CIA funds chatroom surveillance

The CIA is quietly funding federal research into surveillance of Internet chatrooms as part of an effort to identify possible terrorists, newly released documents reveal.


Q3 integrated graphics chip shipments soar

Despite the big overall increase, shipments of standalone chips for desktop graphics cards grew just 2.3 per cent, JPR said. Shipments of integrated desktop graphics chips were up 25.1 per cent, while their


Vast water supplies hidden under N. China desert

A desert in China #39;s Inner Mongolia that has the highest sand dunes in the world holds a vast store of underground water which, if used wisely, could ease the chronic water shortage afflicting the north of the country, a study says.


Mickelson: Magic round was a fluke

Phil Mickelson tapped in a birdie on the final hole at Kauai to become only the fifth player in golf history to go round in a 59 as he charged to victory at the PGA Grand Slam in Hawaii.


Premiership: Harry Redknapp quits Portsmouth

Nobody really expected Harry Redknapp to stay at Portsmouth Football Club for very much longer, but the announcement of his decision to resign today (November 24) is perhaps still a little surprising.


Bhoys make their point in Barca

After four days during which the back page headlines have been dominated by everything but football, Celtic let their feet - and hearts -o the talking again tonight by storming the Nou Camp to claim one of the clubs greatest ever results.


Gray, Wake save face

Wake Forest, which is ranked No. 1 for the first time in the 99-year history of its program, could have picked up a nose bleed from the altitude, but 6-2 junior guard Justin Gray, a first-team


Report has Kendall going to A #39;s for Redman, Rhodes

Three-time All-Star catcher Jason Kendall is about to be traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Oakland Athletics for two pitchers, a baseball official told The Associated Press yesterday.


Injuries do not fully excuse the present decline

RAFAEL BENITEZ cannot afford to feel too down-hearted this morning. Not with spirits to raise before Sunday #39;s daunting encounter with champions Arsenal.


Pakistani PM calls talks  #39;cordial #39;

Pakistan #39;s prime minister called this week #39;s discussions about Kashmir with his Indian counterpart  quot;friendly and cordial.


Black Watch raid on Saddam Millionaire #39;s Row

The Black Watch has taken part in its biggest offensive since being re-deployed near Baghdad, raiding homes of suspected Saddam Hussein loyalists.


Police Raid Mexico City Neighborhood

Nearly 1,000 police and federal agents tore through a town outside Mexico City, smashing gates and breaking down doors in a hunt for the leaders of a vigilante mob that burned two federal agents to death.


Thatcher #39;s Cape Town trial postponed

The trial of Sir Mark Thatcher in South Africa on charges that he helped finance a failed coup in Equatorial Guinea has been postponed until 8 April next year.


Indonesian court orders trial of hardline cleric Ba #39;asyir to go <b>...</b>

JAKARTA (AFP): Indonesian judges Thursday rejected a plea to drop terrorism charges against hardline Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba #39;asyir and ordered him to stand trial for his alleged involvement in attacks including the Bali bombings.


5.2-magnitude quake shakes northern Italy

An earthquake rattled northern Italy yesterday, sending residents into the streets and damaging buildings, news reports said. No injuries were reported.


Hostages Honored by Afghans as UN Urges Full Probe

Afghanistan #39;s former king honored Thursday UN workers held hostage for nearly a month after helping run the country #39;s first free elections, while the United Nations urged a full investigation of the kidnapping.


Israeli president urges Syria dialogue

Israeli President Moshe Katsav has urged the government to respond positively to a Syrian offer to resume peace negotiations. Although Katsav #39;s role is largely ceremonial, his comments on Thursday were in


DUP and SF to get clarification on proposals

The British and Irish governments are due to present the DUP and Sinn Fin with further clarification today of their proposals for a deal on the North #39;s political future.


Ethiopia Accepts Eritrea Border Ruling in Principle

Ethiopia said Thursday it accepted  quot;in principle quot; an independent commission #39;s ruling on its border with former foe Eritrea, possibly signaling an end to a dispute that has simmered since their 1998-2000 war.


Internet Use Said to Cut Into TV Viewing and Socializing

The average Internet user in the U.S. spends three hours a day online, with much of that time devoted to work and more than half of it to communications.


U.S. Food Imports Climb

Appetite for foreign foods and beverages is among the reasons the nation is expected to pay as much for imported products in 2005 as it earns by selling products abroad.


Halliburton Payments May Be Withheld

Inspector general for Iraqi reconstruction says the company's record-keeping was so poor that auditors could not determine whether the firm had fulfilled its obligations to the U.S. government.


Yukos executives 'flee' Russia

All the top executives at Russian oil giant Yukos have fled the country in fear of arrest as the government seeks to sell off its main asset.


Sharp fall in mortgage approvals

The number of mortgages approved by banks fall for the fifth month in a row in October, figures show.


The Sites Before Christmas

Internet retailers are figuring out what online shoppers really want and adding features to help, such as top-10 lists of hot sellers, gift picks by category and product ratings and reviews.


Video Game Makers Rush to Cash In

The 2004 shopping season is turning out to be the year of the blockbuster for video game companies as they race to score one more big hit before the current generation of Xboxes and PlayStation 2s makes way for new machines.


Microsoft Foe Wins in Settlement

Head of a technology industry trade group that encouraged aggressive legal action against Microsoft for antitrust violations for years received nearly \$10M as part of a settlement with the software giant.


Canon Problems Ease Fears of LCD Glut (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan's Canon Inc. said on Thursday\it had found problems with equipment for making liquid crystal\displays (LCDs), boosting shares in LG.Philips and other LCD\makers as fears of a supply glut eased.


Oracle Fires Top PeopleSoft Executives

The Oracle Corporation fired PeopleSoft's co-president and chief financial officer, Kevin Parker, and three other top executives.


Cash Flow in '04 Found Its Way Into Dividends

American companies stepped up their dividend increases in 2004, buoyed by strong cash flows and by a changed tax law.


I.B.M. Division Headed to China Has Made No Profit in 3 1/2 Years

I.B.M. said that the personal computer business it was selling to the Lenovo Group of China had not made a profit for three and a half years.


Stranded travelers hope for better weather Thanksgiving Day

CHICAGO Many holiday travelers say Thanksgiving didn #39;t start out as planned after fierce storms dumped snow in the Midwest. But they hope to rebound this morning, as normal flight schedules resume at Chicago #39;s


Mickelson wins PGA Grand Slam of Golf

Masters champion Phil Mickelson shot 13-under 59 to win the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Masters champion Phil Mickelson tapped in a birdie on the final hole to become the fifth


UNC wins Maui Invitational

The junior point guard ran the offense as he always does, defended the opponent #39;s best backcourt player as he always does and even threw in a couple of highlight-tape moves in the 11th-ranked Tar Heels #39; 106-92 victory over Iowa on Wednesday night.


Cagers fighting history in New York

The Michigan mens basketball team has a chance to carve out its own little piece of history, beginning tonight in the semifinals of the Preseason NIT in New York.


Iran #39;s president slams nuke plan

IRANIAN President Mohammad Khatami has criticised an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution on its nuclear activities drawn up by Britain, France and Germany.


Mexican police move against mob

Hundreds of police and federal agents raided a Mexico City suburb on Wednesday night after two officers were killed by an angry crowd.


PAISLEY #39;S PLAN FOR IRA

NORTHERN Ireland could return to self-government next spring, the Rev Ian Paisley #39;s Democratic Unionist Party said last night.


Judge Wants PeopleSoft To Explain Why It Turned Oracle Down

During a scheduling hearing Wednesday, the judge overseeing Oracle #39;s attempt to overturn PeopleSoft #39;s takeover defenses said he wants to know exactly why PeopleSoft has turned down Oracle #39;s offer again.


New CA CEO gets \$12.8-mn package

NEW YORK: Computer Associates International Inc said on Wednesday it has awarded its new chief executive John Swainson a pay package totaling \$12.8 million (approx Rs 54 crore), in signing bonus, salary, stocks and options.


Top News ; Rain, snow snarls US holiday travel

Top News News, Dallas,Snow and rain snarled the holiday plans of millions of Thanksgiving travellers across the US as they battled flight delays and hazardous driving, reports UPI.


Iran, EU Clash Over Terms of Nuclear Freeze (Reuters)

Reuters - Iran is seeking exemptions from a deal\to suspend sensitive nuclear activities just three days after\it came into force, the head of the U.N. atomic watchdog said\Thursday.


LeBron James Beats His Olympic Coach (AP)

AP - If LeBron James was sending a post-Olympics message to Larry Brown, he wouldn't admit it. Perhaps trying to prove Brown was wrong to bench him in Greece, James scored a career-high 43 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 92-76 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.


UNC Win the Maui Invitational Title (AP)

AP - Raymond Felton hardly looked like he was playing with a bad wrist.


Bledsoe, Tobeck Are Old College Pals (AP)

AP - Seattle center Robbie Tobeck once took a swing at Buffalo quarterback Drew Bledsoe. Not on the field, of course. They were college roommates at Washington State, where Tobeck snapped the ball to Bledsoe.


Times Company Buys a Stake in Boston Metro, a Free Paper

The New York Times Company said that it had agreed to buy 49 percent of Metro Boston, a free newspaper aimed primarily at commuters in their 20's and 30's.


How Scientists and Victims Watched Helplessly

The magnitude of the tsunami that remade the coasts of the Asian subcontinent was slowly gauged across the world.


Deal to Acquire Pacific Exchange Is Expected

Archipelago Holdings, the owner of ArcaEx, the largest electronic stock market, is expected to buy the Pacific Exchange for about \$50 million.


Police continue probe as another Indy-Detroit battle looms (AFP)

AFP - Police viewed videotapes from last week's basketball brawl between Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans seeking evidence on the eve of another Indiana-Detroit sports showdown.


A Catastrophe Strikes, and the Cyberworld Responds

Much of the initial information about what had happened in Asia came from the Web.


Iran #39;s Suspension of Uranium Enrichment Not Complete (Update2)

The United Nations nuclear watchdog said Iran #39;s suspension of its uranium enrichment program isn #39;t yet complete and that it hoped to resolve Iran #39;s request regarding 20 centrifuges in the next day.


The Art of the Fan

A new fan Web site is unusual for the subject it obsesses over - the Conceptual Art star Matthew Barney - but otherwise it hews to the norm.


Ethiopia Accepts Eritrea Border Ruling in Principle (Reuters)

Reuters - Ethiopia said Thursday it\accepted "in principle" an independent commission's ruling on\its border with former foe Eritrea, possibly signaling an end\to a dispute that has simmered since their 1998-2000 war.


