Mount St Helens rumbles in US

A 3.1-magnitude earthquake shook the crater at Mount St Helens yesterday, the strongest quake at the volcano since mid-October. US Geological Survey scientists said they did not believe a major eruption was


Nongame studies: Whales to warblers

Bowhead whales and boreal owls are among the wide range of research projects proposed for the upcoming year through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game #39;s nongame program.


Roma Form Reappears At Siena

Francesco Totti scored a capping brace as crisis-stricken AS Roma got well with a 4-0 away rout of Siena. The Giallorossi built a quick 2-0 lead with Serie A top scorer Vincenzo Montella poaching a pair within 10 second half minutes.


Leinart Passes USC Past Notre Dame 41-10

No. 1 USC Pummels Notre Dame 41-10; Matt Leinart Makes Heisman Case With 400 Yards, Five TD Passes. Southern California #39;s quarterback Matt Leinart throws during their 41-10 win over Notre Dame during the first half in Los Angeles, on Saturday, Nov.


England 19-21 Australia

BATTERED but unbowed, England lost the re-run of the World Cup final in one of the most sensational matches Twickenham has seen in recent years.


NBA Insider

What a disgrace Ron Artest has become. And the worst part is, the Indiana Pacers guard just doesn #39;t get it. Four days after fueling one of the biggest brawls in the history of pro sports, Artest was on national


Marbury: Vince underused

New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury was asked yesterday if his club had done anything special to try to keep Raptors guard Vince Carter in check.


Tech gobbles up Virginia

BLACKSBURG - For the first time in the 86-game history of the Virginia-Virginia Tech football rivalry, chants of  quot;ACC, ACC quot; echoed in the Hokies #39; cheering section Saturday.


Iraqi Government Dismisses Calls to Postpone Elections

A spokesman for Iraq #39;s interim government has rejected calls, mainly by Sunni and Kurdish groups, to postpone the country #39;s first national elections.


#39;Resolution of J amp;K issue will be biggest CBM #39;

Islamabad: Emphasising the need for  quot;sincerity quot; and  quot;flexibility quot; to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the Kashmir problem, Pakistan on Sunday said the recent meeting involving the Prime Ministers of both countries has helped in


Chirac Rival Sarkozy Gets French Party Boost

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


Pig brother helps porkers flourish

Hi-tech monitoring of livestock at pig farms could help improve the animal growth process and reduce costs.


Sharon set to end 15-month boycott of Palestinian leadership

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was set to end his 15-month boycott of the Palestinian leadership after expressing a willingness to meet new PLO chief and presidential favourite Mahmud Abbas.


Colombia Says Rebels Planned to Kill Bush

A top official in Colombia says the country #39;s largest Marxist rebel group targeted President Bush for assassination when he visited Cartagena this past week.


Global forex volatility underscores China's growing economic muscle (AFP)

AFP - Foreign exchange markets felt the impact of China's growing economic muscle this week when a report claiming the country's central bank had sold US Treasuries helped push the euro to all-time highs, underscoring market sensitivity about a possible yuan revaluation.


Pampling in command after second day of centenary Australian Open

SYDNEY, (AFP) - Australian golfer Rod Pampling shot his second consecutive 67 around the notoriously difficult Australian Golf Club here to find himself well in charge after the second day of the centenary Australian Open.


South Africa aim at a first innings total of 400-450 :

Sports India: Cricket  gt; Kolkata, Nov 28 : South African captain Graeme Smith today said the visitors, who scored 227 for five on the opening day of the second cricket Test here, were aiming at a first innings total of 400-450 to put pressure on India.


CIO Tech Poll: IT spending projections down in December

CIOs surveyed last month predicted that IT spending would grow by only 6.7 during the next 12 months, down from the 8.4 growth rate they predicted in November, according to the latest CIO Magazine Tech Poll released today.


Dozens trapped in China mine blast

TONGCHUAN, CHINA - A gas explosion tore through a coal mine in China #39;s Shaanxi province, trapping as many as 170 miners underground.


Bush was allegedly targeted

Marxist rebels tried to organize an assassination attempt against President Bush during his visit to the port city of Cartagea last week, a top Colombian official said yesterday.


L.A. sues Web hotel bookers for pocketing room tax

Internet travel sites are cheating cities on taxes by pocketing the difference between the hotel room tax they pay and the amount collected from consumers, the city of Los Angeles said in a lawsuit filed last week.


Death by a thousand cuts

THE ghosts of Calcutta 2001 and aches of Australia #39;s over-worked bowlers have combined to ensure that New Zealand #39;s demise will be death by a thousand cuts, drives and pulls after Ricky Ponting failed to enforce the follow-on during the second Test


Serie A Saturday Wrap: Roma Revival In Siena

Roma, enduring a torrid season, had something to smile about on Saturday night after crushing Siena 4-0 after a sustained second-half onslaught at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.


Coast Guard Tries To Contain 20-Mile Oil Slick

PHILADELPHIA -- The US Coast Guard has deployed thousands of feet of protective boom to contain a 30,000-gallon oil spill in the Delaware River between Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.


St. Helens has largest earthquake since mid-October

A 3.1-magnitude earthquake shook the crater at Mount St. Helens Saturday morning, the strongest quake at the volcano since its new lava dome began growing in mid-October.


Relics Taken in the Crusades Returned after 8 Centuries

Pope John Paul II yesterday returned two relics taken during the Crusades, who plundered Istanbul (then Constantinople) in 1204, to Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos as a gesture of friendship with the Orthodox Church.


Hydrogen Production Method Could Bolster Fuel Supplies

Researchers say they have found a way to produce hydrogen with far less energy than other methods, a development that would move the country closer to the goal of a "hydrogen economy."


Oil Spill Halts Shipping on River Near South Jersey

A tanker ship spilled 30,000 gallons of heavy crude oil into the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey on Friday night.


After-Thanksgiving Day Sales Attract Bargain Hunters

( Friday, November 26, 2004 - WANE - Fort Wayne) -- The day after Thanksgiving is often referred to as  quot;Black Friday quot; because it #39;s suppose to be the day retailers go from being in the  quot;red quot; to being in the  quot;black quot; because of holiday sales.


Pacquiao irked by Barrera statement

MANNY PACQUIAO was piqued when told about the statements made by Marco Antonio Barrera and his promoter, Oscar dela Hoya, moments after Barreras thrilling win over Erik Morales at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.


Pampling Leads Australian Open by Four

Colombia #39;s Camilo Villegas hits out of a bunker on the 15th hole during round 2 of the Australian Golf Open in Sydney, Australia, Friday, Nov. 26, 2004.


Season on the brink lands CU in title game

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


Romanians Vote Slowly, Eyeing EU, Poverty and Graft

Romanians, angered by poverty and corruption, went to the polls on Sunday in a closely contested election to decide who will lead the Balkan country through two years of hard European Union-dictated reforms.


Can Africa solve African problems?

A look ahead at issues and events likely to make headlines in the coming year.


High Court Cases Show 2 Sides of Conservatism (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; The U.S. Supreme Court can ignore the usual liberal-versus-conservative divide in the next two weeks when it takes up California-centric cases on medical marijuana and the direct shipping of wine to consumers. Instead, the justices will be forced to decide between competing versions of conservatism.


Largest Quake Since Oct. Hits St. Helens

MOUNT St. HELENS Nov 27, 2004 - A 3.1-magnitude earthquake shook the crater at Mount St. Helens on Saturday, the strongest quake at the volcano since mid-October.


A Video 'Curse' Snares Would-Be TV Pioneers

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - It reads like a VIP list of  failures -- Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, Intel, and Philips.


Roma return to form in style

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


Crime Spurs South Africa's Inventors to Action

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Want a computer that screams when  a thief strikes? Or a personal tracking unit in case you get  kidnapped?


UW Men Tops In Alaska

ANCHORAGE - The University of Washington men #39;s basketball team was without Brandon Roy Saturday night, but the 22nd-ranked Huskies still won the Great Alaska Shootout.


Iran Apparently Agrees to Stop Enrichment

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, right, talks with Iraqi Vice-President, Ibrahim al-Jafari, during their official meeting in Tehran, Iran, Saturday Nov. 27, 2004.


166 coal miners feared dead

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


Thaksin to meet Malaysian, Indonesian leaders about Muslim unrest

VIENTIANE (AFP): Thailand #39;s prime minister will meet the leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia on Sunday to explain his refusal to allow a major summit here to broach Muslim unrest in his country, an official said.


Ready Cash Could Reward Wall Street Bulls

Stocks have gained little headway this year but could get a lift over the next couple months from an infusion of cash poised to come into the market from corporations and individuals, Wall Street experts say.


No personal shareholding in Reliance Energy, claims Anil

Caught in a row with elder brother Mukesh Ambani over the ownership of Reliance empire, Reliance Energy chairman and managing director Anil Ambani on Sunday sought to enlist support of all the 25,000 strong workforce of the company saying like them he was


Nation briefs 11/28

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


Recording industry and Kazaa face off in Australia

The next chapter in the global legal battle between the recording industry and file-sharing services is due to unfold here Monday when the owners of the


eBay to Drop Support for Microsoft's Passport

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday  that eBay Inc. will soon drop support for its Passport service,  originally intended to make the world's biggest software maker  the gatekeeper of Web identities.


Mountain of support

LAKE LOUISE -- Long before Calgary #39;s Jan Hudec or American Bode Miller provided something tangible to cheer about, the crowd at the bottom of the hill roared its approval anyway.


No word on trapped China miners

A gas explosion in a state-owned mine in China has left 166 miners trapped underground with no means of contact. Nearly 300 miners were in Chenjiashan mine in Shaanxi province when the blast happened on Sunday morning, but 127 escaped, said state media.


Riot island police refuse to go back

PALM Island #39;s eight police have refused to return to the riot-torn Aboriginal community off Townsville, sparking fears from the police union that it would be almost impossible to find replacements.


Two Blasts Rock Kazakh Ruling Party's Headquarters (Reuters)

Reuters - Two powerful blasts rocked\the headquarters of President Nursultan Nazarbayev's ruling\Otan (Fatherland) party in Almaty's busy central district\Sunday evening, a spokeswoman for the Emergencies Agency said.


No word on trapped China miners

About 166 miners remain trapped deep in a mine in central China, with all communications lost.


Do Not Rule Out Lower-Priced Apple iMac--Analyst

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Apple Computer Inc. AAPL.O  could decide to sell a lower-priced of its Macintosh computer  to attract consumers already enamored of its iPod music player  and annoyed by security problems with Windows PCs, Piper  Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said on Thursday.


French hostages fate rests on spy inquiry

HOPES rose yesterday for two French journalists seized more than three months ago in Iraq after the The Sunday Times obtained a new CD-Rom showing both men apparently well and in good spirits.


