BT sells Eutelsat satellite stake

BT Group says the sale of its 15.8 stake in the Paris-based satellite operator Eutelsat is part of a strategy to focus on its core telephony business.


Japan #39;s steel crisis forces Nissan to cut car production

JAPANS two biggest steelmakers admitted for the first time yesterday that they were unable to satisfy demand, forcing Nissan, the carmaker, to cut its fourth-quarter production target by 30,000 vehicles.


Dollar recovers on denial of Chinese sell-off

The dollar rallied from new lows in European morning trade on Friday as a Chinese official backtracked from earlier claims that China had started to shift


Singapore Shares End Down On Weak US Dlr, Indus Output

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore shares ended lower Friday, tracking regional markets on renewed concerns that the sagging US dollar against the Singapore dollar will hurt exports and economic growth.


Celtics Defeat Reeling Hornets 108-90 (AP)

AP - Paul Pierce had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth career triple-double, and Raef LaFrentz had 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Boston Celtics defeated New Orleans 108-90 Monday night, sending the Hornets to their eighth consecutive loss.


The never-ending search

Fascination with the Holy Grail has lasted for centuries, and now the Bletchley Park code-breakers have joined the hunt. But what is it that #39;s made the grail the definition of something


Critical Flaw in WinAmp

A critical security flaw has been discovered in WinAmp that exploits the stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability allowing attacks from hackers.


Ancient bison done in by climate, not hunters

Thousands of years before white and Indian hunters drove the buffalo of America #39;s Great Plains to virtual extinction, the ancestors of those lordly animals suffered a similar fate -- but it was major climate change, not hunting, that did them in, says an


Nintendo moving into online within 3 to 4 years - Miyamoto

Comments attributed to Nintendo #39;s Shigeru Miyamoto in this week #39;s Famitsu magazine indicate that the company is planning to bring its systems online within a three to four year timescale, with DS leading the way.


Hard-working Preston had to go

Prospective Livingston owner Pearse Flynn has praised Allan Preston for keeping the team afloat during an uncertain financial time but insists results on the field did not match the commitment of the sacked manager.


Colts 41, Lions 9

While Peyton Manning tried to downplay his individual accomplishments, receiver Brandon Stokley heaped on the praise.  quot;Hes the best thats ever played this game as far as quarterbacks are concerned, quot; Stokley said.


Palace brawl When lines break down, there #39;s chaos

So now, the second wave of reaction has set in to last Friday night #39;s Pistons-Pacers-Fans brawl at the Palace. At first, the reaction was shock, dismay, outrage.


Abbas makes election move, possibly to push back activist <b>...</b>

The interim Palestinian leader promised to set a date for internal elections in the ruling Fatah movement, a Cabinet minister said Friday, in an apparent attempt to persuade the head of Fatah #39;s restless young guard to drop out


World 'short of health workers'

Millions more health workers are needed if global health is going to be improved over the next decade, a study says.


EU gets tough on fusion reactor

European research ministers state their intention to go it alone on a multi-billion euro nuclear project if arguments with international partners are not resolved soon.


U.S. Commander Makes Afghan Visit (AP)

AP - Gen. John Abizaid, the head of U.S. Central Command, made a surprise Thanksgiving Day visit to troops in Afghanistan and met Friday with the country's president.


US dollar whipsaws on worries over China

LONDON The dollar went for a see-saw ride Friday, plunging after a comment from a Chinese policy maker appeared to undermine already fragile market sentiment toward the US currency, but rebounding after the official retracted the remark.


Oil giant in Russia is closer to collapse

MOSCOW Yukos has moved closer to collapse after six of the Russian oil company #39;s top executives, including the American chief executive and the chief financial officer, fled the country, citing fear of persecution from the Kremlin.


EU judge on Microsoft - one month until ruling

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


Update 12: Bargain Shoppers Get Early Holiday Start

Bargain shoppers, many of them braving chilly temperatures, woke up before dawn to head for the nation #39;s malls and stores Friday, the official beginning of the holiday shopping season, hoping to take advantage of early bird specials on a range of items


JLT falls on profits warning

Shares in Jardine Lloyd Thomas, the UK #39;s largest insurance broker, have plunged 20 per cent after the company issued a profit warning for the year and chief executive Steve McGill quit.


Salvation Army rings in the holidays

or so hopes the Salvation Army. Each year volunteers and employees appear in malls across Broward County to ring bells from early November to Christmas Eve.


Court Blocks Gold Fields Takeover Attempt

Gold Fields Ltd. said Friday that a South Africa #39;s Competition Appeal Court has temporarily blocked a hostile takeover bid from Harmony Gold Mining Co.


Philippines likely to keep 2004 budget deficit below ceiling

The Philippines is likely to keep well within the 2004 budget and consolidated public sector deficittargets due to improved revenue flows and increased electricity tariffs, officials said Friday.


Hong Kongs GDP expands 7.2 on tourist spending

Hong Kongs gross domestic product rose 7.2 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter as strong trade flows and tourist spending continued to drive its recovery from the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome last year.


#39;Easy exit #39; clause hints at News Corp man #39;s Disney move

The race to succeed Disney chief Michael Eisner took an intriguing turn yesterday when it emerged that a highranking Murdoch employee has signed a new contract making it easy for him to leave ... but only if he goes to Disney.


US yawns over number switching

Software salesman Kevin Johnson was no match for the Blackberry 7100 cell phone on display at a downtown San Francisco T-Mobile USA store.


UK government hit with another large computer failure

NOVEMBER 26, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - IT system failures continued to plague the UK government this week, when as many as 80,000 civil servants working for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) had to deal with what is being described in the local


Microsoft offers amnesty program to pirated WinXP users

MICROSOFT Corp. is staging another attack against software pirates with an amnesty program for unwitting users of bootlegged copies of its Windows XP operating system (OS).


Climatic change put an end to bison existence

An international research team claims that it was major climate change, not hunting that led to major bison extinction. Moving in huge herds, more than 20 million bison roamed the American West before white men arrived.


Record Labels Support Filesharing

Three major record companies have signed on to a new service which will allow their music to be sold via file-swapping. The new project is an attempt to lure fans away from filesharing services which are technically


Government says Finnish with IE 6

A government agency in Finland is urging the country #39;s citizens to avoid use of Internet Explorer until Microsoft has patched the Bofra vulnerability.


Moon gas could meet Earth #39;s future energy demands: Scientists

A potential gas source found on the Moon #39;s surface could hold the key to meeting future energy demands as the Earth #39;s fossil fuels dry up in the coming decades, scientists said on Friday.


Phishers tapping botnets to automate attacks

Computer criminals are making phishing more potent by automating attacks. Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) analysts reckon fraudsters are using automated tools and botnets to ramp up attacks.


South Korea bans Ghost Recon 2

The latest Tom Clancy based military title from French publisher Ubisoft has been rejected by South Korea #39;s Media Rating Board, forcing the company to drop its plans to launch the game in the region.


SOUNESS READY TO TEST TITUS

Newcastle manager Graeme Souness has challenged Titus Bramble to grow up fast to make himself an international defender. The much-maligned 23-year-old turned in a rock-solid display in the Magpies #39; 4-0 UEFA


Notebook: Return in Hughes #39; skates?

For the first time in more than a year, 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes will skate for an audience Saturday. BY Todd Plitt, USA TODAY.


Langer exploits popgun attack

JUSTIN Langer sniffed the rarified air of cricket #39;s 20-century club, but it took Darren Lehmann #39;s 28 not out to give a nervous home city sweet dreams last night.


Success eluding Harrington, Lions

At least Thursday he was. Joey Harrington is frustrated. Joey Harrington is searching for answers, the same as everyone else here.


Lotito: We #39;re Disappointed

Lazio only managed a 2-2 at home against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday night in the Uefa Cup, a result which disappointed all Biancoceleste supporters, in particular President Lotito.


Barnes still in the hunt

ALL too often at a championship that produces a relatively surprising leader after the opening round, does that player get rather overtaken at the enormity of the situation and slide, sometimes none too gracefully, away down the leaderboard and out of the


Pacers 106, T-wolves 102

INDIANAPOLIS - Another improbable win has the Pacers brimming with confidence. And Indiana has Jamaal Tinsley to thank for that. The guard scored 20 points, recorded 14 assists and grabbed seven rebounds to


Iranian cleric upbeat on closure of nuclear case

A top Iranian cleric expressed optimism Friday that Iran #39;s nuclear case might not be referred to the United Nations Security Council, the official IRNA news agency reported.


8 killed in knife attack at Chinese high school

BEIJING A man with a knife broke into a high school dormitory and killed eight students in the deadliest of a series of such attacks at Chinese schools in recent months, the government said Friday.


Palace denies Harry security threat in Argentina

Prince Harry is making news again in Britain, with reports he had to return home from Argentina after shots were fired at the ranch where he was staying, and that there may have been a plot to kidnap him.


Indonesian leader visits site of separatist conflict

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, who has vowed to end the conflict in Aceh Province, made his first visit there Friday against a backdrop of continued violence.


Earthquake hit Indonesia, killing 11 and injuring 65

A heavy quake rocked Indonesia #39;s Papua province killing at least 11 people and wounding 75. The quake destroyed 150 buildings, including churches, mosques and schools.


Arms cache in mosque

US troops have found a massive weapons cache in the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah. As the grim toll in the fight for the ruined city passed 2000, Iraqi soldiers combing


NBA: James Returns to Lead Cavaliers Over Bobcats

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sports Network) - LeBron James, playing  his first game since suffering a facial fracture, scored a  game-high 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six  assists to lead Cleveland to a 94-83 win over the Bobcats at  Charlotte Coliseum.


U.S. and Other Countries Deliver Aid in Indonesia

In 30 sorties on Monday, U.S. helicopters delivered more than 60,000 pounds of water, medical supplies and food.


Music Companies Embrace P2P File-Sharing

Even as the RIAA continues to sue downloaders of illegal music over file-sharing networks, some music companies are finally finding ways to use P2P to their advantage.


IOC Wants to Expel Bulgarian Official (AP)

AP - The IOC recommended Friday that Bulgaria's top Olympic official be expelled from the organization for unethical conduct.


Beckham #39;s not finished, says Eriksson

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed his under-fire captain David Beckham to rediscover his best form. Midfielder Beckham received particular


Four Killed in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone

A US Army 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment soldier scans the area through his rifle scope during a joint early morning raid on insurgent targets by Iraqi and US forces, during which 13 suspects were detained in Mosul, Iraq Friday, Nov. 26, 2004.


