IAEA Agrees on Plan to Police Iran Nukes (AP)

AP - The U.N. nuclear agency agreed Monday on a plan for policing Iran's nuclear programs designed to avoid a showdown at the United Nations. But Iran's representative immediately raised questions about the wording of the pact, and the United States said it retained the right to take the case to the U.N. Security Council on its own.


Resignation of disgraced Fiji VP fails to quell anger over prison release (AFP)

AFP - The resignation of disgraced Fiji Vice-President Ratu Jope Seniloli failed to quell anger among opposition leaders and the military over his surprise release from prison after serving just three months of a four-year jail term for his role in a failed 2000 coup.


The JM Smucker Company Announces Strategic Actions

ORRVILLE, Ohio, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The JM Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) today announced several actions to refine its portfolio and improve its cost base as well as service levels in support of its long- term strategy.


LSU Going Miles to Fill Coaching Vacancy

BATON ROUGE, La. (Sports Network) - LSU has named Les Miles  its new head football coach, replacing Nick Saban.


Utah's Smith to Turn Pro

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


IBM Unveils Latest  #39;On-Demand #39; Tech Center

com. IBM on Monday unveiled a technology lab for customers looking to test the company #39;s products for managing computer resources based on business demands.


Upgrade downs 80,000 UK government computers

Staff at the United Kingdom #39;s Department for Work and Pensions were unable to use their PCs this week after a routine software upgrade knocked out 80 percent of the computers in the sprawling department.


FOOTBALL: I FEAR LOVELL WILL LEAVE US LIKE NOVO

JONAY HERNANDEZ fears Dundee striker Steve Lovell could be set to follow Nacho Novo out of Dens Park. Lovell continued his impressive start to the season by shaking off a virus to bag a double


Human rights activist to stand in Egyptian presidential election (AFP)

AFP - Egyptian-American sociologist and human rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim said he is planning to stand in the process to elect Egypt's next president that kicks off in May.


With ban imminent, Prince William joins fox hunt (AFP)

AFP - Britain's Prince William went fox hunting, six weeks before the controversial centuries-old bloodsport is to be banned forever, a spokeswoman said.


Senior Hamas Leader Holds Out Possibility of Cease-Fire with <b>...</b>

A senior leader of the Islamic militant group Hamas says his organization will not stand in the way of an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement if it is fair for the Palestinians.


Smucker #39;s To Close Salinas Facility In 2005

SALINAS, Calif. -- The JM Smucker Co. announced Monday that it will close its Salinas facility by the end of 2005. The closure is the result of restructuring of operations, company officials said.


IBM opens on-demand lab

com November 29, 2004, 4:35 PM PT. This fourth priority #39;s main focus has been enterprise directories for several months, but for many IT managers, ERP (enterprise resource planning


Aung San Suu Kyi still under house arrest

The Myanmar government has extended for a third time the house arrest of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the BBC said Monday. U Lwin, a spokesman for Aung #39;s National League


Gold Fields investors snub bid

Harmony #39;s bid to create the world #39;s biggest gold miner suffered a blow yesterday when the first part of its offer for South African rival Gold Fields received a lukewarm reception from shareholders.


UPDATE 1-US backs strong dollar, expects Chinese FX reform

America has not changed its strong dollar policy and still expects China to make its own currency more flexible, a Treasury official said on Monday, shrugging off comments from Beijing that had jolted markets.


Bombardier shares drop to new lows after third Bombardier jet <b>...</b>

MONTREAL (CP) - Shares in Bombardier Inc. fell to new lows Monday, partly due to the crash of another of its jets on Sunday, the third fatal crash of a Bombardier aircraft in two months.


Suicide Bomber Kills 12 in Attack on Iraqi Police (Reuters)

Reuters - A suicide car bomber plowed into\policemen waiting to collect their salaries at a police station\west of Ramadi Monday, killing 12 people in the latest\insurgent attack on Iraq's beleaguered security forces.


HD-DVD Gains Three Backers

November 29, 2004 - After months of momentum for Blu-ray, HD-DVD has shot back with a big gain - studio support. Toshiba Corp., which has been developing the HD-DVD format, announced it has lined up Warner Bros.


Chiefs QB Trent Green Questionable (AP)

AP - Quarterback Trent Green was undergoing X-rays of his sore ribs Monday and is listed as questionable for this week's game at Oakland.


James, Marion named NBA Players of the Week

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Forwards LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns on Monday were named the NBA #39;s Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week.


Insurgents Kill 7 Iraqi Security Forces (AP)

AP - Insurgents stepped up attacks on Iraq's fledgling security forces, killing seven Iraqi police and guardsmen Monday in a suicide bombing hours after storming a police station north of the capital. The military reported five new U.S. deaths.


Gunmen Kill Photojournalist in Mexico (AP)

AP - Gunmen killed a newspaper photographer as he and his family ate in a restaurant in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, the home turf of nearly all of Mexico's top drug bosses, authorities said Monday.


Canada to boost defence and security commitments during Bush visit (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Canada may eventually agree to send soldiers to train Iraqi military officers but it won't make any commitments when U.S. President George W. Bush visits the capital on Tuesday.


Al-Qaeda deputy in new tape

Ayman al-Zawahri, Osama Bin Laden's suspected right-hand man, appears in a video on Arab TV.


Broncos Game Big for Chargers (AP)

AP - It's been a long time since the San Diego Chargers played as big a game as they'll have Sunday, when they host the Denver Broncos.


HP updates Openview to meet business needs

Hewlett-Packard will use this week #39;s Software Universe conference in Madrid to announce a revamp of its Openview enterprise systems management software.


MPs demand action on DWP mess

MPs are demanding action after a routine software upgrade at the Department for Work and Pensions left 80 of desktop PCs unable to link to core mainframe-based social security systems.


Microsoft offers to replace fake Windows XP

Users who fear that their Windows XP software might be counterfeit could get free legitimate replacements from Microsoft under a scheme announced last week.


Even with a patchwork secondary, the Patriots just keep on winning

As both the weeks and the wins pile up for the Patriots, the more preposterous it becomes. Already it #39;s as farfetched and fanciful as anything that has happened in the NFL this season, Ben Roethlisberger #39;s magic carpet ride included.


Chirac names ally to replace rival

THE French president promoted a staunch ally to replace a popular finance minister, strengthening his hand ahead of an expected struggle for the governing party #39;s 2007 presidential nomination.


Stock Fund Inflow Slows To  #36;7.17 Bil (Investor's Business Daily)

Investor's Business Daily - A tight election and volatile stock market slowed investor enthusiasm for stock mutual funds in October, but their appetite appeared to increase in November.


Chinese PM Redirects Blame for Currency Rates to Washington

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has rejected pressure for exchange rate reforms and criticized the United States for not doing its part to keep the dollar from weakening.


Peru Starts Offensive to Reclaim Siege Town (Reuters)

Reuters - Peruvian police and troops on Monday\launched an offensive to retake a police station in a southern\Andean town and end a three-day siege by ex-soldiers demanding\the resignation of unpopular President Alejandro Toledo.


Lehman Brothers Names Christopher M. O #39;Meara Chief Financial <b>...</b>

NEW YORK, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lehman Brothers, the global investment bank, today announced that Christopher M. O #39;Meara, 43, has been named Chief Financial Officer.


Sony PlayStation 3 to use Cell chip

Sony announced that, in partnership with IBM and Toshiba, it is working on developing a Cell chip, which is designed to deliver high-definition content in an efficient manner.


Sharman turned blind eye to copyright filtering, court told

Sharman Networks was able to filter Kazaa to prevent copyright infringement, but instead chose to build a massive user base for advertising revenue, the Federal Court heard on day one of the peer-to-peer provider #39;s widely-anticipated trial.


Government lab, company lead project to develop nuclear fission <b>...</b>

SALT LAKE CITY -- If hydrogen created in a nuclear reactor ever winds up fueling cars and homes and businesses decades from now, it might all owe its thanks to a pottery kiln.


SCO Group Web Site Attacked Again

Software maker SCO Group has been targeted by hackers once again. This time, the company #39;s Web site was defaced. The attacks began during the long holiday weekend and were first noticed


Sun to buy remote-management firm

Sun Microsystems has signed a deal to acquire SevenSpace, a company whose technology is expected to expand Sun #39;s remote-management services beyond what #39;s possible with the computing giant #39;s own equipment.


McGrath keeps up the pressure

New Zealand were clinging on for dear life at 149 for five as play came to a close at the Adelaide Oval on the fourth evening. Their main hope was rain, for the fifth-day forecast


Tourists hoping to surprise Aussies at home

PAKISTAN cricket coach Bob Woolmer is hoping his new look team can catch Australia by surprise when their three Test series starts next month.


McGee makes debut on Hall of Fame ballot

If popularity was part of the criteria, Willie McGee almost certainly would be a first-ballot inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.


Stanley Works buying two security companies

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Dow Jones/AP) _ The Stanley Works agreed to buy Security Group Inc., a maker of locks and access systems, and said it completed the acquisition of Cal-Dor Specialties Inc.


HP rejiggers utility computing line

Hewlett-Packard next year will take a fresh approach to its utility computing initiative with a product designed to lower the cost of running corporate computing systems.


Project Aims to Develop Hydrogen Power

A government laboratory and a private company announced a \$2.6 million project Monday to develop hydrogen in a nuclear reactor using a process with


Beijng may reconsider deals on Microsoft software

The Beijing municipal government may reconsider its software procurement since it became target of criticism for giving Microsoft the lion #39;s share of a large software purchase order, analysts say.


Valve prevails in cyber-cafe rights case

Judge rules that VU Games is  quot;not authorized quot; to distribute Valve games in cyber-cafes; other claims, amount of damages remain at issue.


Dragon Quest VIII Playtest

November 29, 2004 - IGN picked up Dragon Quest VIII on Saturday along side at least one full percent of the population of Japan, then rushed home to play the game.


Armored Core: Clean Front

November 29, 2004 - Being part of the PSP launch doesn #39;t just mean being the first to play PlayStation Portable games. Sure, that part #39;s cool -- as is lording over your friends and family as one of the only


Rowing: Cracknell takes year out to seek new challenges

James Cracknell confirmed yesterday that he will be taking a year out from his rowing career, a day before his fellow gold medallist from the Olympic fours at this year #39;s Olympics, Matthew


Burns to stay on as Smith agrees four-year deal with Scotland

The Scottish Football Association yesterday made a formal offer to the former Rangers manager and, pending the ratification of his appointment at a board meeting on Thursday, Smith will be officially unveiled as the successor to Berti Vogts on a four-year


Cuban Gov't Releases Several Dissidents (AP)

AP - At least three of the original 75 dissidents arrested in a broad crackdown last year were released for health reasons Monday, according to friends, relatives and local rights activists. The surprise move raised hopes for additional releases in the coming days.