Militant won #39;t run for leader from jail

THE jailed firebrand Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has decided not to run for the presidency of the Palestinian Authority, lifting the threat of a divided vote in his Fatah faction.


The grim ordeal of France #39;s hostages

On Saturday, it is 100 days since Georges Malbrunot was taken hostage, and I still feel the rage I felt on the first day. The pain of Georges #39; parents and brother is impossible to measure, the suffering of his fiance unimaginable.


Sharon and Abbas Say They Are Willing to Meet (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said in interviews\published Sunday they would be willing to meet, though such\talks were unlikely before a Jan. 9 Palestinian election.


3 Giants Create New Online Music Service

LOS ANGELES Nov 25, 2004 - Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival services where trading of music and movies


Mobile Phone Firms Link for New High-Speed Standard

TOKYO (Reuters) - Leading wireless carriers and telecoms  equipment makers have agreed to develop an advanced mobile  phone standard capable of sending high-resolution video in an  instant, Japan's NTT DoCoMo said on Friday.


England stutter for Zimbabwe win

England beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in the opening one-day international.


PluggedIn: Beyond the iPod, Accessories Are Hot Items

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Got an iPod during the holidays?  Chances are, you're already shopping for the perfect case or  eyeing a new kit to plug your portable digital music player  into a car stereo system, while browsing the plethora of other  accessories available for Apple Computer Inc.'s AAPL.O  popular product.


James Becomes Youngest to Score 2,000 (AP)

AP - LeBron James scored 26 points to become the youngest player in NBA history to reach 2,000 in a career, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 96-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.


Alaska resumes aerial wolf-control program

Aerial hunters have claimed the first wolf kills of the season as Alaska officials renew predator-control efforts to boost moose and caribou populations.


LeBron pumps in 43 as Cavs pound Pistons

Perhaps trying to show his US Olympic team coach that he should have played more in Greece, LeBron James scored a career-high 43 points Wednesday to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 92-76 win over Larry Brown #39;s Detroit Pistons.


Electronics Industry Battles for the Living Room

SAN FRANCISCO/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The living room, once  the most technologically simple part of the average home, is a  high-tech battleground today as the consumer electronics  industry seeks to digitize home entertainment and make it  available anywhere, anytime.


Australia march into dominant position against NZ

Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden finished the third day #39;s play at Adelaide as they had begun the first, by rumbling along to an unbeaten 57-run stand to take Australia one step closer to a crushing victory in the second Test against New Zealand.


France Ties Russia 2-2 in Fed Cup (AP)

AP - U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova lost for the second straight day, leaving Russia tied 2-2 with defending champion France in the Fed Cup final Sunday.


Retail sales surge on US holiday

Sales at United States retailers, including JC Penney and Target, got a boost on the first weekend of the US holiday-shopping season as customers bought discounted retail goods.


ANALYSIS-Fiat Unlikely to Hit the GM  #39;Put #39; Button, for Now

Italians are nervous Fiat will take the extreme option of hiving off its auto arm to General Motors in 2005, but analysts say it is unlikely to sell until the 105-year-old carmaker is clear of crisis.


Earthquake Hits Mount St. Helens

Scientists from the US Geological Survey report that small earthquakes have registered about once a minute for the past several weeks.


Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival


Microsoft 29m yuan order lost

The Beijing municipal government has apparently given in to mounting domestic criticism and withdrawn its recent order for computer operating systems and office suite software from United States giant Microsoft.


Tens of Thousands More Deaths Expected in Sumatra

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people have  probably died in Indonesia's western Sumatra and Aceh Province  or will perish before relief workers can reach them, a senior  U.N. official said Monday.


France Shocks Russia to 1-1 Tie at Fed Cup

Prior to her opening-round match in the Fed Cup final Saturday, Svetlana Kuznetsova said her loss to Nathalie Dechy in their lone meeting last January was an anomaly, since it was before she became US OPEN WINNER SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA.


McGrath puts skids under N Zealand

Paceman Glenn McGrath grabbed four wickets as Australia took firm control of the second Test in Adelaide by bowling out New Zealand for 251 -- a first innings lead of 324.


Baltimore vs. New England

FOXBORO, Massachusetts (Ticker) -- The Baltimore Ravens have the NFL #39;s top-ranked scoring defense. But the Ravens may be the ones having trouble moving the ball Sunday when they meet the New England Patriots.


Mellors Stunning Strike Sinks Arsenal

Neil Mellor delivered a stunning killer blow with virtually the last kick of the game at Anfield to condemn Arsenal to another defeat and leave them five points adrift of leaders Chelsea, whom they meet in a fortnights time.


Greek Orthodox in Turkey celebrate return of relics stolen 800 <b>...</b>

ISTANBUL, Nov 27 (AFP) - Hundreds of faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church in Turkey crowded into a small cathedral in Istanbul Saturday to celebrate the return by the Vatican of religious relics stolen during the crusades some 800 years ago.


Hope of medical progress carries vote

A committee of renowned scientists said the result was a vote of confidence in medical research and a positive sign for Switzerland as a centre for science and research.


Columbian Marxist Group Planned Assassination on President Bush

( Columbia -- November 28, 2004) -- (AP) There #39;s new information that a rebel group in Colombia had planned to assassinatePresident Bush during his visit there last week.


Iraq: Elections Must Go Ahead As Planned

Iraqi National Guard soldiers remove the bodies of four murdered men found in a cemetery as US Army troops secure the perimeter in Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004.


Song and Dance as Land Mine Meeting Opens in Kenya

Kenya Sunday launched an international conference aimed at working toward the eradication of land mines by the year 2009 with traditional African dances and songs.


Jerusalem bishop: Israel will miss Arafat

The Episcopal bishop of Jerusalem says Israel may soon long for the days when Yasser Arafat was alive. The Right Reverend Riah Abu el-Assal told the Honolulu Star-Bulletin during


Israeli Company Offers Free Tsunami Alert System

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An Israeli company said on Monday it  planned to distribute free to Asian countries hit by last  week's tsunami a device it says could save lives by warning  holiday-makers directly that a tidal wave is coming.


Myskina keys all three wins over France

MOSCOW -- Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva powered Russia to its first Fed Cup title by winning the decisive doubles against defending champion France on Sunday.


Jol won #39;t blame his strikers

New Tottenham manager Martin Jol has refused to blame his expensive shot-shy strike force for the club #39;s recent plight. Despite the presence of Frederic Kanoute, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe in a stellar


Mine Blast in China Leaves Over 160 Missing

A gas explosion blasted through a coal mine in central China today, leaving more than 160 miners missing in what may be the country #39;s worst coal-mine accident in recent years.


Mellor strike gives Liverpool victory

A Neil Mellor strike in the 90th minute has condemned Arsenal to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield. The youngster struck in the second minute of injury time to pinch the three points off the champions after an absorbing contest.


Golf: Thank Dodd I #39;m getting better

For starters, he moved into the final round of the European Tour #39;s China Open in the lead - a lofty position he has never occupied.


UPDATE 1-Novo sends Rangers top as Celtic are held

(adds Rangers v Hearts) LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Spanish striker Nacho Novo steered Rangers to the top of the Scottish Premier League on Sunday after scoring twice in a 3-2 comeback win over Hearts.


Jobs, Retail on Stock Market Menu (Reuters)

Reuters - When Wall Street gets back to work\this week after the Thanksgiving holiday, the focus will be on\jobs and retail sales.


Bush's Big Economic Pick Is Next Fed Chief (AP)

AP - While President Bush is busy putting together his Cabinet for a second term, the financial world's attention is on a job vacancy 14 months away: Who will succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan?


No. 1 USC Rolls Past Notre Dame 41-10 (AP)

AP - For one quarter, Notre Dame was better than No. 1 Southern California. Then the Trojans got serious, and the Fighting Irish had no chance. Matt Leinart made a big pitch for the Heisman Trophy, passing for a career-high 400 yards and a school record-tying five touchdowns, and the Trojans overcame a sluggish start to beat Notre Dame 41-10 Saturday night.


Dexia formally abandon's merger plans with Italy's Sanpaolo (AFP)

AFP - French-Belgian bank Dexia said  that it has decided to terminate its plans to form an alliance with Italian bank Sanpaolo IMI.


Arsenal Loses Again in Premier League (AP)

AP - Arsenal dropped five points behind Chelsea in the English Premier League on Sunday after losing 2-1 to Liverpool on an injury-time goal by Neil Mellor.


Sudan 'coup plotters' lawyers say still no accesss to accused (AFP)

AFP - Lawyers defending suspects in an alleged coup attempt to topple Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir's Islamist government said that they still had not been allowed to see their clients.


Spain-U.S. Match Expected to Set Record (AP)

AP - This week's U.S.-Spain Davis Cup final is expected to break the attendance record for a sanctioned tennis match.


Poll: Most Support Justice Retirement Age (AP)

AP - Six in 10 Americans say there should be a mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices, according to an Associated Press poll.


White House Nixed Early Hearing on Rice Nomination (Reuters)

Reuters - At the urging of the White House, a\key Senate panel will put off consideration of the nomination\of Condoleezza Rice to be secretary of state, the chairman of\the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said on Sunday.


Indian passengers killed by train

At least 15 people are dead after being run down by a high-speed train in Madhya Pradesh state in India.


Blunkett orders visa inquiry

Home secretary asks for an independent review into claims he intervened in a visa application for his ex-lover's former nanny.


New Band Aid single goes on sale

The new Band Aid single is released in record stores on Monday, with staff poised for a massive rush in sales.


A gas explosion may be the country's worst coal-mine accident in recent years.


Iran Group Canvasses for Suicide Bombers (AP)

AP - The 300 men filling out forms in the offices of an Iranian aid group were offered three choices: Train for suicide attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq, for suicide attacks against Israelis or to assassinate British author Salman Rushdie.


Russia beat France to win its first Fed Cup

Russia edged defending champion France 3-2 to claim its first Fed Cup title Sunday, with Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva beating Marion Bartoli and Emilie Loit 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the decisive doubles match.


Canada #39;s Klassen captures gold

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - It was a memorable weekend for Canada #39;s Cindy Klassen in Heerenveen, Netherlands. The 25-year-old speed skater captured a gold medal in the women #39;s 1,500 metres in World Cup long-track action on Sunday.


Iran says nuclear deal with Europe is close

Iranian officials said on Sunay night they were close to reaching consensus with Germany, Britain and France over a resolution on Tehran #39;s nuclear programme expected


Swiss Voters Back Stem-Cell Research

In the first national referendum on an issue that has divided both the European Union and the United States, Swiss voters have backed proposals to allow stem-cell research.


Sales Season Starts with Modest Expectations

Description: Shoppers and retailers are in the thick of the buying season. But at stores in the Washington, DC, area, retailers are keeping their expectations realistic.