No. 19 Alabama Tops Alaska-Anchorage 90-55 (AP)

AP - Jermareo Davidson scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half, leading No. 19 Alabama to a 90-55 rout of Division II Alaska-Anchorage in the first round of the Great Alaska Shootout on Wednesday night.


AMD Releases New Mobile Sempron

Advanced Micro Devices #39; new Mobile Sempron processor gives the company a fresh chip for the holiday season, but it probably won #39;t help it overcome the solid advantage that rival Intel holds in the notebook market.


It #39;s unfortunate: Waugh on Lara being dropped

Tiruchirappalli: Former Australian captain Steve Waugh today described as unfortunate Brian Lara and other top West Indies players being ruled ineligible for a One-day cricket tournament in Australia in January after refusing to a sign a contract over


Sports in brief

Three-time All-Star catcher Jason Kendall was close to being traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Oakland Athletics for a pair of pitchers, a baseball official told the Associated Press on Wednesday.


Examining the Swainson Move - Is IBM Planning to Buy Out CA?

Computer Associates getting IBM veteran John Swainson as CEO - a move generally considered nothing less than brilliant - makes other ex-IBMers wonder how John managed to dodge the IBM border patrol and escape outside of a body bag.


Nissan Halts Production at Japan Plants

Nissan Motor Co. said Thursday it will halt operations at three of its plants in Japan for five days starting later this month due to a steel sheet shortage.


Remember When You Wanted Your Own Ms. Pac-Man?

When arcade games are in the recreation room, no coins are necessary.


Euro, oil saps German confidence

Economists had forecast a drop to 94.8. The November business assessment index fell to 93.8 from 94.7 in October, while the business expectation index fell to 94.3 from 95.9 last month, Ifo said.


Ethiopia backs down over border

Ethiopia's government reverses its opposition to an international ruling on its border with Eritrea.


Concern over Venezuela media law

Venezuela passes a strict media law condemned by the opposition and human rights groups.


Aziz briefs Pakistani officials

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is briefing top Pakistani officials of his talks with India #39;s premier on Kashmir. A meeting of the country #39;s national security council, comprising military and political leaders, is under way in the capital Islamabad.


#39;6-Way Talks Prerequisite to Inter-Korean Summit #39;

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Thursday stressed that the stalled six-way talks over Pyongyangs nuclear weapons programs need to be resumed first in order for the much-anticipated second inter-Korean summit to occur.


Steel shortage hits Nissan plants

Nissan is to stop production at some of its domestic car plants for five days due to a steel shortage. Japan #39;s second-biggest car maker will suspend operations at three of its four domestic plants on 29 and 30 November.


Bomb blast kills one, injures 15 in southwestern Pakistan

At least one person was killed and 15 bystanders were injured in a bomb blast in a busy market in Pakistan #39;s southwestern Balochistan province on Thursday, a local official said.


Golf: Mickelson hits magic 59

Phil Mickelson scorches round in  59 shots to win the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Hawaii.


Portugal child sex trial to begin

The trial of seven people accused of forming a child sex ring in Portuguese care homes is set to begin.


Transactions

BASEBALL Arizona (NL): Named Bob Gebhard assistant general manager, Mike Aldrete hitting coach, Carlos Tosca third base coach, and Brett Butler first base coach. Chicago (AL): Signed P Kevin Walker. Cleveland (AL): Signed P Bob Wickman. Los Angeles (NL): Signed manager Jim Tracy to a two-year contract extension. Minnesota (AL): Signed C Mike Redmond to a two-year contract. Pittsburgh (NL): ...


Bomb kills soldier in Pakistan

A bomb in south-western Pakistan kills a soldier and injures 14, the latest in a series of attacks.


Hunt for George Michael intruder

Police look for a woman who broke into pop star George Michael's north London home earlier this month.


News: Hacking tool reportedly draws FBI subpoenas

Law enforcement has sought to identify some users of the Nmap freeware port scanner, the author says.


New Year, New Scraps for Sun's Feisty Chief

Despite a recent antitrust settlement, Scott McNealy says Sun Microsystems shaking hands with Microsoft is like two boxers tapping gloves.


Barclay #39;s statement worries market

Barclays, Britain #39;s third-biggest bank, said annual profit for the year would be in line with expectations at 4.5 billion but its shares fell more than two per cent amid concern


Safety critic says he faces FDA transfer in  quot;reprisal quot;

Dr. David Graham, the Food and Drug Administration scientist who publicly criticized the agency #39;s approach to drug safety during a congressional hearing last week, said


WINDIES SPONSORSHIP ROW

West Indies may send a weakened squad to Australia for the forthcoming one-day series after most of their 25-man squad missed a deadline to make themselves available amid a dispute over sponsorship.


Five-year ban for Blackburn fan

One of the two Blackburn Rovers Football Club fans charged with public disorder for racially abusing Dwight Yorke has been handed a five-year ban.


Boeing Converts 737 Into Bomber

The squat little mainstay of the airline industry will become a fierce weapon for the Navy. The plane's new mission: to patrol the seas for submarines, then blow them to smithereens with bombs and missiles. Chris Genna reports from Seattle.


The Dream Factory

Any product, any shape, any size -- manufactured on your desktop! The future is the fabricator. By Bruce Sterling from Wired magazine.


P2P Tilts Toward Legitimacy

A peer-to-peer company signs a deal with three major record labels to provide content on its Peer Impact service, but it might not offer much for music fans. By Katie Dean.


GAO to Probe Vote Counting

Urged on by Democratic lawmakers, the Government Accountability Office plans to investigate the way votes were counted in the presidential election. The office cautions, however, that it is powerless to act if irregularities are found.


Arctic Countries Agree on Perils of Climate Change but Not Solution

The United States and the seven other countries jointly expressed concern about changes in the Arctic climate, but they did not agree on a strategy to deal with them.


Girl Is First to Survive Rabies Without a Shot

A critically ill Wisconsin teenager who was bitten by a bat recovered after being put into a drug-induced coma and being given antiviral drugs.


Donald Puddy, 67, Space Flight Director, Dies

Donald R. Puddy, a longtime NASA flight director, supervised Apollo, Skylab and early space shuttle missions from Mission Control.


Intel Helping Asia to Use Linux

sameerdesai writes  quot;Seattletimes is carying this story on Intel helping major countries like China and India to help build Linux machines as an alternative to Microsoft Windows.


Thatcher case postponed

The case against Mark Thatcher, a British businessman who is being charged for allegedly bankrolling an alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea, has been postponed in the Wynberg Magistrate #39;s Court.


Rwanda threatens to attack rebels in Congo

A senior Rwandan government official signaled Wednesday Rwandan troops will attack the Congo-based rebels by saying that Rwanda will do all possible to defend her nationals if attacked by the militia.


No End in Sight to Supply of Cheap TV's

Industry experts say that the financial trouble of one of the biggest Chinese makers of television sets will not affect the market much.


Web Sites Stirring Up Criticism of Coaches, Even the Unbeaten Ones

Web sites have converted the mischievous idea of a few alumni into an odd form of futures market for betting on a college football coach's career.


3 Music Companies Will Use Online File-Sharing Service

Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service.


Japan stocks close higher

TOKYO: Japan #39;s Nikkei average inched higher on Thursday, helped by gains in steel producers like JFE Holdings after Nissan Motor said it was suffering from a shortage of steel.


Microsoft paid CCIA \$19.75 million to settle

The Financial Times reported yesterday that Microsoft paid the Computer and Communications Industry Association \$19.75 million earlier this month to settle an antitrust suit, and that the association #39;s top official received \$9.75 million of that amount.


Update 2: Yukos CFO Delays Return to Moscow

Chief financial officer for Russia #39;s embattled oil giant Yukos said Thursday he delayed his return to Moscow indefinitely after Russian prosecutors had summoned him for questioning.


EU sanctions request on US exports

The European Union and seven other countries #39; sanctions request on United States exports have been postponed to be considered by the World Trade Organization at a meeting.


Update 1: German Business Sentiment Drops in Nov.

Worries about the strengthening euro and concerns over persistently high oil prices helped push German business confidence down in November, a closely watched survey showed Thursday.


Myths Run Wild in Blog Tsunami Debate

As people gathered online to discuss the horror of the South Asian tsunami on sites known as Web logs, some bloggers said it had to be the government's fault.


Davidson test cancelled

Davidson was due to test with Williams in Spain next week as the team evaluates candidates for a race drive next season, but while BAR were seemingly prepared to offer Davidson to Williams for one year, the Grove-based team are said to have refused.


Redknapp: I went of my own accord

Under his two-and-a-half year tenure, the south coast club were transformed from First Division also-rans into an established side in the Barclays Premiership.


Dechy takes France into final

UNDER-STRENGTH France reached their third Fed Cup final when they took an unbeatable 3-0 lead in their semi-final against Spain today.


No. 1 Deacons Take On Providence Wednesday Night

Television: ESPN2. Dave O #39;Brien (play-by-play), Len Elmore (color analysis) and Stacey Dales-Schuman (sidelines) call the action.


Shopping Spree That Wasn't as Markdowns Hurt Retailers

This year was the season of the last-minute markdown as merchants, led by Wal-Mart Stores, scrambled to cut prices, choosing sales gains over higher profits.


PeopleSoft case will be renewed

A Delaware court has told the two sides in the trial over Oracle Corp. #39;s bid to overturn PeopleSoft Inc. #39;s antitakeover measure that they must return for more testimony next month, delaying a crucial ruling in the Redwood City giant #39;s plan to take over


Microsoft Foe Wins in Settlement

The head of a technology industry trade group that for years encouraged aggressive legal action against Microsoft Corp. for antitrust violations personally received nearly \$10 million as part


UPDATE 1-Zimbabwe rescinds England media ban

Zimbabwe have rescinded a ban on British journalists wanting to cover a five-match cricket tour by England, a senior official at the department of information and publicity said on Thursday.


One good plus, two good minuses for A #39;s

Well, let this be a lesson to us all. There really is no egregious mistake in the world of professional flesh peddling that cannot be undone.


Reinventing the Wheel (and the Tire, Too)

Michelin engineers are developing the "Tweel," a combined tire and wheel that could never go flat because it contains no air.


US and British forces sweep through Iraq #39;s  #39;death triangle #39;

LATIFIYAH, Iraq (AFP) - American, British and Iraqi forces continued a major sweep through Iraq #39;s  quot;triangle of death quot; to try to smash rebel enclaves before landmark elections in January.


UK minister visits Arafat grave

UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has laid a wreath at the grave of former Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat. Mr Straw is meeting Palestinian leaders at their headquarters in the occupied West Bank, following talks in Israel.


Ukraine Opposition to Launch Strike in Vote Dispute (Reuters)

Reuters - Ukraine's opposition takes its\campaign to overturn a presidential election result they say\was rigged to the factories and railways Thursday by trying to\organize a country-wide strike.