Baseball Ace Scout Rex Bowen Dies at 93 (AP)

AP - Rex Bowen, the great baseball scout who signed Bill Mazeroski, Maury Wills and Dick Groat, died at 93.


IAEA not to refer Iran #39;s nuclear issue to UN

The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Monday afternoon decided that it will not submit Iran #39;s nuclear issue to the UN Security Council for discussion.


Australian PM makes ASEAN debut under pressure to sign non-aggression pact (AFP)

AFP - Australian Prime Minister John Howard meets Southeast Asian leaders in Laos under growing pressure to sign a non-aggression pact with them to dispel concern about his policy of pre-emptive strikes.


AP: EPA Looking at Using Tests on People (AP)

AP - In setting limits on chemicals in food and water, the Environmental Protection Agency may rely on industry tests that expose people to poisons and raise ethical questions.


Sportsview: Effort Benefits Steelers (AP)

AP - All the Buffalo Bills had to do to make the playoffs was beat a Pittsburgh team playing Brian St. Pierre at quarterback, Willie Parker at running back and a bunch of other no-names.


Dollar Rebounds; Tone Cautious on U.S. Jobs

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


Wells Fargo Takes Control of Strong (AP)

AP - Banking giant Wells Fargo  amp; Co. has taken control of embattled mutual fund provider Strong Financial Corp., completing an acquisition negotiated more than seven months ago under the cloud of a financial scandal.


Brazil's Trade Surplus Is Biggest Ever (AP)

AP - Brazil racked up its biggest trade surplus in history last year, but the country's export boom of everything from soybeans to automobiles is expected to ease in 2005.


VW considers opening Indian plant

Volkswagen confirms it is looking at the possibility of opening an Indian production facility, but insists it has yet to make a final decision.


IBM, Sony, reveal plans for  #39;Cell #39; chip

TOKYO - IBM, Sony and Toshiba on Monday announced the first technical details of the widely-anticipated  quot;Cell quot; processor, also known as a  quot;supercomputer on a chip, quot; with Power architecture at its heart.


Are you sitting comfortably? Then let #39;s spy

This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.


Smith set for Scotland job but Knox may join Gough

WALTER Smith is expected to be named as the new Scotland manager this week but the identity of his assistant remains unclear, with his long-term sidekick Archie Knox wanted by Richard Gough to be the No2 at Livingston.


Gatlin, Hayes win US Jesse Owens Awards

Olympic champions Justin Gatlin and Joanna Hayes won the 2004 Jesse Owens Awards by USA Track  amp; Field (USATF) on Monday. The awards, named in honor of the late Olympic great


Warning over US pensions deficit

Leading economists say US taxpayers may have to pay for a pensions shortfall at the agency that protects pensions funds.


Annan Says His Son #39;s Payments Created a  #39;Perception Problem #39;

The United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, said yesterday that he had not known that his son had continued receiving payments until February of this year from a Swiss inspection company


Online Shopping Increases, Malls And Stores Report OK Sales

Minneapolis (WCCO) Were you part of the shopping opener this weekend? Malls and department stores report sales were not spectacular.


Halliburton settles insurance dispute

Halliburton Co. said Monday a bankruptcy judge approved the final insurance settlement agreements between Halliburton subsidiaries and insurance carriers.


UPDATE 1-Perry acquires 9.89 percent stake in Mylan Labs

Investment firm Perry Corp. on Monday said it holds a 9.89 percent stake in Mylan Laboratories Inc. (MYL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , exceeding the holdings of financier Carl


Celtics Beat Magic 117-101 to End Skid (AP)

AP - Doc Rivers got his team back on track while gaining a measure of revenge on his old squad, and the Boston Celtics snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Orlando Magic 117-101 on Monday night.


Spot On: Dragon Quest VIII fever hits Japan

A years-long phenomenon continues as crowds gather to buy the latest installment of Square Enix #39;s RPG series. TOKYO--When it comes to the popularity of video games in Japan, one of the franchises that can #39;t


Scientists unveil project to extract hydrogen in nuclear reactors

If hydrogen created in a nuclear reactor ever winds up fueling cars and homes and businesses decades from now, it might all owe its thanks to a pottery kiln in Salt Lake City.


Government procurement cannot save china #39;sl software industry

Recently, the Government Procurement Office of Beijing Municipality issued the Notice of Beijing Municipal Information Office on the Result of the Government Procurement Project for Copyrighted Software Vendors of Computer Operating Systems, Office Suites


DoCoMo, MMO2 to Offer I-Mode Service in UK, Ireland (Update1)

NTT DoCoMo Inc., Japan #39;s largest mobile-phone operator, and MMO2 Plc will introduce a cellular- phone service in the UK, Ireland and Germany based on the Japanese carrier #39;s i-mode wireless Internet technology.


Score One for Gordon Freeman

November 29, 2004 - Valve announced today that it won summary judgement against Vivendi Universal Games in Valve #39;s suit regarding cyber cafe game licensing.


Fratton fracas

HARRY REDKNAPP and Milan Mandaric face a sensational public showdown today to thrash out the crisis at Portsmouth. Pompey chairman Mandaric, in a bid to clear the air, has agreed to sit side


US thwarted over Iran

This latest IAEA resolution on Iran isn #39;t the result the United States wanted. Its own intense lobbying at successive IAEA Board of Governors meetings has consistently recommended that the


I still believe in Eta train-bomb link, says Aznar

The former prime minister of Spain, Jos Mara Aznar, mounted a vigorous defence of his decision to commit troops to Iraq yesterday as he became the first ex-premier to face questioning by a parliamentary commission.


William Safire:  #39;My Son, My Son

Thanks to Claudia Rosett, an enterprising reporter writing in The New York Sun, the world now knows that some information put out by Secretary General Kofi Annan about his son #39;s involvement with a Swiss inspection company at the heart of the UN oil-for


Body of NBC Executive's Son Believed Found

MONTROSE, Colo. (Reuters) - The body believed to be that of  NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol's 14-year-old son was  recovered on Monday from under the wreckage of an aircraft that  crashed in western Colorado and killed two others, officials  said.


Son's Payments on Deal Disappoint Annan (AP)

AP - Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Monday he was "very disappointed and surprised" that his son had continued to receive payments until this February from a firm that had a contract with Iraq's oil-for-food program, the subject of numerous corruption investigations.


Fresh Floods Kill at Least 26 in the Philippines

MANILA (Reuters) - Floods and landslides caused by heavy  rains killed at least 26 people in the northern and central  Philippines, disaster officials said on Tuesday, a week after  storms left about 160 dead or missing.


Yushchenko seeks confidence vote

Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko pursues a vote in parliament, as the crisis in Ukraine continues.


Reeling Merck Offers Officers a Bonus Deal

With its stock plunging, the drug giant Merck has adopted a plan that could give its top executives big bonuses if the company is taken over.


Kellogg appoints Jenness CEO after Gutierrez resigns to join <b>...</b>

DETROIT Kellogg has appointed James Jenness as chairman and chief executive, following the resignation of Carlos Gutierrez. The cereal maker #39;s board of directors elected the 58-year-old Jenness during a special meeting.


Intelsat buy-out to be reviewed

The proposed \$5bn buy-out of Intelsat will be renegotiated after one of its satellites malfunctioned causing disruption to the services of Playboy, the spacecraft #39;s anchor tenant.


Halliburton Units Win Approval of Asbestos Settlement (Update1)

Halliburton Co., the world #39;s largest oilfield-services company, said a bankruptcy judge approved a \$1.5 billion settlement of asbestos claims between two of its subsidiaries and insurers.


Biffa upturn helps to steady Severn

Severn Trent, the UK water and waste group, saw first-half profits hit by the weak US dollar, as well as a 15m pension fund charge.


Beijing signs pact for Asean trade

VIENTIANE, Laos China moved yet another step closer in cementing its economic and diplomatic relationships with Southeast Asia today when Prime Minister Wen Jiabao signed a trade accord at a regional summit that calls for zero tariffs on a wide range of


Aznar stands by his claim of Eta link to bombings

Jos Mara Aznar, Spain #39;s former prime minister, accused the Socialist government yesterday of failing to investigate suspected links between Islamic terrorists and Basque separatists.


Suicide bomber kills 12 in attack on Iraqi police

BAGHDAD: A suicide car bomber ploughed into policemen waiting to collect their salaries at a police station west of Ramadi overnight (NZT), killing 12 people in the latest insurgent attack on Iraq #39;s beleaguered security forces.


The Process of Picking a Winner Poses Issues

The college football season enters its final weekend on Saturday, but the suspense surrounding the Heisman Trophy is already gone.


TA agrees to acquire Bulgaria #39;s MobilTel

Telekom Austria yesterday said it had agreed to buy MobilTel, Bulgaria #39;s leading mobile telephone operator, in a step widely seen as preparing the way for a big share placement in the Austrian group.


Pension hit adds to woes at Severn

Severn Trent said last night it was still investigating alleged wrongdoing by its staff as it reported a 6.5 slump in first-half profits and predicted lower second-half growth from its services side.


Stanley buying Indianapolis lock firm

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- The Stanley Works has agreed to buy Indianapolis-based Security Group Inc., a maker of locks and access systems.


Martha Stewart subscribers renewing at brisk pace

New York (Dow Jones) -- Readers of Martha Stewart #39;s flagship magazine are renewing their subscriptions at a pace well ahead of industry norms.


Body of NBC TV exec #39;s son believed found

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Moments after surviving a horrific plane crash, Charles Ebersol frantically begged bystanders for help in rescuing his kid brother from the wreckage:  quot;Can you please help get him


Oil Down 3 Pct as U.S. Winter Stays Mild

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices slid 3 percent on Monday on  expectations that more mild U.S. weather at the start of the  New Year will limit heating oil demand.


Hollywood snubs Sony #39;s new DVD format

By Michiyo Nakamoto in Tokyo and Scott Morrison in San Francisco. Sony has suffered a big setback in its bid to set the standard for next-generation DVDs as four Hollywood studios announced they would support a rival technology backed by Toshiba.


Turn yourself into a diamond: tips on having a good life

A think tank of British scientists has come up with a new way of quickening the intellect -- a brain-taxing spin on the old formula of 100 things to do before you die.


Bode Miller takes super-G event

American Bode Miller won his first World Cup super-giant slalom Sunday, making him the first man to open an Alpine World Cup season with victories in three different disciplines and just the fifth skier to win a World Cup race in all four disciplines.


NCAA Game Summary - Purdue at North Carolina State

Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - Julius Hodge scored 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead 16th-ranked North Carolina State to a 60-53 victory over Purdue in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge at the RBC Center.


Chirac gathers his loyalists

Herv Gaymard, France #39;s agriculture minister and an ally of President Jacques Chirac, yesterday became the finance minister after Nicolas Sarkozy left to pursue presidential ambitions.