UK PRESS: Rio Tinto Considering Rival Bid For WMC

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Mining group Rio Tinto Ltd. (RTP) is considering trumping a GBP2.9 billion bid by rival Xstrata PLC (XTA.LN) for Australian nickel miner WMC Resources Ltd.


It #39;s last gasp Liverpool

A STUNNING injury-time Neil Mellor goal gave Liverpool a deserved Premiership win at Anfield today. The defeat was only the second in 55 league games for the champions.


Eto #39;o target of racial abuse

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


Review Finds Fla. Counties Voted for Bush (AP)

AP - A newspaper's review of ballots cast in three north Florida counties where registered Democrats heavily outnumber Republicans showed just what officials reported: The counties' voters did on Election Day as they often do, voting for a Republican for president.


Russia Beats France to Win First Fed Cup

In a fitting end to a season dominated by Russian women, the country won its first Fed Cup title Sunday by edging defending champion France 3-2 when Anastasia Myskina and Vera Zvonareva beat Marion Bartoli and Emilie Loit 7-6 (5), 7-5 in the deciding doubles match.


Arsenal Loses Again in Premier League

Arsenal dropped five points behind Chelsea in the English Premier League on Sunday after losing 2-1 to Liverpool on an injury-time goal by Neil Mellor.


Sated on turkey, US consumers go on billion-dollar shopping fest (AFP)

AFP - Sated by the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, US consumers went on a multi-billion-dollar shopping fest snapping up post-holiday retail bargains in stores across America, the Visa credit card group said.


Investors Hope for Strong Retail Reports (AP)

AP - Will Wall Street wrap up another year-end rally in time for the holidays? A key job creation report and the strength of the weekend's shopping kickoff will determine the rally's fate in the week ahead.


Wal-Mart sales stoke recovery fears

Worries about the sustainability of the US economic recovery were stoked om Sunday after the stores group Wal-Mart, seen as a bellwether for the country #39;s


Reliance row: Anils camp mounts attack

PTI, New Delhi, Nov 28: The battle between Ambani brothers over ownership issue of Rs 90,000 crore Reliance empire today intensified with Mr Anils camp mounting attack on elder brother and Reliance Industry CMD, Mr Mukesh accusing him of rebuffing


UPDATE 1-China premier wants stable economy for yuan reform

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signalled the country was in no rush to reform the yuan, and questioned why more hadn #39;t been done to stop the dollar #39;s slide, the strongest


'Ringback' Tones May Be Next Big Thing (AP)

AP - Ring tones are so yesterday. If wireless companies have their way, the next multibillion-dollar surprise in the cellular business will be "Ringback" tones.


Liverpool Beats Arsenal 2-1; Spurs End Losing Run (Update3)

Neil Mellor #39;s goal in the closing seconds, his first in the Premiership, gave Liverpool a 2-1 win over Arsenal, leaving the Londoners five points behind leader Chelsea.


Australia take command in 2nd Test

ADELAIDE, Nov. 28. - Glenn McGraths four wickets helped Australia take hold of the fourth day of the second cricket Test by restricting New Zealand to 251, giving the home side a first innings lead of 324.


Holiday-season portable games put Nintendo, Sony in shoot-'em-up round (AFP)

AFP - The holiday shopping season is set to be a shoot-'em-up round in the video game industry, as its top players Nintendo and Sony go head to head by launching new and advanced hand-held machines.


CRPF jawan runs amok, kills 7 colleagues in Baramulla

JAMMU, Nov. 28. - In a fit of anger after he was punished, a CRPF jawan shot dead seven of his colleagues before getting killed in retaliatory fire at the base camp of the 152 battalion of the CRPF in Baramulla, north Kashmir, late last night.


100 beached whales, dolphins die on Australian island, official says (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - HOBART, Australia (AP) - About 100 whales and dolphins died after beaching on a southern Australian island Sunday and about 50 more were still at risk, a government official said.


Summary: Basics of Climate Change, Pacts (AP)

AP - A brief look at elements of climate change and the international agreements to deal with it:


Entering Kyoto' Years, Warming World Wo (AP)

AP - The ice is melting and the heat is on for international delegates assembling in Buenos Aires next week to find new ways to confront global warming under the 194-nation treaty on climate change.


Ukrainian region seeks autonomy

Supporters of Ukraine's PM announce a vote for autonomy, upping the stakes in the disputed election.


Iran offers nuclear 'concession'

Iran backs down on its demand to exempt some of its technology from a nuclear freeze, diplomats say.


Family of US defector to North Korea eagerly awaits reunion (AFP)

AFP - The family of US soldier Charles Robert Jenkins cheered his release from US military custody in Japan and said they look forward to seeing him for the first time since he defected to North Korea in 1965.


Swiss endorse stem cell research

Swiss voters overwhelmingly approve government proposals to permit research using stem cells of human embryos.


Mount St. Helens Crater Shaken by Earthquake

The earthquake, which struck on Saturday at the crater at Mount St. Helens, measured 3.1 on the Richter scale, making it the strongest quake at the volcano since mid-October.


Heir to Jordanian throne relieved of duties

AMMAN - Jordans King Abdullah relieved his half brother Prince Hamza of his duties as crown prince, royal palace sources said on Sunday.


Archbishop #39;s Bid to Heal Rift over Homosexuality

Traditionalists and gay Christians were tonight cautious over a call for unity by the Archbishop of Canterbury amid the row about homosexual clergy.


Reds carry Kewell

While standing in a queue for what proved to be an undercooked cheeseburger, the script for Sunday afternoon #39;s Insider report was suggested.


Ravens - Patriots: 5 keys to the game

The Baltimore Ravens (7-3) have a prime opportunity to exploit the New England Patriots #39; vulnerable secondary in today #39;s game at Gillette Stadium.


Do Not Rule Out Lower-Priced Apple iMac--Analyst (Reuters)

Reuters - Apple Computer Inc. \could decide to sell a lower-priced of its Macintosh computer\to attract consumers already enamored of its iPod music player\and annoyed by security problems with Windows PCs, Piper\Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said on Thursday.


eBay to Drop Support for Microsoft's Passport (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday\that eBay Inc. will soon drop support for its Passport service,\originally intended to make the world's biggest software maker\the gatekeeper of Web identities.


Fatah #39;s armed wing calls on Palestinians to support Abbas

Palestinian mainstream Fatahmovement #39;s armed wing announced Sunday its commitment to the movement #39;s decision in choosing Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of thePalestine Liberation Organization


CORRECTED - Song and dance as land mine meeting opens in Kenya

In Nairobi story headlined  quot;Song and dance as land mine meeting opens in Kenya quot; please read in 7th paragraph ... He said over 22,000 people were killed and maimed... instead of ...He said 2,000 people were killed and maimed...(corrects figure).


WTO Authorizes Sanctions Against US

Sanctions could be aimed at a wide range of American exports, possibly including steel ball bearings, cod, shoes and apples. Most would be imposed by Japan and the EU, which have been the hardest


Fewer and fewer Christmas tree farms in Louisiana

The number of Christmas tree farms in Louisiana has fallen like needles from an unwatered tree. There will be at least one less next year.


Mayor attacks WMC Resources takeover plan

The proposed foreign takeover of WMC Resources has attracted more criticism, with concern the mining assets at stake could one day be an issue of national security.


Eagles Clinch Division

Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook lead a 20-point second half to deliver a 27-6 win over the Giants, securing the Eagles' fifth straight trip to the playoffs.


Feeling the heat: Artic people fight against global warming

REYKJAVIK: Arctic people aim to team up with tropical islanders in a campaign against global warming, arguing that polar bears and palm-fringed beaches stand to suffer the most.


NASA Plans To Slam  #39;Hammer #39; into Comet

The Deep Impact spacecraft is undergoing final tests at Cape Canaveral, Florida. It will blast off atop a Boeing Delta 2 rocket on Dec. 30, and if all goes well, rendezvous with the comet Tempel 1 on Independence Day.


Apple #39;s iPod takes the lead on Sony #39;s home turf

Juliana Sasaki didn #39;t bother checking out Sony Corp. #39;s digital music player in Tokyo before buying her green iPod mini.  quot;I knew Sony and other companies had MP3 players, but they can #39;t beat the mini, quot; said Sasaki, 23, a language teacher.


Philips Electronics resumes marketing PCs

After an absence of a decade, Philips Electronics is making personal computers again, the company said yesterday. The Netherlands-based electronics conglomerate, which abandoned the PC business in the early


Miller denies Maier to join greats

LAKE LOUISE, Alberta -- American Bode Miller held off the legendary Hermann Maeir to win his third successive World Cup race and join a select ban of skiing greats.


Arsenal #39;s slide gathering pace

It is just as well that Arsenal do not lose often, for they do not deal with defeat at all well. Sunday #39;s defeat was only their second in their past 55 in the Premiership, but


Eagles clinch fourth straight division title

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Unlike every other team in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles are secure in the knowledge they are heading to the playoffs.


Rangers on top of Scottish league

Spanish midfielder Nacho Novo led Glasgow Rangers to the top of the Scottish Premier League with two goals in a 3-2 beating of Hearts on Sunday as defending champion Celtic was held to a 2-2 tie with last-place Dundee.


Cards RB Smith leaves game with toe injury

TEMPE, Ariz. (Nov. 28, 2004) -- Emmitt Smith was knocked out of the game against the New York Jets in the first quarter with a toe injury.


Italy: Inter Milan ties Juventus

Serie A leader Juventus blew a two-goal, second-half lead and had to settle for a 2-2 tie with Inter Milan on Sunday, losing ground to defending champion AC Milan.


Bengals win shootout with Browns

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Paul Brown would have been impressed at the offensive output of his two former teams. Carson Palmer threw a career-high four touchdowns and Rudi Johnson rushed for a career-best 202


Chargers and Brees pick apart Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Drew Brees haunted the Kansas City Chiefs all day. Linebacker Donnie Edwards waited until a crucial time to haunt his former team.


Explosion in China coal mine, 166 trapped

BEIJING, NOVEMBER 28: A gas explosion tore through a coal mine in northern China on Sunday, trapping as many as 166 miners in what could be the worst disaster to hit the worlds most dangerous mining industry in years.


Sharon and Abbas Express Hope for Gaza Talks

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of Israel and Mahmoud Abbas, the favorite to become the new Palestinian leader, said in separate interviews published today that they would be


Marines die in  #39;death triangle #39;

TWO US marines and at least three insurgents died south of the Iraqi capital, the first casualties of a US-led sweep of the so-called  quot;death triangle quot;, a marine spokesman said today.


Punished for spat, CRPF jawan guns down 7 colleagues

BARAMULLA, NOVEMBER 28: Angered by the punishment handed down by his senior yesterday afternoon, a depressed CRPF jawan turned on his sleeping colleagues after midnight, killing two officers and five policemen before being killed in retaliatory fire.