Israel May End Construction of Barrier (AP)

AP - Israel should stop building its West Bank separation barrier if Palestinian militants halt attacks, Israel's president was quoted as saying Thursday, in the most high-profile criticism yet of the contentious project.


German business outlook drops

Business confidence in Germany, Europe's largest economy, falls to its lowest level in more than a year.


Ban hits Half-Life 2 pirates hard

About 20,000 pirate players of Half-Life 2 have been banned from the game.


The Ambanis: brothers at arm #39;s length?

MUMBAI / NEW DELHI: On the face of it, the Ambani brothers, scions of the founding family of the countrys largest private-sector conglomerate, Reliance, are as different as the various businesses that make up the group.


Update 4: Microsoft Judge Calls Surprise Meeting

A European Union judge said Thursday he will continue to take into account testimony from the EU #39;s biggest former allies in its antitrust case against Microsoft, an indication their desertion would not affect the case.


GE agrees to pay \$1.1b for Ionics

Ionics Inc., a Watertown water treatment company with global operations, agreed to be purchased yesterday by General Electric Co. for \$1.1 billion in cash.


US ; CIA funds chatroom surveillance

US News, A university in New York has been funded to keep tabs on IRC conversations with money channelled through the National Science Foundation by the CIA, documents have revealed The CIA is quietly funding federal research into surveillance of Internet


Ban hits Half-Life 2 pirates hard

Game maker Valve shut down the online accounts of the players because it had evidence that their copy of the game had been obtained illegally.


UPDATE 1-Barnes leads Australian Open after first round

Former national amateur champion Kurt Barnes shot a brilliant 65 on Thursday to emerge as the unlikely first round leader of the centenary Australian Open.


NHLPA set to pay its players

NHL players are about to receive their first lockout stipends, amounts which will work out to roughly 3.6 per cent of the average NHL salary, according to the Canadian Press.


Straw lays wreath at Arafat #39;s grave

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has laid a wreath at Yasser Arafat #39;s grave during a West Bank visit for talks on how to revive peacemaking with Israel after the Palestinian leader #39;s death.


RAIDERS NOTEBOOK Williams to take Grant #39;s LB slot again

DeLawrence Grant, the one-time defensive end who started the first nine games at linebacker before being benched against the Chargers on Sunday, is likely to be inactive again this weekend against the Broncos.


ADV: Instantly Lower All Your Monthly Bills

Get a low refinance or home equity rate, including \$150,000 mortgage for under \$690/mo. Also save on your cell phone bill, long distance calls, credit card payments, auto insurance and more.


German business confidence drops

Business confidence in Germany, Europe #39;s largest economy, has fallen to its lowest level in more than a year, over concerns at a strengthening euro.


US Food Imports Increase, May Match Exports This Year

When Aroon Roy Padharia gathers today with family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner, the cuisine will be authentically Indian, with the same preparation methods and recipes that he loves from his native land.


MS offers real Windows XP to users of counterfeit software

A Microsoft UK replacement scheme for pirate copies of Windows XP suggests the company is testing the waters to see how feasible it is to convert sections of its unlicensed user base to legitimate users.


EU's Solana denies having secret meeting with Hamas (AFP)

AFP - The European Union's foreign policy chief Javier Solana denied a BBC report that he had met secretly with the Palestinian group Hamas, which is on an EU list of banned militant outfits.


Yushchenko Appeals to Ukraine High Court (AP)

AP - Ukraine's opposition leader raised the stakes in his standoff with the Kremlin-backed prime minister on Thursday, asking the Supreme Court to declare presidential election results invalid and threatening to have his supporters block key highways.


Haley Shines Bright

Linebacker Dennis Haley is perhaps the Cavaliers' most unsung hero on a defense that is in the nation's top 10 in points allowed.


Hundreds Mourn Marine From Md.

Tracy Miller thinks about her son's touch and his voice, trying to grasp that she will never experience either again.


Syria ready for talks with Israel without conditions

ISN SECURITY WATCH (25/11/04) - Syrian President Bashar Assad told a top UN envoy on Wednesday he was ready to resume peace talks with Israel  quot;without conditions quot;.


OIL FUTURES:IPE Brent Likely To Head Higher In Thin Trade

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Oil futures traded on London #39;s International Petroleum Exchange are largely expected to head higher Thursday, given the continued worries over a shortage in US heating oil inventories.


New Computer Associates CEO will be paid \$8.6 million

Computer Associates International Inc., a business software company, has agreed to give its new CEO, 50-year-old John Swainson, a pay package amounting to more than \$8.6 million in salary, signing bonuses and stock.


Novell, CCIA evidence may be tossed out in MS EC case

A European judge is to hold a closed-door meeting today to discuss the lifting of sanctions by the EU in its anti-trust ruling against Microsoft.


Thanksgiving travelers hope for better weather

Thanksgiving didn #39;t start out as planned for many holiday travelers who began the long weekend stuck in airports or creeping along highways after fierce storms dumped snow in the Midwest.


Lastminute.com Loss Doubles on Costs; Shares Slump (Update4)

Lastminute.com Plc, the UK #39;s largest Internet travel company, said its fourth-quarter loss more than doubled as costs for closing offices and cutting jobs exceeded forecasts.


Halliburton pay should be docked: auditor

A US government auditor says the US Army should withhold 15 per cent of future payments to Halliburton for work in Iraq due to billing disputes - in a move that could cost the contractor tens of millions of dollars.


Turnpike runs free on 1st day of strike

The first strike in the 64-year history of the Pennsylvania Turnpike meant free rides for about 650,000 vehicles yesterday, the first travel day of the Thanksgiving weekend.


Carlyle in talks with Hanjin

Carlyle Group, the US private equity fund, is in talks with the Hanjin Group over the purchase of some of the South Korean conglomerate #39;s transport and logistics


Why The Dollar Is Giving Way

What #39;s going on with the dollar? After falling steadily for the better part of two years, the greenback showed signs of stabilizing in the spring and summer.


Champions League: Real Madrid draws 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in <b>...</b>

Raul Gonzalez scored a 70th-minute equalizer Tuesday to earn Real Madrid a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen and keep alive its hopes of reaching the second round of the European Champions League.


Finding the Right Balance Between Power and Weight

Electronics manufacturers are designing products that are smaller and lighter, yet offering more and more gadgets that travelers feel compelled to take with them.


Pirates may trade Kendall to Oakland

The former Torrance High star #39;s salary is a burden for tight-fisted Pittsburgh, which would get pitching help in return. By Alan Robinson.


Win bolsters Wildcats #39; confidence

But there are only a handful of programs that consider themselves to be on the same level as Arizona, an elite basketball power that expects to be in contention for the Final Four every season.


Tar Heels Breeze Past Hawkeyes for Maui Title

The junior point guard ran the offense as he always does, defended the opponent #39;s best backcourt player as he always does and even threw in a couple of highlight-tape moves in the 11th-ranked Tar Heels #39; 106-92 victory over Iowa last night in Lahaina


Brown pushes tsunami debt relief

The chancellor presses the G8 to freeze all debts owed by countries hit by the Asian tsunami disaster, the BBC learns.


Local Chain Rolling Out D.C. Tabloid

Journal Newspapers Inc. plans to begin distributing a free daily newspaper in the District on Feb. 1, according to one of its major advertisers and a source close to the company.


Troops close in on  #39;death triangle #39;

BAGHDAD: US-led forces swept hotspots in the  quot;triangle of death quot; yesterday in a push to reclaim rebel enclaves ahead of January polls.


Russian soldiers kill two, take hostages

Two Russian soldiers armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles shot and killed two police officers Wednesday night and have taken two hostages near Moscow.


Sudan Rebels Stand by Cease-Fire Despite Violations

A rebel group in Sudan #39;s western Darfur region says the government is responsible for an upsurge in fighting there in violation of a ceasefire.


EU foreign policy chief holds contacts with Hamas

The European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, has recently held a secret meeting with representatives of Palestinian movement, Hamas, it was revealed on Thursday.


Earthquake Jolts Northern Italy, Injuring 9

An earthquake measuring about 5.2 on the Richter scale shook northern Italy from the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic seas in the night to Thursday, causing panic and injuring at least nine people.


Israel, wary of dual peace process, slaps down Syrian overtures

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Israel slapped down peace overtures from Syria with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon reluctant to become diverted in a parallel peace track with Damascus while concentrating on his planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.


Manganese Bronze rings up  #163;1 for Zingo (FT.com)

FT.com - Manganese Bronze is to sell for just  pound;1 some of the rights to Zingo, the mobile phone cab ordering service that last year kept the maker of London taxis well in the red.


Dollar Lower, Tokyo Stocks Edge Higher (AP)

AP - Continued concerns about a huge U.S. current account deficit weakened the U.S. dollar to a four-year, 10 month low against the Japanese yen Thursday. Tokyo stocks ended higher.


Computer Associates' Next CEO Gets To Work (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Hired from IBM, CEO-elect John Swainson plans to move fast, without mimicking the software or services strategy of his former employer.


Oracle-PeopleSoft to return (TheDeal.com)

TheDeal.com - Vice Chancellor Leo Strine Jr. continues the case to hear additional testimony on PeopleSoft's poison pill.


Naming Mount St. Helens New Dome Confusing (AP)

AP - That whaddyacallit that's growing on Mount St. Helens  #151; what DO you call it? Even Shakespeare himself might have trouble figuring out what's in a name.


Reliance Stock Drops as Resignations Stoke Concern on Ownership

Shares at Reliance Industries Ltd. fell for a third day after six directors quit at a subsidiary, stoking concern a dispute between the Ambani brothers, who manage India #39;s biggest private company, may disrupt the business.


Shortage of steel forces halt at Nissan

TOKYO Nissan Motor said on Thursday that a shortage of steel would force it to halt production temporarily at three of its four auto factories in Japan, a highly unusual step the company said was made necessary in part by a surge in demand for steel from


Yukos CFO delays return to Russia

MOSCOW The chief financial officer of Yukos, Russia #39;s embattled oil company, said Thursday that he had delayed his return to Moscow indefinitely after Russian prosecutors had summoned him for questioning.


Shares in Lastminute.com Sink 13 Percent

Shares in European online travel retailer lastminute.com PLC sank by 13 percent Thursday after the company reported losses well below its own predictions and market expectations.


Canada #39;s Bonds Rise After Dodge Says Dollar Gain May Cut Growth

Canada #39;s bonds rose after Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge said the Canadian dollar #39;s rise to a 12-year high may curb economic growth, indicating the bank may not raise interest rates next month.