Guerrilla #39;s assistant captured, says Iraq

A lieutenant of Iraq #39;s most feared insurgent leader, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was captured this week, the country #39;s national security minister said Thursday, and


Clenched fists now the norm

To me, the Thanksgiving holiday is the beginning of a six- week stretch filled with food, family and fun. A time to reflect about the things I #39;m thankful for as well as enjoy


Algeria reveals rebel crackdown

Algerian officials say they have arrested the leader of a radical Islamic group and killed his deputy.


Runaway Rod hard to rein in

ONE of Queensland golfer Rod Pampling #39;s principal endorsements is from a company that manufactures a flea treatment for dogs. He wore the Bayer cloth badge proudly on his chest yesterday while dusting down


Moss In; Birk and Dorsey Out?

The Vikings feared they would lose Matt Birk for much longer than they did earlier this season. With his pain resurfacing, he will likely be a gametime decision Sunday.


Americans Hit Shops, Holiday Season Opens

Americans stormed the nation #39;s shops on Friday after US Thanksgiving Day at the start of the holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer electronics and Santa.


Chile Cuts Emissions, Helps Japan, Canada (AP)

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


Deepest U.S. Reef Found Off Florida Coast (AP)

AP - Marine researchers have discovered the deepest coral reef ever found in the United States in about 250 feet of water off the Florida coast.


Arms Dealer Linked to Thatcher Escaped Death Sentence

South African arms dealer Nick du Toit, who has been linked to Sir Mark Thatcher, was jailed for 34 years in Equatorial Guinea today for his part in a failed coup.


Fallujah assault brings no Zarqawi lead

The Fallujah assault has failed to secure any information leading to the possible arrest of key insurgent Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a US major has admitted.


Record Number of Tornadoes Reported in '04 (AP)

AP - The bad news: more tornadoes were reported in Kansas and the nation last year than at any time since records have been kept.


Clubbing in Barcelona

So, you thought testing happened in front of empty grandstands? Not when the Renault F1 Team fan club is involved


Wall Street ends higher despite oil price spike

NEW YORK : Wall Street managed to end on a positive note Wednesday, brushing off fresh oil price spikes and disappointing economic news, including a surprise drop in consumer sentiment last month.


Jardine Lloyd Profit to Fall; Chief Executive Quits (Update3)

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Plc, the UK #39;s biggest publicly traded insurance broker, said Chief Executive Steve McGill quit and profit will decline this year because of a difficult #39; #39; second half.


Pensions computer failure the  #39;worst ever #39;

Civil Servants have been reduced to writing out benefit claims by hand after what experts are calling the biggest crash in computer history.


Impressive Newcastle rout Sochaux

LONDON, England -- Newcastle achieved their first European success in France as a 4-0 win over Sochaux took the Premier League team to the top of UEFA Group D. A first half goal from Lee Bowyer and strikes


Congress Urged to Fix Terror Oversight (AP)

AP - Successful in pushing for restructuring of the nation's intelligence network, Sept. 11 families and investigators began pressing lawmakers on Monday to change the way Congress oversees the fight against terrorism.


Consistent Pampling is trampling the field in the 100th Australian <b>...</b>

Australia #39;s Rod Pampling took a four-stroke lead in the 100th Australian Open on Friday, shooting his second straight 4-under 67.


Birk won #39;t play Sunday

Vikings Pro Bowl center Matt Birk was downgraded from probable to out Thursday morning, while receiver Randy Moss took another step toward returning to action.


Italian race shame overshadows UEFA Cup

PARIS (AFP) - Newcastle United booked their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup but the latest round of group matches was overshadowed by another depressing outbreak of racism on European terraces.


8 teens murdered at Chinese school

A MAN stabbed eight teenagers to death and injured four others after breaking into a school in central China Friday morning, teachers and local authorities said.


WTO to EU, Japan: Sanction U.S. Trade (Reuters)

Reuters - The World Trade Organization (WTO) gave\final approval on Friday to the European Union, Japan and\others to hit the United States with some  #36;150 million in trade\sanctions in a dispute over an illegal anti-dumping law.


POLL- Managers Eye Stocks Post-Election (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. money managers took the\re-election of President Bush as a cue to make a significant\shift to stocks from bonds after months of hesitation, a new\Reuters asset allocation poll shows.


Cingular Sells Some Assets to Alltel (Reuters)

Reuters - Cingular Wireless said on Friday it\struck a deal to sell some assets to Alltel Corp.  for\ #36;170 million in cash, a move that will help it meet the\government's divestiture requirements stemming from its\purchase of AT T Wireless.


Americans Hit Shops, Holiday Season Opens (Reuters)

Reuters - Americans stormed the nation's shops\on Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving Day at the start of the\holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer\electronics and Santa.


US anti-dumping law draws WTO sanctions

GENEVA - The World Trade Organization approved strong sanctions Friday against the United States for legislation that allows US companies to receive some duties collected from foreign competitors.


Fiserv in Talks for Australian Pact

Fiserv Inc., a provider of information technology services to the financial industry, on Friday said it is negotiating a deal to manage a proposed check-processing joint venture with three of Australia #39;s largest banks.


Center of attention: Vikings #39; Birk battling through pain

Eden Prairie, MN (Sports Network) - Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk is hampered with possibly another hernia and is expected to miss Sunday #39;s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.


Region to Add Thousands Of Seasonal Employees

Sometimes, the part-time jobs can lead to permanent positions. But for many seasonal workers, the job simply means income and nice discounts at a time of year when many people want the extra cash.


Managers buy out struggling QXL

QXL Ricardo, the UK's version of internet auction site eBay, agrees to let its management take the company private.


House-price boom 'splits Britain'

Rising property prices are making the gap between rich and poor far worse, housing charity Shelter say.


Peru Rebel Leader Offers to Surrender (Reuters)

Reuters - The leader of an armed group which\took over a police station in a southern Peruvian town three\days ago and demanded the president's resignation made a fresh\promise on Monday to surrender.


Airport Uses Web-Based Flight Info System (AP)

AP - Fresno's airport is the first in the nation to use a Web-based wireless system that relies on radar  #151; not the carriers  #151; for the flight information displayed in its terminals, airport officials said.


How the worm turned on car makers

FIVE years ago, Carlos Ghosn, the pioneering chief of Nissan, demanded that the car maker #39;s main steel suppliers either cut their prices or risk losing its business.


Salvation Army looks for new fundraising  quot;target quot;

It #39;s going to be a little quieter outside of Target stores this holiday season. The company isn #39;t allowing the Salvation Army bell ringers outside its stores.


Mayban Unit Trust eyes RM4b fund size

Mayban Unit Trust Bhd plans to double its total fund size to at least RM4bil by the middle of next year to capture a larger slice of the local fund management industry, said chief executive officer Shamsuddin Bahari.


Ground share meeting on Merseyside

LONDON, England -- One of the fiercest rivalries in world football could be set to one side under possible plans for Premier League Liverpool and Everton to share a ground.


Zidane backs Paris bid for 2012 Olympics

French soccer star Zinedine Zidane has thrown his support behind Paris #39; campaign to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Paris bid committee said Friday.


Report Alleges Gay Abuse in Jamaica (AP)

AP - A report by a watchdog agency alleges widespread abuse against gays in this Caribbean island, known for the slogan "one love."


Four Killed in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone

A mortar attack killed four employees of a British security firm and wounded 15 others in the Baghdad #39;s Green Zone, a fortified area that houses the US and Iraqi leadership, the company and British officials said Friday.


U.N. Condemns Rebel Capture of Darfur Town (AP)

AP - The United Nations has condemned the rebel capture of a town in Darfur province, saying it violates a cease-fire agreement and jeopardizes the lives of tens of thousands of people who will not receive aid because of the fighting.


Ukrainian rivals to hold meeting

Opposing sides in the disputed presidential elections are due to meet, outgoing president Leonid Kuchma says.


Vital polls for Palestinian party

Top Palestinian political faction Fatah is to hold its first internal elections for 16 years next August.


Pringle to risk Zim deportation

Journalist Derek Pringle will refuse to sign a declaration that commits him to cover only cricket in Zimbabwe.


Two senior officials 'leave CIA'

Two senior CIA officials are reported to have quit in the latest sign of turmoil within the US spy organisation.


Football: Juve doctor convicted

A doctor is convicted of administering banned drugs to Juventus players in the 1990s.


IOC recommends Slavkov expulsion

The IOC wants suspended Olympic member Ivan Slavkov to be thrown out of the organisation.


Four former Gurkhas dead in Iraq

Four employees of a British security firm are killed inside the high-security Green Zone in Baghdad.


Dollar hits new low, then hits back

The dollar hit a record low against the euro for a fourth day running on Friday but rebounded swiftly as traders grew nervous about the possibility of central bank intervention.


TiVo Unveils Portable Transfer Service (AP)

AP - TiVo Inc. pioneered digital video recording as a new way of watching television  #151; when you want it. Now it could be TV where you want it, too.


Call for inquiry into benefits computer crash

Union leaders today called for an inquiry into a massive computer crash which disabled the government #39;s benefits system, forcing civil servants to write out giro cheques by hand.


Finnish Warn against IE6

Authorities in Finland have warned their citizen against using Microsofts Internet Explorer 6, citing a serious security flaw within the browser.


Moon gas could meet earth #39;s energy demands

A potential gas source found on the moon #39;s surface could hold the key to meeting future energy demands as the earth #39;s fossil fuels dry up in the coming decades, scientists said.


'EICU' Lets Doctors Monitor Many Patients (AP)

AP - Your next doctor could be keeping an eye on you from afar  #151; via a camera and a bank of computer screens. An expanding number of hospitals are adopting technology that allows critical care doctors and nurses to monitor dozens of patients at different hospitals simultaneously, much as an air traffic controller keeps track of several planes.


Dodd leads chilly China Open

Wales #39; Stephen Dodd shot a 2-under 70 in cold and rainy conditions Friday to take a three-stroke lead in the China Open, the first event of the 2005 PGA European Tour schedule.


Golf roundup: Barnes takes Aussie lead

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.


Dollar at New All-Time Low vs. Euro

The U.S. dollar hit a new all-time low against the euro Friday for the fourth straight day, pushing the European currency above \$1.33 amid concerns about the twin U.S. deficits and the lack of any central bank action to stop the dollar's decline.


