APEC Seeks Palestinian Solution, Wider Coalition in Terror War

SANTIAGO, 21 November 2004 - The US-led war on terror must include a resolution to the Palestinian question and involve a broader coalition, Washingtons Asia-Pacific partners warned yesterday as leaders of 21 Pacific Rim economies opened a two


Iraqi PM Allawi #39;s cousin freed

CAIRO - Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi #39;s cousin, Ghazi Allawi, has been released by his kidnappers, Dubai-based Al-Arabiya satellite television reported Sunday.


Palestinians wants US to ensure smooth polls

: Palestinian leaders on Sunday outlined plans to persuade visiting American envoys to pressure Israel into removing troops from urban areas to ensure smooth elections to replace Yasser Arafat.


Backdoor Help for Darfur

The UN Security Council took an unusual step last week to end the longest conflict in Africa: For only the fourth time in UN history, the Council left New York, going to Africa to meet with two sides in Sudan #39;s 21-year civil war.


In Imphal, PM makes it a point to meet women who stripped to send <b>...</b>

IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 21: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh may not have been able to honour all requests from Manipuri groups keen to meet him but he did manage time from his busy schedule to spend time with some of the Meirapaibies (torch bearers), the women who


'We want regime change', Zimbabwe opposition leader tells Britain (AFP)

AFP - Zimbabwe's main opposition leader took his campaign against President Robert Mugabe to Britain, rallying expatriates and declaring their destitute southern African country ready for "regime change".


Quebec should boost hydro capacity to enhance exports, says Charest (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - Quebec should use its plentiful hydroelectric capacity as an economic development tool, just as Alberta has done with oil, Premier Jean Charest said Sunday.


Sahara tourists face theft charge

Five Germans thought to be missing in the Sahara are safe but face charges for the alleged theft of artefacts.


Kurt Busch Takes Nextel Cup Title (AP)

AP - Kurt Busch overcame a broken wheel early in Sunday's race and came back to win the closest championship in NASCAR history.


Kurt Busch Takes Nextel Cup Title

Crew members of Kurt Busch work on the car during a pit stop during the NASCAR Ford 400 at the Homestead Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla.


Peyton Manning Has 4 TD Passes as Colts Beat Bears: NFL Week 11

Peyton Manning threw for 211 yards and four touchdowns to help the Indianapolis Colts win their third straight game, a 41-10 victory over the Chicago Bears.


Bettis Runs Over Bengals, Steelers Win 8th Straight

Jerome Bettis ran for 129 yards and the Pittsburgh Steelers used a stifling defense to edge the Cincinnati Bengals 19-14 for their eighth straight win in National Football League play Sunday in Cincinnati.


San Antonio Spurs

TORONTO (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs have gotten into a habit of winning games in the fourth quarter. That was where they lost Sunday #39;s game.


Purdue Routs Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne (AP)

AP - Natasha Bogdanova scored 23 points to lead No. 16 Purdue to a 107-39 rout over Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne in the Boilermakers season opener Sunday at Mackey Arena.


Plane crash in China kills more than 50 people

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is sending a team to China, where a Canadian-built commuter plane crashed in an ice-covered lake in northern China on Sunday.


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jerome Bettis ran for 129 yards and  the Pittsburgh Steelers used a stifling defense to edge the  Cincinnati Bengals 19-14 for their eighth straight win in  National Football League play Sunday in Cincinnati.


Busch Wins Nextel Cup

Kurt Busch uses a late caution flag that produces four extra laps to hold on to a fifth-place finish at the Ford 400, wrapping up the Nextel Cup.


PeopleSoft board rejects bid

PLEASANTON, California The board of directors of PeopleSoft has rejected Oracle #39;s \$9.2 billion takeover bid, continuing its resistance a day after the company #39;s own shareholders tendered more than 60 percent of stock to Oracle.


Two-For-One Sale

Shoppers Venturing into the new supersize Sears Grand concept store in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., off the old Route 66, can be forgiven for double-checking the name on the faade.


On The Move: Airlines going the extra mile for luxury

NEW YORK Willing to pay more than 20 times the cheapest fare on your next plane trip for a seat that reclines into a flat bed? Or how about a bed for two - but no privacy - on your next flight between London and New York?


India debates space flight as lunar project proceeds

BANGALORE, India India #39;s space agency is ready to send a man into space within seven years if the government gives the nod, while preparations have already begun for the launching of an unmanned lunar mission, a top official said Sunday.


Bill Gates gives SPAM 2 more years

Perhaps the most spammed man on planet earth, Bill Gates told media that SPAM could be history within two more years. He was in Madrid on a visit and told this to a forum organized by Spanish daily El Mundo.


Safin could yet be force on grass

IN THEIR minds eyes, Tim Henman, Andy Roddick and, perhaps, Marat Safin have seen themselves cradling the most famous cup in tennis.


Proteas thwart India spin attack, are at 459 for 7:

Sports India, Cricket: Kanpur, Nov 21 : Andrew Hall #39;s career best 163 enabled South Africa to remain in a commanding position at the end of Day 2 of the first Test match against India held in Kanpur.


Barcelona reigns supreme over Real #39;s fading stars

Catalonia is not Spain quot; read the banner in the Nou Camp Stadium where, in front of 95,000 Catalans and on television screens in 86 countries, FC Barcelona decisively and beautifully deflowered Real Madrid as the kings of Spanish soccer.