MILITANTS GIVEN AMNESTY, AGREE TO END RESISTANCE

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


Chelsea on a rampage

LONDON: Chelsea returned to form and extended their lead at the top of the English Premiership with an impressive 4-0 win at Charlton Athletic yesterday.


CONFUSION OVER IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

Its unclear whether Iran has withdrawn its demand that some of its technology be excluded from a freeze on nuclear enrichment activities.


Mobile Phone Firms Link for New High-Speed Standard (Reuters)

Reuters - Leading wireless carriers and telecoms\equipment makers have agreed to develop an advanced mobile\phone standard capable of sending high-resolution video in an\instant, Japan's NTT DoCoMo said on Friday.


Dexia formally abandon #39;s merger plans with Italy #39;s Sanpaolo

BRUSSELS : French-Belgian bank Dexia said that it has decided to terminate its plans to form an alliance with Italian bank Sanpaolo IMI.


Crime Spurs South Africa's Inventors to Action (Reuters)

Reuters - Want a computer that screams when\a thief strikes? Or a personal tracking unit in case you get\kidnapped?


Yahoo, Google Stocks Up on Upbeat Analyst Forecast (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of Internet search companies\Google Inc.  and Yahoo Inc.  rose on Monday\after Goldman Sachs raised its fourth-quarter estimates for\both companies.


England: Terry paces Chelsea

Defender John Terry scored twice in three minutes as Chelsea beat Charlton 4-0 Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the English Premier League.


Seoul cautious about anti-US tariffs

November 29, 2004  Seoul said yesterday it would be cautious about levying retaliatory tariffs on US products, after the World Trade Organization on Friday gave Korea and six other economies the green light to enact such tariffs in response to a US


Dexia calls off talks with Italian bank

Dexia, the French-Belgian bank, on Sunday called off merger talks with Italy #39;s Sanpaolo IMI, ending the prospect of Europe #39;s biggest cross-border banking deal.


NASA will smash comet to see what #39;s inside

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


Bad Defense Spells Doom for Chiefs' Year (AP)

AP - The Kansas City Chiefs have proved once more that no matter how high any offense might soar, all is lost when the defense can't stop anything.


Fleming walks in and out of debate

CRICKET has its walkers and its stayers and now New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has declared himself as the Kiwi in the middle.


Juve Lead Is Cut

AC Milan closed the gap on leaders Juventus to four points after receiving a helping hand from city-rivals Inter. Having already won their game at Chievo earlier in the day thanks to on-loan Chelsea striker


Dollar Rebounds But Tone Is Wary on Jobs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rebounded on Monday after  last week's heavy sell-off but analysts were uncertain if the  rally would hold after fresh economic data suggested the  December U.S. jobs report due Friday might not live up to  market expectations.


Iraqi politician calls for elections delay

Iraqi politician Adnan Pachachi has called for a six-month delay before elections originally scheduled for 30 January. Citing the tense security situation and the need to ensure thet greatest number of Iraqis


Scandal-shocked Israelis ask if the army has lost its way

JERUSALEM: Israel #39;s once-unshakable faith in the morality of the army has been put to the test by a series of recent scandals, one of which saw a soldier empty his weapon into


Powerful quake rocks northern Japan, sparks tsunami warning

TOKYO (AFP) - An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked the northern Japan island of Hokkaido, said the Kyodo news agency.


Panthers 21 Buccaneers 14

CHARLOTTE, NC Jake Delhomme (del-OHM #39;) threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to rookie Keary Colbert with 20 seconds remaining to give Carolina a 21-to-14 victory over Tampa Bay.


USC Retains Top Spot in AP Football Poll (AP)

AP - A week after losing some support as the No. 1 team, Southern California got it right back. Top-ranked USC received 52 first-place votes, four more than last week, and 1,610 points in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday. In the previous poll, Southern Cal lost three first-place votes.


Bush Urges Northern Ireland Peace Efforts (AP)

AP - Intervening for the second time in three days, President Bush on Sunday telephoned Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in an effort to advance negotiations toward a power-sharing agreement between Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestants.


Actress Julia Roberts Gives Birth to Twins-Report (Reuters)

Reuters - Actress Julia Roberts gave birth to\twins, a boy and a girl, in a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday,\People magazine reported on its Web site, citing an anonymous\source.


Powerful Earthquake Hits Northern Japan (AP)

AP - A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck Japan's northern island of Hokkaido early Monday, swaying buildings, throwing objects off shelves and triggering a tiny tsunami wave that reached the shore.


Texans Top Titans, Break Losing Streak (AP)

AP - David Carr put together a huge comeback of his own after Brett Favre showed him how to do it last week. Carr threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns and Domanick Davis rushed for a season-high 129 yards and a score to help the Houston Texans rally from an 18-point deficit in a 31-21 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.


Patriots Set NFL Record for Scoring First (AP)

AP - Adam Vinatieri's 28-yard field goal early in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens put New England up 3-0 and gave them an NFL record with 16 consecutive regular-season games in which they've scored first.


Greek PM meets Mubarak (AFP)

AFP - Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, the first Greek premier to visit Egypt in 12 years, held talks in Cairo with President Hosni Mubarak.


Taiwan Celluar chief voices 3G doubts (FT.com)

FT.com - Taiwan's telecommunications industry will need another two years before third-generation mobile services generate substantial revenue, according to Harvey Chang, president and CEO of Taiwan Cellular, the island's second-largest mobile phone operator.


Pakistan's Musharraf starts Brazil visit (AFP)

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


No. 1 Tennessee Edges Temple, 52-48 (AP)

AP - Shanna Zolman scored five of her 10 points in the final minutes and Shyra Ely made two free throws with 11.9 seconds left, helping top-ranked Tennessee beat Temple 52-48 Sunday.


Eagles Clinch N.F.C. East Title

Brian Westbrook scored two touchdowns and the Eagles' defense made life miserable for Eli Manning and frustrating for Barrett Green.


Bid builds to delay Iraq vote

Violence and a lack of preparedness spur calls to postpone the Jan. 30 election.


US smooths way in Fallujah for Muslim relief agency

The fluid security environment has convinced the Red Crescent that it must coordinate its relief efforts with US forces.


Religious Leaders Clash on 'Meet the Press'

Four religious leaders illustrated in a TV appearance today just how passionate and difficult such dialogues can be.


Anti-terrorism, security issues likely to be key agenda items in Bush visit (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - For George W. Bush, who has defined his presidency in terms of fighting terror, national security is a must which trumps almost all other issues.


Juventus denied by Inter fightback

Juventus blew a two goal lead in the second half to be held to a 2-2 draw Inter Milan in the San Siro on Sunday. Ironically, Inter #39;s heroics helped arch-rivals and Serie A champions AC


Liga Wrap: Barca Storm Nine Points Clear

Barcelona opened up a nine-point lead at the top of La Liga on Saturday night with a 2-1 win at Getafe. Rafael Marquez and Deco scored early on to give the Catalan giants a two-goal lead after just 22 minutes.


Efforts to remove fear of China among Asean

Even as smaller countries of the 10-member Asean grouping have expressed reservations about the proposed Free Trade Area (FTA) with China as it will put them at a great disadvantage, efforts are on to remove their misgivings.


Swiss Voters Endorse Limits on Stem Cell Research

Swiss voters endorsed restrictive legislation on stem cell research Sunday that forbids the cloning of human embryos and put Switzerland on a par with some other continental European countries.


Earthquake hits Japan northern island

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 has hit a wide area of Japan #39;s northern most main island of Hokkaido. Public broadcaster NHK says several people, including an elderly woman and a 13


Bengals Top Browns in Near-Record Shootout (AP)

AP - Kelly Holcomb threw for 400 yards and five touchdowns  #151; and lost. Cincinnati and Cleveland played the most remarkable game in their intrastate rivalry Sunday, a wacky 58-48 Bengals victory that turned into the second-highest scoring game in NFL history.


ASEAN links push free trade

VIENTIANE, Laos: China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are expected to make substantial progress in advancing the free trade area (FTA) at their summit to be held here today.


Jordans King strips his half-brother of royal title

King Abdullah of Jordan has stripped his half-brother and heir apparent of his title as crown prince on Sunday. King Abdullah announced at the state television on Sunday that the move was aimed at allowing


Syracuse Slams the Door on B.C.'s Big East Finale

The floundering Orange were supposed to roll over Saturday, allowing Boston College to earn its first spot in a B.C.S. game.


Iowa State Misses a Chance To Play for the Big 12 Title

Gerald Riggs ran 12 yards for a touchdown with 38 seconds remaining and No. 15 Tennessee defeated Kentucky, 37-31, Saturday.


Ebersol Survives Crash

NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol survives a plane crash in southwestern Colorado on Sunday.


New Pokemon For Cube

November 26, 2004 - Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon Channel may already be making many a GameCube-owning Poke-fan happy, but Pokemon isn #39;t done with GameCube yet.


American wins super-G

AMERICAN Bode Miller won a men #39;s World Cup super-G here today, capturing his second race in as many days and his third in three starts so far this season.


NFL: Philadelphia 27, NY Giants 6

The Philadelphia Eagles clinched their fourth straight NFL East title Sunday with a 27-6 win over the New York Giants. Donovan McNabb passed for 244 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score for Philadelphia, 10-1.


Swiss voters approve stem cell research using human embryos

GENEVA (AFP) - Two-thirds of Swiss voters approved a new law that allows medical research on stem cells taken from human embryos but bars cloning, official results from a referendum showed.


Sarkozy charts course as new party leader

PARIS In a move that could change the face of French politics, Nicolas Sarkozy, the popular finance minister whose personal and ideological differences with President Jacques Chirac are well known, took over the helm of the governing center-right party on


Briefs: Dexia drops Sanpaolo talks

Dexia said Sunday that it had decided to formally terminate its plans to form an alliance with the Italian bank Sanpaolo IMI. The board of the French-Belgian bank  quot;has noted unanimously that the conditions


Clippers Defeat Warriors, 103-91 (AP)

AP - Elton Brand scored six of his 25 points in the final four minutes and finished with 13 rebounds, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 103-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.


Summary Box: Iran Vows to Stop Enrichment (AP)

AP - THE NEWS: Iran agreed Sunday not to test any centrifuges as part of a total suspension of nuclear activities that can yield uranium for atomic weapons.


No. 23 La. Tech Defeats Ark. St., 67-50 (AP)

AP - Shan Moore had 14 points and eight rebounds to help No. 23 Louisiana Tech beat Arkansas State 67-50 on Sunday.


Pakistan's Musharraf takes in Rio's sites in historic trip (AFP)

AFP - Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf visited tourist spots here before heading to the capital Brasilia for talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first trip to Latin America by a Pakistani leader.