US Airways Reaches Deal on Aircraft Financing

US Airways Group Inc. said Friday it has reached agreement with General Electric Co. on aircraft leasing and financing terms that will help the airline lower costs and reduce debt as it seeks to avoid liquidation. The airline will also have to do more cost cutting on its own.


Fear Stalks YUKOS HQ Amid Raids and Arrest Warrants

Under a powdery gray Moscow sky, YUKOS employees trudged through the snow to work on Friday, fearful for the future but afraid to speak out against a government about to dismember the once-mighty oil firm.


#39;Business as usual #39; for US Airways

Fears of labor-related disruptions at US Airways failed to materialize at Pittsburgh or anywhere else in the airline #39;s travel system Wednesday as the nation #39;s busiest travel season began.


Retailers Usher in the Holiday Season

Apple Store customers in San Francisco test the iPod Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004. The iPod is one of the hot electronic items on the Christmas list of many a holiday shopper.


Insurer Jardine issues warning

Shares in the UK #39;s largest insurance broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) have taken a tumble after the firm issued a profits warning.


DATA VIEW:Hong Kong Economy Began To Slow In 3rd Quarter

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hong Kong #39;s economy began a widely anticipated slowdown in the third quarter of 2004, according to official figures issued Friday, as consumers started to cut back on spending in the face of growing uncertainties.


Diplomats: Iran Uranium Dispute Resolved (AP)

AP - Iran and European negotiators have apparently salvaged a deal committing Tehran to freezing all parts of a program that can make nuclear-weapons grade uranium, diplomats said Friday.


B.C. resident facing charges after bull elk killed in Jasper National Park (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - JASPER, Alta. (CP) - A man from British Columbia is facing charges after a large bull elk was illegally shot and killed in Jasper National Park.


Philips begins making PCs again after ten year hiatus

Dutch electronics firm Philips has joined forces with UK electrical retailer Dixons Group to launch Philips-Freeline, a range of home entertainment personal computers in Europe.


Swift hunt for black holes now on

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) launched a space observatory named Swift last week to scan the universe for violent celestial explosions that astronomers believe represent the birth screams of black holes.


Smart phone predicts owner #39;s behaviour

US boffins are developing mobile phones which learn user #39;s daily habits so that they can become  quot;mobile digital secretaries quot;.


Golovin ready for Russia

All eyes will be on Tatiana Golovin of France when she faces Anastasia Myskina in the Fed Cup final on Saturday. The Moscow-born 16-year-old has returned to Russia for the first time this week, and will play


Birdies ease pain for injured Zhang

Despite a hip injury, Chinese golfer Zhang Lianwei shot a three-under par 69 in his first round of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai.


No one beats a 73 in Korea, where Yang leads Harrington by two

South Korea #39;s Eun-yong Yang shot a 3-over 75 in difficult conditions Friday on the rainy and windswept Jungmun course to take the second-round lead in the Shinhan Korea Golf Championship, which is sanctioned by the PGA Tour.


Aston Villa (A) Tue 28 Dec

Sir Alex Ferguson is asking his players to use the next five weeks to lay the foundations for a New Year title push. United play six league matches between now and the turn of the year, and Ferguson wants


Four Ex-Gurkhas Killed in Baghdad

Four former Gurkhas working for a London-based security firm were killed in an attack in Baghdad, the Foreign Office said today. The attack, in which around 15 other


Francophone Summit to Focus on Ivory Coast

Heads of state from French-speaking nations are gathering in the west African nation of Burkina Faso for a two-day summit to discuss the crisis in Ivory Coast.


French group seeks Ivorian peace

A summit of French-speaking nations will now concentrate on the civil war in Ivory Coast, ministers say.


Saudi women take to the skies

A Saudi woman has been offered a contract as the country's first female aircraft pilot.


US Airways Union Mails Strike Ballots

The union representing flight attendants on Friday said it mailed more than 5,000 strike authorization ballots to its members employed by US Airways as both sides continued talks that are expected to stretch through the weekend.


Woolworths sees \$A3.5b per year liquor sales

SYDNEY: Australia #39;s biggest supermarket operator Woolworths Ltd said yesterday it sees its liquor sales this financial year rising to \$A3.5 billion, including its recent acquisition in Queensland, from \$A2.1 billion in fiscal 2004.


Will VHS go the way of the dinosaur?

IT is official - the VHS home video format will share the fate of its one-time competitor Betamax and go the way of the dinosaur. All over the world, Video Home System - which lets people record and watch


UPDATE 1-Liverpool manager against Everton ground-share

Manager Rafael Benitez is opposed to Liverpool sharing their proposed new stadium with city rivals Everton. Officials from the two Premier League clubs


Judge convicts Juventus doctor, acquits team chairman in doping <b>...</b>

A Juventus team doctor was convicted Friday for administering banned substances to players on the famed Italian soccer team during the 1990s.


Euro's flight turns up pressure on ECB to act (AFP)

AFP - With the rise of the euro fast becoming a threat to economic recovery in the 12-country eurozone, calls are growing for the European Central Bank to clip the single currency's wings, either by direct intervention or a cut in interest rates.


Microsoft hopeful December will see suspension of EU antitrust <b>...</b>

A decision on whether to suspend the EU antitrust ruling against Microsoft will be taken between 18 and 20 December. The testimonies brought against Microsoft by Novell and the Computer and Communications


Husky Energy shares up on takeover talk

TORONTO - Shares of Husky Energy Inc. rose more than four per cent on Friday amid talk of a takeover of the Calgary-based oil company by the Chinese government.


Black Friday sets tone for retail season

If youre reading this, congratulations! You have survived Black Friday, the retail worlds nickname for the day after Thanksgiving.


Jardine Lloyd tumbles after warning, CEO resignation

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- British insurer Jardine Lloyd Thompson (UK:JLT) saw its shares fall almost 16 percent after it warned it expects fiscal year pretax profit to fall below market estimates and its chief executive quit.


Family feud over control of India #39;s leading business group <b>...</b>

NEW DELHI (AFP) - The rift in India #39;s Ambani family which controls India #39;s biggest private enterprise group Reliance deepened as elder brother Mukesh rejected his younger brother #39;s objections to a change in their management roles, a report said.


P1-B deficit cut seen with better eco outlook

The countrys economic managers on Friday announced a tremendously improved economic outlook for the country this year owing to improved revenue collection that could trim the P197-billion


Britons Offered 'Real' Windows XP (AP)

AP - Owners of pirated copies of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system can trade them in for the real thing as part of a bid by the software giant to fight counterfeiting.


3 Giants Create New Online Music Service (AP)

AP - Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival services where trading of music and movies remains unfettered.


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.


The Sites Before Christmas (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Face it, shopaholics -- the Internet drains much of the fun out of holiday shopping and replaces it with ice-cold efficiency. Who wouldn't rather stroll through Neiman Marcus or Best Buy with their best buddy than sit solo in front of a computer, eyeballing page after page of tiny pictures showing what you could reach out and touch at real malls?


Sony Unprepared for Flat TV Demand (Reuters)

Reuters - Sony, the world's largest\consumer-electronics group, is having trouble meeting soaring\demand for flat televisions as its assembly lines did not gear\up quickly enough, a senior official said on Friday.


Britons offered  #39;real #39; Windows XP

LONDON -- Owners of pirated copies of Microsoft Corp. #39;s Windows XP operating system can trade them in for the real thing as part of a bid by the software giant to fight counterfeiting.


After a Decade, Philips Makes PCs Again

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


Bofra exploit ticks away at Microsoft

After more than two weeks of investigating the IFRAME Bofra exploit, Microsoft has yet to announce when it will be able to fix the problem.


Japan's top cellphone operator to abolish second generation by 2012 (AFP)

AFP - Japan's top cellphone operator NTT DoCoMo said it will stop offering second-generation service by 2012 as third generation (3G) technology featuring Internet and real-time video goes mainstream.


Liverpool and Everton to hold groundshare talks

Sports minister Richard Caborn says he has been asked to convene a meeting between Liverpool and neighbours Everton over sharing a new stadium.


England cricketers head for Zimbabwe

The tour is going ahead after a ban on several British journalists was lifted but the first of five one-day matches had to be called off.


Champs Play Catch-up as Title Hopes Dim

Setting their sights on the ultimate European club prize may be an honorable quest but not when at the expense of the Bundesliga title they already hold.


EU to go it alone on nuclear project, if no deal with Japan (AFP)

AFP - EU countries reiterated that they intended to press ahead with the construction of a pioneering nuclear energy project in France if talks with Japan, which also wants to host the facility, fail to reach a conclusion, EU sources said.


Jailed militant to seek office

Firebrand uprising leader Marwan Barghouthi has decided to run for Palestinian President from his Israeli jail cell, says an official of his Fatah faction.


Wind Industry Bids to Win Over Doubters (Reuters)

Reuters - The European wind energy industry,\thriving as climate change tops the global agenda, says it\could eventually supply all the continent's electricity, but\must first overcome public resistance over eyesore turbines.


Report Urges Hazmat Inspection Improvement (AP)

AP - The government needs to do a better job monitoring and inspecting hazardous materials shipped aboard airlines, according to a report released Friday by the Transportation Department's inspector general.


Study: Dead Cicadas Boost Soil Nutrients (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.


Agency 'slow tackling jam misery'

Motorists suffer daily traffic jams because the Highways Agency has been slow in tackling the problem, a report says.


E. Jordan Hospitalized

Wizards coach Eddie Jordan was hospitalized Thursday after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his left leg, the team said.


Sapphire Hybrid X700 Pro graphics card

Review Stuck between rock, hard place?


Pakistan Authorities Ban Issue of Newsweek (AP)

AP - Pakistani authorities have banned an issue of Newsweek magazine for publishing material they said was offensive to Islam, local media reported Friday.


No half measures with Half-Life 2

Installation bugs barely dent the greatness of Half-Life 2, says reviewer James Bregman.


Top Iraq groups demand poll delay

Several leading Iraqi political parties call for national elections scheduled for 30 January to be delayed.


TiVo Pop-Up Ads Raise Consumer Concerns

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.


3 Giants Create New Online Music Service

Three major recording companies have agreed to make their music available to be shared and sold over a new online file-swapping service that aims to lure music fans away from rival services where trading of music and movies remains unfettered.


4x4s 'should carry health warning'

Four-wheel drive vehicles are so polluting they should carry a cigarette-style health warning, a think tank says.


Husky Energy Surges After Report of Talks With China (Update2)

Shares of Husky Energy Inc., a Canadian oil and natural-gas producer controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, surged after a newspaper reported that the Chinese government is in talks to buy the company.