UPDATE 1-Inter make hard work of Cup win over Bologna

Inter Milan came from behind to beat Bologna 3-1 in an Italian Cup third round, first leg match at the San Siro stadium on Sunday.


Meet Glenn McGrath, Australias new batting star

GLENN McGrath wont have to worry about the total number of his Test wickets exceeding his run tally at least for a while. Australian team-mates had teased him that his total wickets up to the first Test against


Top official of Pakistan making first visit to India

NEW DELHI The prime minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz, will make his first visit to India this week for talks with his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, amid renewed rancor over Kashmir.


Artest Out for Season

The NBA comes down hard on the Pacers, suspending Ron Artest for the rest of the season, Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25.


Dollar Near Record Lows, No G20 Support

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was near record lows against  the euro and its lowest level since March 2000 versus the yen  on Monday after a meeting of the Group of 20 rich and  developing nations suggested no effort to stem the dollar's  decline.


Experts See Demand for Web Insurance Bids (AP)

AP - Customers in search of cheap airfare, antiques or a stock trade can scan the Web for good deals. But when it comes time for companies to buy group insurance policies, they've largely been beholden to brokers using fax, e-mail and the telephone to track down the best bargain. Some industry analysts say an ongoing insurance bid-rigging scandal  #151; combined with rising health care costs  #151; will build demand for online bidding on insurance policies.


Manning and James Lead Colts to Another Rout (Reuters)

Reuters - Peyton Manning threw four\touchdown passes and Edgerrin James ran for 204 yards with a\score, as the Indianapolis Colts rolled to a 41-10 victory over\the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.


Microsoft lands US Air Force

The US Air Force has awarded a multiyear contract that calls for Microsoft to consolidate 38 various software license agreements and tighten security features.


NBA Commissioner Statement on Suspensions (AP)

AP - NBA Commissioner David Stern's statement accompanying the announcement of suspensions for Friday night's Pacers-Pistons brawl:


Suns 122, Clippers 111

Amare Stoudemire overcame early foul trouble to score 33 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 122-111 for their fourth straight victory on Sunday.


British company launches  #39;docu-game #39; recreating JFK assassination

GLASGOW, Scotland A British company says it #39;s releasing a video game recreating the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy. The Scottish-based firm Traffic says  quot;JFK Reloaded quot; is an educational  quot;docu-game


No. 7 Stanford Shuts Down Pacific 82-26 (AP)

AP - Stanford allowed its third-lowest points total ever and Candace Wiggins scored 15 points in the Cardinal's 82-26 victory over Pacific on Sunday.


ABC Drops College Bowl Series

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - ABC has pulled out of  negotiations to continue airing college football's Bowl  Championship Series (BCS).


Manning and James Lead Colts to Another Rout

CHICAGO (Sports Network) - Peyton Manning threw four  touchdown passes and Edgerrin James ran for 204 yards with a  score, as the Indianapolis Colts rolled to a 41-10 victory over  the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.


Clarke's x-ray specs - police swoops, detectors for schools

Another ministerial preemptive strike...


McCain to consider possible 2008 presidential run (AFP)

AFP - Maverick US Republican Senator John McCain, who ran against President George W. Bush four years ago, indicated he might be considering another presidential bid in 2008, despite the fact he will be 72 when the next election rolls around.


Turmoil Grips Elite School Over Money and Leaders

A debate is festering among graduates and parents at St. Paul's, an elite school in New Hampshire, with critics accusing trustees and the rector of mismanagement.


When a Video Game Stops Being Fun

For players with ambitions to develop games, Electronic Arts must appear to be the best place in the world, but there is unhappiness among those living that dream.


Online firm in the frame for takeover

THESTREET.COM, the financial news and commentary internet site, has emerged as a takeover target. TheStreet.coms shares, after enduring three tepid years on Americas tech-laden Nasdaq


Auburn Slips Back to No. 3 Behind Sooners (AP)

AP - Oklahoma is the only No. 2. After a week of sharing the No. 2 ranking with Auburn, Oklahoma edged ahead of the Tigers in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday.


McAfee Provides Industry-First Mobile Virus Protection For NTT <b>...</b>

McAfee is offering subscribers of Japan #39;s mobile carrier, NTT DoCoMo a mobile content scanning technology designed to provide protection against future mobile threats.


Stoudemire Scores 33 As Suns Top Clippers

LOS ANGELES - Amare Stoudemire overcame early foul trouble to score 33 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers 122-111 for their fourth straight victory on Sunday.


SEC, ACC to review tapes of Clemson-South Carolina fight before <b>...</b>

The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference will review tapes of the fight that broke out in the fourth quarter of the Clemson-South Carolina game before deciding on penalties.


Dave Dickenson gets the start at quarterback for the BC Lions

OTTAWA (CP) - The CFL #39;s most outstanding player started the 92nd Grey Cup on the bench. BC Lions coach Wally Buono went with experience over youth Sunday, starting veteran Dave Dickenson in the Grey Cup against


OSU Eyes Alamo Bowl

After beating Michigan , Ohio State is looking forward to ending their season with a bowl game. And it looks like the Buckeyes will be spending the holidays in the state of Texas .