Thanksgiving Afternoon Is Expected To Be Dry

The rains forecast for Polk County today should be gone by the time you sit down for your Thanksgiving Day feast. According to the National Weather Service in Ruskin, a line of thunderstorms


Row blamed as Danon quits BT

Pierre Danon is quitting as head of BT Retail to become the chief operating officer at French computer consultants Cap Gemini, furthering suggestions of a split in the telecoms giant boardroom.


NTT DoCoMo, mmO2 to  #39;partner #39; on UK i-mode

British mobile phone network O2 will launch an i-mode service next year after licensing the technology from Japanese telco NTT DoCoMo, newspaper reports have claimed.


The Taste Of Home

(CBS) In a major culinary operation that took weeks of planning, military chefs will serve up traditional Thanksgiving meals to the 140,000 or so servicemen and women stationed throughout Iraq, reports CBS News Correspondent Charles D #39;Agata.


Arctic People Seek Tropical Team on Global Warming

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


Stores to stock 1m Band Aid CDs

One million copies of the new Band Aid single will be sent to record shops in time for its UK release on Monday. Robbie Williams and Dido are among the stars on a new version of charity song Do They Know It #39;s Christmas?


Students Auction University on eBay

As part of a protest against proposed course cuts, students at Exeter University in England have put their University up for sale on eBay.


Infogrames sells Civilisation franchise for \$22.3m

French publisher Infogrames has announced its results for the first half of FY 2005, revealing in the process that the firm has sold off the lucrative Civilisation franchise to an as-yet unknown purchaser.


Phishing spreads net wider

Online phishing schemes more than doubled last month, leaving financial institutions struggling to rebuff attempts to steal private account information from customers, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.


Williams deny BAR claims over Davidson.

The BMW Williams team has denied claims that it  #39;insisted upon unconditional arrangements #39; that have seen Anthony Davidson #39;s hopes of racing for the team in 2005 come to an end.


England Tour to Proceed After Zimbabwe Ends Media Ban (Update3)

England #39;s cricket tour of Zimbabwe will go ahead after Robert Mugabe #39;s government lifted a ban preventing 13 British journalists from covering the five one-day internationals.


Champions League: Group H - Chelsea clam up again and round up

Jose Mourinho made several changes to his Chelsea side for the visit of Paris St.Germain, resulting in a rustrating but not entirely relevant 0-0 draw.


Champions League: Group F - Celtic make great point and round up

From a British perspective the big story from Group F is that Celtic bow out of the Champions League after a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Nou Camp.


Harry hard to follow

The flamboyant former West Ham boss stepped down after two-and-a-half years at Fratton Park yesterday, claiming the time was right for him to go and he needed a break.


Monkey chant fan to apologise to Yorke

A football fan yesterday admitted racially abusing Birmingham City footballer Dwight Yorke - and vowed to apologise personally to the striker.


8 million callers have kept cell numbers

Nearly 8 million mobile-phone users have switched carriers and kept their cell numbers since a new rule allowing that flexibility took effect one year ago, the Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of the agencys


Figueroa gets chance in La Liga

The Argentine made just one appearance for the Blues after his 2.5m transfer from Rosario Central in 2003. Figueroa, 23, blossomed after being off-loaded to Mexican club Cruz Azul and earned a call-up to Argentina #39;s Copa America squad.


African final delayed because of Ghana poll

The final of the African Confederation Cup between Ghanaian clubs Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko has been postponed to avoid a clash with the country #39;s presidential elections.


Wolfensohn Confirms World Bank Departure

Bank president told Treasury Secretary John W. Snow that he will step down after a decade at the helm when his term expires in June.


Lynching of agents puts Mexico focus on vigilante justice

-- The images are chilling: A young man, his face bloody and swollen, struggles to tell a television reporter that he is an undercover federal agent, then a mob burns him and another officer alive on camera.


Gadhafi praises Chirac #39;s visit

Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi Thursday praised French President Jacques Chirac #39;s visit to Libya, which he said boosted relations between their countries.


Thatcher vows to appeal court order

Lawyers representing Mark Thatcher will appeal a court ruling ordering the son of the former British prime minister to answer questions from Equatorial Guinea on an alleged coup plot, one of his lawyers said on Thursday.


Sudan rebel leader vows to respect truce

A rebel leader in Sudan #39;s Darfur region has said his group will fully respect a truce with Khartoum, countering earlier statements by a spokesman declaring the agreement null and void.


Bomb Kills Two US Soldiers, Injures One in Afghanistan

Two US soldiers were killed and a third was wounded Wednesday when a bomb exploded as they drove through an area of central Afghanistan where Taliban fighters are said


Hamas denies direct contacts with Solana

Hamas Thursday denied European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana had direct contact with the Palestinian militant group. Solana had told the BBC he had contacts with Hamas


Bashir goes to trial

THE terrorism trial against Muslim Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, accused of leading a network linked to al-Qaida, can go ahead, a Jakarta court ruled yesterday.


ADV: Shrink Your Monthly Student Loan Payment

Lower your monthly payment and get one easy bill with Loan to Learn #153;. Private student loans or private plus federal are accepted. Apply online for fast approval and competitive rates.


CBI slashes UK growth forecasts

The CBI cuts growth forecasts after order books for UK manufacturers drop to their lowest level since the start of 2004.


Manning to Face Detroit, Marino's Record (AP)

AP - Peyton Manning won't threaten Dan Marino's record when the Colts play at Detroit on Thanksgiving, but he can take another step toward the milestone the former Miami Dolphins star set in 1984.


Bin Laden Not Hiding on Pakistan Border -Commander (Reuters)

Reuters - Al Qaeda chief Osama bin\Laden can not be hiding in Pakistan's tribal lands on the\Afghan border as Pakistani forces have combed the area and\found no hint of him, a Pakistani army commander said on\Thursday.


Budget Flap Imperils Sharon's Gaza Pullout Plan (Reuters)

Reuters - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon faced\threats on Thursday from inside and outside his already shaky\coalition that could bring down the Israeli government, force\early elections and delay his Gaza withdrawal plan.


EU Official Now Denies Hamas Contact (AP)

AP - The European Union's foreign policy chief denied Thursday that he recently met with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which the EU has blacklisted as a terrorist organization.


Nintendo returns to profit on forex gains, rising software sales (AFP)

AFP - Nintendo, the world's largest maker of portable game consoles, said it returned to profitability in the first half after booking large foreign exchange gains.


France to Defends Fed Cup Title at Final (AP)

AP - Defending champion France surged into the Fed Cup final, completing a 5-0 sweep of Spain on Thursday behind singles victories by Nathalie Dechy and Tatiana Golovin.


Girl survives rabies without jab

\A teenage girl has become the first known person to survive rabies without the benefit of a vaccination, say doctors.


Hero's welcome for Liberia star

Huge crowds greet football legend George Weah on his return home to Liberia to launch a presidential bid.


Israelis kill three Palestinians

Israeli soldiers killed three Palestinian militants in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Palestinian witnesses say.


PGA grand slam: Mick-tacular performance

The Garden Island. POIPU - Not even the sunscreen could cool off Phil Mickelson on his way to the 2004 Grand Slam title yesterday.


Chelsea 0 PSG 0

CHELSEA were barking up the wrong tree as they were muzzled by a PSG team who had failed to win an away game in Europe for seven years.


The Best Online Reference Sites

Looking for an answer to a specific question?  Check out this list of the best reference sites of 2004, as compiled by the American Library Association.


Israeli coalition partner #39;s threat raises possibility of early <b>...</b>

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s largest coalition partner threatened to quit Thursday, raising the possibility of early elections that could endanger his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip next year.


Ageing time-tomb brings budget angst

How #39;s your health? Feeling well? Expecting to live to a ripe old age? If the answers are yes, then economically speaking, you #39;re not helping.


US spared WTO sanctions -- for now

The World Trade Organization on Wednesday held off approving stiff sanctions on US exports ranging from cod to mobile homes intended to punish Washington until it repeals the so-called Byrd amendment.


Auburn Defeats Virginia Tech in Sugar Bowl

NEW ORLEANS (Sports Network) - Auburn's defense solidified  its status as one of the nation's toughest, despite a late-game  scare, and the Tigers completed the first perfect season in  school history with a 16-13 Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia  Tech on Monday night.


Canada hails Arctic Council #39;s climate change document

REYKJAVIK, Iceland - Canada #39;s environment minister says people shouldn #39;t underestimate the policy recommendations on climate change announced in Iceland Wednesday.


DoCoMo offering i-mode to mmO2

Japan #39;s dominant wireless operator, NTT DoCoMo, has reached a basic agreement to offer its popular i-mode mobile internet technology to mmO2 OOM.


Microsoft Attacks Piracy  With Free Software

Microsoft is making a serious effort to attack piracy: by giving away free copies of Windows XP to pirated users in the UK. The move is currently targeted at consumers who may be using pirated copies of Windows XP by mistake.


Atari #39;s Sid Meier #39;s Pirates! Sails into Stores

Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) and Firaxis Games announced today that the highly-anticipated sequel to one of the most popular and loved titles in gaming history has shipped to retail stores nationwide.


Conservation Group Urges Gov #39;t Cooperation

Scientists and officials strengthened efforts to forestall the extinction of thousands of species and protect the world #39;s habitats in talks in


Villarreal nabs Figueroa

Primera Liga side Villarreal has confirmed the signing of Luciano Figueroa from Mexican club Cruz Azul in a transfer worth a reported three million euros (\$A5.1million).


Notre Dame Coach Hires Assistants (AP)

AP - Former head coaches David Cutcliffe, Bill Lewis and Rick Minter joined the staff of new Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis on Monday night.


Clippers Nudge Nuggets 102-98 (AP)

AP - Corey Maggette had 33 points and 11 rebounds, and Rick Brunson hit a key 3-pointer with 21 seconds left to lift the Los Angeles Clippers to a 102-98 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.


Solana confirms secret contact with Hamas

European Union foreign policy chiefJavier Solana has confirmed that he had secret meetings with the Palestinian group Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) in an interview with the BBC that was broadcast on Thursday.


Indonesia rejects plea by terror suspect

An Indonesian court ruled Thursday the trial of terror suspect Abu Bakar Bashir would proceed, rejecting a plea from the cleric #39;s lawyers to drop the charges.


Budget flap jeopardizes Sharons pullout plan

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is facing threats from inside and outside his largest coalition partner that may bring down the Israeli government, which would force the country to hold early elections and suspend his Gaza withdrawal plan.


Chemical weapons lab found in Fallujah

Baghdad - An Iraqi minister said on Thursday that a chemical weapons laboratory was found in the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah, Sky News reports.


Protesters Seek Resignations After Fire

Thousands of Argentines angered over safety lapses at a nightclub where a fire killed 183 people, many of them teenagers, marched through capital streets Monday holding pictures of the victims and demanding the resignations of key city officials.