UK ; Northern Irish parties scramble to seal deal

UK News, LONDON - Gerry Adams, the head of the IRA #39;s political ally has held unprecedented talks with Northern Ireland #39;s police chief amid frantic efforts to seal a lasting settlement in the London-ruled province.


Whales and dolphins beached in Australia

More than 120 whales and dolphins died after swimming on to beaches on two southern Australian islands, where rescue teams were yesterday desperately trying to prevent others becoming stranded.


Lapid Angrily Questions the Rabbis Decision to Vote for the Budget

(IsraelNN.com) Addressing a Shinui faction meeting on Monday, party leader Minister of Justice Tommy Lapid angrily questioned how rabbis can be opposed to the Gaza Disengagement Plan while instructing United Torah Judaism to vote in favor of the state


Dollar Higher Vs Yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar rose against the yen on  Tuesday on weaker than expected Japanese output figures, but  traders said that recent heavy selling of the U.S. currency had  not ended.


Bush Nominates Kellogg Executive for Commerce Secretary

President Bush on Monday nominated Carlos M. Gutierrez, among the most prominent Hispanic business executives in the United States, to be his commerce secretary


Packers Lead Rams 7-0 After One Quarter (AP)

AP - Brett Favre started his 200th straight regular season game Monday night, but it was Green Bay's defense that gave the Packers a 7-0 first-quarter lead over the St. Louis Rams.


Sony, Partners Offer Glimpse Of  #39;Cell #39; Chip

IBM, Sony Corp., Sony Computer Entertainment and Toshiba Corp. said Monday that the companies had  quot;powered on quot; the first workstation designed around the collaboratively designed  quot;Cell quot; processor, which will begin pilot production next year.


Valve Wins Round One

Back in September we reported on the legal battle between Valve and Vivendi surrounding the  quot;cyber cafs quot; issue where Valve served Sierra On-Line, the then-Half-Life publisher, in August 2002, suing for copyright infringement in violation of the


Celtics 117, Magic 101

Doc Rivers got his team back on track while gaining a measure of revenge on his old squad, and the Boston Celtics snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Orlando Magic 117-101 on Monday night.


US Calls on UN Chief to Release All Oil-for-Food Facts

Washington #39;s ambassador to the United Nations has urged Secretary-General Kofi Annan to promptly release all information concerning the scandal-ridden Iraq oil-for-food program.


Pakistan Test Fires Ghaznavi Missile

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : Nov 30 (SADA) - Pakistan conducted a test of its nuclear- capable ballistic missile on Monday as part of efforts to boost its defenses, the state-run television reported.


Retailers Post Unimpressive Holiday Sales (AP)

AP - The holiday shopping season got off to a modest start after bargain-hunters jammed malls on Friday for early bird specials but did less buying the rest of the weekend after the sales ended.


Pilots and Makers of Copters Defy the Aviation Slump

In an aviation world of bankrupt airlines and despondent employees, the helicopter business is a relatively happy and optimistic niche.


Unilateral action can stop the dollar #39;s slide

The dollar has been trading at, or close to, its all-time low in European currency markets, prompting calls for the European Central Bank to intervene to stop the dollar #39;s slide against the euro.


Bush Taps Kellogg CEO Gutierrez as New Commerce Secretary

WASHINGTON - President Bush (search) prepared Monday to name his nominee to head the Commerce Department (search), and he is expected to revamp his economic team in the near future.


Yukos Chief Plans Return To Russia

The American chief executive of Yukos, the embattled oil producer whose top executives left Russia a week ago because they feared government prosecution, said yesterday that he  quot;fully intends


Four Studios Give Backing to a Format for DVD #39;s

A group of companies led by the Toshiba Corporation made a major advance in the effort to define a new DVD standard as Paramount and three other Hollywood studios announced on


Australia on brink of victory

Australia were on the verge of wrapping up a 2-0 win in the series when New Zealand, chasing 464 for victory, reached lunch at 243 for nine on the fifth day of the second and final test on Tuesday.


Strawberry And Boggs Are On Hall Ballot

Wade Boggs, a five-time American League batting champion, and Darryl Strawberry, an eight-time All-Star, are among 12 players who will appear on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time.


Pacers Won #39;t Comply With Police Request

The Indiana Pacers have told law enforcement officials in Michigan that Pacers players will not submit to interviews as part of the investigation into the brawl that


Myanmar #39;s PM  quot;yet to confirm quot; Suu Kyi #39;s extended detention

VIENTIANE : Myanmar Prime Minister Soe Win could not confirm reports that his government had extended democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi #39;s period of house arrest by a year, Thailand #39;s prime minister said.


Bhopal Victims Not Fully Paid, Rights Group Says

Almost 20 years after the world #39;s worst industrial disaster, a gas leak from a Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal that immediately killed 7,000 people and


Pacers Won't Comply With Police Request

The Indiana Pacers have told law enforcement officials in Michigan that players will not submit to interviews as part of the investigation into the Nov. 19 brawl.


Update 1: Ex-Disney Director Testifies About Eisner

A former Walt Disney Co. director testified Monday that Disney chief executive Michael Eisner told her in a December 1996 telephone conversation that then-Disney President Michael Ovitz was being fired and was eligible for a large severance package.


Hollywood Steps Into Video Format Fight (AP)

AP - Three top Hollywood studios are throwing their considerable weight behind one of two competing formats for the next generation of DVDs, citing in part the need to stem piracy.


Online Retailers See Thanksgiving Surge (AP)

AP - Computer-savvy consumers did plenty of online shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend, giving companies like Amazon.com and walmart.com the same kickoff to the holiday season as department stores and malls had.


Industry Claims Kazaa Copyright Pirate

An Australian federal court has been told that Sharman Networks, the developer of file swapping technology Kazaa, is the largest music piracy system ever seen.


Mexico's Fox Vows Justice in Mob Slayings (AP)

AP - President Vicente Fox on Monday promised the relatives of a federal police officer burned alive by an angry mob that he would ensure those responsible for the killing are punished and that police authorities who failed to come to his aid would be investigated.


AUSTRALIA CLOSE TO VICTORY

Australia need just one wicket to claim victory over New Zealand in the second Test in Adelaide. The tourists had lunch on day five on 243 for nine, chasing 464 to win - a Test record for a team batting last


Honda's Minimoto Maxii Tops Kids' Wish Lists-Yahoo (Reuters)

Reuters - Video games are so last\Christmas. This year, kids want wheels.


Asean abandons move to censure Burma over human rights abuses

South-east Asian govern-ments yesterday abandoned attempts to censure Burma publicly for its human rights abuses, with officials admitting in private that they


Paisley appears ready to compromise to secure place in history

Ian Paisley has made a career out of obstructing efforts to find a political accommodation between Northern Ireland #39;s warring communities.


Dalai Lama arrives in Southern Russian Buddhist Republic

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrived in Elista, the capital of south Russian Buddhist region of Kalmykia, on his first trip to Russia, which Moscow terms as a  #39;pastoral visit #39;.


'Skulls' Mobile Security Threat Seen Low-McAfee (Reuters)

Reuters - A computer program known as\"Skulls" with potentially destructive capability aimed at\advanced mobile devices was seen as a low threat because it had\not targeted consumers, security software maker McAfee Inc.\said on Monday.


IBM And Chip Partners Take Aim At Intel (Investor's Business Daily)

Investor's Business Daily - IBM revealed on Monday some milestones in its march to roll out a powerful new chip for consumer devices next year, a product that promises to heat up its rivalry with No. 1 chipmaker Intel.


Booming China Awash in 'Out of Control' Acid Rain (Reuters)

Reuters - China's explosive economic growth is\outpacing environmental protection efforts, leaving the country\awash in "out of control" acid rain, the China Daily said\Tuesday.


Project Aims to Develop Hydrogen Power (AP)

AP - A government laboratory and a private company announced a  #36;2.6 million project Monday to develop hydrogen in a nuclear reactor using a process with the potential to one day trim the country's reliance on fossil fuels.


Witness Deferred to Eisner on Ovitz Firing

A former director of the Walt Disney Company, Richard A. Nunis, testified Monday that he deferred to the decision of Michael D. Eisner, the chief


US-based Stanley Works buying two security companies

Stanley Works has agreed to buy Security Group Inc., a maker of locks and access systems, and said it completed the acquisition of Cal-Dor Specialties Inc.


Halliburton says court approves insurance accords

Halliburton Co. (HAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday a bankruptcy judge approved the final insurance settlement agreements between Halliburton subsidiaries and insurance carriers.


Canadian Inventor Lets Everyone Be an Armchair Spy

New Internet-based technology could soon turn regular computer users into armchair spies, a Canadian inventor said on Monday. Vincent Tao, an engineer at Toronto #39;s York


Setback for Microsoft as Beijing scraps deal

Beijing #39;s city government has cancelled a controversial purchase of Rmb29m (\$3.5m, 2.6m, 1.8m) of software from Microsoft after local rivals complained about the way the deal was handled.


Game Recreates JFK #39;s Assassination

NEW YORK - Just in time for Monday #39;s 41st anniversary of President John F. Kennedy #39;s assassination, a tasteless Internet game is being launched that lets players be Lee Harvey Oswald.


Monday #39;s Top 25 Capsules

John Lucas scored 24 points to lead No. 6 Oklahoma State to a 76-57 victory over SMU on Monday night. Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton won for the 759th time, tying Ed Diddle for eighth place on the Division I career list.


Rison Given Option for Release

Former Pro Bowl receiver Andre Rison was given the option of paying \$10,000 to get out of jail after spending almost a month locked up for failing to pay child support.


China Agonizes as Hope Vanishes for Missing Miners

Investigators have determined that back-to-back coal-dust and gas blasts ripped through a mine in northern China killing at least 50 workers and leaving more than 110 trapped and feared dead, said reports on Tuesday.


Burma Extends Suu Kyi #39;s Detention

Burma #39;s ruling military junta has placed Aung San Suu Kyi, the country #39;s charismatic opposition leader, under an additional year of house arrest, dashing hopes


Shouldering a Giant Load

Giants rookie quarterback Eli Manning will take an 0-2 record as a pro starter into Sunday's game against the Redskins at FedEx Field.


'Skulls' Mobile Security Threat Seen Low-McAfee

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A computer program known as  "Skulls" with potentially destructive capability aimed at  advanced mobile devices was seen as a low threat because it had  not targeted consumers, security software maker McAfee Inc.  said on Monday.


Hot Stove Warms D.C.

With the Redskins sputtering through another disappointing season, the area can now enjoy a new diversion: offseason baseball maneuvering.


Cricket: Australia finish off NZ

Australia secure a 213-run win to seal a 2-0 Test series win over New Zealand.


Still Waiting on a Bowl

The Peach Bowl has released Virgnia from consideration, and is expected to announce that it will invite the loser of Saturday's Miami-Virginia Tech game to play Florida on New Year's Day.