Locusts sighted in Jerusalem, TA

First reports of locust sightings in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv were reported late Sunday night, Army Radio reported. A cloud of locusts smothered the city of Eilat on Sunday as millions of the ravenous plant-eating


NBA Suspends Artest for Remainder of Season

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - The NBA showed no mercy on  Sunday, suspending Indiana's Ron Artest for the remainder of  the season for his part in a brawl between the Pacers and the  Detroit Pistons on Friday night.


Behind the K-Mart-Sears Deal

Description: NPR #39;s Liane Hansen speaks with retail analyst Lois Huff about last week #39;s announcement of warehouse giant K-Mart #39;s intent to purchase the aging department store Sears.


Broader impact from airline pension woes feared

With three major airlines now in a fiscal tailspin, concern is growing not only that this industry may be facing a large-scale pension funding crisis, but also that all defined benefit plan sponsors could wind up paying for these companies #39; failures.


Pakistan Invites Proposals For Pakistan Telecom Sale

KARACHI (Dow Jones)--The Privatization Commission on Saturday invited proposals from potential investors for the sale of a 26 government stake in the country #39;s biggest telecommunications firm, Pakistan Telecommunication Co.


SIPTU opposed to Aer Lingus privatisation

SIPTU has said it is strongly opposed to any privatisation of Aer Lingus as pressure mounts on the Government to make a decision on the future funding of the airline.


Google puts new slant on scholarship

Google has already transformed the way the web is used. Now the company behind the internet #39;s leading search engine aims to change the academic world too, with a new search tool putting a treasure trove of


England: Blackburn fight back to draw with Birmingham

BLACKBURN, Nov 21 (SW) - After an atrocious defensive display in the first half, Blackburn Rovers came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Birmingham City at Ewood Park on Sunday.


Old rivals hit a new low

THE SIGHT OF Martin ONeill parading Neil Lennon in front of the Celtic end at Ibrox, like some sort of prizefighter, sealed the verdict.


England wins second World Cup title

The World Cup of Golf has been won by England, who won the title for just the second time in the event #39;s 50 year history and their first under the revised format introduced in 2000.


Lions take early lead after first quarter of Grey Cup

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - BC Lions coach Wally Buono #39;s decision to name Dave Dickenson as his starting quarterback may have been a surprising, but so far it looks like the right one.


GAME DAY RECAP Sunday, November 21

WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana (Ticker) -- Reserve Natasha Bogdanova had 23 points in 19 minutes and Erin Lawless made 10-of-13 shots en route to 23 points as No.


Iraq Sets Election Despite Fresh Violence (AP)

AP - Iraqi authorities set Jan. 30 as the date for the nation's first election since the collapse of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship and pledged that voting would take place throughout the country despite rising violence and calls by Sunni clerics for a boycott.


Bush Tries to Mend Ties With Latin America (AP)

AP - President Bush, trying to mend relations with Latin America, pledged Sunday to make a fresh push for stalled immigration reforms and defended the U.S. invasion of Iraq, saying that "history will prove it right."


Bush applauds Iraq debt cuts

US President George Bush today applauded the decision by the so-called Paris Club of creditor nations to slash 80 per cent of the money Iraq owed them and urged non-member countries to do the same.


Israel abuzz as locusts swarm in

A PLAGUE of locusts has swarmed into Israel across the border from Egypt, threatening to devastate fields of crops in the countrys agricultural heartland.


Survivors Mark 30th Anniversary of Birmingham Bombs

Survivors of the Birmingham pub bombings joined more than 200 people at a special service to mark the 30th anniversary of one of mainland Britains worst terrorist atrocities today.


Russia, Japan fail to make progress in peace talks (AFP)

AFP - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi failed to make progress in a testy territorial dispute, only confirming their duty to solve the decades-long row.


PeopleSoft defies \$9.2bn Oracle bid

American software giant PeopleSoft remained defiant against Oracle #39;s hostile \$9.2billion (5billion) bid yesterday despite PeopleSoft shareholders backing the offer over the weekend.


#39;Deficit as far as eye can see #39; to be cut

Berlin - The United States (US) Treasury Secretary John Snow has flown into Berlin at the weekend on a budget flight - and pledged to cut the US deficit in half.


Harmony dismisses Gold Fields #39; defence

South African gold miner Harmony yesterday sought to rubbish a secret plot by rival and bid target Gold Fields to scupper its \$8.1billion (4.35billion) hostile offer.


Britain has signaled its opposition to EADS-Thales merger

The British government has signaled its opposition to the creation of a European defence industry giant by the merger of the European aerospace group EADS and the French-British defence electronics group Thales, the Observer reported Sunday.


Blackburn give Hughes heart

AN ADVERTISEMENT ON THE giant screen at Ewood Park declared that Blackburn Rovers are giving generously this season and, while it purported to refer to a sale at the club shop, no one could deny that their charity extends to the pitch.


No. 21 Oklahoma 76, Texas St. 57

_ No. 21 Oklahoma had its good moments against Texas State, but coach Sherri Coale wants there to be a lot more. Erin Higgins scored 12 points and Chelsi Welch and Casey Walker added 10


Plenty of brawl blame to spread around, say NBA rivals (AFP)

AFP - Rival National Basketball Association players and coaches have found plenty of blame to spread around regarding Friday's brawl between Detroit spectators and Indiana Pacers players.