Carsley rescues point for Everton against Newcastle

Lee Carsley #39;s curling free-kick earned high-flying Everton a point in manager David Moyes #39; 100th Premiership game. Craig Bellamy burst through to make it 1-0 before Jermaine Jenas #39; volley hit the bar and Alan


Real Madrid Wins in Spain; Juventus Draws in Italy (Update1)

Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid, winless in its previous two games, beat Levante 5-0 in Spain. AC Milan gained ground in Italy after leader Juventus blew a late


USC routs Notre Dame; BC and Iowa State blow chances Saturday

BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) - Two years ago, Carson Palmer won the Heisman Trophy after a fantastic outing against Notre Dame. Matt Leinart may have earned himself the same piece of hardware after his performance Saturday.


Spain: Real Madrid crush Levante

Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid ended a two-game winless slide with a 5-0 Spanish league victory over seventh-placed Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.


Swiss approve stem-cell research law

GENEVA Swiss voters have backed a law allowing stem-cell research in the first national referendum on an issue that has divided both the European Union and the United States.


Magnitude 4.6 Quake Jolts Japan #39;s Northern Island of Hokkaido

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7 hit Japan #39;s northern island of Hokkaido early this morning, causing injuries and triggering a tsunami warning.


Kazaa offers unlimited free Internet calls

Sharman Networks Ltd., distributor of the Kazaa file-sharing software, has launched its latest version which enables users to make free online calls anywhere in the world.


Bus reaches century mark again in Staley #39;s absence

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh Steelers running back Duce Staley missed his fourth straight game Sunday with a bruised hamstring, but Jerome  quot;The Bus quot; Bettis ran for 100 yards and a score in Pittsburgh #39;s 16-7 victory over Washington.


Economical Agenda Boastful Brown may yet come unstuck

WHEN Gordon Brown gets to his feet in the Commons this Thursday to deliver his Pre-Budget Report, the nation can look forward to a stream of boasting over Britains economic performance.


Mellor the hero for Liverpool

THERE WERE THREE WONDERFUL goals at Anfield yesterday, but only one was a winner. Few were predicting that it would come from Liverpool and no one but his closest relatives (and even they


Everton spirit earns a point

A CENTURY REACHED IN THE style of Michael Atherton; cussed, scruffy, with a minimum of graceful shots, blessed by good fortune, bloody-minded and bloody impressive.


Ronaldo leads Real in rout

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid #39;s  #39;galacticos #39; dominated Sunday at the Bernabeu in a 5-0 demolition of Levante.


Shorthanded Clippers fight off Warriors

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Even without leading scorer Corey Maggette, the Los Angeles Clippers were able to complete a sweep. Elton Brand scored 25 points and Bobby Simmons added 22 to lift the Clippers to a


Hughes brews a little magic against Raptors

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - No matter how hard the Toronto Raptors fought or well they shot, the Washington Wizards always found a way to rally back.


GOLDBERG ON FOOTBALL: Are the Eagles good, or is everyone else bad <b>...</b>

The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East again. Big deal. They did that before the season started. The Eagles have played four games in the division and have outscored the Redskins, Cowboys and Giants by a combined 135-50.


ARCHBISHOPS CALL TO END GAY SLURS

The Archbishop of Canterbury has written to conservatives in the Anglican Communion, asking them to refrain from using hostile words about homosexuals.


Eagles Continue to Dominate NFC East (AP)

AP - The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East again. Big deal  #151; they did that before the season started.


On a Day of Relative Calm in Iraq, Debate on Election Delay Continues

Iraqi political figures continued on Sunday to react to a movement by Sunni Arabs to delay elections by six months.


Plane Carrying NBC President Ebersol Crashes in Colorado

N.B.C. Sports Chairman and President Dick Ebersol survived a charter plane crash that killed at least two people, NBC said in a statement.


Insurance chief says she #39;s heard no complaints in wake of scandal

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Despite charges of bid-rigging and conflicts of interest against the insurance industry, Connecticut insurance Commissioner Susan F. Cogswell said she has not found corruption in Connecticut.


American Miller wins men #39;s World Cup giant-slalom ski competition

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. (CP) - American Bode Miller won his first World Cup super-giant slalom race Sunday, giving him his third consecutive victory of the season and moving him into an exclusive club.


James Becomes Youngest to Score 2,000

LeBron James scored 26 points to become the youngest player in NBA history to reach 2,000 in a career, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 96-74 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.


Capello scolds Juve, Mancini takes hope

Juventus coach Fabio Capello scolded his side for easing off and allowing rivals Inter Milan two late goals which gave them a 2-2 draw at the San Siro on Sunday.


UPDATE 2-Real crush Levante with second half goal salvo

Real Madrid gave a stunning exhibition of finishing power to crush Levante 5-0 at the Bernabeu in the Primera Liga on Sunday. The home side had struggled to impose


Barca on Cloud Nine

Barcelona powered nine points clear at the top of the Primera Liga with a 2-1 win at Getafe. The damage was done early on with Rafael Marquez and Deco firing home goals in quick succession to give Barca a 2-0 lead by the 22nd minute.


Clippers 103 Warriors 91

LOS ANGELES The Los Angeles Clippers are assured of finishing November with a winning record for the first time since 1992. They #39;re 8-and-6 with one game left this month after beating Golden State 103-to-91.


Wade Boggs Leads Hall of Fame Candidates (AP)

AP - Wade Boggs might have to get used to a new routine Tuesday: life as a Hall of Famer. The five-time AL batting champion, known for his array of pre- and postgame rituals, is the top newcomer on the Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot, joining holdovers Ryne Sandberg and Bruce Sutter.


US, European Officials Await Decision on Iranian Nuclear Program

The International Atomic Energy Agency could act to resolve a dispute over Iran #39;s nuclear program Monday. European negotiators and Tehran have been working behind closed doors to strike a deal.


Minn. to Play in Music City Bowl in Tenn. (AP)

AP - Minnesota will play in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31, the Golden Gophers' third straight postseason appearance.


Clippers Climb in West

Elton Brand scores 25 points to lift the Clippers over the Warriors, 103-91, and can finish November with a winning record for just the second time in 30 years.


Weak dollar leaves central banks in a bind

The story of the last week has been the fall and fall of the dollar with the currency touching daily record lows against the euro.


No travel problems reported during Turnpike strike

PHILADELPHIA - Pennsylvania Turnpike officials reported no significant backups at toll plazas on Sunday, one of the busiest travel days of the year, despite the absence of hundreds of unionized toll collectors who have been on strike since Wednesday.


Overseas Investors May Purchase \$15 Billion of China #39;s Bad Debt

International investors may buy as much as \$15 billion in bad loans in China in the next three years, said PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the world #39;s third-biggest accounting firm.


Canada Post says possible strike won #39;t stop holiday mail

OTTAWA - Canada Post is promising that holiday mail will move as usual whether or not their is a mail strike. The post office is reassuring Canadians their Christmas mail won #39;t be affected if administrative, clerical and technical workers go on strike.


New Airbus craft to heat up rivalry

The announcement of its new mid-sized plane will heat up rivalry between Airbus and Boeing. The board of EADS, parent company of Airbus, is on Monday expected to approve plans for the long-awaited, \$4bn-launch of a new mid-sized aircraft, the A350.


Notre Dame Accepts Insight Bowl Invite

Notre Dame Accepts Invitation to Play in Insight Bowl in Arizona Against Pac-10 Team on Dec. 28. Notre Dame #39;s quarterback Brady Quinn gets a pass off under pressure from Southern California #39;s Mike Patterson


Brees, big-play Chargers too much for Chiefs

Strip away the great plays and the wild action and San Diego #39;s 34-31 victory over Kansas City is reduced to a simple fact: big plays.


Randle El, Bettis, lead Steelers to 16-7 win over struggling <b>...</b>

The Washington Redskins only wish they were getting as much offence from their starters as the streaking Pittsburgh Steelers are from their backups.


Panthers beat Buccaneers

Martin Gramatica lined up for the go-ahead field goal and the Carolina Panthers assumed they would have to come from behind to beat Tampa Bay.


Cards vs. Jets quarter-by-quarter

Carter returned, but it was running back Curtis Martin and the offensive line that put the Jets ahead. Martin rushed for all but 10 yards of a 45-yard drive that stalled at the Cardinals 10.


Governing party leads in Romania

Romania #39;s former communists looked likely to retain power last night when exit polls put them comfortably ahead in elections for both parliament and president.


King Hussein #39;s favoured son loses claim to Jordan #39;s throne

The King of Jordan announced an abrupt change to his succession plans yesterday, stripping his half-brother, Hamza bin Hussein, of the title crown prince.


Ono eyes Iraq exit in December 2005

Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono raised the possibility Sunday that the Self-Defense Forces #39; mission in Iraq will end in late 2005.


Broncos Face Tough Rematch With Colts (AP)

AP - The point spread  #151; "Indianapolis -10"  #151; pretty much says it all.


Flying right

The Boeing Co. will face competition to supply tankers to the Air Force, which could be good for the company. Most certainly, US taxpayers should win from having a deal decided competitively rather than through


China ZTE Expects Sales Abroad To Bring 40 Rev In 2006

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--China #39;s No. 2 telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp. (0763.HK) said Sunday it expects overseas sales to rise to contribute around 40 of its total revenue in 2006, compared with 13.4 posted in the first half of 2004.


Fratello: No Deal Yet to Coach Grizzlies (AP)

AP - Mike Fratello had "a nice conversation" with the Memphis Grizzlies about the team's vacant coaching position, but said no deal was in place for him to take over the club Sunday.


Kazaa file-swapping trial begins

Lawyers for Australia #39;s recording industry were launching a trial Monday against the owners of the popular file-swapping network Kazaa -- in the latest battle between copyright holders and computer users accused of music piracy.


Moon gas could power your home: scientists

The same gas used to blow up balloons could be mined from the Moon #39;s surface and transported to Earth to meet future energy demands, say US scientists.


Liga Sunday Wrap: Madrid Answer The Critics

Real Madrid ended talk of a crisis at the club as they thumped Levante 5-0 in the Bernabeu and Valencia moved back into the Champions League places with a 2-0 win over Mallorca.


Carsley equaliser frustrates Newcastle

NEWCASTLE (AFP) - Everton underlined their re-emergence as an English Premiership force after Lee Carsley struck a stunning equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.


Insight Bowl hoping for Notre Dame

LOS ANGELES - Notre Dame #39;s 41-10 loss to Southern California Saturday night all but clinched an Insight Bowl berth for the Fighting Irish.


Eagles win 4th straight NFC East title

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Brian Westbrook and the Philadelphia Eagles had no problem running to another division title.


