC, Microsoft in \$400 million deal

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


Sainsbury #39;s falls into the red

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


UPDATE 4-Vivendi Universal raises 2004 profit forecast

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


DA #39;s office: Marsh to plead guilty in crematory case

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


Chelsea keeps advantage

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


Consumer Prices Up 0.6 Percent in October (AP)

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


Seagate Ships 400GB Hard Drive (PC World)

PC World - Device uses NCQ technology to prioritize a PC's requests.


Ex-Finance Exec Convicted of Wiretapping (AP)

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


Space news: Europe #39;s moon probe, NASA #39;s scramjet

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


Microsoft, Dell and Vintela aim to eat IBM #39;s lunch

Microsoft is set to change the way that organisations handle upgrades. The company has teamed up with Dell and Vintela in an attempt to cut the people-hours that are spent on software support.


Oscar-Winning Pulp Fiction Screenwriter Sues Microsoft

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


Seagate ships 400GB PC hard disk drive

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


Half-Life 2 In Stores Now

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


Boxer Holyfield Suspended

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


Purnell thrilled with Red Bull takeover

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


New Zealand rank outsiders for the first Test and series

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


RUDDOCK HOPING FOR PIECE OF HISTORY

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


Raps down and out in LA

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


Duncan, Spurs defeat Knicks

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


US midfielder Reyna out for another six to eight weeks

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


Vivendi Universal Raises Profit Forecast (Reuters)

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


Vivendi Raises Outlook on Music Performance (AP)

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


Aid group says it will try to keep working in Iraq

MARK COLVIN: Another announcement on Arabic TV, another brutal execution and again those doing their best to rebuild Iraq are being either killed or terrified into leaving.


US marines declare Fallujah battle over

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


Backgrounder: African Union #39;s efforts to end Darfur crisis

The United National Security Council will begin a two-day extraordinary session here on Thursday to push Sudan #39;s north-south peace negotiations to a conclusion and to stop a


Coup Plot Mercenaries Given Choice of Fines Or Prison

Three men who admitted violating South Africas anti-mercenary laws for their role in an failed coup in Equatorial Guinea were ordered to pay fines or go to prison today.


European Parliaments OKs new commission

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


APEC Ministerial Meetings Set to Begin in Chile

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


Japan may let women take throne

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


Creative declares marketing 'war' against iPod (MacCentral)

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


SBC, Microsoft strike \$400M TV deal

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


Samsung ads shifted from Interpublic

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


Lycos Shuts Down Controversial Screensaver

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


Housing Starts Surge 6.4 Pct. in October (Reuters)

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


Soccer: Montella returns as experimental Italy take on Finns

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


Taliban Says Women as Hostages Is Against Islam

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


Nelsons Take Lead at Father-Son Challenge (AP)

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


Dutch Suspect Intelligence Leaked to Militants

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


Gunbattle, Strike in Kashmir as Indian PM Visits

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


Bill Gates in Paris to Seal UNESCO Deal (AP)

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


Kmart Buying Sears in \$11 Billion Deal

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


SBC, Microsoft in \$400 Million Deal

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


Consumer Prices: Biggest Jump Since May

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


Stocks Seen Opening Higher After CPI Data

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


RED BULL RACING LIVERY UNVEILED

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


Sears and Kmart in \$11bn merger

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


China Cos To Invest \$19.7B in Argentina Over Next 10 Yrs

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


CORRECTING and REPLACING Vivendi Universal Reports Quarterly <b>...</b>

-- Consolidated cash-flow from operations(4) of EUR1,369 million. On a comparable(1) basis, consolidated cash flow from operations was up 42.


No redrawing of international borders: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India will not accept any Pakistani proposal that involves the redrawing of international borders.


Afghanistan Says Criminals, Not Militants, Are Holding UN Hostages

Afghanistan #39;s Interior Ministry says the militant group claiming to have kidnapped three UN workers is not, in fact, the group holding the captives.


SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service

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


Vivendi Universal Raises Profit Forecast

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


Nokia unveils first IPv6 mobile phone

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


US, 13 nations OK methane agreement

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


Seagate announces worlds highest capacity PC hard drive

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


Network Apologizes For Steamy  #39;Monday Night Football #39; Opening

ABC is apologizing for a steamy pre-game intro to its  quot;Monday Night Football quot; broadcast with some of the actresses from  quot;Desperate Housewives.


Kings 113 Suns 111

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


Manmohan nostalgic about the world of academia:

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


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


French Official Says No Sign Arafat Poisoned

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


Animal extinction rate growing fast

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


Earnings growth slips

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


No. 7 Texas Defeats New Mexico, 73-56 (AP)

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


China Netcom Makes Strong Exchange Debut (AP)

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


Dollar dives but Snow resists prop

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


Oil prices still under pressure

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


China pledges \$20B to Argentina

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


NASA #39;s speedster scramjet noses near Mach 10

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


SAD DEATH OF NEAR-MISS PUNTER

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


Russia to accomplish major breakthroughs in nuclear sector - Putin

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


Snow tells Europe to boost growth

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


Scramjet nudges Mach 10

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


Britain #39;s unluckiest punter dies

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


Margaret Hassan #39;s family devastated after murder video

The family of Margaret Hassan have spoken of their profound grief after a videotape emerged last night purporting to show the execution of the aid worker.


Europe ; Russia to acquire new nuclear weapons systems: Putin

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


Consumer Prices and Housing Starts Surge

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


New York Says Best Asset in 2012 Bid Is City Itself

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


British grocer J Sainsbury rings up first ever loss (AFP)

AFP - J Sainsbury reported its first ever pretax loss after investing heavily in restructuring aimed at arresting a decline in its fortunes.


Iran Got Warhead Design, Bomb-Grade Uranium-Exiles

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


Industrial Production Leaps in October (Reuters)

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


Sears and Kmart Agree to Merge in \$11 Billion Deal

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


Costs put pressure on Virgin

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


Talbots 3Q Profit Slides 21 Percent

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


2 plead guilty in bid scheme

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


Institutions split over PeopleSoft battle

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


SBC, Microsoft in \$400 mn IP-based TV deal

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


IRS seeks to refund locals

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


Australia to LA in 1 hour as jet smashes speed barrier

A HYPERSONIC jet fuelled by Australian technology has smashed the world speed record reaching 10 times the speed of sound at 11,265km/h.


MPAA launches software snooping tool

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


Virgin Mary on toast, but it #39;s a lot of dough

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


Creative declares marketing  #39;war #39; against iPod

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


Farina talks up Kewell twist of fate

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


Local developer buys stake in Canucks: reports

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


Tim Duncan and Spurs torch Kicks 99-81

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


New uniform, same hair-raising play in homecoming

Don Nelson welcomes Steve Nash back to Dallas. Nash dazzled in the reunion with 17 points and 18 assists. STAR-TELEGRAM/JEFFERY WASHINGTON Same hair.


Hassan: please return my wife #39;s body

THE grieving family of slain aid worker Margaret Hassan yesterday begged her murderers to hand over her body to allow her the dignity of a proper burial.


Canada's Nash makes triumphant NBA return to Dallas (AFP)

AFP - Steve Nash reminded the Dallas Mavericks how impressive a National Basketball Association player he can be, scoring 17 points and adding 18 assists to lead Phoenix in a 107-101 triumph here.


MmO2 unveils maiden dividend, denies merger rumours (AFP)

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


US consumer prices up 0.6 per cent in October, most in five months

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


Fourtou: Vivendi Earnings Are Music To His Ears

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


Jack in the Box Posts Strong 4Q on Sales

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


SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service

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


Dixons and Sainsbury #39;s interims reveal lower sales

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


Redmond targets NetWare with migration incentives

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


Desperate apologies for a naked promo

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


Studios sue internet film pirates

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


SBC and Microsoft Plan IP TV Service

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


Saudi policeman dies in shoot-out

A Saudi security officer is killed during a shootout with suspected al Qaeda militants north of Riyadh.