Jardine Lloyd Profit to Fall; Chief Executive Quits (Update4)

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Plc, the UK #39;s biggest publicly traded insurance broker, said Chief Executive Steve McGill quit and profit will decline this year because of a difficult #39; #39; second half.


Report: ICC lifts two-match ban on Ganguly

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has lifted the two-Test ban on Sourav Ganguly which was slapped on him for slow over rate during the India-Pakistan match on November 13.


Hendrie back for Villa

Midfielder Lee Hendrie will return from a one-match suspension to the Aston Villa starting line-up against Manchester City in the Barclays Premiership tomorrow.


Man hacks 8 kids to death

Beijing - Police were on Friday hunting for a man who broke into a high school dormitory in central China and hacked eight pupils to death in the bloodiest of a series of knife attacks at Chinese schools in recent months.


Myanmar says thousands of prisoners freed

Myanmar #39;s military government says it has released thousands of people from jail as promised, but there appeared few political prisoners among those emerging from Yangon #39;s notorious Insein prison.


Letter reveals reason behind the Ambani feud

NEW DELHI: The real reasons behind the discord between the two Ambani brothers are slowly coming to light. At the core is the agenda of a Reliance Industries board meeting that took place on July 27, 04, and


Philippines budget deficit likely below ceiling

MANILA - Improved revenue flows and increased electricity tariffs are likely to help the Philippines keep well within the 2004 budget and consolidated public sector deficit targets, officials said.


Bank of Mexico Tightens Monetary Policy

The Bank of Mexico tightened its monetary policy Friday for the eighth time this year, pushing up local interest rates to counter rising inflation expectations.


Outsourced crash holds up benefits payments

A routine software upgrade of desktop PCs at the Department of Work and Pensions has left 80 of the ministry #39;s computers unable to send or receive e-mails.


New Bofra Attack May Be a Sign of Things to Come

On 20 November 2004, a major malicious-code attack emerged targeting European Web sites via banner ads. This two-step attack exploits two previously identified security vulnerabilities: the Bofra (or IFRAME


It #39;s not just a cellphone, it #39;s an advisor

Students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are testing a cellphone system that turns your ordinary phone into a true companion/advisor.


Firefox Browser Takes Market Share From Microsoft #39;s IE

Although Microsoft has nearly 90 of the browser market, its share is down a full five points since May of this year. Mozilla Firefox is doing the damage, with 5.6 million copies downloaded in the last two weeks.


NSS hails NASA budget for 2005 - Agency must now prove that it is <b>...</b>

The National Space Society today hailed Congress on its foresight to fully fund the NASA budget for FY2005. The budget, which allocates \$16.2 billion to the agency, means that NASA will be full speed ahead


Two-Test ban on India #39;s skipper Sourav Ganguly lifted Friday

The International Cricket Council on Friday revoked a two-Test ban on Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, enabling him to lead his country in the second and final test against South Africa starting next week, officials said.


UN suspends food aid operations in Darfur

The World Food Program announced on Thursday that it was forced to cease its food relief operations in most of the Sudanese state of North Darfur due to the renewed clashes in the war-torn region.


Strict security for moonlit viewing of Taj :

Agra, Nov 26 : Strict security arrangements have been put in place for night viewing of the Taj Mahal tomorrow and Sunday following the Supreme Court #39;s decision to allow opening of the monument of love on moonlit nights.


WTO Approves US Trade Sanctions

The World Trade Organization has authorized seven countries to levy multi-million dollar sanctions on US imports. A spokesman in Geneva Friday said the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea


Treasuries Lower on China US Debt Report

Treasury prices sank on Friday as reports the Chinese authorities might be shedding some of their US debt holdings sparked fears of broader selling from Asian central banks.


EU Court Sets Talks in Case Against Microsoft

A top European court has summoned all the parties involved in the European Union #39;s antitrust case against Microsoft to a meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday after two prominent opponents of Microsoft withdrew from the proceedings, a court official has said.


Chip Sales Rise 1.5 Pct in October from September

Worldwide semiconductor sales rose a scant 1.5 percent in October, to \$18.8 billion from \$18.5 billion in September, as many chip users pared bloated inventories, the Semiconductor Industry Association said on Friday.


Retailers, Steel Help Stocks End Week Up

Stocks inched higher on Friday in lackluster post-Thanksgiving trading, helped by steel producers amid concerns of a steel shortage and retailers as consumers piled into


Procter  amp; Gamble Recalling SweepVac

The Swiffer SweepVac, a battery-operated vacuum cleaner distributed by Procter  amp; Gamble Co., is being voluntarily recalled due to a smoke and fire risk, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said on Friday.


UPDATE 1-WR Grace says grand jury indictment likely

WR Grace  amp; Co. (GRA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday it was likely to be indicted during the first quarter of 2005 by a federal grand jury investigating its former vermiculite


Target Bell-Ringer Ban Will Cost Salvation Army Millions

SAN DIEGO -- The Salvation Army is preparing for what may be its leanest holiday kettle drive, because Target stores won #39;t allow the bell-ringers back this year.


Shoppers Flood the Malls, Surf Internet

Americans stormed the nation #39;s shops the day after Thanksgiving, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys and consumer electronics.


Alltel buys assets from Cingular; swaps market interests

NEW YORK, November 26 (newratings.com) - Alltel Corporation (AT.NYS) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets from Cingular Wireless for \$170 million in cash, while the two companies have agreed to swap partnership interests in


Avoid These Dangerous Toys!

Despite passage of the 1994 Child Safety Protection Act, hazardous toys can still be found on toy store shelves across the country, according to a nationwide toy safety survey released by the US Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG).


Report urges hazmat inspection improvement

WASHINGTON -- The government needs to do a better job monitoring and inspecting hazardous materials shipped aboard airlines, according to a report released Friday by the Transportation Department #39;s inspector general.


Global Warming Continues

The report confirms that the Arctic, as a whole, and particularly the Canadian Arctic, is warming, at a rate almost twice that of lower latitudes and that the warming will accelerate in the decades to come.


DoCoMo turns to mm02 for a UK i-mode data service

Japanese mobile giant DoCoMo has turned to mmO2 to offer its i-mode data service, according to sources. Reuters reports a source confirming a basic agreement to launch the service following mmO2 #39;s CEO Peter


Cricket: The openers we #39;re heartily sick of seeing

Justin Langer #39;s most treasured piece of memorabilia is a photograph of the Hobart scoreboard on one cloudy afternoon in 2001. The archetypal Aussie scrapper, Langer is particularly


Wenger hits back at Hiddink

Arsene Wenger has responded to Gus Hiddink #39;s suggestion that he is a moaner by accusing the Dutchman of letting emotion get the better of him.


Grizzlies Coach Retires for Health Reasons

Memphis Grizzlies coach Hubie Brown talks to a reporter after a workout Jan. 8, 2004, in Seattle. Brown retired as coach of the Grizzlies on Thursday, Nov. 25, 2004, due to health reasons.


Mourinho rules out move for Defoe

LONDON, England -- Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to rule out a move for Tottenham striker Jermaine Defoe though he admires the talent of the young England star.


Bush intervention raises Northern Ireland hopes

Hopes of a breakthrough in the Northern Ireland peace process rose on Friday as George W. Bush personally intervened to try to persuade the warring factions to strike a historic power-sharing deal.


Security Firm Tribute to Ex-Gurkhas Killed by Baghdad Rockets

The London-based security firm which employed four former Gurkhas killed in a rocket attack on their compound in Baghdad tonight paid tribute to them as brave and professional individuals.


Harry flies home on kidnap rumour

PRINCE Harry has flown home from Argentina amid allegations that his behaviour had sparked an extraordinary plot to kidnap him. According to reports, officials were so concerned that they called British Embassy


Wounded Mexican police appear day after 9 people found shot near <b>...</b>

Two federal police agents were discovered wounded but alive on Friday near Cancun, a day after nine other people in the area were found slain in what appeared to be drug-related violence.


Australia unlikely to sign non-aggression pact with ASEAN <b>...</b>

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said on Friday that Australia is unlikely to sign a non-aggression treaty with the members of the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN).


US Air, GE Reach Deal on Plane Leases (Reuters)

Reuters - Bankrupt US Airways Group\Inc.. said Friday it has reached a new aircraft lease\and financing deal with General Electric Co.  that could\extend the carrier's lifeline further into next year, if it\could quickly secure new cost cuts.


Wal-Mart Clarifies Policy Regarding Unions (AP)

AP - Although Wal-Mart prefers to handle labor negotiations directly with individual employees, the world's largest retailer does not have a global anti-union policy, a company spokeswoman said Friday.


Holiday Shoppers Take to the Malls

Holiday shoppers, intent on finding bargains, descended on the Washington region's malls this morning, joining a nationwide shopping spree that has come to be known as Black Friday.


Yukos to Devise Emergency Plan to Continue Operating

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


Ohio State Says It Didn't OK Paper Writing (AP)

AP - Claims by more former Ohio State football players that tutors wrote papers for them and fans arranged easy jobs don't indicate NCAA violations because the university didn't sanction or arrange the help, an athletics department spokesman said Friday.


Raptors Increase Security After Threat (AP)

AP - A threat made against Toronto Raptors guard Vince Carter caused the team to increase security at last Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks.


Tech's Passing Attack Meets OSU's Rushinng (AP)

AP - No. 23 Oklahoma State has a plan to halt Texas Tech's prolific passing attack. "Being in position and bringing them down where they catch it, or breaking the ball out of the receiver's hands," Cowboys coach Les Miles said. "Couple that with getting a pass rush, and that is what we worked on this past week."


Wal-Mart, Toys R #39; Us Lure Shoppers With Discounts (Update6)

US retailers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Toys R #39; #39; Us Inc. opened as early as 5 am, greeted by lines of customers waiting to buy discounted merchandise including \$17.99 DVD players as the holiday-shopping season began.


Another Pacer involved in brawl

Police in Michigan said a fourth member of the Indiana Pacers was involved in the fight with fans last week. Authorities said reserve center David Harrison, punched an elderly man in the stands.


Harry hurries home after kidnap scare

Prince Harry, the younger son of Britain #39;s Prince Charles, returned home yesterday from a private stay in Argentina amid reports that he had cut his stay short after shots were fired not far from his lodgings.


Aborigines Burn Police Station on Island

An angry mob of Australian Aborigines burned a police station and court house Friday on a remote island that has been rocked by unrest since an indigenous man died in police custody, police said.