Directors retreat from Reliance

Six directors at Reliance Energy resign amid a growing family row over ownership of India's largest private company.


Wurld Media turns p2p swapping to music biz advantage

Software developer Wurld Media has devised a way to bridge the gap between the freewheeling peer to peer downloads community and the music companies who would like to be paid.


CCIA chief defends Microsoft payment

Ed Black, president of the CCIA, has defended his organisation #39;s decision to take a settlement payment from Microsoft. The Washington DC-based CCIA (Computer and Communications Industry Association) this month


US Appeals Nafta Ruling Against Tariffs on Canadian Lumber

By Bloomberg News. The Bush administration yesterday appealed a trade panel #39;s decision that effectively struck down United States tariffs on \$4.6 billion a year of Canadian lumber.


Indian, Pakistani Firms OK Tech Agreement (AP)

AP - Private Indian and Pakistani information technology companies will meet in the Pakistani capital next month to tap business opportunities and sign a cooperation agreement.


Chirac vows 'true partnership' with Libya (AFP)

AFP - French President Jacques Chirac, who vowed to forge a "true partnership" with Libya, wrapped up the latest top-level Western visit to Tripoli as it returns from years in the diplomatic wilderness.


Finnish authorities warn against using MS Internet Explorer 6 browser (AFP)

AFP - Finnish authorities warned computer users against using the popular Microsoft Internet Explorer Six web browser as it has a "serious" security flaw that compromises computer systems.


FCC: 8M Wireless Users Keep Cell Numbers (AP)

AP - Nearly 8 million mobile phone users have switched carriers and kept their cell numbers since a new rule allowing that flexibility went into effect one year ago, according to the Federal Communications Commission.


PREVIEW-Rugby-Revenge in the air for someone at Twickenham

World Cup final revenge for Australia or  quot;payback time quot; for England #39;s June humiliation in Brisbane -- either cap fits for Twickenham #39;s mouth-watering Saturday showdown between the best of rugby enemies.


More than 2,000 people killed in Fallujah : Iraqi official

More than 2,000 people were killed so far in the flashpoint city of Fallujah, an Iraqi senior security official said Thursday.  quot;More than 2,058 were killed and more than 1,600


Arctic People Seek Tropical Team on Global Warming (Reuters)

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


Rich States' Demands Threaten Environment Treaty (Reuters)

Reuters - Demands by the United States and other\wealthy nations to delay the phasing out of a pesticide that\depletes the ozone layer threaten to unravel a key global\environmental treaty, experts said on Thursday.


Conservation Group Urges Gov't Cooperation (AP)

AP - Scientists and officials strengthened efforts to forestall the extinction of thousands of species and protect the world's habitats in talks in Bangkok, but governments need to work harder to promote conservation, an international environment agency said Thursday.


Evidence of sex abuse by U.N. Congo staff outrages Annan

The NZ Herald has the story.  More coverage can be found by performing a Google News search for "un congo sex abuse".    Details of the story include the fact that over 150 counts by at least 30 staff members are being investigated, and that this isn't the first time that the U.N. has been so accused.


New rules for Britain's airwaves

Control of the UK's radio spectrum is being handed to the business community to promote wireless services.


Students put university on eBay

\Students at Exeter University put the institution up for sale on eBay as part of their protest against proposed cuts.


Al-Zarqawi Lieutenant Arrested in Mosul (AP)

AP - A lieutenant of Iraq's most feared terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was captured a few days ago in Mosul, the government's national security adviser said Thursday.


Nintendo Returns to Profit in First Half

Nintendo Co. returned to profit in the first half of the fiscal year from the same period a year ago as the Japanese video-game maker erased foreign exchange losses and earned more from game sales.


Province unveils renewable energy projects

TORONTO - Ontario is launching 10 new projects to create electricity from renewable resources, Energy Minister Dwight Duncan said Wednesday.


Singapore Changi Airport testing biometrics-based system

The world #39;s first fully automated check-in and immigration clearance system that uses biometric recognition technology has been on trial at Singapore Changi Airport since Nov. 1.


Gunners go to Liverpool stung by more negative headlines

Arsenal gained a 1-1 tie with nine men against a Champions League group winner yet still came home to negative headlines. Thierry Henry scored a quality goal for an equalizer at PSV Eindhoven


INSIDE INFO: Gers ace Souey target

The Magpies want a replacement for Jonathan Woodgate and will swoop when the transfer window re-opens in January. Boumsong, Bobo Balde, Manchester United #39;s John O #39;Shea, Chelsea #39;s Robert Huth and Notts Forest #39;s


Police raid Italy #39;s Olympic Committee

Finance police have raided Italy #39;s Olympic Committee and the committee organising the 2006 Winter Games, investigative sources say.


IAEA uncertain over  quot;undeclared quot; nuclear materials in Iran

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Thursday that his agency is unable to definitively conclude at the present time that Iran does not


THATCHER TRIAL POSTPONED

A court in South Africa has postponed until next April the trial of Mark Thatcher on charges he helped fund a coup attempt in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea.


Earthquake Shakes Northern Italy

ROME -- An earthquake in northern Italy overnight damaged scores of buildings and scared people out of their homes. The quake measured 5.2 and was felt in Milan, Turin, Genoa and Venice.


Rwanda Says Ready to Hit Rebels, UN Urges Dialogue

Rwanda insisted on Thursday it would soon attack rebels inside the Democratic Republic of Congo unless they were disarmed, as the UN Security Council


I will speak at an appropriate time: Anil

Mumbai, November 25: Anil Ambani, the vice-chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd., said on Thursday he would make a statement at an appropriate time about a controversy over differences with brother and chairman Mukesh.


Axa shares gain on Winterthur purchase report (AFP)

AFP - Shares in the French insurer Axa gained in afternoon trade here on a Financial Times report that Axa is in talks to acquire Credit Suisse Group's Winterthur unit.


Paris denies embassy #39;s efforts for bidding 2012 Olympics

Paris 2012 moved quickly Thursday to deny the critics from their rivals of taking the advantage of embassies to promote their bid of 2012 Olympics.


Brutal Haddin hundred seals two points

Brad Haddin blasted a career-best 154 from 162 balls in a brutal display to earn New South Wales first innings points against Victoria at the Junction Oval.


Myanmar junta announces plan for more prisoner releases

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar #39;s military government said Thursday that it will release 5,311 prisoners in addition to almost 4,000 whose planned release was announced last week.


Oil prices climb in London, New York shut

LONDON (AFP) - Oil prices rose over worries about a possible supply shortage of US heating oil stocks during the northern hemisphere winter.


WTO Ready for US Sanctions

The World Trade Organization cleared the way on Thursday to impose \$150 million of trade sanctions on the United States, sought by the European Union and others, after lawyers resolved a legal wrangle.


More on Microsoft #39;s new anti-piracy programme

particularly in the Far East and Eastern Europe - that they would rather give away copies of Windows XP to people who may


Intel puts Windows and Linux on even keel

Intel has released a Quick Start Kit for Linux in Asia, giving a leg-up to system builders offering Linux-based desktop PCs. The kit is similar to those that Intel produces for Windows, said an Intel spokesman.


Kazaa Leverages Skype for Free Net Calls

Two of the nets most widely used programs, Kazaa - a peer-to-peer (P2P) filesharing application -nd Skype  -2P internet phone application, have teamed up.


Arsenal earned a 1-1 tie with nine men against a Champions League group winner yet still came home to negative headlines. Thierry Henry scored a quality goal for an equalizer at PSV Eindhoven


Londoners urged to embrace 2012 bid

To the outside world, Londoners are cold, brusque and unimpressed at the prospect of millions of people turning up on their doorstep to watch the 2012 Olympics.


Robinson glad to be in rugby not football

BAGSHOT, England (AFP) - England rugby union captain Jason Robinson has said he is thankful the kind of racist incidents recently experienced in football had no place in his sport.


Taking it easy to the top

A WHY-WORRY attitude to three dropped shots on two early holes set up young NSW player Kurt Barnes to rocket to the top of the Australian Open leaderboard yesterday.


European Soccer to Investigate Racism (AP)

AP - European soccer authorities opened an investigation into racist abuse by Spanish fans at this week's Champions League game.


Softening in Northern Ireland

The British and Irish Prime Ministers, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, at talks in London, appear to have pushed Northern Irelands reluctant politicians some way to a restoration of devolved government in Belfast.


Gold surges as dollar falls again

The euro jumps to an all time high against the dollar as signs of declining business confidence in Germany increases fears about European competitiveness.


Jets Extend GM Terry Bradway's Contract (AP)

AP - Jets general manager Terry Bradway received a two-year contract extension Thursday that will keep him in the organization through 2007.


Oracle wages proxy battle for control of PeopleSoft

Oracle nominated four candidates to serve as directors of PeopleSoft #39;s board and said it would fight for control of the company at its annual meeting next year.


Rift deepens, six REL Directors quit

The first battle lines were drawn today with six directors of Reliance Energy Limited (REL) resigning. REL is run by Vice Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, Anil Ambani.


Microsoft EU ruling next month

A European Union judge told a closed meeting on Thursday he planned to rule within a month whether to freeze curbs imposed by the EU #39;s executive on Microsoft, lawyers present said.


Yukos shares plunge more than 30 percent

MOSCOW (AFP) - Shares in the Russian oil group Yukos plunged by more than 30 percent in midday trading on the Moscow stock exchange to below a dollar per share.


Downturn in growth worries the CBI

British manufacturers are reporting that their order books are at their lowest level since January, prompting the CBI to scale back its forecast for economic growth for 2005


Resource stocks boost Toronto stock market as NY shuttered for <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - The Toronto stock market made moderate gains Thursday thanks to rising oil and gold stocks, while the Canadian dollar moved closer to an 85-cent US close despite a warning about the economy - and hints the Bank of Canada may not be in a


BT Boss Set to Move On

Telecoms giant BT today said it was parting company with one of the architects of its transformation from a fixed-line operator. Pierre Danon will join French IT services company


Most Canadians support taxing pot, poll finds

Hot on the heels of a national report that the number of Canadians who smoke pot has doubled in a decade, marijuana advocates say their own polls shows strong support for taxing the drug.


Chile Cuts Emissions, Helps Japan, Canada

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


Last Rites Sounded for Life-Changing Video Format

It changed the lifestyles of a generation but after a lingering death, the last rites have been sounded for the revolutionary VHS home video format.


No Holiday Cheer for Band Aid and iTunes

Apple #39;s iTunes Music Store is causing a bit of a stir by refusing to sell the charity Band Aid song  quot;Do They Know It #39;s Christmas?


Winamp security flaw poses new threat

We are all used to IE getting a monthly new security bug found, but Winamp? In fact, this is not the first security flaw found in the application.