US persuades Paris Club to write off 23bn of Iraqi debt

A deal to forgive a large chunk of Iraq #39;s external debt could finally be announced this week after key creditor nations came to an agreement at the weekend ending months of stalemate.


IRA fails to say sorry for Birmingham pub bombs

Hundreds gathered in Birmingham yesterday to mark the 30th anniversary of one of Britain #39;s most gruesome terrorist attacks, the bombing of two city centre pubs which killed 21 and seriously injured 160.


King Hamad Pardons Jailed Activist

MANAMA, 22 November 2004 - Bahrains King Hamad yesterday ordered the release of a human rights activist who was sentenced to one year in prison earlier in the day for inciting political dissent.


Virginia Upsets No. 10 Arizona 78-60 (AP)

AP - Highly touted freshman Sean Singletary scored 15 points and made several other huge plays Sunday night, leading Virginia to a 78-60 victory against No. 10 Arizona.


N.B.A. Suspends Artest for the Rest of the Season

Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers has been suspended in connection with a brawl Friday night that injured nine fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan.


Southern Miss Golden Eagles

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi (Ticker) -- What was to be an early-season non-conference matchup has become a huge battle with Bowl Championship Series implications when No.


Dollar Near Record Lows, No G20 Support

The dollar was near record lows against the euro and its lowest level since March 2000 versus the yen on Monday after a meeting of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations suggested no effort to stem the dollar #39;s decline.


Longbridge land sold in 15m deal

By Christopher Hope, Business Correspondent, and Harry Wallop (Filed: 22/11/2004). Phoenix Venture Holdings, the owner of loss-making MG Rover, has sold off the last remaining major piece of land at its Longbridge


NBA Suspends Artest for Rest of Season (AP)

AP - Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season Sunday and two of his Indiana Pacers teammates must miss a total of 55 games for fighting with fans in a melee that broke out at the end of a game against the Detroit Pistons.


McNabb Leads Eagles Past Redskins 28-6 (AP)

AP - Donovan McNabb tied a career high with four touchdown passes, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 28-6 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.


Injuries Deplete Rams Defensive Secondary (AP)

AP - The St. Louis Rams' defensive backfield was depleted by injuries in a loss to Buffalo on Sunday, with the most serious to backup cornerback DeJuan Groce, who hurt his left knee.


USC aims to end  #39;04 with poll position

quot;We control our destiny, unlike last year where we didn #39;t know, quot; USC defensive tackle Shaun Cody said this week.  quot;We were hoping on a prayer things would fall into place.


Microsoft opens war for Internet dominance

Microsofts new search engine launched opens a new front for the worlds biggest software company in a new war - for control of the Internet, analysts said.


Hewitt clash cut short

HEAVY rain has delayed the start of the ATP Masters Cup final in Houston, Texas, and forced organisers to trim the title match from a best-of-five sets to a best-of-three format.


No. 21 Oklahoma 76, Texas St. 57

Erin Higgins scored 12 points and Chelsi Welch and Casey Walker added 10 each as No. 21 Oklahoma beat Texas State 76-57 Sunday. Higgins was 4-for-7 from 3-point range, but the Sooners (2-0) got most of their scoring inside against the smaller Wildcats.


Flexibility does not come with stray words: Singh

GUWAHATI: Flexibility does not come with stray words, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday, in response to remarks from President General Pervez Musharraf last week that he was disheartened by New Delhis rigidity on the Kashmir


Powell Arrives in Israel in Latest Push for Peace

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, arriving in Israel for his first visit in a year and a half, said he would work with Palestinian leaders to come up with an American


Wanted: a more realistic Myanmar policy

It is now more than obvious that developments in Myanmar have taken a sad turn. The harden- ing of the junta #39;s position does not augur well for future United Nations involvement.


Artest Banned for Rest of Season After Ugly Brawl

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The National Basketball Association  suspended All-Star Ron Artest for the rest of the season and  Indiana Pacers team mates Stephen Jackson for 30 games and  Jermaine O'Neal for 25 following Friday's ugly brawl.


Bush Job Plan Features Tax Cuts, Drilling (AP)

AP - Hiring is picking up and President Bush is on track to preside over job growth in his second term, shedding the Herbert Hoover label of being the first president since the Great Depression to lose jobs under his watch. But don't expect a revival of the booming 1990s.


AOL to Adapt WebEx Services for AIM Consumers

America Online and WebEx Communications are evaluating ways to adapt some of the online meeting services they currently offer to business users of AOL #39;s AIM instant messaging network to make these services appealing to other AIM consumers.


Colombia Deploys 15,000 Troops for Bush (AP)

AP - The Spanish colonialists who fortified this Colombian seaport 400 years ago to guard against pirates and rival imperial powers could only have dreamed of the security being implemented for President Bush's visit here Monday.


China Iron Mine Fire Death Toll Rises to 33

BEIJING (Reuters) - Rescue workers have recovered the  bodies of 33 Chinese miners killed when fire swept through a  group of iron mines in the northern region of Inner Mongolia,  state media said on Monday.


U-Va. Upsets Arizona

Highly touted freshman Sean Singletary scores 15 points, leading Virginia to a 78-60 victory against No. 10 Arizona.