US treasuries dumping report sends greenback into a tailspin

The US dollar hit a record low against the euro and a nearly five-year low versus the yen after a mainland business newspaper appeared at first glance to confirm the market #39;s worst fears - that China was dumping US Treasuries.


Global chip sales to remain flat this quarter

NEW YORK, November 26 (newratings.com) - The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) expects global semiconductor sales to remain sequentially flat in the current quarter, while reiterating its forecasts of at least 28 y/y growth in worldwide chip


Steelmakers, Retails Buoy Stocks

US stocks eked out small gains on Friday, buoyed by steel producers amid concerns about a shortage of the metal, and retailers, as consumers shopped hard on so-called  quot;Black Friday quot; -- considered the start of the traditional holiday


Russia meets defending champ France for Fed Cup title

Moscow, Russia (Sports Network) - Russia and France will meet for the Fed Cup title this weekend at Krylatskoe Ice Stadium in a rematch of last year #39;s semifinals.


High schools address sportsmanship in wake of Pacers brawl

INDIANAPOLIS Some high school athletic administrators are saying that sportsmanship took a beating in the Indiana Pacers #39; brawl with rowdy fans in Detroit.


Seventeen political parties demand postponement of elections

Seventeen political parties on Friday demanded postponement of the Jan. 30 elections for at least six months until the government is capable of securing polling places.


Indonesian President Visits War-Torn Northern Province

Indonesia #39;s recently-elected president has visited the country #39;s war-torn province of Aceh, the scene of one of Asia #39;s longest-running separatist rebellions.


Push to postpone Iraqi elections spreads

BAGHDAD - Several Iraqi political parties on Friday called on the interim government to postpone the January national election for at least six months, until the safety of voters can be guaranteed.


Riots erupt after Aboriginal man dies in custody

An angry mob of nearly 300 Aborigines who went on the rampage on an island off the Queensland coast today burnt down a police station and threatened to kill its officers as well as several local council officials.


Flatten insurgents in one place, and they pop up elsewhere

A week after a top American general said the offensive in Fallujah had  quot;broken the back of the insurgency quot; in Iraq, guerrillas are still fighting hard, and US troops are scrambling to stamp out new waves of attacks.


Russia, France Set Final Fed Cup Meeting Saturday

Russia and France swept to 5-0 wins Thursday at the Fed Cup semifinals in Moscow, setting up a meeting for the title in the Saturday-Sunday final.


EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Foreign coup plotters given long jail terms

LIBREVILLE, 26 November (IRIN) - A South African mercenary was found guilty Friday of leading a failed coup against the president of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea and sentenced to 34 years in jail, police and court sources said.


Obama: Not Quite Ready for History Books (AP)

AP - On the eve of taking office, the most watched new arrival in the nation's capital says it's way too early to talk about his place in history.


Byrd call: WTO approves sanctions against US over antidumping law

The World Trade Organization has authorized punitive sanctions against US exports ranging from lobsters to crane trucks because Washington has failed to repeal the so-called Byrd amendment.


Dollar hits new low against euro

The euro surged to a new high against the US dollar for the fourth straight day Friday, although the greenback rose off its low point.


Posco stock hits lifetime high on Nissan order

SEOUL: Shares in Posco hit a lifetime high early on Friday, after Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor sought more steel shipments from the worlds fifth-largest steel maker.


Paul Martin continues to hope for survivors among 150 missing Canadians (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - TORONTO (CP) - It has been more than a week without word from the 150 Canadians listed as missing in Asia's tsunami disaster, but Prime Minister Paul Martin says he continues to hold out hope that some will be found alive.


Salvation Army prepared for tough fund-raising season

ST. PAUL - The Salvation Army of Minnesota and North Dakota is preparing for a fight to reach its fundraising goals this holiday season after Target Stores announced this fall that it won #39;t allow bellringers outside its doors.


Chinese government in bid to buy Canadian oil giant from tycoon Li <b>...</b>

TORONTO (AFP) - China #39;s government has launched a new bid to buy Canadian oil and gas giant Husky Energy Inc. from Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka Shing, a report said.


Cell phones increasingly vulnerable to hackers

Early this month, several Web sites began offering software promising ringtones and screensavers for certain cell phones. But those who downloaded the software


Chelsea Deny Chasing Defoe

Chelsea have followed Tottenham in pouring cold water on rumours that England striker Jermain Defoe was set for a switch across London.


UA FOOTBALL: Cat has special incentive to beat Devils

Freshman receiver BJ Dennard has two relatives, best friend who are or were ASU players. University of Arizona receiver BJ Dennard has maroon and gold in his blood, but he will be wearing a blue Wildcats jersey for the game today.


Item No 17: Mukesh got authority over all directors

MUMBAI: The redrawing of lines of authority in Reliance seems to have sparked off the current discord between the two Ambani brothers.


Langer plays down Hayden walking row

Justin Langer has defended his Australian opening batting partner Matthew Hayden #39;s decision not to walk after hitting a catch back to New Zealand bowler Paul Wiseman on day one of the second Test in Adelaide yesterday.


Arizona St. Sun Devils

TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) -- No. 20 Arizona State tries to post its first three-game winning streak over Pac-10 Conference rival Arizona in 26 years when they meet Friday.


Arena on MU campus now just Mizzou Arena

The University of Missouri Board of Curators today voted unanimously to rename the former Paige Sports Arena on the Columbia campus to Mizzou Arena.


Iraqi election date thrown into fresh doubt

Iraq #39;s elections were thrown into renewed doubt only days after the interim government won international backing for its decision to hold the poll at the end of January.


Police underestimated Palm Island crisis

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson has admitted he underestimated the situation on Palm Island in north Queensland in the lead-up to yesterday #39;s riots.


Darfur: 300,000 displaced persons cut off from all aid following <b>...</b>

26 November 2004 - The United Nations emergency feeding agency said today that the security situation in western Sudans Darfur region was deteriorating rapidly with 300,000 displaced people cut off from all aid following a rebel attack earlier this


Taj by winter night, under security blanket

AGRA: Strict security arrangements have been put in place for night viewing of the Taj Mahal tomorrow and Sunday following the Supreme Court #39;s decision to allow opening of the monument of love on moonlit nights.


Bush Tries to Help Break N.Irish Peace Deadlock (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush tried to help break a\deadlock in the Northern Ireland peace process on Friday,\telephoning Protestant leader Ian Paisley as negotiations\ground on in London and Belfast.


Man detained after eight teenagers killed in China school knife attack (AFP)

AFP - Chinese police have detained a man who they say murdered eight teenagers and injured four others in a school dormitory overnight, state press said.


U.N. Bolstering Troops on Congo Border (Reuters)

Reuters - The United Nations is sending\extra peacekeepers to Congo's North Kivu province, which will\improve security in the area after Rwanda threatened to carry\out a strike against rebels operating on Congolese soil, a U.N.\spokesman said on Wednesday.


S Korea rebuked over nuke tests

Seoul is criticised by the IAEA but escapes referral to the UN Security Council over secret nuclear experiments.


US Promises to Protect Trade Interests

Barry Virkler tosses an apple while sorting Cortland apples before they are put in cold storage at North Star Orchards Tuesday, Sept.


Mavericks Defeat Trail Blazers, 92-83 (AP)

AP - Marquis Daniels had a block, a steal and three straight assists in a just over a two-minute span in the fourth quarter Friday, helping push the Dallas Mavericks to a 92-83 win over the Portland Trail Blazers that ended a three-game losing streak.


Off-Court Woes Burden Cavaliers' Wagner (AP)

AP - Dajuan Wagner often wonders how so many things went wrong at once.


Hubie meets press; no details on health

Hubie Brown appeared at a news conference Friday but did not elaborate on the health issues that led to his retirement as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.


Raptors increase security after threat made against Carter

A threat made against Toronto Raptors guard Vince Carter caused the team to increase security at last Wednesday #39;s game against the New York Knicks.


Ivory Coast snubs Francophone summit after spat

Ivory Coast angrily pulled out of a summit of French-speaking countries on Friday after police in the host nation Burkina Faso confiscated


Internet Explorer gets Finnish Thumbs Down

Not for the first time does Internet Explorer users got a warning from a government organization. US-CERT released similar warnings in June this year, following a malware attack, which affected Internet Explorer


Police conduct investigation on Carter threat

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Toronto police are taking a threat made against Vince Carter seriously. Toronto Police Detective Sgt. Sneddon of the 52 Division told Sportsnet.


AD says university did nothing wrong

Ohio State wants to interview former players who have corroborated Maurice Clarett #39;s allegations of improprieties within the football program.


Lions #39; Drummond out for season

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Detroit Lions kick returner Eddie Drummond will miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his shoulder blade during Thursday #39;s 41-9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.


Slutskaya leads after short program

Olympic silver medalist and 2002 world champion Irina Slutskaya presented an almost flawless program to take the lead after the short program at the Cup of Russia on Friday.


Bush Vows to Work on WTO Compliance, Blasts Airbus (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush pledged on\Friday to work with Congress to comply with a WTO ruling in a\row over payment of anti-dumping duties to U.S. companies, and\said he expected the trade body to hold Europe to account over\"unfair" subsidies to aircraft maker Airbus .


Holiday shopping season kicks off

They lined up in Georgia, braved the cold in Connecticut, and tried to stay awake in Chicago. From coast to coast shoppers rushed to the stores -- and they were enthusiastic in Seattle.


SEC OK #39;s AGL Purchase of NUI Corp.

Natural gas utility AGL Resources Inc. on Friday said the Securities and Exchange Commission approved its purchase of financially troubled NUI Corp.


76ers Slip by Wizards 116-114 in Overtime (AP)

AP - Allen Iverson stole an inbound pass, drove down the court and made a layup at the buzzer, giving the Philadelphia 76ers a 116-114 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday.


Man United confident of catching up on Chelsea

Manchester United is confident they can catch up nine points on Premier League leader Chelsea. First they have to win their third match in a row for the first time this season.


Mets Hire Former Yankees Hitting Coach (AP)

AP - Former New York Yankees hitting coach Rick Down was hired for the same job by the Mets on Friday, reuniting him with new manager Willie Randolph.


Iraqi Political Groups Call for Delay in Vote

Leading Iraqi political groups are calling on the interim government to delay national elections scheduled for January 30, because of ongoing violence in the country.


Ontario to require 5 ethanol in gas by 2007

CHATHAM, Ont. - A plan to make Ontario gas more ecologically friendly by containing at least five per cent ethanol won #39;t mean all pumps provincewide are serving up cleaner gas, Premier Dalton McGuinty admitted Friday.