Sony Takes on iPod with New Hard Disk Walkman

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Sony Corp 6758.T unveiled its first  MP3-compatible, hard disk Walkman music player on Tuesday in an  attempt to recover ground lost to Apple Computer's AAPL.O  iPod.


The Latest BCS Drama

The real drama of the latest BCS standings -- the last before the final rankings are issued Sunday -- was the razor-thin margin separating No. 4 California and No. 5 Texas.


TORONTO (Reuters) - New Internet-based technology could  soon turn regular computer users into armchair spies, a  Canadian inventor said on Monday.


Hughes Scores Huge

Wizards guard Larry Hughes is on pace to finish with career-highs in all major categories, keying the Wizards' early-season success.


Goals Still in View

The Ravens are focusing on the positives following a 24-3 loss to the Patriots. Baltimore is still in playoff position and faces two losing teams in the next two weeks.


Toshiba Wins HD DVD Support from 4 in Hollywood

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toshiba Corp. on Monday said it had won  support for the HD DVD optical disc standard from four  Hollywood studios, advancing its cause in the battle for the  next-generation DVD.


Wolfpack Edge Purdue

Julius Hodge scores 22 points to lead No. 16 North Carolina State past Purdue, 60-53, Monday night in Raleigh. The Wolfpack improve to 5-0 with the victory.


Lawyers Not Close

Lawyers on both sides of Atlanta's Dany Heatley's vehicular homicide case said Monday they are not close to agreeing on a plea deal that would keep his case from going before a jury.


Bradley in Trouble Again

Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley is charged with disorderly conduct after interfering with a traffic stop near Akron, Ohio.


Celtics Snap Skid

Boston coach Doc Rivers gets a measure of revenge on his old squad as the Celtics beat the Magic, 117-101, Monday night for their first win in five games.


States' Rights Defense Falters in Medical Marijuana Case

Justices expressed little inclination to view drug policy as an issue by which states can displace regulation of homegrown marijuana.


U.S. Officials Build a Powerful Partnership in Iraq

Much of the U.S. strategy in Iraq has become balancing a military campaign with diplomatic maneuvering and economic assistance.


Satellite Failure May Jeopardize Intelsat Deal

Commercial satellite operator Intelsat Ltd. lost use of one of its satellites Sunday -- a mishap that left some Internet customers without service and could thwart a proposed \$5 billion deal to sell the company to a group of four venture capital firms. -The Washington Post


Sundance Opens Competition to Foreign Films

 By Bob Tourtellotte

 LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Sundance Film Festival, thepremier U.S. showcase for independent cinema, named the filmson Monday that will compete at its 2005 festival in January,including documentaries energy company Enron and Peru'sfugitive president, Alberto Fujimori.


New File System Constrains Treo 650 Storage Capacity

PalmOne will offer a free memory card to address the problem.


Sony, IBM, and Toshiba Reveal Additional Details on Cell Chip

Initial versions of PlayStation 3 chip will not be produced with a cutting-edge chip-making technology.


IBM, Sony and Toshiba Unveil Cell Processor

IBM, Sony and Toshiba unveiled some of the key concepts of their jointly developed advanced microprocessor, code-named Cell, which is aimed at next-generation computing applications and digital consumer electronics.


Australia Beats New Zealand, Seals Sweep of Test Cricket Wins

Australia beat New Zealand by 213 runs in the second cricket Test at Adelaide to clinch a 2-0 series victory and complete a winning record against all nine teams at the sport #39;s elite level.


Hip-Hop's New World to Conquer: Your Phone

At the top of Billboard magazine's Hot Ringtones chart: Snoop Dogg and Pharrell's "Drop It Like It's Hot."


Around the World, With 13 Fuel Tanks and a Single Seat

The GlobalFlyer, a single-seat airplane designed to make the first solo, nonstop, unrefueled flight around the world, is a feat of engineering.


Four Studios Give Backing to a Format for DVD's

Four Hollywood studios announced that they would release films in the group's high-definition DVD format by the end of next year, an advance in the effort to define a new DVD standard.


Ad Spending Rises, Particularly on the Net

A report on advertising spending showed strong growth across most media in the first nine months of the year, with Internet advertising increasing the most.


Judge Dismisses Suit Against Oracle Officers

A judge dismissed a lawsuit against two officers of the Oracle Corporation that accused them of insider trading before the company announced an earnings shortfall in 2001.


NTT DoCoMo, Mm02 Sign Deal

Japan #39;s top cell phone operator NTT DoCoMo Inc. and major British mobile carrier mm02 plc reached an agreement that will allow mobile telephone users in Britain, Germany, and Ireland to surf the Internet on the handsets, DoCoMo said Tuesday.


Now everyone can spy

TORONTO: New internet-based technology could soon turn regular computer users into armchair spies, a Canadian inventor says. Vincent Tao, an engineer at Toronto #39;s York University said he has invented a mapping


Skulls program carries Cabir worm into phones

Virus writers have unleashed a second version of the  quot;Skulls quot; Trojan horse and packaged it with a cell phone virus, a security company has warned.


Plucky tail can #39;t save Kiwis

Australia finished off a clinical 213-run win over New Zealand just after lunch Tuesday on the fifth day of the second cricket test to secure a series sweep.


Police Say They #39;ve Identified Man Who Threw Chair in Pistons <b>...</b>

Police in Auburn Hills, Mich., believe they know the identity of the man who threw a chair in a brawl between players and fans during the Pacers-Pistons game on Nov. 19.


USC, Oklahoma Retain Positions

Southern California and Oklahoma stayed on course for a clash over college football #39;s national title at the Jan. 4 Orange Bowl yesterday after putting more distance between their respective No.


QB Shuffle For Cards And Bears

Two games after abruptly benching Josh McCown in favor of Shaun King, Green announced yesterday that John Navarre, a rookie from the University of Michigan, will start Sunday #39;s game at Detroit.


India ; 20 years on, Bhopal #39;s gas tragedy continues

India News, Bhopal, That cold night 20 years ago in this capital of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh changed Chiraunji Bai #39;s life forever, just as it did for tens of thousands of others.


Son #39;s Payments on Deal Disappoint Annan

UNITED NATIONS - Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Monday he was  quot;very disappointed and surprised quot; that his son had continued to receive payments until this February from a firm that had a contract with Iraq #39;s oil-for-food program, the subject of numerous


College Basketball: Oklahoma State, N.C. State Win

DALLAS (Sports Network) - John Lucas poured in a game-high  24 points to lead No. 6 Oklahoma State over SMU, 76-57, at  Moody Coliseum.


Five in Texas Are Accused of Reporting False Trades

Five former traders were indicted yesterday in Houston on charges of reporting false trades to industry newsletters to manipulate natural gas prices.


Disney characters on trial

Not exactly the things you #39;d like your boss to be saying about you in your performance appraisal. And wouldn #39;t it be a little embarrassing if those opinions from the boss were somehow made public


Dollar Firms as Focus Turns to US Data

The dollar firmed slightly against the euro on Monday, recovering from last week #39;s record low and a 4-1/2-year trough against the yen as traders turned their sights to economic data due later in the week.


Are you sitting comfortably? Then let #39;s spy

New Internet-based technology could soon turn regular computer users into armchair spies, a Canadian inventor said on Monday. Vincent Tao, an engineer at Toronto #39;s York University, said he has invented a mapping


Viral threat to 3G phones pumped up

IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY at the two most widely reported  #39;viruses #39; for Symbian phones, you #39;ll realise that only a dunderhead would actually manage to get infected.


I #39;ll stand and fight

THIERRY HENRY admits he and Patrick Vieira are putting their bodies on the line to keep alive Arsenals Premiership and Champions League dreams.


Miller, Mirabelli finalize deals as free-agent market resumes

Damian Miller #39;s \$8.75 million, three-year contract was finalized by the Milwaukee Brewers and Doug Mirabelli became the first of Boston #39;s 16 free agents to re-sign, agreeing to a \$3 million, two-year deal Monday.


IAEA endorses Iran #39;s N-freeze: US insists on taking action

VIENNA, Nov 29: Iran escaped UN censure over its nuclear programme on Monday but Washington, which accuses it of seeking an atomic bomb, said it reserved the right to take the case to the Security Council on its own.


Sony Takes on iPod with New Hard Disk Walkman

Sony Corp (6758.T: Quote, Profile, Research) unveiled its first MP3-compatible, hard disk Walkman music player on Tuesday in an


Suu Kyi detention extended

YANGON, Nov 29: The detention period of the Myanmar #39;s detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been extended by another year, her party officials said on Monday.


Britain admits cost of ID cards will be almost double estimate (AFP)

AFP - The British government has admitted the cost of introducing identity cards will be almost double its original estimate of three billion pounds (5.6 billion dollars, 4.3 billion euros)), the Financial Times reported.


China Agonizes as Hope Vanishes for Missing Miners (Reuters)

Reuters - Investigators have determined that\back-to-back coal-dust and gas blasts ripped through a mine in\northern China killing at least 63 workers and leaving 103\trapped and feared dead, state media said on Tuesday.


Reeling Merck Offers Officers a Bonus Deal

With its stock plunging, drug giant Merck has adopted a plan that could give top executives big bonuses if the company is taken over.


Leader Offers Fresh Election For Ukrainians

Government unity seemed to crumble as the president proposed a new election and the Supreme Court heard complaints of fraud.


Merck Adopts Severance Safeguards for Executives

Drugmaker Merck  amp; Co., under financial siege since pulling its top painkiller Vioxx off the market in September, said Monday it has adopted a plan that


Singapore and India to sign free-trade pact in 2005

SINGAPORE : Singapore and India are now ready to sign a wide-raging economic agreement to boost trade and investment after resolving all outstanding issues, an official statement said.


Nielsen #39;s Concessions End Fight With Univision

Univision Communications Inc. and Nielsen Media Research Inc. have dropped lawsuits against each other over the rollout of Nielsen #39;s controversial  quot;personal people meters, quot; which critics said


DC #39;s Thayer Gets Stake in BFI Canada

Thayer Capital Partners, a DC private-equity partnership that buys companies, agreed to a deal that will give it a 24 percent stake in one of Canada #39;s largest trash haulers.


Kazaa created for lawful purposes, court told

The Federal Court in Sydney has been told the creators of the popular file-sharing software, Kazaa, cannot be held responsible if people use it to illegally swap music files.


Motorola using Microsoft ActiveSync protocol for Linux smartphone

Motorola, Inc. has announced interoperability between its MotoSync technology-enabled mobile phones and Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.


CRACKNELL TAKES YEAR OFF

Olympic rowing hero James Cracknell has revealed a lack of hunger was behind his decision to take a year away from the sport. The 32-year-old, who was part of the British gold-medal winning coxless fours in


California bears burden of making point that it #39;s BCS-worthy

This week #39;s Bowl Championship Series saga picks up where last week #39;s left off. As you might recall, California needed Texas to beat Texas A amp;M to keep its hopes of going to its first Rose Bowl in 45 years.