Chargers Top Raiders

Antonio Gates keeps his standout season going with 101 yards and a touchdown as the Chargers drop the Raiders, 23-17, on Sunday.


Liberals Celebrate as Ukraine Waits Poll Result (Reuters)

Reuters - Thousands of supporters of Ukraine's\opposition leader, Viktor Yushchenko, celebrated on the streets\in the early hours on Monday after an exit poll showed him\winner of a bitterly fought presidential election.


Falcons Spoil Manning's Debut With Giants (AP)

AP - Michael Vick ran for 104 yards and threw two first-half touchdown passes to Alge Crumpler to lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 14-10 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, spoiling Manning's first start.


Kennedys Condemn  #39;Despicable #39; JFK Assassination Game

A controversial new British-made computer docu-game recreating John F Kennedys assassination has been branded despicable by aides to the late presidents brother.


No. 24 Maryland Beats Siena 73-52 (AP)

AP - Shay Doron scored 21 points to lead No. 24 Maryland past Siena 73-52 on Sunday.


Manning Falls Short in Debut for Giants

Michael Vick ran for 104 yards and threw two first-half touchdown passes to Alge Crumpler, spoiling Eli Manning's first start.


Exit Poll: Challenger Leads in Ukraine (AP)

AP - An exit poll and initial early returns from abroad Sunday showed opposition challenger Viktor Yushchenko heading to a commanding victory in Ukraine's presidential run-off, which pitted the Western-leaning reformer against the Kremlin-praised prime minister in a vote many feared would turn violent.


U.S. Forces Kill Four in Afghanistan (AP)

AP - U.S.-led troops mounted overnight raids on suspected al-Qaida compounds in eastern Afghanistan, killing four people and detaining several others, officials said Sunday. The U.S. military said "several Arab fighters" were among the suspects killed or detained in the operation in Nangarhar province, although a local official said only Afghans survived.


Dollar Near Record Lows, No G20 Support

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was near record lows against  the euro and a multi-year low versus the yen on Monday after a  meeting of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations produced  no coordinated stance to stem the dollar's decline.


Greenspan Saps Stocks, Dlr Teeters

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar sagged early on Monday,  helping to send Asian exporters' shares sharply lower, after a  meeting of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations said  nothing to arrest its fall.


MG Rover to slash directors #39; pension payments by 90

MG ROVERS controversial directors pension trust is to be substantially scaled back as the company nears the final stages of a vital partnership that will give


Japan #39;s Nikkei 225, Topix Decline; Kyocera Corp., Canon Drop

Japanese stock benchmarks fell. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 126.43, or 1.1 percent, to 10,956.41 at 9:02 am in Tokyo. The broader Topix index dropped 11.04, or 1 percent, to 1098.73.


NFL's Jamal Lewis Leaves Ravens' Victory (Reuters)

Reuters - Baltimore Ravens running back\Jamal Lewis left in the first quarter of a 30-10 victory over\Dallas on Sunday due to a left ankle injury.


Spinning space probe to record the  #39;birth cries #39; of black holes

A new space observatory was rocketing into orbit yesterday preparing to scan the universe for the most violent celestial explosions since the Big Bang.


Software now available for the new gaming season

Christmas is just around the corner and major computer games software publishers are readying their wares for the festive season. But these latest games are not your typical children #39;s programs.


NBA suspends nine players, Artest for rest of season

NBA on Sunday suspended nine players for involving in a melee during Friday #39;s game between Detorit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, with Ron Artest suspended for the rest of the season, 73 games.


Sorenstam signs off in triumph

Annika Sorenstam and American Cristie Kerr went head to head in the final round of the ADT Tour Championship yesterday, and it took the first hole of a sudden


Wright defends title by beating Mosely in rematch

LAS VEGAS: Ronald Winky Wright used an effective right jab to retain his WBA and WBC junior middleweight titles, posting a majority decision over former champion Shane Mosley on Saturday.


GOLF: TIGER WIN ENDS NIGHTMARE RUN

TIGER WOODS lifted his first strokeplay trophy in 13 months yesterday with an eight-shot victory in the Dunlop Phoenix tournament.


Ronaldinho #39;s genius signals a power shift

Ronaldinho was so in the groove before kick-off that he actually danced in the tunnel. Barcelona #39;s catalyst did not just flick out a leg, so loosening limbs for imminent exertion against Real Madrid.


Seahawks 24, Dolphins 17

Boulware intercepted a pass by AJ Feeley and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown with 56 seconds remaining, lifting the Seahawks to a 24-17 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.


NFL Game Summary - Washington at Philadelphia

Owens didn #39;t catch a pass in the first half, the first time all season he has gone without a reception in any half. His 13 touchdowns tied a club record accomplished three other times, most recently by Mike


Steelers defeat Bengals

Bettis ran for 129 yards and the Steelers #39; blitzing defence created havoc Sunday, setting up a 19-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that kept the NFL #39;s longest winning streak growing.


Israel to give Powell pledge on West Bank troop cuts

Israel is expected to promise Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State, today that it will take steps to facilitate Palestinian elections planned for January, including a cutback of its military presence in the West Bank.


Jet crashes into frozen lake in China, killing 54

A commuter jet bound for Shanghai crashed into a frozen lake in a park just seconds after take-off from Baotou City Airport in Inner Mongolia yesterday, killing all 53 people on board and one on the ground.