Chip sales up 1.5 percent in October

Organizations are replacing aging servers with newer more-powerful boxes, often Linux--based, and theyre also investing in storage.


Japanese Stocks Lower as Banks Retreat

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average was down 0.19  percent by mid-morning on Tuesday, the first trading day of  2005, as investors grabbed profits in Mizuho Financial Group  and other major banks that had made strong gains late last  year.


More Internet Users Surfing Away From Microsoft #39;s Explorer

Like millions of computer users, Bob Davis found out the hard way that Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer has security flaws.  quot;My computer was taken over with viruses and spyware and so, unfortunately, I had to reformat my entire hard drive, quot; Davis said.


MetroStars Add Some Savvy

At 36, Jeff Agoos comes east to the MetroStars, a team that gave up the most goals in the M.L.S. last season.


Sorenstam to Play Woods in Skins Game (AP)

AP - Annika Sorenstam is mixing it up with the men again, and this time the competition includes Tiger Woods. Sorenstam and Woods will play against each other for the first time when they tee off Saturday in the Skins Game at the Trilogy Golf Club in the middle of the desert.


Split Could Cost Iraqi Shiites Politically (AP)

AP - As Iraq's Sunni Muslims ponder boycotting the Jan. 30 election and some press for a delay, the majority Shiite Muslims face another threat to their expected victory: a split in Shiite ranks that could cost them the chance to dominate the next parliament.


Mystic crocodiles draw thousands of devotees in southern Pakistan (AFP)

AFP - Crocodiles with huge teeth-filled mouths lie in the sand and slap their snouts on the edge of sulfur springs, greeting worshippers who journey to the Mango Pir shrine on the outskirts of Pakistan's volatile port city Karachi.


Giving doctors more support crucial to health reform, council head says (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - HALIFAX (CP) - Giving family doctors more support by spreading out the burden of primary care is crucial to reforming Canada's health-care system, says the head of a council evaluating nationwide efforts to improve medicare.


Upstarts Try to Make Name in Online Travel (AP)

AP - Like a lot of frequent travelers, Kevin Pollard relies on the Internet to save money on airfares, hotel rooms and rental cars. The quest generally took him to the Web's most popular travel sites  #151; Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia  #151; until he discovered a new breed of specialty search engines that promise to dig up even better bargains.


Recording Industry, File-Share Face Off (AP)

AP - The next chapter in the global legal battle between the recording industry and file-sharing services is due to unfold here Monday when the owners of the hugely popular Kazaa software go on trial on civil copyright infringement charges.


Blowing the Whistle Can Bring Big Bucks (AP)

AP - Crime may not pay, but blowing the whistle on companies that swindle the government sure can. Jim Alderson got  #36;20 million in one settlement and split  #36;100 million with another whistleblower in a related case, both involving Medicare fraud by the nation's largest for-profit hospital chain and a company it acquired.


The Squeeze On BlackBerry (BusinessWeek Online)

BusinessWeek Online - Mike Lazaridis and James L. Balsillie, the co-CEOs of Research in Motion Ltd. (RIM.) (RIM), have plenty of reason to feel on top of the world. After 20 years spent in the quiet university town of Waterloo, Ont., developing technology to deliver wireless e-mail, their BlackBerry gizmo is an outright phenom. What the iPod is to mobile music lovers, the BlackBerry is to workers on the go. For the fiscal year ending in February, company sales should more than double, to  #36;1. ...


Open Source Leader Takes Sun's Schwartz to Task (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Open-source leader Eric Raymond spells out his objections to Sun President Jonathan Schwartz's contention that the Java Community Process is truer to open-source ideas than is Linux.


Carbon Storage Comes to Disused Texas Oil Fields (Reuters)

Reuters - A short distance from Spindletop oil\field, the site of the gusher that triggered the Texas oil rush\more than a century ago, scientists have found a purpose for\the long-disused underground reservoirs -- as storage for the\pollution emitted by burning fossil fuels.


76ers 116, Wizards 114, OT

Allen Iverson stole an inbound pass, drove down the court and made a layup at the buzzer, giving the Philadelphia 76ers a 116-114 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday.


Nieto hired to coach catchers

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets hired former New York Yankees hitting coach Rick Down for the same job on Friday, reuniting him with new manager Willie Randolph.


Missouri puts school nickname on arena

The University of Missouri renamed its new sports arena with the school nickname Friday, just days after the original namesake, a 22-year-old Wal-Mart heiress, was accused of academic cheating at another college.


Fan v Fan: Internazionale-Juventus

This weekend sees one of the big games of Serie A - a Milan-Turin clash between Inter and Juventus. Both sides are doing well in the Champions League -ut Juve lead the way in Serie A. Goal.


Abbas Gets Boost in Bid for Palestinian Presidency (Update2)

Mahmoud Abbas #39;s nomination for Palestinian Authority president received a boost from reports that a jailed Fatah party leader, Marwan Barghouti, wouldn #39;t challenge his bid and had endorsed his candidacy.


Iraq considering petition to postpone January #39;s elections

Iraq #39;s electoral commission said it will examine Saturday a request by 15 leading political parties for the Jan. 30 elections to be postponed by six months.


Harry hurries back home after attack

LONDON, Nov. 26. - Prince Harry arrived home from Argentina today amid media reports that shots were fired at the ranch where he was staying.


Maker recalls 175,000 Swiffer vacuums

CINCINNATI - Swishing around the house with a battery-operated Swiffer vacuum cleaner could really fire up your housework, maker Procter  amp; Gamble Co.


NYSE suspends Gold Fields trading

The South African company Gold Fields Limited announced Friday that the New York Stock Exchange has suspended trading in its stock.


Selig Rubber-Stamps Yankees' Deal for Johnson

Commissioner Bud Selig returned from a vacation and promptly cleared one item off his desk, approving the Yankees' trade with the Diamondbacks for Randy Johnson.


NCAA Game Summary - Colorado at Nebraska

Lincoln, NE (Sports Network) - Bobby Purify ran for 130 yards with a touchdown and Joel Klatt threw for 222 yards with a score, as Colorado kept its Big 12 title hopes alive and sent Nebraska to its first losing season in 43 years with a 26-20 victory in


PM looks east to Asean

NEW DELHI, Nov. 26. - In a major thrust to Indias Look East policy, Dr Manmohan Singh will leave for Laos on Sunday to attend the 3rd India-Asean summit scheduled to be held in Vientiane on 30 November.


News: Phishers tapping botnets to automate attacks

Computer criminals are making phishing more potent by automating attacks. Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) analysts reckon fraudsters are using automated tools and botnets to ramp up attacks.


Columnists: Profitware

Some of the largest anti-virus companies have virtually ignored the spyware problem because there is no profit incentive for them to do otherwise. Meanwhile, spyware companies make millions.


WTO paves way for retaliatory tariffs on US goods

GENEVA - The World Trade Organization on Friday approved lists of US products on which Japan, five other countries and the European Union plan to levy punitive tariffs in retaliation for a US failure to repeal an illegal antidumping measure.


Shoppers Swarm Malls in Holiday Kickoff

Kelsey Reynoso, a two-year-old girl, looks at toys in a catalog, as her family lines outside the KB Toys store inside the Glendale Galeria mall Friday, Nov. 26, 2004, in Glendale, Calif.


Psychiatric Solutions to Sell Shares

Psychiatric Solutions Inc., an operator of mental health hospitals, said Friday that it registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to offer 3 million common shares.


Steelers Keep Winning Despite Injuries (AP)

AP - Their right guard went down early in training camp, and their star inside linebacker followed shortly after that. The veteran quarterback joined the injury list two games into the season, and their Pro Bowl nose tackle, top cornerback and best running back followed.


Colts Thrive in Grueling Four-Game Stretch (AP)

AP - Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Montae Reagor could feel the weariness long before Thursday's game at Detroit. The constant hits, the barrage of meetings, the quick pivots from game plan to game plan had already worn down his body and mind.


Moon gas could meet earths future energy demands

UDAIPUR: A potential gas source found on the moons surface could hold the key to meeting future energy demands as the earths fossil fuels dry up in the coming decades, scientists said on Friday.


Apples iPod takes a bite of hip culture

Short of an actual prize, one of the most coveted handouts at this years Grammy Awards, Academy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards was the iPod music player stashed in celebrity goody bags.


quot; #39;Chang #39;e quot; flying to the moon is just round the corner: Viewpoint

quot; #39;Chang #39;e quot; #39;, is one of the most talked about names among the Chinese, this is not only because it is the name of a beautiful angel in ancient Chinese legend, who is living in the moon, but more importantly, it has become a code name of the moon- probing


St. Louis Rams Release Punter Sean Landeta (AP)

AP - Shaky special teams helped cost punter Sean Landeta his job with the St. Louis Rams.


Langer lashes out

On a day made in heaven for batsmen, Stephen Fleming called wrong at the toss and all Ricky Ponting had to do was unleash hell. One down in the two-Test series, New Zealand needed


More injuries, another QB option for woeful Bears

Coping with another inept offensive showing, the Chicago Bears were ready to change quarterbacks again Friday, while trying to patch up an injury-depleted line.


Ollie out, McKie in for Sixers

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - The Philadelphia 76ers on Friday placed guard Kevin Ollie on the injured list with a lower back strain and activated guard Aaron McKie.


Benitez against ground-share

Rafael Benitez, the Liverpool manager, has voiced his opposition to the idea of Liverpool and Everton sharing a ground. Benitez feels that fans would lose their sense of identity with a club if they shared with their neighbours.


15 Iraqi Political Groups Call for Delaying Elections

The call for a six-month postponement of elections planned for Jan. 30 gives a boost to a movement largely led by Sunni Arabs.


Myanmar releases 500 prisoners

The Myanmar government released about 500 prisoners from the notorious Insein Prison Friday, witnesses said. There was no immediate word, however, on whether political detainees were among them.


Irish, Southern Cal Renew Storied Rivalry (AP)

AP - Matt Leinart became a Notre Dame fan at age 8, when the movie "Rudy" was released.


Violent Video Games Not Meant For Children, But Parents Buy Them <b>...</b>

Shoppers in America spend more than \$6 billion a year on video games according to a Software Association survey. Holiday sales bring an extra boost to game


US retailers cheer 'Black Friday'

Sales on America's busiest shopping day of the year could exceed last year, retail experts believe.