Calls for Iraq Poll Delay Fuel Tension

Iraq #39;s main Shi #39;ite parties insisted on Saturday that elections should go ahead on Jan. 30 as planned, rejecting mounting calls from Sunni and secular politicians


Rescuers try to save whales after 80 die in mass stranding off <b>...</b>

SYDNEY : Rescue teams struggled Monday to prevent a pod of about 20 whales beaching in an area off Australia #39;s south coast where 80 whales and dolphins died after stranding themselves at the weekend.


Freed UN workers head home

Two UN workers who spent nearly a month in the hands of Afghan kidnappers left Kabul on Sunday as relatives and friends awaited their arrivals in Northern Ireland and Kosovo.


Eighty Whales, Dolphins Die on Australian Island (Reuters)

Reuters - At least 80 whales and dolphins have\died after beaching themselves on a remote island between the\Australian mainland and the country's island state of Tasmania.


Strong Quake Hits Japan's Hokkaido, 11 Hurt (Reuters)

Reuters - A strong earthquake with a preliminary\magnitude of 7.1 hit a wide area of Japan's northernmost main\island of Hokkaido early on Monday, the Japan Meteorological\Agency said.


Romanian Ruling Party's Hold on Power Dented (Reuters)

Reuters - Romania's ruling Social Democrats\(PSD) face a struggle to cobble together a majority coalition\to push through reforms for EU entry after their hold on power\was dented in general elections.


Jordan's King Strips Half Brother's Title (AP)

AP - King Abdullah II stripped his half brother and heir apparent of his title as crown prince in an abrupt shake-up Sunday aimed at redeeming the full power the king inherited from his late father.


Land Mines Remain a Danger to Ethiopians (AP)

AP - Aberhet Amha was an aspiring runner, winning medals for her school and dreaming of adding her name to the long list of great Ethiopian Olympic athletes. But just before her 12th birthday, Aberhet stepped on a land mine.


Dexia Ends Talks With Sanpaolo IMI on Partnership (Update2)

Dexia SA, Belgium #39;s second-largest financial-services company, terminated talks with Italy #39;s Sanpaolo IMI SpA on a possible partnership, saying the conditions are no longer right.


Minnesota will play Music City Bowl

Minnesota will play in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 31, the Golden Gophers #39; third straight postseason appearance. Minnesota will play a Southeastern Conference opponent still to be determined in Nashville, Tenn.


Iran agrees to full uranium enrichment freeze, diplomats say

Just a day before an international deadline, Iran agreed Sunday not to test any centrifuges as part of a total suspension of nuclear activities that can yield uranium for atomic weapons.


Injured Carter Leads Jets to Victory

Quincy Carter left with a head injury after the third play of the game, but returned to deliver the knockout blow, a 69-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss.


Southern Cal Stumps Hard for Heisman and Ranking

If Matt Leinart and undefeated U.S.C. it can defeat U.C.L.A. on Saturday, it will play in the Orange Bowl for the Bowl Championship Series title.


Selig Approves Johnson Trade to Yankees (AP)

AP - Randy Johnson moved a step closer to joining the Yankees when commissioner Bud Selig approved a proposed trade between Arizona and New York, The Associated Press learned Monday.


Nun likes eating with Stewart

ALDERSON, W.VA. - The food at the Federal Correctons Camp is nothing to write home about - unless one is eating it with Martha Stewart.


NFL Wrap: McNabb Leads Eagles to 4th Straight East Title (Reuters)

Reuters - Donovan McNabb passed for one\touchdown and rushed for another as the Philadelphia Eagles won\their fourth straight division title with a 27-6 win over the


Poutiainen wins again in Aspen

Finland #39;s Tanja Poutiainen won for the second time in three races at Aspen Mountain, beating Italy #39;s Manuela Moelgg by more than a second in a World Cup slalom on Sunday.


Lonard wins with a birdie barrage

So it is no more than apt that Peter Lonard should yesterday add to the tradition in the 100th staging of Australia #39;s oldest and greatest golf championship.


Sunday #39;s NFL Capsules

Philadelphia won a fourth consecutive NFC East title as Brian Westbrook scored two touchdowns Sunday and the Eagles #39; defense made life miserable for Eli Manning in a 27-6 victory over New York.


Mosul #39;s militants fight mostly from shadows

These days, the violence in Iraq #39;s third-largest city is more like The Sopranos than Black Hawk Down. By Jim Macmillan, AP. About 40 dead bodies turned up across Mosul last week.


Jordan #39;s king strips half brother #39;s title

King Abdullah II stripped his half brother and heir apparent of his title as crown prince in an abrupt shake-up Sunday aimed at redeeming the full power the king inherited from his late father.


Iran Says It Will Stop Uranium Enrichment (AP)

AP - Just a day before an international deadline, Iran agreed Sunday not to test any centrifuges as part of a total suspension of nuclear activities that can yield uranium for atomic weapons. Diplomats described the about-face as an effort to avoid possible U.N. sanctions.


Villanova Defeats Texas Arlington, 59-53 (AP)

AP - Jackie Adamshick scored a game-high 25 points to lead No. 24 Villanova past Texas-Arlington 59-53 Sunday in the consolation game of the Lady Rebel Shootout.


Notre Dame Accepts Insight Bowl Invite

Notre Dame accepted an invitation Sunday to play in the Insight Bowl in Phoenix against a Pac-10 team on Dec. 28.


McGahee Scores Four

Willis McGahee runs for 116 yards and four touchdowns as the Bills hand Seattle's Mike Holmgren his worst defeat with the Seahawks, 38-9.


Vick Rallies Falcons

Michael Vick throws a 27-yard scoring pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:22 remaining to finish Atlanta's rally with a 24-21 triumph over the Saints.


Fratello: No Deal Yet to Coach Grizzlies

Mike Fratello had "a nice conversation" with the Memphis Grizzlies about the team's vacant coaching position, but said no deal was in place for him to take over the club Sunday.


Liverpool kid Mellor stuns Arsenal

Neil Mellor lived up to his burgeoning reputation with the winner for Liverpool in last night #39;s dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal.


NFL Wrap: McNabb Leads Eagles to 4th Straight East Title

Donovan McNabb passed for one touchdown and rushed for another as the Philadelphia Eagles won their fourth straight division title with a 27-6 win over the New York Giants in the NFL on Sunday.


Bills 38 Seahawks 9

SEATTLE Willis McGahee had 116 yards rushing and four touchdowns as Buffalo skipped past Seattle 38-to-9. Drew Bledsoe offset his three interceptions by completing two-thirds of his passes for 275 yards and a touchdown.


Abbas Wins Backing of Brigades

GAZA CITY, 29 November 2004 - Palestine Liberation Organization chief Mahmoud Abbas won the endorsement of one of the main Palestinian armed factions yesterday before pledging to stop anyone but the official security forces from carrying weapons.


Bush urges Sinn Fein leader to help move peace process ahead in <b>...</b>

WHITE HOUSE President Bush is urging Sinn Fein (shin fayn) leader Gerry Adams to help speed up the peace process in Northern Ireland.


Up to 80 whales, dolphins die on Australia #39;s southeast coast

Up to 80 pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins died after a mass stranding on King Island off Tasmania, Australia. The number of dead mammals is lower than that in earlier


Mandelson denies discussing coup plot

Peter Mandelson yesterday denied being involved in discussions over the alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea as the Conservatives began to put pressure on the government over what it knew and when.


Magnitude 7.1 quake hits Hokkaido, some injuries reported

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 hit eastern Hokkaido early Monday, injuring several people. Ten people were reported to be injured in the quake, according to local authorities.


'New Beginning' Needed

The Maryland football coaching staff enters the offseason ready to reexamine everything from practice philosophy to its own performance.


Shopping With Spree

Here's a reader-friendly, quickie version of today's column -- for those of you who can't spare the full 2 1/2 minutes it takes to wander through the entire, labored effort -- about all things NBA other than L'affaire du Artest et Les Spectateurs:


UAE Hopes to Cash in on Outsourcing Rush (Reuters)

Reuters - After years of paying the price of petty\corruption, unreliable infrastructure and laws that allow for\high staff turnover, outsourcing firm Netlink is planning to\buck a trend by moving from India to the United Arab Emirates.


Financial World Focuses on Next Fed Chief (AP)

AP - While President Bush is busy putting together his Cabinet for a second term, the financial world's attention is on a job vacancy 14 months away: Who will succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan?


Where Was Portis?

Let #39;s see the Fantasy League expert who had Clinton Portis being relegated to an afterthought while foreseeing Jerome Bettis carrying the Steelers to the team #39;s longest winning streak since 1976.


Sox named Sportsmen of Year by SI

com. After vanquishing a so-called curse to win the World Series, the Red Sox don #39;t figure to have any problems with the fabled Sports Illustrated cover jinx.


Archbishop #39;s bid to heal rift

Traditionalists and gay Christians are cautious over a call for unity by the Archbishop of Canterbury amid the row about homosexual clergy.


Powerful quake rocks northern Japan, injuring 13

TOKYO (AFP) - A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked the northern Japanese island of Hokkaid, injuring 13 people, the Meteorological Agency and police said.


UCLA Rallies to Beat No. 4 Texas, 63-60 (AP)

AP - Noelle Quinn scored the go-ahead basket with 16.7 seconds remaining and finished with 27 points, helping UCLA rally from an early 17-point deficit and beat fourth-ranked Texas 63-60 on Sunday.


China mine blast rescue stalled

Carbon monoxide prevents rescuers from reaching 141 men trapped after a deadly mine blast in central China.


Australian teenage drinking scare

A national survey in Australia shows worrying levels of alcohol consumption among the country's teenagers.


Distributed XPCOM - A Mozilla Remote Scripting Framework?

\\A little history here.  Microsoft first invented COM  as a cross-language\object model.  This was a precursor in some ways to .NET and still has a great\deal of valuable functionality.\\Its pretty simple.  You just define an IDL (interface definition language) and\then if you have a runtime or compiler that supports COM you can call functions\on an object (component) written in another language.\\Mozilla XPCOM (Cross Platform COM) is similar in goals. You can write a\component in C and then call its functions from Javascript.  It also works the\other way around but isn't used as much.\\This makes Mozilla a very powerful platform.  You can write a XUL extension and\then use the internal com ...\\


Philippines willing to negotiate with kidnappers in Iraq (AFP)

AFP - The Philippine government is willing to negotiate with the kidnappers of a Filipino accountant being held captive in Iraq.


Brown to abandon fuel duty increase

Gordon Brown will scrap this year #39;s planned increase in fuel duties this week as part of a heavily political package of measures designed to win back Labour #39;s lost supporters in middle Britain.


IT Vendors Release Royalty-Free Software For Messaging

Fujitsu Limited and NEC Corporation has jointly developed a messaging software that implements the Web Services Reliability (WS-Reliability) standard and will be releasing it as an open source.