Iran stands by nuclear pledge

TEHRAN: Iran pledged yesterday it was still committed to suspending parts of its sensitive nuclear activities as of today and that alarm over its last minute uranium conversion activities was merely US  quot;propaganda quot;.


Clarke ends feud with Charles over  #39;social utopianism #39;

Prince Charles will today make the highly unusual move of publicly addressing the furore unleashed by his leaked memo to say the it is a  quot;travesty of the truth quot; to suggest he said people should know their place.


New clashes in Nepal claim 34

KATHMANDU: Nepali troops killed at least 21 Maoist rebels and lost 13 soldiers in gunbattles across the Himalayan kingdom, officials said yesterday.


A plague of locusts

CAIRO: Swarms of locusts are causing a panic among farmers and children who wonder when the next biblical plague would strike. The pests have worked their way north into Israel since crossing the Egyptian


Vick Runs Past Giants

Michael Vick runs for 104 yards and threw two first-half touchdown passes to Alge Crumpler to lead the Falcons to a 14-10 triumph over the Giants on Sunday.


PeopleSoft shareholders back Oracle bid

Oracle Corp CEO Larry Ellison won the backing of PeopleSoft Inc shareholders for his US\$8.8 billion hostile takeover bid, taking him a step closer to clinching the deal after a 17-month fight.


Some Executives Can #39;t Take a Hint

CQ quot; gt; Walt Disney Company shareholders might have done a double take when their chief executive, Michael D. Eisner, testified in court last week about the brief tenure of his friend, Michael S. Ovitz, as company president.


Juicy matchup is one to savor

This is a matchup that makes you think all's right with the sports world after all. The 2005 Orange Bowl is the comfort food of athletic events.


Hughes cheered by remarkable comeback

Booed off at the interval by their lowest Premiership crowd of the season, Blackburn Rovers earned a rousing send-off an hour later for salvaging an unlikely point at the expense of a bemused Birmingham.


FOX NFL SUNDAY SHOWCASE: Week 11

Jimmy Johnson evaluates the untraditional, yet often spectacular play of Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick:  quot;Although Vick has good pocket presence, he is not and will never be a traditional drop-back quarterback.


Weak finish wastes Lions #39; roaring start

For a good part of the afternoon Sunday, the Lions played like a team on a mission. They got a quick lead on Eddie Drummond #39;s 92-yard kickoff return touchdown.


SINN FEIN LEADER REGRETS BOMBS

The political arm of the Irish Republican Army #39;s says it regrets the series of pub bombings that killed 21 people in 1974. Speaking on the 30th anniversary of the killings, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams


Harriet Rubin

How much of the antagonism between Disney CEO Michael Eisner and former No. 2 Michael Ovitz is really over money? Both have testified about their rocky relationship during a trial in which stockholders are


Nikkei follows dollar down

Japan #39;s Nikkei 225 average is down more than two percent by mid-morning Monday after the dollar #39;s tumble against the yen hit tech firms and exporters.


Fed audit rules cost firms cash and time

Champion Enterprises Inc. produces and sells manufactured homes across the nation. It is no Enron Corp. But because of the infamous energy company and other corporate wrongdoers that spawned the Sarbanes-Oxley


Gates Believes Spam Will Be Eliminated Within Two Years

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates believes spam will be a thing of the past within two years. He did not elaborate on his definition of spam.


FIFA investigates racist heckling at soccer games

TONY EASTLEY: There #39;s a debate raging within the world of international soccer following last week #39;s racist heckling by Spanish fans of black players in the English team.


Phantoms extend win streak to 14 games with 4-3 overtime win

PROVIDENCE, RI (CP) - Jon Sim scored in overtime for the second night in a row as the Philadelphia Phantoms won their 14th straight AHL game, 4-3 over the Providence Bruins in front of 5,812 spectators Sunday.


Celtics Snap Sonics' 9-Game Win Streak (AP)

AP - Ricky Davis scored 25 points and Paul Pierce added 17 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday to lead the Boston Celtics to a 102-83 victory over Seattle and snap the SuperSonics' nine-game winning streak.


Adams stops short of apology

As survivors of the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings joined hundreds of others at a service in the city yesterday to mark the 30th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the Sinn Fein president, Gerry


NFL Wrap: Bettis Sinks Bengals in Steelers Win

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jerome Bettis ran for 129 yards and  the Pittsburgh Steelers used a stifling defense to edge the  host Cincinnati Bengals 19-14 for their eighth straight win  Sunday.


Rwanda snubs UN forces in DR Congo

Rwanda tells the UN Security Council its plans to disarm rebels across the border in DR Congo will not work.


Parents back anti-bully campaign

Parents say school bullying is a major concern for them and that more should be done to tackle the problem.


James Hardie Earnings to Miss Estimates on Boycott (Update2)

James Hardie Industries NV, Australia #39;s fourth-biggest building materials maker, said full-year profit will miss analysts #39; estimates because of boycotts by unions protesting the handling of asbestos compensation.


Seahawks reclaim first place in NFC West

Rookie Michael Boulware saved the game for the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe the season, too. Boulware intercepted a pass by AJ Feeley and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown with 56 seconds remaining


Grin and Bear it: Manning and James lead Colts to another rout

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes and Edgerrin James ran for 204 yards with a score, as the Indianapolis Colts rolled to a 41-10 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.