Dollar Ignores Data and Tumbles

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


Stocks Open Higher After CPI, HP Earnings

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


Segway completes transcontinental voyage

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


Dollar Hits New Low Against Euro


Disney lawsuit lifts curtain on real-life Hollywood drama

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


Jack in the Box Profit Surges 32 Percent

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


Rocket scrams at 10 times speed of sound

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


Hollywood Studios Sue Movie Downloaders/Swappers

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


Ten-Year-Old Grilled Cheese Sandwich Is Back On E-Bay

E-Bay pulled the grilled cheese image of the Virgin Mary from its Web site, but reversed its decision Tuesday and put the 10-year-old sandwich back on the auction block.


NetWare holdouts courted by Microsoft, open source

Microsoft is targeting diehard NetWare customers faced with a looming decision on migrating servers to either to Linux or Windows Server 2003.


English FA lodges protest over abuse of black players in Spain

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


NYSAC chairman:  #39;It #39;s time the bleeding stopped #39;

Even though he was dominated by Larry Donald on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield said he planned to keep boxing.


#39;Desperate #39; maneuver bites ABC

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


Radcliffe back on track for world title

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


Canucks to announce partial sale

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


New York files final bid for 2012 Olympics

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


APEC forum: is there any point to it?

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


Marines defend soldier #39;s killing of Iraqi

US marines yesterday rallied around their colleague who is being investigated for shooting an unarmed, wounded insurgent in a Falluja mosque, as a senior UN human rights official called for an inquiry into alleged abuses in the city.


Muslims, Buddhists Clash in Thailand

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


Canadian general elected to head NATO military committee (AFP)

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


French Government Says Arafat Was Not Poisoned

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


Pope Health Seen Stable, Eyes N.Ireland Trip

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


British grocer J Sainsbury rings up first ever loss

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


Creative Plans MP3 Marketing Blitz Against iPod

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


Ruddock calls on Llewellyn to rise to challenge

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


Kashmir withdrawal: Your views

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


No sex, drink or smokes, we #39;re British

BRITISH Health Secretary John Reid has emerged as Britain #39;s nanny-in-chief, with an extraordinary plan for state intervention in people #39;s personal lives.


Epiphany's New CRM Apps Offer Instant Analysis (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Epiphany's new applications, which sit atop rival apps, don't delay in getting customer information into sales reps' hands. IBM weighs in with its support.


Putin Says Russia Working on New Nuclear Systems

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


Woman  #39;blessed by the holy toast #39;

A half-eaten slice of cheese on toast purportedly showing the image of the Virgin Mary has got online bargain-hunters licking their lips.


Should You Use Margin?

Before you get a loaner to buy stocks, consider the consequences if your position should fall flat.


British hostage feared dead in Iraq as rebels attacked in Mosul

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


Singh: We will Withdraw more Soldiers from Kashmir

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


Environment: World On Alert As Over 15,000 Species Face Extinction

Global biodiversity is shrinking at an unprecedented rate and the prognosis given by one of the world #39;s leading conservation bodies, at the opening of a major environment conference here, is alarming.


The Matrix: Reworded

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


US consumer prices surge 0.6 percent (AFP)

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


Whitney Matheson:Pop Candy - What makes a great greatest-hits CD? (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - If it weren't for the Columbia House record and tape club, I'd own far fewer greatest-hits albums.


Pitcher Pedro Meets 'Daddy' Steinbrenner

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


Putin vows Russian weapons boost

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


No. 10 Va. Tech Wins ACC Championship (AP)

AP - Virginia Tech can now proclaim itself the Atlantic Coast Conference's best team  #151; and no one can argue.


UPDATE 5-Oil extends retreat ahead of US stock data

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


Consumer Price Index up 0.6 in Oct.

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


SBC to sell cable-like TV service

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


Technology ; MPAA launches first lawsuits against movie sharers

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


Disney, NFL look bad after racy MNF intro

Prepared statements were flying like tickertape Tuesday, in the wake of ABC #39;s racy introductory skit on Monday Night Football.