Nuggets 76, Hornets 67

Earl Boykins scored 22 points to help the Denver Nuggets overcome the absence of Carmelo Anthony and defeat the New Orleans Hornets 76-67 on Monday night.


Burma Extends Democracy Leader #39;s Detention

Detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been told she will be held under house arrest until at least next September, a spokesman for her political party said.


N-capable Ghaznavi missile test-fired

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan early Monday test-fired its indigenously developed short-range nuclear-capable Ghaznavi missile, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.


Body of NBC Official's Son Is Believed Found in Crash

The body of a teenager believed to be the son of Dick Ebersol was found Monday in the wreckage of a corporate jet that crashed during takeoff.


Disparity Is Growing Between Conferences

The N.F.C. has only one presumed heavyweight, the Philadelphia Eagles. By contrast, 10 victories in the A.F.C. might not be enough for some teams to reach the playoffs.


The Giants' Warner, a Backup, Speaks Up

The person insisting loudest that the Giants' offense has bigger problems than Eli Manning is Kurt Warner, the quarterback who was benched in favor of Manning.


Judge Dismisses Big Rights Suit on Apartheid

A federal judge in New York dismissed a human rights suit yesterday against 35 major corporations that did business in South Africa under apartheid, dealing a blow to rights lawyers who have


TSA backs off no-bid contract plan for airport security equipment

WASHINGTON The idea of a no-bid contract for maintaining airport security equipment has turned into a non-starter for the Transportation Security Administration.


Severn Trent First-Half Net Falls 27 on Pension Cost (Update1)

Severn Trent Plc, the UK #39;s second- largest publicly traded water company, said first-half profit fell 27 percent because of higher pension charges and the impact of exchange rates.


Kazaa Now Offers Free Internet Phone Calling Feature

According to wire reports Sharman Networks has added Internet-based phone calls to the popular file-sharing program Kazaa. Legal experts are quoted as saying that this may be a preemptive by Sharman Networks, which owns Kazaa, to legitimize the software.


Volunteers spread word of Firefox

By day, Alexander Vincent is a mild-mannered secretary for a Vallejo real estate broker. By night, he #39;s an online crusader protecting users of a new Internet browser from glitches and security bugs.


Dragon Quest VIII Dungeon Details

The latest information from Square Enix on Dragon Quest VIII focuses on the dungeons, which take full advantage of the game #39;s 3-D graphics.


Australia Beats NZ for Sweep of Test Cricket Wins (Update1)

Australia beat New Zealand by 213 runs in the second cricket Test in Adelaide to clinch a 2-0 series victory and complete a winning record against all nine nations at the sport #39;s elite level.


FOOTBALL: WENGER #39;S PAT ON THE BACK

ARSENE WENGER fears title rivals Chelsea will break the bank to sign Steven Gerrard during the January transfer window but said he is still not as good as Patrick Vieira.


Walter Smith offered Scotland coaching job

According to a BBC Scotland report, Smith has been in talks with the Scottish Football Association about the job which became available after German Berti Vogts resigned earlier this month.


UN agency agrees to police Iranian enrichment freeze as US voices <b>...</b>

VIENNA, Austria - The UN nuclear agency agreed on ways to police Irans suspension of some nuclear programs, but a US official said Washington might still try to take the case to the Security Council.


Dalai Lama Arrives in Russia

The Dalai Lama arrived in Elista, the capital of the Russian internal republic of Kalmykia, on Monday. Dalai Lama XIV did not plan any meetings on his first day in Russia.


Kellogg CEO to head Commerce Department

President Bush said yesterday that he had tapped one of the nation #39;s most prominent Cuban-Americans, Carlos Gutierrez, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Kellogg Co.


TSA Reconsiders Technology Contract

The Transportation Security Administration yesterday said it would resume plans to seek bids for a large technology maintenance contract, ending consideration of a proposal to give the


HK PRESS: PSA Takes HK Port Stake For HK\$2.6 Billion

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--PSA International will pay at least HK\$2.6 billion for majority control of Asia Container Terminals, giving Singapore #39;s state-owned port operator the strategic foothold in Hong Kong #39;s port that it has long coveted, reports the South


Grassley Defends Whistle-Blower

Food and Drug Administration whistle-blower David J. Graham believes he will soon be transferred or fired in retaliation for telling a congressional hearing that the agency is falling short


HP rejiggers utility computing line

Hewlett-Packard next year will take a fresh approach to its utility computing initiative with a product designed to reduce the cost of running corporate computing systems.


Skulls Trojan teams up with Cabir worm

Virus writers have unleashed a second version of the morbid-looking Symbian Trojan  #39;Skulls #39; and packaged it with one of the first mobile phone viruses, dubbed Cabir.


Microsoft Licenses ActiveSync For Motorola, PalmOne Smart Phones

Microsoft has licensed its ActiveSync technology to OEM partners Motorola and PalmOne to enable a new class of non-Windows smart phones to wirelessly synchronize with Exchange Server 2003.


Turn yourself into a diamond: tips from science on a good life <b>...</b>

A thinktank of British scientists has come up with a new way of quickening the national intellect - a brain-taxing spin on the old formula of 100 things to do before you die.


Australia finish off New Zealand

Australia wrapped up a 2-0 win in the series with a 213-run victory in the Second Test in Adelaide. New Zealand, chasing an unlikely 464 for victory, put up little resistance as they lost their last five wickets for 100 runs.


Miller:  quot;I #39;ma real skier! quot;

His remark, of course, was half in jest, fuelled by the euphoria of a clean sweep of the World Cup season thus far. With Super-G wins in Soelden and Lake Louise, and the Lake Louise downhill as well, Miller #39;s


Redknapp  #39;forced out #39;

THE arrival of Velimir Zajec as Portsmouth #39;s director of football was the final straw for manager Harry Redknapp, his assistant coach Jim Smith told the BBC today.


This season more jolly with playoff

Set aside, for a moment, the Twelve Days of Christmas. And consider what the coming holiday season would be like with the Twelve Teams of Playoffs.


U.S. Military Seeks Plane With Six Aboard (AP)

AP - The U.S. military said Tuesday that it was searching for three civilian crew members and three military passengers who were aboard an aircraft that went missing over Afghanistan.


China mine death toll increases

More than 100 men are trapped and feared dead after a gas explosion at a coal mine in central China on Sunday. Dangerous carbon monoxide levels are hampering rescue efforts, but one official said it was impossible for anyone to have survived.


China mine death toll increases

At least 63 miners are known to have died after Sunday's mine explosion, with more than 100 missing.


Torture victims slam Chile payout

Groups representing torture victims of Chile's former military government reject a proposed compensation deal.


PSA buys key stake in Hong Kong port operator

Singaporess PSA gained a much-sought foothhold in Hong Kong with an agreement to buy a stake in Asia Container Terminals, a port operator in the worlds busiest container hub, from Sun Hung Kai Properties.


Indian Ocean Island Pleads for Relief (AP)

AP - Bambooflat island is only a 20 minute ferry ride from the capital of this Indian archipelago, yet no relief for the tsunami victims had arrived by Saturday, leaving some 2,000 families angry and desperate for humanitarian aid.


Sun Devils, Aggies closing in on Holiday Bowl berths

SAN DIEGO ---- The official announcement will be made Sunday, but barring any wild surprises, Arizona State and Texas A amp;M will be the participants in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30.


NCAA Game Summary - Oklahoma State at SMU

Oklahoma State also holds an 8-3 mark in Dallas versus the Mustangs...Graham #39;s twin brother Stephen recorded nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds for the Cowboys...Bobik was 3-of-4 from long range. Dallas


Jayhawks Breeze

No. 2 Kansas does not face much of a challenge as it rolls through an overmatched Nevada team, 85-52, on Monday night.


Favre's 200th Straight Start Is a Win

Brett Favre topped 20 touchdown passes for the 11th straight season in the Green Bay Packers' rout of the St. Louis Rams on Monday night.


Italy braced for general strike

Millions of Italian workers are expected to take part in a general strike against \$8bn in government spending cuts.


Bacteria Enlisted for New Trials on Dental Health

Can genetically engineered bacteria prevent tooth decay? A small biotechnology company is about to take the first step toward answering that question.


Mets Top Red Sox in Offer to Martnez

The Mets submitted a three-year guaranteed contract to Boston pitcher Pedro Martnez worth approximately \$38 million.


Retailers Seen Posting Modest Nov. Sales

US retailers are expected to post modest November sales this week, with No. 1 retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. already cutting its holiday outlook on high oil prices and warmer weather.


Golden rings cheaper but list dearer

Want a gift to please your honey this holiday season and save some bucks, too? Consider five golden rings, the fifth gift in the classic holiday song  quot;The Twelve Days of Christmas.


Courts and Torts: Vetting Compensation

Even the The Incredibles would have a hard time rescuing the Walt Disney Co. #39;s compensation committee from their current predicament.


Hedge fund targets Coke for devaluation

LONDON - A former Wall Street stockbroker plans to start a hedge fund in an ambitious drive to halve the value of Coca-Cola #39;s shares within 12 months.


Retailers Seen Posting Modest Nov. Sales (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. retailers are expected to post\modest November sales this week, with No. 1 retailer Wal-Mart\Stores Inc. already cutting its holiday outlook on high oil\prices and warmer weather.


Studios line up behind competing new DVDs

Three large Hollywood studios are throwing their weight behind one of two competing formats for the next generation of DVDs, citing in part the need to stem piracy.


Sun extends multi-platform services offerings

Sun Microsystems has entered into an agreement to acquire SevenSpace, a privately-held company based in Ashburn, Va. SevenSpace will broaden Sun #39;s Managed Services offerings to include heterogeneous environments


The Benefits Of The New Firefox Browser

You probably heard of the new Firefox browser version 1.0 recently released by Mozilla. If you are currently using Internet Explorer or Netscape, you are probably wondering if Firefox is better and why is it better.


Goodbye to fossil fuels? Not quite yet

It all came down to a small, Utah-made device sitting inside an Idaho pottery kiln. This recent experiment at a national research laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho, may pave the way for an efficient means of extracting hydrogen from water.


New  #39;Skulls #39; Mutant Releases Cabir Virus on Phones

Anti-virus vendors have spotted a new strain of the  quot;Skulls quot; Trojan sneaking into Symbian-based cell phones, and this one drops the Cabir worm on the devices.


Valkyrie Profile and Dragon Quest VII To Make Another Round

At the beginning of the year, Square Enix will be re-releasing two RPGs originally released at the turn of the century. Valkyrie Profile and Dragon Quest VII will be released in Japan under the PS One Books


Aussies sweep series with 213-run victory over Kiwis

ADELAIDE, Nov 30: Australia crushed New Zealand by 213 runs on the final day of the second Test to complete a series clean sweep at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.