Raps use miracle comeback to edge Spurs

TORONTO (CP) - The Toronto Raptors produced their biggest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history on Sunday - and Vince Carter wasn #39;t part of it.


Heat Top 76ers, Stay Unbeaten in East (AP)

AP - Dwyane Wade scored 25 points and the Miami Heat remained unbeaten against Eastern Conference opponents by beating the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers 93-83 Sunday night.


Powell Wants Mideast Foes to Smooth Way to Election

Secretary of State Colin Powell on Monday will invest US prestige in a new Middle East peace drive, pressing Israeli and Palestinian leaders alike for steps to help Palestinians elect a new president.


International Creditors to Cancel Most Iraqi Debt

The Paris Club of international creditors has agreed to cancel 80 percent of the debt Iraq owes member countries. Officials say the deal, brokered in Berlin, is worth about \$33 billion.


Orange Guard Edelin Returns to Practice (AP)

AP - Syracuse point guard Billy Edelin returned to the team on Sunday for the first time in nine months.


Gutsy victory is sum of Titans #39; spare parts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Andre Dyson was it. Of the Tennessee Titans #39; starting secondary to open the season -- including the nickel and dime players -- Dyson was the last one standing in the fourth quarter of Sunday #39;s game with the Jacksonville Jaguars.


Chavez names oil chief as FM

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez named Ali Rodriguez, chief of the state-run oil company PDVSA, as the country #39;s new foreign minister, local media quoted government sources as saying on Sunday.


APEC #39;s importance never greater

The theme of the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) leaders #39; meeting -  quot;One Community, Our Future quot; - is a reflection of the members #39; strong will to promote regional economic dynamism and a sense of unity.


Three on Pats Buses Injured in Accident (AP)

AP - Three people traveling with the New England Patriots received minor injuries Sunday when two of their buses collided as they made their way to the team's hotel.


Sorenstam trumps Kerr

IT TOOK an extra hole for Annika Sorenstam to shake off American Cristie Kerr in the ADT Tour Championship at Trump International in West Palm Beach, Florida, yesterday, but a victory worth \$215,000 (120,000) was a fitting end to another season that has


Colts outclass Bears in one-sided track meet

Chicago - The Bears needed a perfect performance to beat the Colts and came away with a 41-10 defeat in their poorest showing under Lovie Smith.


Strong Earthquake Kills One in Caribbean (AP)

AP - A strong earthquake rocked the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Guadeloupe early Sunday, killing a child, destroying numerous homes and knocking out power to thousands of people.


Powell to Seek US Aid for Palestinians

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, arriving in Israel for his first visit in a year and a half, said Sunday that he would work with Palestinian leaders to come up


Gaza out of control

We are entering a very dangerous time. Everyone has their own gun and there is no one person in control.. BY ANDREW METZ. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- The young men wore hostile expressions and carried guns


Hopes fade for 58 missing after Philippines storm toll rises to eight (AFP)

AFP - Hopes are fading for 58 fishermen missing at sea after a powerful storm that slammed into the Philippines, left eight people dead and tens of thousands homeless.


Online Insurance Bids May Rise

Some industry analysts say an ongoing insurance bid-rigging scandal -- combined with rising health-care costs -- will build demand for online bidding on insurance policies.


Japan #39;s Nikkei 225, Topix Set for Biggest Drops in Six Months

Japanese stocks dropped, with benchmarks poised for their biggest slides in six months. Exporters such as Toyota Motor Corp. led decline after the dollar plunged to its lowest against


HK PRESS: Hutchison Chmn Eyes Good  #39;05, Promises Pay Rise

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. (0013.HK) Chairman Li Ka-shing said the company #39;s overall financial outlook for 2005 is good and employees could look forward to a pay rise for next year, the South China Morning Post reports.


GOLDBERG: Manning Improves During Game (AP)

AP - One play demonstrated the star Eli Manning can become. Another play, a few minutes later, showed that he's still a rookie.


Dell, Gateway Settle into the Living Room

quot;If you are talking about the media center PC in the family room, it #39;s going to be a disappointing experience, quot; Gartner research vice president Martin Reynolds told TechNewsWorld.


Powell #39;s Middle East mission

COLIN Powell arrived in Israel last night for his first visit in 18 months, signalling a new push for Middle East peace following the death of the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.


Bilateral flexibility urged for solution: Musharraf says Pakistan <b>...</b>

LAHORE, Nov 20: President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday ruled out any unilateral stepping back by Pakistan from its historical stand over Kashmir and asked India to show courage


WADA Sanctions \$1.47 Million Rise in Expenditure

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)  has approved a \$1.47 million increase in its expenditure budget  for next year.


For Artest, Today's Troubles Took Root Years Ago

It often seems Ron Artest cannot help being at the center of a storm.


Bush stands up for strong dollar

President George W Bush reaffirms his commitment to a strong US dollar and pledges to halve the budget deficit.


Survey: Gas prices drop as consumption goes down

CAMARILLO, Calif. Gas prices at the pump declined over the past two weeks. An industry analyst says a seasonal drop in consumption and lower crude oil prices contributed to the drop.