EU, Japan Win WTO Support for Trade Sanctions on US (Update5)

The European Union, Japan and Canada won permission from the World Trade Organization to levy tariffs on US goods to retaliate for a law that has given American companies \$750 million in customs imposed on foreign competitors.


Poutiainen edges Paerson in giant slalom; Canadian Forsyth is 11th

ASPEN, Colorado (CP) - Finland #39;s Tanja Poutiainen charged down the hill on the final stretch of her second run and edged Sweden #39;s Anja Paerson by 0.09 seconds for her first World Cup giant slalom title on Friday.


Ferguson relishing clash with United old boy Robson

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson locks horns with his former captain Bryan Robson on Saturday as he bids to end a memorable week on winning note.


Saint Liam Spirited Winner of Clark Handicap

Heavily favored Saint Liam repelled the challenges of Perfect Drift and Seek Gold in the stretch and pulled away to victory in the \$558,000 Clark Handicap (gr.


Royalty payout could await voices behind 'The Wall' (AFP)

AFP - The youngsters who sang the chorus in "The Wall" may be pushing middle age today, but they stand to collect a tidy little sum for their vocal contribution to the Pink Floyd rock opera.


U.N. Said Not Protecting Sudan Refugees (AP)

AP - The United Nations is failing to protect millions of people displaced by conflict in Sudan's Darfur region and violence in other hotspots around the world, a U.N. report said Friday.


Iran and Europe trying to save Iranian nuclear fuel suspension <b>...</b>

VIENNA (AFP) - Iran and Europe continued efforts to see whether Tehran could unconditionally respect a commitment to freeze any nuclear fuel cycle work that could be diverted to produce atomic weapons.


Fresh violence engulfs Darfur

EL-FASHIR, Sudan Just two weeks after the Sudanese authorities and their guerrilla enemies signed a pledge to restore security and broaden access to aid groups, a fresh surge of violence is engulfing Darfur.


U.S. Army Deserter Leaves Jail in Japan (AP)

AP - U.S. Army deserter Charles Jenkins was released from military jail on Saturday after serving 25 days for abandoning his squadron in 1965 and defecting to North Korea, where he lived for nearly four decades.


Canadian observer labels Ukraine elections grotesquely fraudulent (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - EDMONTON (CP) - Canadians sent to observe elections in Ukraine saw campaign tents fire-bombed and heard of voters being roughed-up while trying to cast ballots, says the Edmonton lawyer who headed up a monitoring project.


U.S. Goods Face Penalties Oked by WTO (AP)

AP - The World Trade Organization imposed penalties Friday on U.S. exports ranging from apples to textiles, escalating a trade dispute the Bush administration has struggled to defuse by unsuccessfully urging Congress to repeal legislation aimed at protecting American steelmakers.


Top Settlements Under False Claims Act (AP)

AP - A sampling of top settlements under the False Claims Act, a law designed to stop fraud in government procurement contracts, and the whistleblowers who helped the government win the awards, and helping themselves as well.


US will conform to anti-dumping rules: Bush

WASHINGTON: The United States said on Friday it will adhere to its international obligations on anti-dumping efforts, after the World Trade Organization gave seven trading powers, including the European Union, a final green light to levy multimillion


CIBC  #39;disturbed #39; at word of continued faxes of client data to US <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - CIBC revealed Friday that it learned last month that faxes containing sensitive customer information were allegedly still arriving at a US junkyard two years after the bank thought the problem had been fixed.


Martha Stewart Omnimedia shares soar

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. stock jumped to its highest level in nearly four years on Friday following a steady climb spurred by Kmart Holding Corp.


Benefits chaos

A MASSIVE computer crash at the Department of Work and Pensions has blocked payments of vital benefits to terminally-ill claimants, Tories claimed today.


Fletcher Out to Prove his Worth

Darren Fletcher is determined to show Sir Alex Ferguson that he is worthy of a Manchester United place at any stage of the season, not just the end.


Reds, Toffees to share?

Liverpool and Everton have scheduled talks with the Government about the possibility of sharing a new stadium. With both clubs looking to relocate and the Reds having started planning for the construction


Sixers activate McKie from injured list

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Philadelphia 76ers guard Aaron McKie was activated from the injured list prior to Friday afternoon #39;s contest against the Washington Wizards.


Windies tour may be called off

CRICKET Australia cannot rule out withdrawing the invitation for the West Indies to play in this summer #39;s one-day tournament if the players #39; contract dispute is not settled.


Alpine Skiing: Miller Quickest But Not the Happiest

American Bode Miller was fastest in Friday #39;s final training for the first downhill of the Alpine World Cup season. Miller, winner of the season opening giant


Arena gets new name

_ The sports arena at the University of Missouri-Columbia is no longer named after Wal-Mart heiress Elizabeth Paige Laurie. The board of curators for the four-campus University of Missouri


Man held over China school deaths

A man has been arrested in connection with the deaths of eight boys stabbed as they slept in a dormitory, Chinese officials have said.


Rockets kill four Gurkha guards in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone

FOUR former Gurkhas working for a British security firm have been killed in a rocket attack in Baghdad, one of the deadliest strikes so far on the capitals high-security Green Zone.


Man held over China school deaths

A man is arrested in China on suspicion of stabbing to death eight pupils at a school, officials say.


Police reviewing 'Huntley' tapes

Police are considering interviewing Ian Huntley about comments he is said to have made on the Soham murders.


CIBC orders companywide halt to faxes with customer info until <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Scrambling to deal with a potentially serious breach of client privacy, CIBC said late Friday it is ordering all employees to stop using the bank #39;s internal fax system to send customer information between branches or offices.


Music Biz Heads to Australia for Kazaa Trial

Industry eyes are turning toward Oz as more than 50 lawyers begin waging a courtroom battle over Kazaa, the peer-to-peer technology owned by Australia-based Sharman Networks


Stylish gadgets which have become cultural icons

WHEN it comes to stylish electronic gadgets, few companies make them like Apple Computer Inc. The Apple Power Book G4 range of professional-standard notebook computers, instantly identifiable


Iraq Officials Seek Delay for Elections

US soldiers patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, Friday Nov. 26 2004. In Fallujah, insurgents ambushed US troops as they entered a home during house-to-house searches in the former rebel bastion, killing two Marines


No more free tolls on turnpike, as strike continues

HIGHSPIRE, Pa. When toll collectors went on strike on the day before Thanksgiving, drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike were allowed to go through the toll booths without paying -- at least, for one day.


Jardine chief quits as profits warning savages shares

Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the country #39;s biggest insurance broker, issued a swingeing profits warning yesterday and announced its chief executive had quit.


Brown cites lost spirit, medical issues, as reasons for retirement

Hubie Brown said he stepped down as the coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for two reasons: He lost his spirit, and because of medical issues he wants kept private.


No. 17 Rutgers 77 Oregon State 53

Chelsea Newton scored 16 points to lead No. 17 Rutgers to a 77-53 victory over Oregon State in the second round of the Paradise Jam tournament on Friday.


Iran nuclear row  #39;resolved #39;

VIENNA: Iran and European negotiators reached a tentative compromise committing Tehran to freezing a programme that can make nuclear-weapons grade uranium, but Tehran still had to approve the agreement, diplomats said last night.


Du Toit gets 34 years #39; jail for Guinea coup plot

A court in Equatorial Guinea found Nick du Toit, a South African former special forces soldier, guilty of a plot to overthrow the President of the oil-rich country and sentenced him to 34 years in prison yesterday.


Politicians in Iraq call for delay to elections

Leading Iraqi political parties have called for forthcoming elections to be delayed because of mounting violence in the country. Fifteen political parties - including two Kurdish groups


BBC cameraman is questioned in Kabul over hostage release

A former BBC cameraman has been questioned by secret police in Kabul about his role in negotiating the release of three kidnapped UN workers.


Philips Resumes PC Manufacturing

In a quiet announcement yesterday, Philips Electronics, a Netherlands-based consumer electronics company, stated it has begun manufacturing PCs once again - after an absence of nearly 10 years.


US Airways Flight Attendants Gear Up For Strike

Flight attendants at bankrupt US Airways are gearing up for a possible nationwide strike, the Association of Flight Attendants said on Friday.


Double Government Computer Failure Shows Plans to Axe all <b>...</b>

The latest Government computer crash at the Department of Work and Pensions shows the folly of the Government plans to axe all existing emergency fire control rooms.


Bell puts  #39;em on track

but now he is intent on getting Newcastles Premiership charge back on track. The strikers 10th European goal for the Toon on Thursday moved him joint second in the clubs all-time list.


Uranium negotiations are close to the end

Pressured by European powers, Iranian negotiators at a key UN atomic agency meeting sought approval from their government Friday for a total freeze of a program that can make nuclear-weapons grade uranium.


No. 14 Vanderbilt Clocks Rhode Island (AP)

AP - Cherish Stringfield led five Vanderbilt women in double figures, scoring 19 points to lead the No. 14 Commodores over Rhode Island 108-53 Friday.


Tigers Beat Razorbacks

Marcus Randall runs for two touchdowns and throws two more to Joseph Addai, leading No. 14 LSU to a 43-14 victory over Arkansas on Friday afternoon.


Americans Rush to Stores as Holiday Season Starts (Reuters)

Reuters - Americans stormed the nation's stores\on the day after Thanksgiving, the traditional start of the key\holiday shopping season, lured by cut-price toys, consumer\electronics and Santa.


Packed agenda waiting for two leaders when Bush, Martin meet in Ottawa (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - It's nearly impossible to find a cohesive theme that will pull together the many threads of Tuesday's packed agenda when Prime Minister Paul Martin greets George W. Bush on the U.S. president's first official visit to Ottawa.


Iran and Europe Negotiate to Try to Save Nuclear Agreement

Iran and its European partners struggled to salvage their agreement committing Tehran to freeze an important part of its nuclear program.


Longhorns Keep B.C.S. Bowl Hopes Alive

Cedric Benson ran for 165 yards and a touchdown Friday to lead No. 6 Texas to their fifth straight win over their fiercest in-state rival.


Yukos abandons its fight for survival

Russia #39;s embattled oil giant Yukos raised the white flag and said it would seek  quot;liquidation or bankruptcy quot; after the forced government sale of its key oilfield next month, the company said yesterday.


Jardine chief quits after profit alert

The chief executive of the UK #39;s largest insurance broker quit yesterday after announcing a surprise profit warning which sent its shares to a four-year low.