Hopes fade for trapped miners

Chenjiashan Mine - Hopes of finding alive 141 workers trapped inside a north China coal pit vanished Monday as officials and angry relatives blamed the disaster on management #39;s drive for profit.


Archbishop seeks to calm  #39;war of words #39;

Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane has stepped into the fray between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President Thabo Mbeki, calling for calm and offering to mediate between the two.


Another oil-food scandal emerges

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday he was disappointed in his son for accepting payments from a key contractor in the oil-for-food program for more than four years longer than had been previously acknowledged.


World Failed Bhopal Gas Victims, Says Amnesty

London, Nov. 30 (NNN) : The world has failed to help survivors of the Bhopal gas leak in India 20 years ago or to punish the guilty, Amnesty International has said.


Oil Prices Hover Just Below \$50 a Barrel

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - U.S. oil prices hovered just below  \$50 a barrel on Tuesday, holding recent gains on a rash of  crude supply outages and fears over thin heating oil tanks.


Nikkei Slips 0.8 Pct on Data

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average fell around 0.8  percent by mid-afternoon on Tuesday after industrial output  data sapped investor appetite for tech issues and profit-taking  hit recent gainers such as Nippon Steel Corp.


Newspaper Publishers Padded Sales Figures

Investigations have found that several companies inflated circulation totals and revenue in order to keep advertising rates high.


DOT Says Air Traffic Overhaul Is Flawed

An eight-year effort to upgrade the computers for the nation's air traffic control system is "facing obsolescence" before it has been completed, the Department of Transportation inspector general said in a report released yesterday.


Nielsen's Concessions  End Fight With Univision

Univision Communications Inc. and Nielsen Media Research Inc. have dropped lawsuits against each other over the rollout of Nielsen's controversial "personal people meters," which critics said undercount the size of minority television audiences.


Thayer Gets Stake in BFI

Thayer Capital Partners, a D.C. private-equity partnership that buys companies, agreed to a deal that will give it a 24 percent stake in one of Canada's largest trash haulers.


Temps Lose Bargaining Rights Won In 2000

Temporary workers will no longer be able to bargain for job benefits as part of a unit with permanent employees, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled, reversing a Clinton-era precedent.


Offer gives Harmony 11 of Gold Fields

World number six gold miner Harmony Gold on Monday announced that it had secured 10.8 percent of shares in world number four gold miner Gold Fields as a result of its early settlement offer, which closed at 12h00 on Friday.


Judge dismisses Oracle insider trading suit

A judge yesterday dismissed a lawsuit against Oracle Corp. Chief Executive Larry Ellison and Chairman Jeffrey Henley that accused them of insider trading before the company announced an earnings shortfall in 2001.


China's annual central economic meeting "imminent" (AFP)

AFP - China's senior policymakers are to convene soon for an important annual meeting in Beijing to map out the principles for China's economic plan for 2005, state media reported.


WVU will play Florida State in Gator Bowl

The most enjoyable part of Rich Rodriguez #39;s message to his West Virginia football team yesterday was short and sweet. The Mountaineers will play in the Gator Bowl -- probably


College Basketball: Kansas, Oklahoma State Win

LAWRENCE, Kan. (Sports Network) - Wayne Simien scored 14 points with 10 rebounds to lead No. 2 Kansas over Nevada, 85-52, at Allen Fieldhouse.


Sehwag sizzles in Eden sun

A Belligerent Virender Sehwag and compact Rahul Dravids unbroken century partnership on Monday shaped Indias sound reply to South Africa in the second cricket Test.


63 are dead, 103 missing, feared lost in China mine

BEIJING - The death toll in a coal-mine explosion in central China rose to 63 with 103 workers still missing, the government said today, as toxic fumes slowed rescuers from entering the pit.


ASEAN approves talks with Japan

VIENTIANE, Laos -- A day after reaching a deal with China in a bid to create the world #39;s largest free trade zone, the leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations have approved free trade talks with Japan.


Lover  #39;bumped off #39; - Diana tapes

A videotape of the late Princess Diana talking frankly about her sex life with Prince Charles and suggesting that a lover on her royal staff was  quot;bumped off quot; was broadcast on US television on Monday.


US plane missing in Afghanistan

The United States military says one of its airplanes carrying six people has gone missing over Afghanistan. The plane was carrying three civilian crew members and three military passengers, a statement said.


Merck files new termination plan

BOSTON (CBS.MW) -- Merck  amp; Co. has adopted a new plan to compensate senior management in case of a corporate takeover, according to regulatory filings made Monday.


PSA seen as leading race to buy CSX port assets

Singapore-based PSA International is leading a pack of shipping giants, which includes tycoon Li Ka-shing #39;s flagship Hutchison Whampoa, that are prepared to shell out upward of US\$1 billion (HK\$7.8 billion) to buy CSX World Terminals #39; port assets


France's Renault to invest 570 million dollars in South Korea (AFP)

AFP - French auto giant Renault SA said it will invest some 570 million dollars in South Korea over the next three years as part of its global strategy to become a key player in Asia.


Ntini strikes early for Proteas

Kolkata - Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar have consolidated the Indian innings after South Africa #39;s Makhaya Ntini claimed the wicket of Virender Sehwag (88) on the third day of the second Test at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.


Bhopal activists accuse Indian govt of failing to bring main accused to book (AFP)

AFP - Activists fighting for victims of the world's worst industrial accident in 1984 have accused the Indian government of dragging its feet on the extradition of the main accused in the case, US industrialist Warren Anderson.


Florida A M Coach Joe Won't Get Extension (AP)

AP - Florida A amp;M won't extend the contract of football coach Billy Joe beyond the 2005-06 season.


Italy Faces Strike Day Against Tax Cuts 'For Rich'

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's factories, trains, banks and  planes will come to a standstill for hours Tuesday as unions  stage a general strike to protest at plans for tax cuts they  say will help the rich and cost the public sector.


Olympics, Elections Boost US Ad Sales - Study

The Athens Olympics and the US elections boosted total US advertising spending in the third quarter, leaving 2004-to-date spending levels 10.3 above the year-ago level, according to a study released Monday.


Motorola Finalizes Freescale Split

The Schaumburg, Ill., tech giant set final plans in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday to distribute to shareholders its remaining stake in the Austin, Texas, chip company.


#39;There Goes the WOLFPACK!... #39;

Delivering a little payback for a loss last season, Kansas defeats Nevada 85-52 in Allen Fieldhouse. Links and images inside. Kansas forward Wayne Simien (23) looks for the basket after getting past Nevada


Officials Stumped by Australia, NZ Whale Beachings

Scientists and wildlife officials continued to search Tuesday for what may have caused a series of mass strandings which left 168 whales and dolphins dead on Australian and New Zealand beaches in the past three days.


Thousands of observers quit Romanian election

BUCHAREST (AFP) - Romania #39;s main civil rights group said Monday it was pulling thousands of observers out of the Romanian presidential election after being submerged by an avalanche of fraud allegations.


LAWRENCE, Kan. (Sports Network) - Wayne Simien scored 14  points with 10 rebounds to lead No. 2 Kansas over Nevada,  85-52, at Allen Fieldhouse.


France #39;s Renault to invest 570 million dollars in South Korea

SEOUL (AFP) - French auto giant Renault SA said it will invest some 570 million dollars in South Korea over the next three years as part of its global strategy to become a key player in Asia.


Internet Users Left Stranded After Intelsat Satellite Fails (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Commercial satellite operator Intelsat Ltd. lost use of one of its satellites Sunday -- a mishap that left some Internet customers stranded and could jeopardize a proposed  #36;5 billion deal to sell the company to a group of four venture capital firms.


Screen saver to go on offensive against spam web sites

Internet users fed up with spam can go on the offensive by downloading a screen saver aimed at hitting junkmailers in the pocket, according to Net portal Lycos.


Sony Takes on iPod with New Hard Disk Walkman (Reuters)

Reuters - Sony Corp (6758.T) unveiled its first\MP3-compatible, hard disk Walkman music player on Tuesday in an\attempt to recover ground lost to Apple Computer's \iPod.


NBA Wrap: Boykins Helps Nuggets Down Lowly Hornets (Reuters)

Reuters - Earl Boykins contributed 22 points to\help the Denver Nuggets overcome the absence of top scorer\Carmelo Anthony to defeat the New Orleans Hornets 76-67 Monday.


Brett Favre Shines as Green Bay Mauls St. Louis

Brett Favre celebrated his 200th consecutive start by throwing three touchdown passes as the Green Bay Packers destroyed the St. Louis Rams 45-17 at Lambeau Field Monday.


Time for coach to practice patience

One door opened and another shut Monday. In the hallway separating the two, a place better known as Cardinals purgatory, Josh McCown watched his career flash before his eyes.


Sybase Partners with IBM to Sell Database Software (Reuters)

Reuters - Sybase Inc.  said on Tuesday\that it will partner with hardware vendor IBM  to market\its Linux database software, potentially dealing a blow to Sun\Microsystems, another long-standing partner.


Officials Stumped by Australia, NZ Whale Beachings (Reuters)

Reuters - Scientists and wildlife officials\continued to search Tuesday for what may have caused a series\of mass strandings which left 168 whales and dolphins dead on\Australian and New Zealand beaches in the past three days.


UN Panel Proposes New Criteria for Using Force (Reuters)

Reuters - A report by a high-level panel\on reforming the United Nations proposes expanding the criteria\for U.N. military action but maintains the need for Security\Council approval, U.N. diplomats said.


Diana video tape screened in US

A video of Princess Diana talking about her life is aired on American television.


Annan 'Disappointed' in Son's Lack of Disclosure

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi\Annan said on Monday he was "disappointed" his son did not tell him the full story of his ties to a firm involved\in the U.N. oil-for-food program, now under investigation.


Sybase Partners with IBM to Sell Database Software

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sybase Inc. SY.N said on Tuesday  that it will partner with hardware vendor IBM IBM.N to market  its Linux database software, potentially dealing a blow to Sun  Microsystems, another long-standing partner.


US Plane in Afghanistan Presumed Crashed -- Sources

KABUL (Reuters) - An aircraft that went missing in central  Afghanistan at the weekend is presumed to have crashed with  three U.S. military passengers and three U.S. civilian crew  aboard, military and security sources said on Tuesday.


Pedestrians and Drivers Beware! Motoboys Are in a Hurry

Daring motorcycle messengers seem immune to delays in South America's largest city.


Sony, IBM, Toshiba offer details on upcoming 'Cell' chip

The three companies are investing billions of dollars to develop and prepare for mass production of Cell, a multicore semiconductor composed of several processors that work together to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.


Some retailers had luxurious weekend

quot;I think the start was very mixed, quot; said Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz  amp; Associates, a national retail consulting and investment banking firm in New York.