Lakers' Buss Wants to Make Up With O'Neal (AP)

AP - Hey, Shaq, Jerry Buss wants to be buddies again.


Red Sox Grab SI's Sportsman of the Year Honor (Reuters)

Reuters - The Boston Red Sox, who ended\an 86-year-old "curse" by winning the World Series in a\four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, have been named\Sports Illustrated's 2004 Sportsmen of the Year.


Strong quake hits north Japan, injuring 13

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 rocked eastern areas of Hokkaido, Japan #39;s northernmost main island, early Monday, injuring at least 13 people.


Iraqis want elections delayed

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Seventeen Iraqi political parties demanded postponement of the Jan. 30 elections for at least six months until the government is capable of securing polling places.


Laos hosts annual Asean meeting

The heads of state of 10 South East Asian countries are meeting in Laos #39; capital Vientiane for the annual summit of regional grouping Asean.


Britain  #39;did not disclose warning of coup plot #39;

The British Government was told of an alleged plot to overthrow Equatorial Guinea #39;s government months in advance, it was reported yesterday.


Memphis to Accept GMAC Bowl Invitation (AP)

AP - Memphis will accept an invitation to play in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Dec. 22.


A Flagship Adrift in the Airwaves

In its 35th season, ABC's "Monday Night Football" is still trying to regain some of its old uniqueness.


NASA sending hammer to space

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


Sony, Nintendo go head to head with Christmas games

The holiday shopping season is set to be a shoot- #39;em-up round in the video game industry, as its top players Nintendo and Sony go head to head by launching new and advanced hand held machines.


Couples tops \$3 million mark at Skins Game

With his birdie on the 10th hole to begin day two of the Merrill Lynch Skins Game, Fred Couples earned eight skins and \$300,000 to move over the \$3-million mark in career earnings at the tournament.


Young gun shoots down Arsenal

It was a shot that rang out around the Premiership, delighting Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, and darkening the gloomy mood of the champions, Arsenal.


Lonard is the Australian Open champion again

The relentless Peter Lonard today outlasted a battle weary field at the 2004 Hillross Australian Open, to win his second consecutive Australian Open Championship.


Chiefs Lose Again 34-31 to Chargers

You have to give the fans who attended the Chiefs game Sunday afternoon a lot of credit. Despite a less than full house of about 60,000 die-hard fans, they watched San Diego waltz into Arrowhead and pull out a 34-31 victory.


Southern Cal Embraces Boy Battling Cancer (AP)

AP - Win or lose in the Orange Bowl, Southern California will always be No. 1 to Ryan Davidson.


Sharon, Abbas say they are willing to meet

Ahead of an expected meeting between both sides #39; foreign ministers in The Hague, Sharon told Newsweek magazine that he was ready to meet with the post-Yasser Arafat leadership whenever they wanted.


Poll predictions have ruling party ahead in Romania

BUCHAREST: Romania #39;s ruling Social Democrats have emerged ahead in a general election but may be deprived of a clear majority needed to keep the Balkan country on track towards the European Union, exit polls showed.


Swiss Voters Accept Stem Cell Research Law

GENEVA - Swiss voters overwhelmingly approved a law allowing stem cell research Sunday, rejecting a hard-line campaign that compared researchers to the Nazis #39;  quot;angel of death, quot; Dr.


Political split over date threatens Iraq elections

An escalating political rift among Iraq #39;s main religious groups and continued violence throughout the country are threatening parliamentary elections set for January.


When to meddle

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand #39;s temperamental prime minister, is so annoyed by criticism of the violence in southern Thailand that he threatened last week to walk out of today #39;s south-east Asian summit if the subject was even raised.


Iraq vote date maintained despite deadly violence

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq #39;s landmark January polls looked set to take place as planned although the violence that prompted delay calls remained rife, as an anti-rebel sweep south of Baghdad claimed its first victims and five US troops died in western Iraq.


Olympic prize in bid battle for WMC

As Swiss-based miner Xstrata pushes ahead with its A\$7.4bn (US\$5.8bn) hostile takeover bid for WMC Resources, debate over the deal has narrowed to one key issue - the potential of the Australian miner #39;s giant Olympic Dam project.


NASA To Slam  #39;Hammer #39; into Comet Tempel 1

The high-speed impact will wallop the pickle-shaped comet Tempel 1 with energy equivalent to 4.8 tons of TNT, said Michael A #39;Hearn, another university astronomer and principal investigator on the \$311 million mission.


Novo #39;s double takes Rangers top of the tree

A hugely entertaining game between Scotland #39;s two victorious UEFA Cup sides saw Rangers edge ahead in the Scottish Premier League title race for the first time since October 2003, in a match


Iran abandons centrifuge demands

Iran has abandoned its demand to be allowed to continue some of its controversial nuclear activities, the BBC reported Sunday. UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy


About 100 beached whales and dolphins have died on Australian <b>...</b>

HOBART, Australia Wildlife officers are trying to save about 50 whales and dolphins near the coast of a southern Australian island.


Markdowns, and Shoppers, Are Out Early This Season

The National Retail Federation, a trade group in Washington, estimated that the Thanksgiving weekend accounted for \$22.8 billion in sales.


Drug Testing Doesn't Always Tell the Whole Story

Academic institutions and researchers are widely viewed as impartial actors in drug trials. But that independence often comes with strings attached.


Australia music industry decries Kazaa

Lawyers for Australia #39;s recording industry branded the popular Kazaa file-swapping network  quot;an engine of copyright piracy to a degree of magnitude never before seen quot; as


No. 11 N.C. Trounces Southern Cal, 97-65 (AP)

AP - Playing their fifth game in eight days, 11th-ranked North Carolina got 23 points from Jawad Williams and another 17 from Sean May to beat Southern California 97-65 Sunday night.


Australia Music Industry Decries Kazaa (AP)

AP - Lawyers for Australia's recording industry branded the popular Kazaa file-swapping network "an engine of copyright piracy to a degree of magnitude never before seen" as they launched a court battle to shut down Kazaa's illegal activities.


Kazaa accused of creating global music piracy system

The producers of a popular file sharing program have created the biggest system of Internet music piracy ever seen, the Federal Court in Sydney has been told.


U.S. Opposes Passport Privacy Protections (AP)

AP - The Bush administration opposed security measures for new microchip-equipped passports that privacy advocates contended were needed to prevent identity theft, government snooping or a terror attack, according to State Department documents released Friday.


Celtics fall to Heat on Pierce #39;s late miss

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Paul Pierce #39;s first miss from the line came at the wrong time for the Boston Celtics. Pierce, who had made his first eight free throws, split a pair of attempts with a chance to tie the game


Two Metre Gash Found on Tanker in Delaware River

US Coast Guard Divers have found a two-metre gash on the tanker in the Delaware River. The spill leaked over 100-thousand litres of crude oil and has created a 32-kilometre long slick.


No. 4 Texas Defeated by UCLA

Noelle Quinn scored the go-ahead basket with 16.7 seconds remaining and finished with 27 points yesterday, helping host UCLA rally from an early 17-point deficit and beat fourth-ranked Texas, 63-60.


Anglican Leader Warns Churches on Gay Hate Message (Reuters)

Reuters - Anglican Church head Rowan Williams has\warned church leaders that criticism of gay people could make\them vulnerable to persecution or suicide.


Product Review: MSN's WebTV Grows Up (AP)

AP - During the dot-com boom, people who didn't want to miss out on the Web and e-mail craze but didn't want to buy a real computer could get WebTV, which delivered the Internet through the warm, friendly glow of their TV sets.


Sharon says he is ready to work with Arafat #39;s successor

Ariel Sharon said yesterday that he would end his boycott of the Palestinian leadership and begin a new era of working with Yasser Arafat #39;s successors.


Paisley  #39;on verge of pact with Sinn Fein #39;

Ian Paisley is almost certain to sign a historic agreement that would see his Democratic Unionists sharing power in Ulster with Sinn Fein.


Jordan #39;s crown prince is dismissed

Jordan #39;s Hashemite royal family was thrown into turmoil last night when King Abdullah abruptly dismissed his half-brother, Prince Hamzeh, as Crown Prince and heir apparent.


Williams calls for healing in gay rift

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, yesterday pleaded with both sides in the war over homosexuality to repent for bringing the worldwide Church to the brink of schism.


Soldier Kills 7 Colleagues in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, 29 November 2004 - In the worst incident of its kind in 15 years, an angry Indian paramilitary soldier gunned down seven of his colleagues and injured two others critically in north Kashmirs Baramulla town, 54 km from here, around midnight.


AFP Interview: Pakistan's Bhutto to end exile, win next election: Zardari (AFP)

AFP - Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto will end her exile and lead her party to victory in the next election, her husband Asif Ali Zardari said following his release from jail.


More whales dead and stranded off Australia's south coast (AFP)

AFP - A second pod of 17 whales has died in a mysterious mass beaching on King Island in the Bass Strait off Australia's south coast following the fatal stranding of 80 whales and dolphins at the weekend.


Largest Quake in Weeks Hits Mt. St. Helens (AP)

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


Vikings Deny Jaguars

For a change, the Vikings' defense produces a long touchdown as tackle Kevin Williams rumbles for a 77-yard touchdown after a fumble to beat the Jaguars, 27-16.


UCLA Rallies to Beat No. 4 Texas, 63-60

Noelle Quinn scored the go-ahead basket with 16.7 seconds remaining and finished with 27 points, helping UCLA rally from an early 17-point deficit and beat fourth-ranked Texas 63-60 on Sunday.


India plans major sale of oil exploration rights

THE Indian government is to offer 20 oil and gas blocks for exploration to foreign and domestic firms from January. Oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said he was seeking bids  quot;with a view to bringing more areas


Diouf fined for spitting at opponent

London, England (Sports Network) - Bolton #39;s El-Hadji Diouf was fined the maximum of two weeks worth of wages for spitting on Portsmouth #39;s Arjan de Zeeuw during a Premier League match on Saturday.


Kallis defies India

Jacques Kallis hit his first Test century against India as South Africa reached 227 for five on the first day of the second and final Test yesterday.


Coal mine explosion in central China kills 25, leaves 141 trapped? <b>...</b>

Rescuers were searching for 141 miners trapped in a coal mine in central China after a massive explosion tore through the shaft killing at least 25 others.


Sarkozy #39;s party

In typical fashion, Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday organised a big welcome for himself as he was elected president of France #39;s ruling UMP party.


Pulling out - in Jerusalem, too

On the Friday when the late Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat was buried in the courtyard of the Muqata, the media reported that because of the fear of riots, the Israeli government had decided to close the Temple Mount mosques to residents of


Wal-Mart warning overshadows holiday sales figures

United States shoppers have spent more on the first day of holiday shopping than they did a year ago but retailers #39; hopes for the key season were curbed as titan Wal-Mart cut its November sales forecast.