P  amp; G Recalls Its  quot;Sweep Vac quot; By Swiffer

Procter  amp; Gamble is recalling a battery-operated vacuum cleaner it introduced in September this year. The company reports there have been a few cases in which the rotor locked up on its  quot;Sweep Vac quot; by Swiffer


BT unloads last satellite stake for 363m

BT Group disposed yesterday of its last remaining stake in a satellite company when it sold its 15.8 holding in the Paris-based Eutelsat for 363m.


NASA Cassini Image: Oddball Moon Hyperion

This image reveals the odd shape of Saturn #39;s moon Hyperion and an intriguing variation in brightness across its surface. The diameter of Hyperion is 266 kilometers (165 miles).


WTO Lets EU, Others Hit US with Trade Sanctions

The World Trade Organization gave final approval on Friday to the European Union, Japan and others to hit the United States with an initial \$150 million in trade sanctions


Retailers lure shoppers with early openings, top deals

quot;Including the engagement ring, about \$4,000, quot; said one shopper at Roosevelt Field mall early Friday morning. Engagement ring?


Olowokandi suspended for second game following arrest in <b>...</b>

Minnesota Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi was suspended by the team for a second game Friday night, one day after police used a stun gun to subdue him when he refused to leave a club.


T-Wolves' Olowokandi Suspended Second Game (AP)

AP - Minnesota Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi was suspended by the team for a second game Friday night, one day after police used a stun gun to subdue him when he refused to leave a club.


Canada Post workers threaten to strike Dec. 8 during Christmas rush (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - Three groups of Canada Post employees have threatened to strike during next month's annual Christmas rush.


Iran and its European partners struggled on Friday to salvage their agreement committing Tehran to freeze an important part of its nuclear program, European and Iranian officials said.


Bush spurs on Irish deal

US President George Bush has personally intervened in the Northern Ireland peace process to spur on the new power-sharing deal. Mr Bush telephoned Dr Rev Ian Paisley, the leader of the Democratic Unionist


No. 21 Oklahoma Drubs Akron 88-40 (AP)

AP - Lauren Shoush and Chelsi Welch each scored 13 points to lead No. 21 Oklahoma to an 88-40 win over Akron in the first round of the Junkanoo Jam on Friday.


EU reveals increase in aid fraud

The EU's anti-fraud squad reports an increase in serious abuses of its international aid project.


Cord blood offers leukaemia hope

\Blood from a newborn baby's umbilical cord can be used to treat adults with leukaemia, a US-based study says.


Juventus guilty of drug abuse

ITALIAN football faced one of the biggest scandals in its scarred history yesterday, after a Turin judge found the Juventus doctor, Riccardo Agricola, guilty of administering banned drugs to some of the worlds leading players during the 1990s.


Protesters Seek Resignations After Fire

Thousands of Argentines angered over perceived security lapses in a nightclub fire that killed 183 people, many of them teenagers, marched through capital streets Monday to demand the resignations of key city officials.


A Black Eye for Sports

A week later, the tape of the fight between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit fans sticks with me like a bad dream. I am still stunned to watch Ron Artest bound over rows of courtside chairs to attack a fan


U.S. Opposed Passport Privacy Protections (AP)

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


Skiers play games as Guay is second in final day of downhill <b>...</b>

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. (CP) - Being fastest wasn #39;t necessary best as Canada #39;s Erik Guay finished second in Friday #39;s final day of training for the first World Cup downhill race of the season.


S #39;African sentenced for Guinea coup try

A court in Equatorial Guinea has given sentences of up to 34 years to a group of South Africans and Armenians convicted of trying to overthrow the government.


Bush: Validity of Ukraine Vote in Doubt (AP)

AP - President Bush declared Friday that charges of voter fraud have cast doubt on the Ukrainian election, and warned that any European-negotiated pact on Iran's nuclear program must ensure the world can verify Tehran's compliance.


Longhorns Hook Aggies

Cedric Benson runs for 165 yards and a touchdown Friday to lead No. 6 Texas to a 26-13 win over No. 22 Texas A M that could further complicate the BCS picture.


Nice Paparazzi!

\\This is a "brilliant" idea : (where brilliant is stupid)\\"By wearing a specially designed electronic badge that jams electronic cameras,\they will be able to prevent photographers from taking unwanted pictures."\\"The "privacy protection system" being developed by Hewlett-Packard will allow\the publicity-shy to transmit an infrared signal to any nearby compatible\camera. Once activated, the camera's software will automatically blur beyond\recognition the face of anybody wearing the badge..."\


Inmate Agrees, for Now, Not to Seek Palestinian Authority Presidency

Marwan Barghouti, a popular politician now in an Israeli prison, called for Palestinians to support Mahmoud Abbas in elections on Jan. 9.


Liverpool reject ground sharing with Everton

LIVERPOOL have denied reports yesterday that they would consider sharing their new stadium with rivals Everton. It had been reported that the two clubs would meet with government officials to discuss the controversial subject of sharing a ground.


Can The Irish Pull the Ultimate Upset?

The Irish head into Saturdays game with a 6-4 record and not much to play for. The Trojans are undefeated and are chasing their second consecutive National Championship.


Briton in Afghan kidnap dispute

A British hotelier and cameraman has said Afghan authorities tried to get him to confess to involvement in the kidnapping of three UN hostages.


China bank advisor retracts statement on US Treasurys

A central bank adviser quoted as saying the government had cut its holdings of US Treasurys backtracked Friday after the speculation helped push the euro to a new all-time peak.


Grief, Rage in Argentine Protest Over Fatal Fire

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Thousands of Argentines  mourning almost 200 young victims of a rock club fire took to  the streets of Buenos Aires on Monday in angry protest over the  government's safety standards, as the city mayor resisted  pressure to resign.


Computer meltdown baffles the experts

Computer engineers were at a loss last night to explain why the Government had been hit by arguably the worst electronic meltdown in the history of Whitehall.


Another game added to Olowokandi suspension

Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The Minnesota Timberwolves tacked on one more game to the suspension of center Michael Olowokandi, who was jailed early Thursday morning for refusing to leave an Indianapolis nightclub.


Rookie Worries Redskins

The Steelers' multi-faceted offense, featuring Ben Roethlisberger and a returning Duce Staley, poses a stiff challenge to the Redskins' No. 2-ranked defense.


US Airways' Deal Requires Bankruptcy Exit by June 30

US Airways said that it must emerge from bankruptcy protection by June 30 to comply with a new \$140 million aircraft leasing and financing deal.


Byrd amendment buys US \$150 million in WTO sanctions

The World Trade Organization granted authorization Friday to the European Union, Japan, Canada, Korea, Mexico, India, and Chile, to slap retaliatory sanctions if the US fails to repeal the Byrd amendment.


US Airways Flight Attendants Prepare For Possible Strike

WASHINGTON -- The union representing flight attendants on Friday said it mailed out more than 5,000 strike authorization ballots to its members employed by US Airways as both sides continued talks that are expected to stretch through the weekend.


Judge Blocks Bid to Repossess United Planes

United Airlines, which has been under bankruptcy protection since 2002, won a temporary order on Friday stopping a group of creditors from repossessing 14 planes.


Pensions chaos as computers fail

ENGINEERS were today tackling a massive computer failure which has caused chaos at the Department for Work and Pensions. Up to 80 per cent of the ministrys systems for processing millions of pension and benefit payments collapsed on Monday.


#39;Star Wars #39; phone plans

like the one used in Star Wars - could soon be installed on the high-street. Boffins in Japan claim to have developed technology for image chambers - similar


Health Issue, Lack of Fervor Made H. Brown Leave

The grind of the NBA finally got to Hubie Brown, who at 71 had neither the fervor for the job nor the good health needed to remain the coach of the Grizzlies.


Vikings center Birk out for month

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (Nov. 26, 2004) -- Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk will miss at least four games after undergoing sports hernia surgery for the second time in four months.


Ex-Gurkha guards die in Baghdad mortar attack

Four former Gurkhas were killed and up to 15 other security guards working for a British firm wounded when a mortar landed in Baghdad #39;s Green Zone.


Ukraine's Parliament to Debate Election Crisis (Reuters)

Reuters - Ukraine's parliament meets on Saturday to\debate a disputed presidential election a day after Western\mediators trying to end the turmoil gripping major cities\managed to persuade the two rivals to start talks.


No. 1 Wake Forest Holds Off Arizona 63-60 (AP)

AP - Justin Gray scored 21 points for the second straight game and No. 1 Wake Forest beat No. 18 Arizona 63-60 on Friday night in the championship game of the Preseason NIT.


Japanese experts develop 3D communication technology

Three dimensional images may be commonplace at the movies nowadays, popularised in Hollywood #39;s classic sci-fi movie  quot;Star Wars quot; in which Princess Leia made an inter-galactic plea for help by sending a 3-D hologram.


Hasselbeck returns to practice, expects to start for Seahawks

Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck returned to practice and is expected to play Sunday against Buffalo. Hasselbeck had acupuncture treatments for a deep bruise just above his knee.


US Chief Justice Unable to Work Next Week-Report (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Chief Justice William H.\Rehnquist, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October,\will not be present when the Supreme Court reconvenes next week\to hear oral arguments, the Washington Post reported.


Only Drills, but Houston Looks Ready to Return

Allan Houston, the Knicks' veteran, hopes to play as soon as next Saturday in Charlotte, when the Knicks open a four-game road trip.


Despite Pact, New Violence Stymies Aid in Sudan

Two weeks after Sudanese authorities and their guerrilla enemies signed a peace deal, a surge of violence is engulfing Darfur.


Foreign Interest Appears to Flag as Dollar Falls

Investors and analysts are increasingly worried that the last big source of support for the American dollar - heavy buying by foreign central banks - is fading.


Soccer Headgear: Does It Do Any Good?

Thousands of American players are using protective headgear, but some soccer officials question whether it reduces the risk of head injuries.


No. 1 Wake Forest 63, No. 18 Arizona 60

Justin Gray scored 21 points for the second straight game and No. 1 Wake Forest beat No. 18 Arizona 63-60 on Friday night in the championship game of the Preseason NIT.


Mets Can't Escape Dealing With Boras This Winter

Agent Scott Boras represents 11 free agents this off-season, and much of his list reads like an All-Star Game lineup.


R Dutch/Shell gives itself breathing space

Royal Dutch/Shell, which this year had to postpone its annual report and shareholder meetings while it grappled with its sinking reserves figures, has taken precautions to avoid similar embarrassment in 2005.


Cavaliers Rally to Beat Celtics 98-96 (AP)

AP - Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 26 points, including the game-winning jumper on an assist from LeBron James with 19 seconds left, and the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 98-96 Friday night.