EU judge to reach decision on Microsoft in December

The European Union judge deciding whether Microsoft will have to reform its business practices will continue to take into account arguments made by Novell and a prominent


Yukos board escapes from Russia

Fear of arrest has forced all the top executives at Russian oil giant Yukos to flee the country. The entire management board was in London on Thursday, according to the Financial Times.


Mourinho Expecting Tough Draw

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho is expecting his side to get a tough test in the second round of the Champions League despite the Blues having won their group.


Cricket: England tour hangs in the balance

England were ordered to stay in South Africa rather than fly to Zimbabwe yesterday after the Harare government barred most British media from covering their five-match cricket tour.


Finance police raid Olympic files

Finance police have raided the offices of Italy #39;s Olympic organizers for records on the Turin committee #39;s work ahead of the 2006 Winter Games, officials said on Thursday.


Al-Zarqawi Lieutenant Arrested in Mosul (AP)

AP - A lieutenant of Iraq's most feared terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was captured a few days ago in Mosul, and Iraqi troops searching suspected terrorist hideouts in Fallujah discovered a laboratory with manuals on manufacturing explosives and toxins  #151; including anthrax, Iraq's national security adviser said Thursday.


World Should Hold Darfur Rebels Accountable -U.N. (Reuters)

Reuters - The world should hold Darfur rebels\accountable for breaking their promises to end violence in the\region of western Sudan, the U.N. envoy to Khartoum said on\Thursday.


India lifts 20-year ban on night viewing of Taj Mahal (AFP)

AFP - India's Supreme Court lifted a 20-year ban on night viewing of the Taj Mahal, the 17th century white-marble monument to love in the northern city of Agra.


Replacements light years ahead

The video is dead. Its official, although I imagine the mourning period will go on for several years yet. Dixons, the big UK electrical goods chain, has announced it will sell its existing stock of VCRs and then call it a day.


Barghuti to run for Palestinian president: Fatah official

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) - The jailed West Bank leader Marwan Barghuti has decided to run for the post of Palestinian Authority president, a member of the dominant Fatah faction #39;s higher committee said.


Governments #39; response  #39;due soon #39;

The two governments are hoping to respond to queries tabled by the DUP and Sinn Fein over the British-Irish proposals on restoring devolution by Friday.


British Troops Raid Rebel Stronghold South of Baghdad

Hundreds of British troops raided houses of suspected Saddam Hussein loyalists Thursday in the latest phase of a US-led operation to crack down on guerrilla strongholds in the lawless territory south of Baghdad.


Nayan in Palace, describes 26 days in captivity

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. THE RETURN to the Philippines on Thursday night of diplomat Angelito Nayan, whom


Brave old Bhoys not down and out yet

CELTIC have thrown themselves a European lifeline at a time when they were in real danger of sinking without trace. Of course, they still have a major task on their hands to make the Uefa Cup spot their own.


England #39;s Zimbabwe tour goes ahead

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- England #39;s cricket tour of Zimbabwe will go ahead after authorities lifted a ban on 13 British journalists, but not in time to save Friday #39;s opening one-day match in Harare.


Iraq says top Zarqawi aide arrested in Mosul

BAGHDAD (AFP) - One of the leaders of the top US foe in Iraq , Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was arrested in the northern city of Mosul, national security adviser Qassem Daoud said.


Barcelona Testing, Day 2, 25/11/04

Limited mileage for Franck as he continued electronics development, while Giancarlo completed 85 laps as he continued the settling in process.


Gold surges as dollar falls again

The euro jumps to an all-time high against the dollar, raising fears about European growth, and the price of gold rises as people switch out of the dollar.


Europe Rejects Iran's Demand to Use Uranium Equipment

Iran is demanding the right to operate uranium enrichment equipment, despite its agreement with the Europeans.


Anil says,  #39;I am not going to comment #39;

MUMBAI: Reliance Energy chairman Anil Ambani tonight refused to join issues with his elder brother Mukesh Ambani on the raging battle between them.


Whistleblower earns kudos, fears reprisal

WASHINGTON - David Graham says he was surprised when he got back to his Food and Drug Administration office after telling Congress last week the government had allowed unsafe drugs on the market.


Cheat Sheet: Firefox

It #39;s a new internet browser. The first full version, Firefox 1.0, was launched earlier this month. In the sense it #39;s a browser, yes, but the differences are larger than the similarities.


Brits Get Replacements for Phony XP

Microsoft (Quote, Chart) will swap out phony copies of Windows XP for the real thing, but only in the UK, the company said on Wednesday.


Cassini Shows Grandeur of Two Saturn Moons

JPL -- New views of two of Saturn #39;s moons, Titan and Tethys, represent the most detailed look at these moons to date and show a sharp contrast between them -- one is foggy and one is cratered.


Cricket: One-days and test daze

Spare a thought for John Bracewell as New Zealand attempt to repair their already badly-dented reputation in the second test against Australia.


Police besiege town after officers die

MEXICO CITY - Mexican police raided a town to search for members of an angry mob who lynched two officers a day earlier, but said they had been powerless to prevent the attack.


Palestine Leaders Pledge Peace to Straw

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today won an assurance from Palestinian leaders that they would act to halt the violence against Israelis amid renewed efforts to restart the Middle East peace process.


WTO Ready for U.S. Sanctions (Reuters)

Reuters - The World Trade Organization cleared the\way on Thursday to impose  #36;150 million of trade sanctions on\the United States, sought by the European Union and others,\after lawyers resolved a legal wrangle.


Gold Eyes New Highs (Reuters)

Reuters - Gold broke to new 16-1/4-year highs\above  #36;450.00 an ounce on Thursday, before pausing as players\began to eye the next big target of  #36;455, traders said.


Iowa State Still Wary of Brad Smith (AP)

AP - He began the season as a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy. He was fast, elusive and had a strong arm  #151; everything you'd want in a quarterback. So whatever happened to Brad Smith anyway?


Delaware judge rejects settlement: Oracle moves to replace <b>...</b>

Delaware judge Leo Strine refused to remove PeopleSofts poison pill and alter the shareholder rights plan in a hearing Wednesday.


TiVo Pop-Up Ads Raise Consumer Concerns (AP)

AP - Digital video recording pioneer TiVo Inc. has long promised "TV Your Way." But the company's plans for pop-up ads and restrictions on copying have sparked worries that the service may be eroding consumer control in favor of Hollywood and advertiser interests.


After a Decade, Philips Makes PCs Again (Reuters)

Reuters - After an absence of a decade, Philips\Electronics is making personal computers again, the company\said on Thursday.  The Netherlands-based electronics\conglomerate, which abandoned the PC business in the early\1990s after suffering big losses, quietly introduced six models\together with British retailer Dixons earlier this week.


Jailed uprising leader Barghouti will seek Palestinian presidency

Jailed uprising leader Marwan Barghouti has decided to run for Palestinian Authority president in a Jan. 9 election, seeking to succeed the late Yasser Arafat


Birds Not Being Killed by Wind Farms -Ecologist (Reuters)

Reuters - Two major offshore wind farms in Denmark\are giving the lie to fears that birds are being killed by\flying into the huge vanes of such installations, a conference\heard on Thursday.


Junk 'Tree' Testifies to Beirut's Waste Problem (Reuters)

Reuters - Environmentalists built a giant\Christmas tree out of garbage in Beirut on Thursday to pressure\the government into cleaning up Lebanon's waste problem.


Last shout on the Inova Microlight keyring

Cash'n'Carrion Final clearance at 9 inc VAT and P amp;P


EU sets date for Microsoft appeal

A European Union court will rule in December on an appeal by software giant Microsoft to suspend EU sanctions.


Oil prices rise in Europe

OIL futures prices rose in Europe today amid concerns about heating oil supplies at the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere winter.


BT Retail head quits to join Cap Gemini

Rumours of a boardroom split at BT Group were given further impetus on Thursday with the announcement that Pierre Danon, the outspoken chief executive of BT Retail, the groups consumer-facing


Mystery of world #39;s tallest sand dunes solved

The worlds tallest sand dunes, some half a kilometre high, survive in a windy desert in northern China because water cements them together, a new study suggests.


No. 6 Texas Holding Strong Over Aggies (AP)

AP - Every year before the annual Texas-Texas A amp;M game, Longhorns students, players and coaches gather for the campus 'Hex Rally' to put the voodoo on the Aggies. Recent history bears evidence of some pretty strong magic.


Preston fired as manager of Livingston after seven losses in a row

Livingston has fired manager Allan Preston after seven losses in a row. The Lions are last in the Scottish Premier League with just nine points from 15 games and the owners decided


Brewster appointed manager of Inverness

Inverness Caledonian Thistle appointed Craig Brewster as its new manager-player Thursday although he #39;s unable to play for the team until January.


Pakistan: Now #39;s time for peace

Pakistan #39;s Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Thursday he believes the time is ripe for peace with arch-rival India. Aziz, who returned Wednesday from his


Terrorists Chemical Weapons Lab Found in Fallujah

Iraqi troops, searching terrorist hideouts in Fallujah, discovered a chemical weapons laboratory with manuals on manufacturing explosives and toxins - including anthrax.


Three killed in Samarra blasts

Three people have been killed and 14 wounded in separate bomb attacks in the restive Iraqi city of Samarra. One of the blasts was a suicide attack.


News: Warning: critical Winamp vuln

Security researchers are warning of a serious - and unfixed - security hole with the popular Winamp media player.


Wake Forest Coach to Show Off No. 1 Team (AP)

AP - Give Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser another week or so, and he'll have a better handle on just how good the No. 1 Demon Deacons are and just how good they can be.


EU says defections will not affect Microsoft lawsuit

LUXEMBOURG: A European Union judge assessed on Thursday how the desertion of the EUs biggest allies in its anti-trust case against Microsoft will affect proceedings in the five-year legal battle.


Philips sells stake in Vivendi for 720 mn

LONDON, November 25 (newratings.com) - Dutch electronics and semiconductor giant, Philips (PHI1.ETR), has sold its entire stake in the French media company, Vivendi Universal.


Stelco, bidders return to court

TORONTO - Lawyers for Stelco and the companies involved in the restructuring of the steelmaker were due back in a Toronto court on Thursday for a hearing to approve Deutsche Bank #39;s \$900-million refinancing offer as a benchmark bid.


DeLay, Republicans Reverse Indictment Rule Change (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. House of Representatives\Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas got fellow Republicans on\Monday to reverse a recent rule change that would have allowed\him to keep his leadership post even if indicted.


Georgia's Seniors Show Their Class (AP)

AP - When Georgia's seniors are introduced before their final game at Sanford Stadium, the crowd always sends them off with respectful cheers. Well, this group should get a rousing ovation.