Confidence in Casey

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


NBA Roundup: Clippers slice through Raptors

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


Blair defends ID cards for Britain (AFP)

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


US #39; Snow cites  quot;shared responsibility quot; to fight economic <b>...</b>

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


Dress Barn Posts Lower 1Q Profit

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


Kmart Buying Sears in \$11.5 Billion Deal

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


Stocks Up 1 Pct. on Kmart, Sears Merger

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


AOL at 50,000 Feet

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


Mourners honour Iraq aid worker

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


Jet zooms into record books - at 7000mph

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


US signs \$53M deal to control methane gas

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


Beckenbauer warns about youth vs experience

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


India ; No division of Kashmir on basis of religion: Manmohan

He was reacting to a question on Musharraf #39;s proposal to divide Jammu and Kashmir into seven zones and demilitarize them to be administered by India, Pakistan or the UN.


Female hostage likely executed by militants

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


Putin Says Russia Working on New Nuclear Systems

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


UN powers  #39;arming Sudan #39;

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


Will you be fuming?

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


New Vote of Confidence in European Parliament Tomorrow

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


SBC Gives Microsoft \$400 Mln Internet TV Deal

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


Explosions rock Argentine banks

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


Polanski court appeal with Lords

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


Hollywood's One Strike Policy

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


SBC Gives Microsoft  #36;400 Mln Internet TV Deal (Reuters)

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


Thirsty for learning, seniors fill college programs

At Harvard University, a 63-year-old retiree -- trained in philosophy, but retired from real estate investing -- teaches a classroom of her peers about postmodernism.


The Higher Price of Economic Growth

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


Developing countries to expand by 6.1 percent this year

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


Historic hypersonic flight for NASA  #39;scramjet #39; made in Tennessee

LOS ANGELES An unmanned NASA jet that set a speed record of almost seven-thousand miles per hour was built by a Tennessee company.


NTT DoCoMo Ships Wi-Fi/Cellular Phone

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


PC hard drive expands size and speed

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


GLAZER HOUNDED WHERE EVER HE GOES

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


India pulls 1,000 troops from Kashmir

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


Fury As Straw Admits to Knowing of Coup Plot

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


Authorities Raid Head Office of Yukos Oil (AP)

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


Hollywood's One Strike Policy (washingtonpost.com)

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


Japan's Docomo Unveils 3G Phones with 3D Sound (Reuters)

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


Swedes Beam Poetry Into Outer Space (Reuters)

Reuters - Swedish poets have broadcast their\work into outer space by radio to give alien life forms -- if\they exist -- a taste of earthling literature.


Venezuelan Beach-Goers Get 'Croc' Shock (Reuters)

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


Palestinians Head to Paris to Probe Arafat's Death

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


US consumer prices increase 0.6 percent in October

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


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


NASA  #39;Scramjet #39; Beats Air Speed Record Again

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


Casey takes back US  #39;hate #39; jibe

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


MAC adds third bowl tie-in, strikes deal with Silicon Valley

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


Iraqis Angry, Distraught at Aid Worker #39;s Murder

Iraqis reacted with anger and disbelief on Wednesday to news that British-Iraqi aid worker Margaret Hassan, who worked in Iraq for decades before being kidnapped a month ago, had been killed by her captors.


Iran warns nuclear suspension subject to progress in talks

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


No. 7 Louisville Pummels Tulane, 55-7 (AP)

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


Brazil Official Eyes Secret Military Files (AP)

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


Dole Picked to Head 2006 Senate Campaigns (AP)

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


U.S. Catholic Bishops Join Alliance (AP)

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


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


Pink Locusts from North Africa Swarm Through Cairo

CAIRO (Reuters) - Swarms of pink locusts swept through the  Egyptian capital on Wednesday, evoking the biblical description  of the plagues which struck in the time of Moses.


Russian army off-duty deaths rise

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


Philips Electronics Takes \$750 Mln Charge

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


Nokia Demos IPv6 Dual-Stack CDMA Handset, again

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


London organizers reveal Olympic marathon route

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


Phoenix Suns Team Report - November 17

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


Indian PM offers Kashmir five billion dollar peace boost as troops <b>...</b>

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