Late Inter strikes deny Juve

Late goals from Christian Vieri and Adriano brought Inter from two down to grab a point with a 2-2 draw against leaders Juventus on Sunday.


Ellis says contract extension very, very close #39; #39;

Defensive end Shaun Ellis and the New York Jets are  quot;real, real close quot; to an agreement on a contract extension. Ellis said Sunday that as far as he knew, there was no final agreement.


6-foot gash found in tanker that spilled oil into Delaware River

Divers found a 6-foot-long gash in a Greek tanker that spilled 30,000 gallons of syrupy crude oil into the Delaware River three days ago, Coast Guard officials said Sunday.


Wall of Thick Smoke Slows Chinese Mine Rescue

Rescuers battled thick smoke on Monday to free 141 Chinese miners trapped after a gas explosion in a coal mine in northern China that killed at least 25, state media reported.


SE Asian Leaders Meet on China Trade, Myanmar

Southeast Asian leaders met on Monday to agree a landmark tariff-cutting deal with China, the first flesh on the bones of what will be the world #39;s largest free trade deal within a decade.


Sinn Fein Breaks New Ground over Power Sharing

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness will today talk face-to-face for the first time with a Northern Ireland Chief Constable.


Chiefs of states, premiers coming to Vientiane for ASEAN summit

HANOI, November 28 (Itar-Tass) -- Chiefs of state and prime ministers are coming to Vientiane, Laos, for the tenth ASEAN summit due on November 29-30.


Landmine Conference opens in Kenya

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki opened an international landmine conference in Nairobi with a plea for countries to sign a treaty banning the bombs.


The Disco Ball of Failed Hopes and Other Tales From Inside Intel

The legendary chipmaker has cancelled a succession of high-profile projects, replaced managers and fallen behind a key competitor.


Internet Access, Delivered From Above

New systems deliver broadband Internet connections through fixed antennas without digging up streets to install cables.


A Sure-to-Be-Controversial Game Fulfills That Expectation Fully

A video game, released last week with the 41st anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, invites competitors to get behind Lee Harvey Oswald's sniper rifle and recreate the event.


The Internets Retail Appeal

With more people having high-speed connections at home, there will be less holiday shopping at work.


Mobile Carriers Move to Put Their Names on More Phones

United States cellphone operators are flirting with selling handsets that feature their names exclusively.


Brown to Drive Home Economic Message

Chancellor Gordon Brown was today preparing for this weeks vital Pre-Budget Report against a backdrop of dire warnings from business groups and economists


Starting Wednesday, Hawaii

by getting free copies of their. By Dave Segal. When it comes to credit reports, Wendy Burkholder has seen it all from customers who visit her at Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii.


McGahee #39;s four TDs lead Bills #39; rout of Seattle

From the opening kickoff, it seemed all coach Mike Mularkey needed was to wind up the Buffalo Bills and watch them go. Actually, he encouraged them to wind down in Seattle.


More whales dead and stranded off Australia #39;s south coast

HOBART : A second pod of 17 whales has died in a mysterious mass beaching on King Island in the Bass Strait off Australia #39;s south coast following the fatal stranding of 80 whales and dolphins at the weekend.


Anglican Leader Warns Churches on Gay Hate Message

Anglican Church head Rowan Williams has warned church leaders that criticism of gay people could make them vulnerable to persecution or suicide.


A Toll on Palestinians, Israeli Army

Encounters at manned military checkpoints exact a heavy toll on the neighboring societies, as evinced by accounts of guards working under dehumanizing conditions, and by reports of abuses committed against Palestinian civilians.


Old Divisions Resurface

The Ukrainian presidential election and its aftermath have been marked by propaganda that is exposing old fractures in the former Soviet republic. Differences that are broadly defined by an east-west divide are bursting to the surface.


Colombian Rebels Sought Bush Assassination

Colombia's main rebel group asked followers to mount an assassination attempt against President Bush during his visit to Colombia last week, Defense Minister Jorge Uribe said. There was no evidence Saturday that rebels even tried to organize such an attack.


Investors in Treasuries Grow More Bearish Before Jobs Report

US Treasury note investors became more bearish last week on speculation a government report will show November employment improved enough to keep the Federal Reserve from slowing the pace of interest rate increases.


Rescuers Try to Save Oil-Soaked Birds After Tanker Spill in <b>...</b>

Ducks and geese coated in crude oil were carried to a national wildlife refuge yesterday by volunteers trying to save them from the largest oil spill on the Delaware River in nearly a decade.


Jet Carrying NBC Official Crashes in Colorado

A charter jet carrying Dick Ebersol, the chairman of NBC Universal Sports, and five other people crashed, killing the pilot and co-pilot.


Update 1: Tokyo Stocks Rise; Dollar Up Vs. Yen, Euro

Tokyo stocks advanced Monday morning as the US dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen and the Europe #39;s single currency. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues gained 153.96 points, or 1.42 percent, to end morning trading at 10,987.71.


Oil Eases After Holiday, Wary of Winter (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. oil prices were slightly softer\on Monday after a four-day break, but the threat of a cold\winter stretching persistently low global heating oil\inventories kept the market within sight of  #36;50 a barrel.


Don #39;t let life fade to black

The movie version of the popular children #39;s book, The Polar Express, steamed into theaters earlier this month, and kids are once again becoming entranced by the magic of the Arctic.


GOLF ROUNDUP: Sorenstam, Woods, Couples go for skins

Fred Couples returns as defending champion and the most successful player in Skins Game history. Tiger Woods comes in as the most popular player in golf, and Adam Scott is the third man in the field because he won The Players Championship in March.


Strong Quake Hits Japan #39;s Hokkaido, 14 Hurt

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 hit a sparsely populated area of Japan #39;s northernmost main island of Hokkaido early on Monday, injuring at least 14 people.


Ukraine's Unity Is Under Threat by Vote Impasse

As many as 3,500 officials voted to seek autonomy if the opposition continues to seek the presidency for Viktor A. Yushchenko.


From Turf to Team, Boise State Takes Unconventional Approach

As Boise State has proved in finishing its regular season 11-0, its program has transcended a quirky marketing gimmick: the installation of its blue turf.


Wrecked Roads Blocking Aid Distribution

U.N. relief officials warned Monday that people affected by the south Asia earthquake and tsunami may be dying of hunger and disease because wrecked roads and bad communications are blocking the distribution of supplies.


Group releases open-source Web services messaging app

Three of Japan #39;s largest IT companies have developed an open-source implementation of a standard from OASIS to ensure reliable messaging between Web services applications.


Australia Sets New Zealand #39;s Cricketers 464 to Win Second Test

Australia set New Zealand a victory target of 464 runs in the second and final cricket Test in Adelaide, declaring at 139-2 after lunch on the fourth day.


Steelers are built to win the hard way

PITTSBURGH They have a rookie at quarterback and a 32-year-old plowhorse at running back, but the numbers insist we ought to be taking the Pittsburgh Steelers seriously as potential Super Bowl champions.


Fonterra says no need to raise National Foods bid

SYDNEY, NOV 28: New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra said on Sunday it would only raise its A\$1.6 billion (\$1.3 billion) bid for Australias top milk producer, National Foods Ltd, in the unlikely event that a rival suitor emerged.


Oil Eases After Holiday, Wary of Winter

US oil prices were slightly softer on Monday after a four-day break, but the threat of a cold winter stretching persistently low global heating oil inventories kept the market within sight of \$50 a barrel.


Report: Vegas Sands Names Macau Arm Chief

US-based Las Vegas Sands Inc. has chosen the head of another casino company to oversee its operations in Macau, a Chinese gambling enclave that recently ended its casino monopoly, a newspaper reported Monday.


Wall of Smoke Stalls Chinese Rescue, Hope Fades (Reuters)

Reuters - A wall of thick smoke blocked rescuers\on Monday from 141 Chinese miners trapped after a gas explosion\in a coal mine in northern China that killed at least 25, and\officials saw scant hope of finding more survivors.


Chile May Compensate Pinochet Victims (AP)

AP - President Ricardo Lagos on Sunday said he planned to compensate thousands of people who were imprisoned and tortured under the regime of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.


Iraqi Leaders Warn Against Poll Postponement

Baghdad, Nov. 29 (NNN) : Iraqs interim deputy prime minister has said that postponing the forthcoming Iraqi elections would be giving in to terrorism.


Bowl Schedule Confused

U-Va.'s decision to decline any postseason bowl invitations that conflict with final exams is causing a headache for the ACC.


Shoppers arrive at stores before dawn to get jump on holiday gift <b>...</b>

When the doors finally swung open at 6 am Friday, a cold Eric Tardy of Grand Rapids charged into the Wal-Mart store with a cheer. More than three hours of waiting in the


Christmas Tree Farms in Fairfield County - Choose or Cut Your Own!

The use of evergreens as a symbol and celebration of life during Winter Solstice celebrations started in ancient Roman and Egyptian times.


Hong Kong steps up war on crime

Hong Kong will work closely with overseas jurisdictions to fight transnational organized crime, the China Daily reported Monday. Hong Kong #39;s Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung


Atlanta comes back to beat NO

ATLANTA - Say all you want about the Atlanta Falcons #39; tendency to take an offensive vacation in the third quarter and give opponents hope.


China to Control Power Plant Investments

China will step up controls on investment in power plants, despite electricity shortages, to help ease pressure on coal supplies, state media reported Monday.


Dexia board rejects plan for Italian merger

THE board of Dexia, the Franco-Belgian bank, yesterday unanimously rejected a proposed 37 billion (26 billion) merger with Italys Sanpaolo, bringing an end to what would have been Europes biggest cross-border bank deal.


US oil eases after holiday, wary of winter


China Internet Firms Seek New Sources of Revenue (Reuters)

Reuters - China Internet media firms, which\struck gold with mobile phone messaging services last year, are\scrambling to diversify after a government clampdown on\sex-related material and a billing overhaul.


Australia Music Industry Decries Kazaa

Lawyers for Australia #39;s recording industry branded the popular Kazaa file-swapping network  quot;an engine of copyright piracy to a degree of magnitude never before seen quot; as they launched a court battle to shut down Kazaa #39;s illegal


Coal #39;s global goal

THE DIRTY big secret about US energy production is that coal is about to play an even larger role. Already more than 50 percent of US electricity comes from plants burning coal, the fossil fuel that emits


Go Ahead, Toss Out Your VCR

Don #39;t you think it #39;s time to retire that VCR? You probably have a DVD player or two, so you already know videocassettes are fast becoming obsolete.


Soccer: Carsley equaliser frustrates Newcastle

NEWCASTLE : Everton underlined their re-emergence as an English Premiership force after Lee Carsley struck a stunning equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.