Athens Slides Back Into Traffic Anarchy (AP)

AP - Taxi driver Manuel Pircolos is fuming. At a dead-stop in traffic, he chain smokes, drums his fingers on the dashboard, and sums up life behind the wheel.


Music labels embrace P2P network

Wurld Media has concluded agreements with Sony BMG, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group to facilitate the licensing of music exchanged on its peer-to-peer music network.


Rich States #39; Demands Threaten Environment Treaty

Demands by the United States and other wealthy nations to delay the phasing out of a pesticide that depletes the ozone layer threaten to unravel a key global environmental treaty, experts said on Thursday.


Barnes Leads Australian Open by 2 Strokes (AP)

AP - Kurt Barnes held a two-stroke lead Thursday after shooting a 6-under-par 65 in the first round of the Australian Open, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.


Giving Thanks: Jets extend Bradway #39;s contract

Hempstead, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Jets on Thursday extended the contract of executive vice president and general manager Terry Bradway through the 2007 season.


Imprisoned Barghuti Runs for Palestinian President

The jailed West Bank leader Marwan Barghuti has decided to run for the vacant post of Palestinian Authority president, according to Abdelrahman al-Shomali, member of the dominant Fatah faction #39;s higher committee.


Chirac, Qaddafi Discuss Bulgarian Nurses Fate

The fate of the five Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya has been discussed by the French President Jacques Chirac and Libyan leader Muammar Quaddafi.


ASEAN eyes European model

Vientiane (AsiaNews/Agencies) - This morning the Conference of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened in Vientiane, Laos.


Pinochet's bad news birthday

Chile's ex-military ruler Augusto Pinochet marks his 89th birthday amid news that a judge has frozen more of his assets.


US shares take a tumble on oil prices

NEW YORK, Nov 23 (AFP) - Wall Street shares slid on Tuesday as oil prices surged higher and investors sensed weaknesses in the technology sector.


Turnpike managers collecting tolls during strike #39;s second day

Turnpike officials had anticipated a walkout by about 2,000 toll collectors, maintenance workers and office employees, so they waived tolls all day Wednesday after the strike began at 4 am, costing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission about \$2 million in


Work longer, Costello urges

A FEW months ago Treasurer Peter Costello was telling Australians to go forth and procreate but he now says they should work harder to pay for their old age.


DoCoMo to offer i-mode to UKs mmO2

Japans dominant wireless operator, NTT DoCoMo Inc., has reached a basic agreement to offer its popular i-mode mobile Internet technology to Britains mmO2 Plc.


LG Electronics plans to launch 7MP camera phone

While it took the digital photography industry around six years to launch a six megapixel digital camera it seems the mobile phone industry is not hanging about.


Inter Milan seeks redemption win against Juventus

It is early in the season for a decisive match, yet Inter Milan-Juventus on Sunday is shaping up as exactly that. Serie A leader Juventus stands 15 points ahead of Inter, but both teams see the meeting as key to their season.


Let #39;s not emulate violence in NBA

Attention high school administrators and coaches: Fight Night at the local gym or football field could be coming soon. I hope I #39;m wrong, but unless schools, players and parents take steps in response to recent news reports, it will happen locally.


Sudan - Chris Mullin Statement on Continuing Violence in Darfur

I condemn the recent increase in violence in Darfur, including attacks by the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) on Tawilla and at Kalma.


Solana has to retract claim over Hamas

Javier Solana, European Union foreign policy chief, was on Thursday forced to issue a retraction after saying he had made  quot;direct contact quot; with Hamas, listed by the EU as a banned terrorist group.


Myskina Issues Ultimatum Over Sharapova (AP)

AP - French Open champion Anastasia Myskina will quit Russia's Fed Cup team if Maria Sharapova joins the squad next year, saying she doesn't like the Wimbledon champion's father.


Nations split over post-quota system strategy

By Frances Williams in Geneva and Raymond Colitt in So Paulo. Developing countries in the World Trade Organisation remain split over what, if any action, the WTO should take to help smaller textiles producers


US airlines take action on finances

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines both took further steps to tackle the US aviation industry #39;s crippling financial crisis, despite the normally quiet Thanksgiving holiday period.


British FM pledges support for Palestinian vote (AFP)

AFP - Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw pledged full support for the Palestinian election to find a successor to Yasser Arafat after paying homage to the veteran leader at his graveside.


Morgan backs himself into a corner

The last 48 hours have turned into a nightmare for the England  amp; Wales Cricket Board. The one thing that the board wanted to avoid from the off was a repeat of the near-farcical scenes which surrounded the


NFL memo reminds teams about security

The NFL sent a memo to all its teams reminding them about the league #39;s commitment to security following last week #39;s brawl at an NBA game.


Attorney: CU could face serious NCAA sanctions

The University of Colorado could face serious NCAA sanctions if private donations for a summer football camp were used for recruiting, an attorney said.


Reliance vice-chair sees "long days" ahead in rift (Reuters)

Reuters - A rift between the Ambani brothers, who run India's Reliance conglomerate, is unlikely to be resolved soon, the younger brother indicated on Thursday after six directors resigned from the board of Reliance Energy Ltd..


Bush Seeks Money for Abstinence Education (AP)

AP - President Bush's re-election insures that more federal money will flow to abstinence education that precludes discussion of birth control, even as the administration awaits evidence that the approach gets kids to refrain from sex.


Indian cos. seek business with Pakistan

When Pakistan #39;s prime minister made a rare visit this week to India, plenty of people had little interest in talking about regional peace, or the Kashmir militancy, or nuclear proliferation.


Lucas takes podium finish in Macau!

Lucas Di Grassi took a podium finish on his maiden visit to Macaus Guia circuit. Quite an accomplishment for the young Brazilian.


Panda handstand makes its mark

Remarkable filmwork of pandas in the wild shows how these rare bears engage in some gymnastics to mark their territory.


EU court to rule on Microsoft case mid-December

The European Union (EU) #39;s Court of First Instance will decide between 18 and 20 December whether to suspend the European Commission #39;s sanctions against software giant Microsoft


Recording companies to allow legal file swap

Universal Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group -- three of the four major recording companies -- have licensed their catalog of music to Saratoga Springs-based Wurld Media, the firm said Wednesday.


Gold Fields calls for halt to Harmony bid

Harmony Gold #39;s (HAR) offer and to vote in favour of the transaction with Canada #39;s IAMGOLD.  quot;Over the past six weeks you have been inundated with misinformation in support of Harmony #39;s value destroying, hostile


Russia to take concrete steps in economic cooperation with <b>...</b>

The Russian government intends to take concrete efforts to develop trade and economic relations with Venezuela, Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said on Thursday, according to the Russian media.


Extremely Critical Winamp flaw

p2pnet.net News:- Winamp has an extremely critical security hole that could be exploited by hackers to compromise a user #39;s system.


Pirates Near Shedding Kendall's Contract (AP)

AP - Jason Kendall has been one of baseball's steadiest offensive players since his rookie season in 1996, a player who rarely takes an at-bat or a day off. His uniform is always the dirtiest in the clubhouse after a game.


Ranieri believes victory to be turning point

Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri believes that his side #39;s Champions League win at Anderlecht on Wednesday will be a turning point for his team, but believes they have to improve further if they are to qualify for the last sixteen.


CSKA Moscow Need Abramovichs Help After Champions League Defeat

Theoretically, CSKA Moscow can still qualify for the next round of the Champions League, but last nights home defeat to reigning champions Porto has lengthened the odds greatly.


Troussier for Marseille boss

Philippe Troussier and Olympique de Marseille have reached an  quot;agreement in principle quot; for the Frenchman to take over the reins at the troubled outfit.


IAEA: Confidence in Iran #39;s Nuclear Program Has Eroded

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran has exempted some centrifuges from its commitment to freeze uranium enrichment and lacks trustworthiness because of past concealment and delays in disclosing information.


Rwanda vows to attack rebels

President Paul Kagame said Congo and the international community had failed to tackle the rebels for 10 years.  quot;If the international community cannot take care of this problem


Family feud prompts six directors to quit

Six directors of Reliance Energy, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, India #39;s biggest private sector company, yesterday resigned from the board as


England Cricket Tour of Zimbabwe Back On

Englands controversial cricket tour of Zimbabwe was back on tonight after a ban on British journalists was lifted. But the Tories accused the Government of having


Fatah Council Backs Abbas for Palestinian President (Reuters)

Reuters - The Revolutionary Council\of the Palestinians' dominant political faction Fatah approved\Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday as its candidate to succeed Yasser\Arafat in a presidential election set for Jan. 9.


#39;Sedimental #39; journey nearly over

A grand experiment for the Grand Canyon, the controlled flood designed to reinvigorate the Colorado River ecosystem will finish today, while scientific research on the results steps up.


Wenger Confident Of Euro Progress

Arsene Wenger is confident that his Arsenal side will progress to the next stage of the Champions League despite missing two key players for the final group game in two weeks.


Microsoft awaits penalties timing

Microsoft is expected to hear next month whether antitrust penalties imposed by the European Commission will become effective immediately, or whether they will be suspended for possibly four to five years.


Yukos directors  #39;flee #39; Russia

LONDON - The entire management board of the embattled Russian oil company Yukos appears to have fled the country for fear of arrest.


I was kept in the dark: Anil

Letter to Mukesh says dilution of powers is not legal; Anil hints at ulterior motive. Anil Ambani has written to his brother Mukesh, saying his powers as vice-chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries


Chicago to Sell City-Related Items on eBay (AP)

AP - City officials hope there are people willing to pay plenty of money to own a vintage Playboy Bunny costume, toss green dye into the Chicago River or throw a dinner party prepared by Oprah Winfrey's chef.


Major paedophile trial begins in Portugal (AFP)

AFP - Seven people, including a popular TV star and a former diplomat, went on trial in Portugal in a high-profile child abuse case involving minors from a network of state-run children's homes.


Iran Insists on Keeping Some Centrifuges (AP)

AP - Iran insisted Thursday it had a right to exempt some equipment from an agreement with the European Union committing it to freeze all parts of a program that can make nuclear weapons-grade uranium  #151; a move that diplomats said threatened to scuttle the deal.


Sharman blends Skype with Kazaa

PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 25 - Sharman Networks has announced that Kazaa Version 3 will integrate Skype software via the recently released Skype API.


Telenor urges fair regulatory system in Thailand (FT.com)

FT.com - Telenor, the Norwegian telecommunications company, on Thursday called for "a level-playing field" in Thailand's mobile industry, urging a newly-established Thai telecoms regulator swiftly to create a fair new interconnection regime.


China to Set Up Wal-Mart Union Branches (AP)

AP - China's Communist Party-controlled union is ready to help Wal-Mart Stores Inc. set up union branches at its Chinese outlets "as soon as possible," reports and union officials said Thursday.