Government claims collusion for the first time

Investigators looking into price manipulation in the natural gas industry charged five former traders Monday, and for the first time accused workers from different companies of colluding to move the market.


Intelsat sale could fall through

Intelsat lost a satellite during the weekend, and that could put its \$5 billion sale to private investors in jeopardy. Intelsat says a sudden and unexpected electrical-distribution anomaly caused the permanent loss of the spacecraft.


California company offers workers  #39;hot deal #39; for purchasing a <b>...</b>

An environmentally minded California software firm says it will give \$5,000 to every one of its 1,500 US workers who buys a gas-electric hybrid vehicle rated 45 miles per gallon or more in highway driving.


Halliburton says way clear for units to exit bankruptcy

An order signed Monday by a federal bankruptcy judge in Pennsylvania clears the way for Halliburton #39;s KBR unit to emerge from bankruptcy by year #39;s end, according to the Houston company.


Reliant plans debt sale of \$4 billion

Reliant Energy, a producer of power in 12 US states, plans to sell about \$4 billion in new debt in a refinancing that may cut the company #39;s interest costs.


US movie studios back HD DVD format

Four US movie studios have announced their intention to release next-generation DVDs in the Toshiba-backed HD DVD format, the technology firm announced on Monday.


Microsoft Order Pulled by Beijing Amid Focus on Local Products

Beijing #39;s municipal government canceled an order for Microsoft Corp. computer software following official complaints that local governments aren #39;t buying enough domestically-developed software.


Favre, Packers pummel Rams

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Quarterback Brett Favre celebrated his 200th straight start with three touchdown passes as the Green Bay Packers defeated the St.


Stanford dismisses coach

quot;It was an extremely difficult decision, quot; Athletic Director Ted Leland said,  quot;but I simply felt that the program was in need of new direction and leadership.


Agency OK #39;s plan to monitor Iran #39;s nuclear programs

The UN nuclear agency agreed yesterday on a plan for policing Iran #39;s nuclear programs designed to avoid a showdown at the United Nations.


Sharon says early elections are a political and economic danger <b>...</b>

After losing two no-confidence motions, PM vows he will do everything in his power to expand Coalition and avoid elections, but stressed, If we are forced to declare elections, we shall.


Four Studios Give Backing to a Format for DVD's

Four Hollywood studios announced that they would release films in a new high-definition DVD format by the end of next year, an advance in the effort to define a new DVD standard.


Dollar Recovers Against Euro, Yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar recovered against the euro and  the yen on Tuesday following poor Japanese output figures,  although many traders suspect the U.S. currency's two-day  reprieve from weeks of heavy selling won't last long.


Harmony puts brave face on 11

Harmony Gold, which has managed to acquire only 10,8 of Gold Fields in the first stage of its hostile take-over bid, put a brave face on its offer yesterday, saying it would immediately launch the second part of its offer for the remaining shares.


Willis Group hires top Marsh broker

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Willis Group said Monday that it hired a top broker from larger rival Marsh  amp; McLennan, one of the first signs talent is on the move as a result of Eliot Spitzer #39;s probe of the industry.


Martha Stewart Eyeing Reality TV Comeback

Martha Stewart is making big plans to return to the small screen next year following her five-month gig in a West Virginia prison.


quot;Twelve Days of Christmas quot; True Love Gifts

Have you ever considered giving your  quot;true love quot; everything offered in the traditional timeless song, Twelve Days of Christmas?


TOSHIBA IN A DVD WIN

Four Hollywood studios promised to support Toshiba #39;s next generation of DVD technology, due in stores next fall. The technology, called HD-DVD, is doing battle with Sony


Cell Phones New Targets For Hackers

Since the Skulls virus hit, people are starting to become aware of the fact that cell phones are just as vulnerable to attacks as computers.


Celtics enjoy laugher

When Doc Rivers has dinner with Orlando coach Johnny Davis and Magic players Pat Garrity and Grant Hill sometime next summer, there should be some interesting conversation.


Early success for South Africa

Rahul Dravid completed a solid half-century as India reached 198 for three at lunch on the third day of the second and final Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.


China, Asean eye biggest free trade zone

VIENTIANE - China and 10 South-east Asian countries signed historic trade pacts to pave the way for the world #39;s biggest free-trade zone by 2010, with a total population of nearly two billion people.


Ukraine president wants new election

KIEV, Ukraine -- Facing a relentless tide of opposition protests, embattled President Leonid Kuchma said Monday that a new election might be the only way out of a spiraling crisis that threatens to break up this former Soviet republic between the pro


Australia accused of double standards as anti-proliferation meeting starts (AFP)

AFP - Australia may have "innocently" exported nuclear technology to parties with weapons of mass destruction programs, Defence Minister Robert Hill said on the sidelines of an anti-proliferation forum.


Efforts Made to OK Foreign Born Presidents (AP)

AP - The nation's forefathers envisioned a president born in the good ol' U.S. of A.; a red, white and true-blue chief executive for when the band strikes up "Hail to the Chief."


Taking flight in N.H.

Manchester Airport is the only one of the three major airports serving the Boston area that has increased its market share since 2001, according to a Boston Globe analysis of passenger data.


A revolution grows up

Is the revolution over already? I'm talking about the Internet retailing revolution, which over the past six years has changed the way much of America shops.


Cambridge Heart hits a snag

Cambridge Heart Inc. , a small, publicly traded company based in Bedford, has suffered a setback in its bid to persuade Medicare to mandate its tests for a registry of implantable defibrillator patients.


LinuxWorld to visit Hub for 1st time

LinuxWorld Conference  amp; Expo will come to Boston for the first time in February, underscoring the area's standing as a hub for the open-source software being adopted by thousands of businesses.


Adapting to shift in tech landscape

Research firms rode high during the high-tech boom, advising businesses to use technology to cut costs and boost efficiency.


Short-term T-bill rates up

Interest rates on short-term Treasury securities rose in yesterday's auction. The Treasury Department sold \$19 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 2.20 percent, up from 2.16 percent last week. An additional \$17 billion was sold in six-month bills at a rate of 2.40 percent, up from 2.37 percent.


Crude nears \$50 a barrel

Crude oil futures rose to within a quarter of \$50 a barrel yesterday after a gas leak shut down a North Sea oil production platform, and as traders weighed concerns about heating oil supplies against the fact that temperatures have been mild in recent weeks.


Merck moves to retain key staff

Merck  amp; Co. has adopted a severance plan that offers some executives one-time payments of up to triple their salary plus other perks if the troubled pharmaceutical giant is acquired and they lose their jobs.


EU calls dollar's weakness 'unwelcome'

The euro's growing strength against the US dollar is  quot;unwelcome, quot; the European Central Bank chief said yesterday as the 12-nation European currency hovered just below a record high.


Gold passes \$450 per ounce for the 1st time since 1988

Gold futures hit a 16-year high yesterday, continuing a bull run that has gold companies  quot;living the dream, quot; according to one industry analyst.


Former owner to operate WBIX-AM

Former owner Alex Langer is poised to resume operations of WBIX-AM this week amid signs the station is about to significantly cut back on its signature business news and information programs. Langer sold WBIX to accused embezzler Bradford Bleidt in 2002 for \$10 million, but was still owed \$7 million when Bleidt was arrested and charged this month with stealing ...


Vioxx study's publication derailed by FDA queries

Government questions about ''basic data integrity quot; derailed publication of a report raising safety concerns about arthritis drug Vioxx on the eve of a contentious congressional hearing, according to an e-mail exchange.


Studios choose sides in format battle to succeed DVDs

Three top Hollywood studios are throwing their considerable weight behind one of two competing formats for the next generation of DVDs.


Dollar Recovers Against Euro, Yen (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar recovered against the euro and\the yen on Tuesday following poor Japanese output figures,\although many traders suspect the U.S. currency's two-day\reprieve from weeks of heavy selling won't last long.


Think tanks see no eurozone rate change

Nine leading think tanks in the eurozone have predicted that interest rates will stay unchanged for six months. The forecast comes from a new  quot;Euroframe quot; outlook, in which Ireland #39;s Economic and Social Research Institute is one of the institutes involved.


WILLIS SNAGS MARSH STARS

Embattled Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. has lost more than a dozen brokers in the past six weeks, since Attorney General Eliot Spitzer charged them with bid-rigging and the stock price fell by 40 percent.


Qatar Sees  #36;30 as Fair Price for Oil (Reuters)

Reuters - Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah al-Attiyah\said on Tuesday that  #36;30 a barrel was a fair price for oil -- a\level nearly  #36;20 below U.S. crude futures.


#39;Skulls #39; Mobile Security Threat Seen Low-McAfee

A computer program known as  quot;Skulls quot; with potentially destructive capability aimed at advanced mobile devices was seen as a low threat because it had not targeted consumers, security software maker McAfee Inc.


Oates: Favre delivers on hype

GREEN BAY - It was clear from the non-stop Brett Favre hype that aired on ABC and its little brother, ESPN, all weekend the television network had pulled some strings with the NFL to get Favre #39;s 200th consecutive start on  quot;ABC #39;s Monday Night Football.


Mets offer reportedly 3 years, \$38M

After reportedly having dinner with right-hander Pedro Martinez last Thursday, Mets general manager Omar Minaya has made an offer that tops the one the Red Sox submitted, The New York Times reported.


The BCS shuffle

University of Texas head coach Mack Brown didn #39;t have long to savor his team #39;s 26-13 victory over in-state rival Texas A amp;M.


Pakistan #39;s Musharraf sees chance for  #39;peaceful coexistence #39; with <b>...</b>

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said here Monday that he looks forward to  quot;a peaceful coexistence quot; with India as the nuclear-armed neighbors seek to push their peace process forward.


Qatar Sees \$30 as Fair Price for Oil

DOHA (Reuters) - Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah al-Attiyah  said on Tuesday that \$30 a barrel was a fair price for oil -- a  level nearly \$20 below U.S. crude futures.


Japan's Nikkei Average Closes Lower

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average closed 0.72  percent lower on Tuesday after weak industrial output data  sapped investor appetite for technology issues, but declines  were limited as the dollar firmed against the yen for a second  day.


Film studios snub Sony DVD format

Three Hollywood studios choose to use next-generation DVD technology backed by Toshiba, snubbing a rival product promoted by Sony.


Oracle Takes Over PeopleSoft (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) finally has won control of PeopleSoft (Nasdaq: PSFT) after an 18-month takeover battle, making the Redwood Shores, California-based company the world's second-largest vendor of business management applications software.


Russian Buddhists trudge through snow to see Dalai Lama (AFP)

AFP - Hundreds of Buddhists in southern Russia marched through snow to see and hear the Dalai Lama as he continued a long-awaited visit to the country in spite of Chinese protests.


Technology

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Slower growth and reduced profits will likely squeeze three of the nation #39;s top 10 personal computer manufacturers out of the market by 2007, a research firm predicted Monday.