India Considers Granting Greater Autonomy to Kashmir

India says it would consider granting autonomy to the disputed region of Kashmir to help make peace with Pakistan, but added it will not redraw its borders.


We will curb violence, Palestinians tell Straw

The foreign secretary, Jack Straw, today won an assurance from Palestinian political leaders that they would act to halt the violence against Israelis but ruled out a meeting with Hamas.


Hunters Off the Hook for Bison Declines (AP)

AP - Big game hunters may be off the hook in the latest twist of a prehistoric whodunit that tries to explain why bison populations sharply crashed thousands of years ago.


Study: Dead Cicadas Help the Soil (AP)

AP - Even in death, the 17-year cicadas made their mark. Their decaying carcasses gave a super-size boost in nutrients to forest soil and stimulated seed and nitrogen production in a plant important to the forest ecosystem, researchers reported in Friday's issue of the journal Science.


Summary Box: Cicada Carcasses Help Soil (AP)

AP - WHEN CICADAS DIE: Decaying cicada carcasses provide a massive boost in nutrients to forest soil and stimulate seed and nitrogen production in a plant important to the forest ecosystem, researchers reported.


A Madeover Berlin Struggles for Top City Status (Reuters)

Reuters - The massive cranes that towered over\Berlin for much of the past decade, an omnipresent symbol of\the city's renaissance, no longer dominate the skyline.


Lastminute losses almost double

Shares in online travel firm Lastminute tumble as it reports pre-tax losses of 77m - almost double the figure of a year ago.


Gold Hits 16-Year High as Dollar Plunges Against Euro

With the dollar hitting a third straight day of record lows against the euro, gold rose above \$450 an ounce for the first time in more than 16 years.


Bison shed light on big wipeout

New data casts doubt on the popular theory that big North American mammals were wiped out by human hunting.


Colts Take 27-9 Lead Against Detroit

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play in the huddle during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, in Chicago.


Top Yukos Executives, Including 2 Americans, Flee Russia

Top executives at the Russian oil company Yukos, including two Americans, have left Russia, saying they fear persecution as a result of the company #39;s continuing dispute with the Kremlin.


Irish cigarette sales slump

Cigarette sales in Ireland have fallen by 17.6 percent this year after it became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on smoking in the workplace.


Hunters off the hook for bison declines

Big game hunters may be off the hook in the latest twist of a prehistoric whodunit that tries to explain why bison populations sharply crashed thousands of years ago.


Phishing Scams Increase Dramatically

Phishing scams increased by more than 100 in October causing banks, financial services firms and popular consumer websites until grief.


Russia, France cruise into Fed Cup final

Moscow, Russia (Sports Network) - Russia and France cruised into the Fed Cup final Thursday, completing 5-0 shutouts over opponents Austria and Spain after taking commanding early leads in the semifinals.


IOC urges Turin organizers to resolve problems soon

On a day when police inspected Turin #39;s financial records, the IOC urged Italian organizers to sort out their problems soon or risk a crisis of confidence in the 2006 Winter Olympics.


Pakistan PM satisfied over his New Delhi visit

Islamabad, Nov 25 (UNI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz today expressed satisfaction on what he called positive interactions with the Indian leadership in New Delhi and hoped the dialogue process would continue to move forward.


Toronto stock market registers gains thanks to resource, finance <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Higher oil and gold prices along with a financial services sector on the mend fuelled respectable gains on the Toronto stock market Thursday.


Bengals #39; Palmer leaves practice with back spasms

CINCINNATI (Nov. 25, 2004) -- Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer left practice Nov. 25 with back spasms but is expected to play against the Cleveland Browns.


Jailed Barghouti to run in Palestinian presidential election

Jailed uprising leader Marwan Barghouti has decided to run in the Palestinian presidential election as an independent candidate to replace late Yasser Arafat,the local Ha #39;aretz daily reported Thursday.


Opera, Mozilla Ready for Prime Time

Opera, Mozilla Ready for Prime Time\\Early Internet surfers, which of course means something less than a decade ago for most of us, will remember the days when Netscape was the only real browser in town. For those who don't remember, there was a time when Netscape was for sale in ...


GuruNet Spins Off Answers.com - A Reference Driven Search Engine\\GuruNet Corporation today announced the release of Answers.com, a site-and-software combination providing instant reference answers rather than lists of search engine links. GuruNet Corporation, through its Answers.com site, plans to generate revenues from ads placed alongside its topic entries, rather than ...


Giants Look for Way to Stop Owens, Eagles (AP)

AP - Will Allen doesn't mind watching Terrell Owens do his elaborate touchdown celebrations. The New York Giants cornerback just doesn't want to see the Philadelphia Eagles receiver do it on Sunday at Giants Stadium.


No. 18 Sun Devils Seek to Stop Wildcats (AP)

AP - Arizona State (8-2 overall, 5-2 Pac-10) is averaging just over 30 points. The Wildcats (2-8, 1-6) are averaging a measly 13 points, ranking them 117th in Division I.


France's Pierce Exits Fed Cup Semifinal (AP)

AP - Two-time major champion Mary Pierce pulled out of France's Fed Cup semifinal against Spain because of a right shoulder injury, the French tennis federation said on its Web site Tuesday.


Marines Celebrate Thanksgiving in Iraq (AP)

AP - Lt. Sven Jensen's U.S. Marines unit survived for weeks on military rations while living rough in Iraq's Fallujah, so he wrangled a truck Thursday and drove his men to the rear for a rare treat: Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce.


Bestselling author Hailey is dead

British-born writer Arthur Hailey, author of 11 best-sellers, dies at his home in the Bahamas, says his wife Sheila.


Gold Hits 16-Year High as Dollar Plunges Vs. Euro

With the dollar hitting a third straight day of record lows against the euro, gold rose above \$450 an ounce for the first time in more than 16 years.


Record number likely to hit road

Higher gasoline prices, hotel rates and air fares aren #39;t expected to deter travelers this Thanksgiving. Instead, a record number of people will be on the road and in the air this year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.


SBC, Yahoo, 2Wire, and Dish Network Partner For Multimedia Entertainment Monster\\SBC Communications and 2Wire Inc.teamed up to deliver a home entertainment service that integrates satellite TV programming, digital video recording, video on demand, and Internet content including photos and music via an award-winning new set-top box  #8212; and ties it ...


Second oil spill this week shuts down Nfld rig

ST. JOHN #39;S, Nfld. - Officials have shut down a drilling rig at the Terra Nova offshore oil project following another oil spill Thursday morning.


Hunters Off the Hook for Bison Declines

WASHINGTON Nov 25, 2004 - Big game hunters may be off the hook in the latest twist of a prehistoric whodunit that tries to explain why bison populations sharply crashed thousands of years ago.


New game recreates JFK assassination

A new video game allows players to simulate the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. The release of  quot;JFK Reloaded quot; is timed to coincide with the 41st anniversary of Kennedy #39;s murder in Dallas and


Students put university on eBay

Students at Exeter University have put the institution up for sale on internet auction site eBay as part of their protest against proposed cuts.


Pirates! Ships!

It #39;s unfortunately not the next Uncharted Waters game, but the remake of a classic Sid Meier #39;s title will certainly do... Atari and Firaxis Games announced today that the highly-anticipated sequel to one of


Bengals #39; Palmers leaves practice

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer missed the second half of Thursday #39;s practice while receiving treatment for back spasms.


Iran wants centrifuges exempted from uranium enrichment freeze <b>...</b>

Iran insisted Thursday it had a right to exempt some equipment from an agreement with the European Union committing it to freeze all parts of a program that can make nuclear weapons-grade uranium, a move that diplomats said


Rwandan and Congo Leaders to Meet

The presidents of Congo and Rwanda could meet soon to calm renewed tensions between the neighboring countries, according to presidential aides.


Madrid 2012 Protests Paris 2012 Bid Promotion

Madrid 2012 organizers complained that Paris 2012 had broken bidding rules for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games by using Frances embassies in Oslo and Kuwait to hold events promoting its candidacy.


Salvation Army bell ringers find new donation sites

(RALEIGH, North Carolina)-- Wake County #39;s Salvation Army will have dozens of new donation sites this holiday. That #39;s in large part because Target decided not to allow any non-profit groups in front of its stores.


Manning Shines As Colts Gobble Up Lions (AP)

AP - Peyton Manning broke one of Dan Marino's records, took a big step toward another and didn't even have to play the whole game to do it. Manning threw for six touchdowns in less than three quarters and raised his season total to 41 scoring passes to lead the Indianapolis Colts past the Detroit Lions 41-9 Thursday.


Paraguay Seizes 300 Kg Cocaine at Brazil Border (Reuters)

Reuters - Paraguayan anti-drug agents\seized their biggest cocaine haul in 15 years after searching a\small airplane near the border with Brazil, a state prosecutor\told Reuters on Thursday.


Bison Populations Decimated by Cold, Not Hunting, Study Says

North American bison populations suffered a sharp decline long before humans inhabited the continent, indicating that environmental factors, not hunting, wiped out the animals, according to a study published in the journal Science.


Informal six-nation talks on NKorea nuclear drive next month: report (AFP)

AFP - Informal six-nation talks on North Korea's nuclear program may take place in mid-December in Beijing, South Korea's state-run KBS television network reported.


Senate report says Canadians won't cut greenhouse gases until it costs them (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - (CP) - It's time for Canadians to stop paying lip service to climate change and start paying cash in the form of higher bills to tank up their cars and heat their homes, says a Senate report released Thursday.


Away From Home and Family, a Slice of Tradition

For U.S. soldiers in Iraq celebrating Thanksgiving away from their families, the day's events showed some traditions can be transplanted, even to the palm groves and farm fields near Baqubah.


University Up for Sale in Spoof Auction

which plans to axe three academic departments to save money -as been put up for sale on the internet auction site eBay. The campus is on offer at 10 million in


NFL: Manning Fires Six TD Passes as Colts Rout Lions (Reuters)

Reuters - Peyton Manning threw six touchdown\passes, setting a National Football League record with his\fifth straight game with at least four TD tosses, as the\Indianapolis Colts hammered the Detroit Lions 41-9 in U.S.\Thanksgiving Day play in Detroit.


Lehmann slams  #39;arrogant #39; ref

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has accused German referee Herbert Fandel, who sent off two Arsenal players in Eindhoven, of being  quot;very arrogant quot;.


Davidson #39;s Williams Hopes Dashed

BAR Honda have dashed Anthony Davidson #39;s hopes for a top drive in 2005, and blamed the Williams team in the process. BAR technical director Geoff Willis said that Williams would not compromise on an  #39;unconditional arrangement.