Kazaa owners launch defence in file-swap copyright infringement <b>...</b>

The owners of file-swapping giant Kazaa claimed Tuesday their software, which allows users to exchange copyrighted music and movies online, is no different from video recorders as they launched their defence in a landmark music


Rescued whales head out to sea as scientists blame weather for beachings (AFP)

AFP - Rescuers succeeded in saving most of the whales still stranded on beaches in Australia and New Zealand as scientists pinpointed cyclical weather patterns as a likely cause of increased beachings.


China forges free trade area

VIENTIANE, LAOS -- Rising power China moved yesterday to expand its influence in a region long dominated by the United States, signing an accord with Southeast Asian countries aimed at creating the world #39;s largest free trade area by 2010 -- a sprawling


White House Awaits Proof on Iran Promises (AP)

AP - The United States is taking a time out from browbeating Iran about its nuclear weapons, giving way  #151; for now, at least  #151; while the Europeans try to sweet-talk Iran's uranium enrichment to a halt.


Nuclear Freeze Talks Must Not Last Too Long - Iran

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran is prepared to keep uranium  enrichment activities frozen as long as nuclear negotiations  continue with the EU, but those talks should not last too long,  Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani said Tuesday.


Mirabelli signs for two years

Hard as they tried, the Red Sox were unable to dissuade Gabe Kapler from bolting to Japan. But they made sure another key bench player will return next season when they enticed Doug Mirabelli to sign a two-year contract worth \$3 million, the richest deal of his career.


Browns linebacker Davis out for season

The Patriots will meet yet another team that has a key player missing because of injury, this time on defense.


Hardly cavalier about Cleveland

For the Patriots this weekend, it's back to Cleveland, where Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli first got together years ago.


Trojans seeking top of the heap

One game into Bridgewater-Raynham's league schedule, the Trojans' season appeared to be over. After losing to Marshfield to open Old Colony League play Oct. 30, the Trojans figured their chances at surviving beyond Thanksgiving were as good as a turkey's. With only four teams in the league, Marshfield seemed a safe bet to garner its playoff berth.


It took a while, but Lions are roaring now

For a team coming off back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, Chelmsford sure found itself flying under the radar coming into this season.


It's hardly a weighty issue for Colonials

Density may be important in physics, but Acton-Boxboro thinks the concept is overrated -- especially when it comes to its football team.


Fear of ethnic conflict charges Mosul unrest

MOSUL, Iraq -- After Saddam Hussein was ousted and his security apparatus collapsed, many Iraqis predicted ethnic war. They feared ethnic militias like the Kurdish Peshmerga would fill the security vacuum and engage in a bloody power struggle.


Ukraine president eyes new vote

KIEV -- Facing a relentless tide of opposition protests, embattled President Leonid Kuchma said yesterday that a new election might be the only way out of a spiraling crisis that threatens to break up this former Soviet republic between the pro-Russia east and the Western-leaning rest of Ukraine.


Agency OK's plan to monitor Iran's nuclear programs

VIENNA -- The UN nuclear agency agreed yesterday on a plan for policing Iran's nuclear programs designed to avoid a showdown at the United Nations.


Blair urges dialogue with US on climate

LONDON -- Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday urged a new international dialogue with the United States on climate change, weeks before Britain takes over the presidency of the G8 group of industrialized nations.  quot;The most important thing is to try to get a dialogue with America on how we recognize both the scale of the problem on greenhouse gas emissions ...


A brief history of Iran's nuclear program

2002 Jan. President Bush describes Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as an  quot;axis of evil. quot;


A leader indicates Hamas holding off

JERUSALEM -- A local Hamas leader indicated yesterday the militant group would not attack Israelis during the Palestinian presidential campaign and would consider a formal truce with Israel in the latest signs of hope for renewed peace efforts in the region.


Sinn Fein leaders, police chief meet in bid for peace accord

LONDON -- Leaders of the IRA-allied Sinn Fein party talked with Northern Ireland's police commander for the first time ever yesterday in pursuit of a new peace agreement between Catholics and Protestants.


Tough EU terms for Turkey Draft of document draws framework

BRUSSELS -- Turkey will have to accept tough conditions, including de facto recognition of Cyprus and a permanent brake on labor migration, to open European Union entry talks, according to a draft EU summit statement.


Another day of bloodshed for US troops and Iraqis

BAGHDAD -- Insurgents stepped up attacks on Iraq's fledgling security forces, killing seven Iraqi police and guardsmen yesterday in a suicide bombing hours after storming a police station north of the capital. The military reported five new US deaths.


Bin Laden deputy vows fight Muslims to 'stand firm,' tape says

CAIRO -- Osama bin Laden's top deputy vowed in a videotape aired yesterday to keep fighting the United States until Washington changes its policies.


Colombia backs off claim Bush was targeted

BOGOTA -- Colombia's government backpedaled yesterday on a sensational claim made by the defense minister that Marxist rebels wanted to assassinate President Bush during a recent state visit.


Radio Boycott of Skinny Puppy's new album urged

Patriotic Americans Boycotting Anti-American Hollywood has sent letters threatening a boycott against radio stations playing the new Skinny Puppy album, The Greater Wrong of the Right.


Retail sales over Thanksgiving weekend good for some

The far north Scottsdale Target store rang up better than expected sales during the three days after Thanksgiving. At Superstition Springs Center in Mesa, Bath and Body Works sold out


Downloader.GK 'Worst Trojan of 2004' (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The Downloader.GK Trojan was named as the worst piece of malicious code of 2004, according to Spanish anti-virus firm Panda Software.


Oregon tree growers team up for the troops

The holiday season keeps the Hansen family busy harvesting, shipping and selling thousands of Christmas trees. However, this year the Hansens, along with 12


Willis Hires Top Marsh Exec, Stock Rises

Insurance broker Willis Group Holdings Ltd. (WSH) on Monday said it hired a top executive from embattled rival Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos.


Martha Stewart Shares Hit a Three Year High

Martha Stewart Living #39;s business may not have hit rock bottom yet, but its stock is officially back from the dead. Shares of the struggling media company were up nearly 9 on Wednesday, reaching not only their


New Cabir Variants Quick To Replicate (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - F-Secure, the Finnish anti-virus software developer, has identified two new, fast-spreading versions of Cabir, the worm that infects cell phones using the Symbian operating system.


DoCoMo #39;s i-mode to expand into Britain, Ireland

TOKYO - NTT DoCoMo Inc said Tuesday that it will expand its i-mode Internet-capable cell phone services into Britain and Ireland in the latter half of 2005 by concluding a licensing contract with British cell phone company mmO2 PLC.


SCO Website Defaced Again

Malicious hackers have once again compromised The SCO Groups website, the second time in as many days. The messages on the website appear to mock the companys ownership claims over various parts of the Linux operating system.


EDS: The single point of failure

After the Child Support Agency (CSA) debacle earlier this month, when it emerged that the 450m system built by EDS still isn #39;t working properly a year and a half after its supposed completion, the DWP crash seemed impossibly incompetent.


CRICKET: Aussies sweep series with 213 run victory

Australia defeated New Zealand by a massive 213 runs on the final day of the second cricket Test at Adelaide Oval today. With this victory the Aussies have won the series.


PACKERS: Defense bends, doesn #39;t break

GREEN BAY - Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas knew they were going to be targeted by the St. Louis Rams #39; pass- happy offense Monday night.


Celtics beat Magic 117-101 to end skid

Doc Rivers got his team back on track while gaining a measure of revenge on his old squad, and the Boston Celtics snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Orlando Magic 117-101 on Monday night.


Woolmer hopeful of Pak show

KARACHI, Nov. 28. Coach Mr Bob Woolmer today brushed aside previous Pakistani performances against Australia and said his team could spring a surprise if they played to their potential on their upcoming tour.


Patriots win in all conditions against all kinds of teams

The Patriots can be healthy or hurting. The field can be drenched or dry. The opponent might have a stingy defense or a high-scoring offense.


Emmitt reportedly out 2-3 weeks

TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith will miss 2-3 weeks with a toe injury, ESPN reported Monday. And that #39;s not the only change in the starting lineup for the Cards.


AMD Launches Mobile Video Processor (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Chip manufacturer AMD (NYSE: AMD) today introduced a processor designed to handle\the demands of multimedia content on mobile devices. The latest\iteration of AMD's Alchemy product line, dubbed Au1200, promises to\provide video entertainment for consumers on the move, much like what\MP3 players deliver to music fans.


Survey: Web Holiday Shopping Up 25 Percent in 2004 (Reuters)

Reuters - Online shoppers in the United\States spent  #36;23.2 billion during the holidays, excluding\travel, up 25 percent from the 2003 season, according to a new\survey from Goldman, Sachs   Co., Harris Interactive and


Adams and Paisley Edge Towards Peace Deal

Gerry Adams shook the hand of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde in Tony Blairs Downing Street office today, as the republican leadership and the Reverend


Senior Hamas figure ready for cease-fire

Hebrew news service Itim quotes Sheikh Hassan Yousef, considered a senior Hamas leader in the West Bank, as saying that Hamas was ready for a ten-year hudna (truce).


Variety is truly the spice of Christmas tree sales

What does it take to lure harried Christmas shoppers away from the malls and the prepackaged convenience of an already decorated plastic Christmas tree in a box?


Sorry. Your Eating Disorder Doesn't Meet Our Criteria.

For years, doctors have been relying on a vague nondiagnosis known by the acronym Ednos: eating disorder not otherwise specified.


For a Teenage Boy, a Basketball and a Bug Spell Trouble

In one young patient, unidentified stalkers seek out openings to attack the vision.


Why Good Friends Don't Always Make Good Doctors

When painful medicine is involved, closeness to a patient can make for fuzzy views.


The Great Salt Flats

Where did the Bonneville Salt Flats of western Utah come from? Did the same thing create salt flats elsewhere?


Storm pulls wet blanket over holiday sales

The first weekend of holiday shopping went from red-hot to dead white, as a storm that delivered freezing, snowy weather across Colorado kept consumers at home.


State Compensation Insurance Fund Files an Average 5 Rate <b>...</b>

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- State Compensation Insurance Fund today announced it has filed with the Department of Insurance an average rate decrease of 5 percent on new and renewal workers #39; compensation


Asian Stocks Rise for Fourth Day in US Trading; Sony Climbs

Asian stocks rose in US trading. Sony Corp. gained after the world #39;s No. 2 consumer-electronics maker agreed to resolve a dispute over patents related to digital cameras.


Fresh Philippine Flooding Kills at Least 26 (Reuters)

Reuters - Floods and landslides caused\by heavy rains killed at least 26 people in the northern\Philippines, disaster officials said Tuesday, a week after\storms left about 160 dead or missing.


studios snub Sony DVD format

Three Hollywood studios have chosen to embrace next-generation DVD technology backed by Toshiba, snubbing a rival product promoted by Sony.