US Treasuries steady after fall on Greenspan

0133 GMT - US Treasuries steady in early Asia after falling in previous US session on Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan #39;s comments that interest rates were headed higher.


Shanghai #39;s gain might be Birmingham #39;s loss

For Rover, a once revered but now sullied brand name, it represents what one insider calls  quot;the last-chance saloon quot;. For China, a nascent economic superpower, it could be the start of a new phase as a global player in the world auto market.


A Mogul #39;s Migraine

When Rupert Murdoch arrived at the election-night party at his Fox News network in Manhattan, he was met by long faces. His executives worried that Murdoch, the president #39;s biggest booster


Virus chaos thwarted by poor social engineering

The latest variant of the Sober virus was released on Friday and has been spreading over the weekend, but antivirus experts say the situation could have been much worse.


Victorious Wright has a nod and wink for Trinidad

Ronald  quot;Winky quot; Wright confirmed his status as the world #39;s No1 light-middleweight when he scored a majority points verdict to retain the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council versions of the title against Shane Mosley at the Mandalay Bay in Las


The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has approved a \$1.47 million increase in its expenditure budget for next year. The rise will lift WADA #39;s budget to \$21.7 million, the Montreal-based


Ageless Allen scores two TDs as Argonauts upset Lions 27-19 in <b>...</b>

Twenty-year veteran Damon Allen ran in two touchdowns and passed for another as the Toronto Argonauts defeated the BC Lions 27-19 in the Grey Cup game on Sunday night.


Kiwis crumble to McGrath

Australia, inspired by a rejuvenated Glenn McGrath, skittled New Zealand out for a paltry 76 in their second innings to win the first Test by an innings and 156 runs in Brisbane.


NBA Brawl Quote Box (AP)

AP - Reaction to the suspensions handed down by NBA commissioner David Stern on Sunday, two days after a brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons:


Bush welcoming word of debt relief and elections

SANTIAGO, Chile President Bush is welcoming word that Iraq will hold elections in January -- and that a big chunk of the country #39;s debt is being forgiven.


Talks set for China free trade

TALKS on a free trade agreement with China will begin in March, opening a porthole to the world #39;s biggest market. An Asia-Pacific regional trade agreement, potentially worth more than \$190 billion, also looks more likely than ever before.


Woman hostage is released in Iraq:

World News: A Polish woman held hostage in Iraq since late October has been set free and flown back to Warsaw reports BBC. BBC also says making a surprise appearance at a press conference alongside the Polish


Sikhs to mark anniversary

ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Indian Sikhs arrived in Pakistan yesterday to commemorate the 535th anniversary of the birth of the founder of their religion, officials said.


Australia migration focus shifts from Asia to Europe (AFP)

AFP - Australia is now accepting more migrants from English-speaking nations than Southeast Asia for the first time since John Howard's Government came to power in 1996, new data shows.


Stocks Sink, Dlr Steadies Above 103 Yen

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Fears of further dollar weakness sent  shares in Asian exporters sharply lower on Monday, after a  meeting of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations said  nothing to arrest its fall.


Music Industry Is Trying Out New Releases as Digital Only

Universal has signed a handful of artists to a digital-only record label. Starting Tuesday, it will release songs through online services like iTunes.


Upscale Flavors on Chicago's North Side

Restaurants with laid-back style arrive on the North Side of Chicago.


US risks a downhill dollar disaster

George Bush #39;s foreign policy is simple: don #39;t mess with America. The same, it appears, applies to economic policy as well.


Official Says Deferral Strategy Fails Amtrak

Amtrak #39;s strategy of scraping by on limited budgets by deferring crucial capital investments  quot;is no longer workable, quot; according to the inspector general of the Transportation


Ambanis set up talks

Nov. 21: A family meeting of the Ambanis is likely to take place tomorrow within hours of Mukesh Ambanis return from the US. In a TV interview aired a few days ago, Mukesh had said there were ownership issues within the family.


It #39;s a Family Affair

In a boardroom struggle that is as much about legacy concerns as about control, media titans Rupert Murdoch and John Malone are sparring over the prized assets of News Corp.


Playing Games in Your 20 #39;s? Nintendo Is Onto You

For the last several years, Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have fought over an audience for console video games that is growing older and more mainstream.


NBA Gets Tough After Near-Riot

NBA Commissioner David Stern handed down three of the stiffest suspensions in the league #39;s history after a wild fan-player melee Friday night in Detroit.


Boumsongs plea for peace

JEAN-ALAIN Boumsong, who appeared an oasis of calm within Saturday #39;s maelstrom at Ibrox, has urged the Old Firm combatants to disregard any vendettas and restore sanity before the teams collide again.


Big Ben pressured, but responds

Ben Roethlisberger knows he #39;s lived a charmed life. Of his first seven NFL victories, four of the games were at home. He #39;s worked with the lead so much that he only trailed for 14 minutes of the previous three games.


Jets #39; Martin Ties Sanders #39; NFL Mark

CLEVELAND - New York Jets running back Curtis Martin on Sunday became the second player in NFL history to begin his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons.


Leader of Peru group in standoff surrenders; troops mobilize

ANDAHUAYLAS, Peru -- The leader of a paramilitary nationalist group that seized a police station, took 10 officers hostage and allegedly killed four more surrendered late last night as security forces launched an offensive against his followers, an Interior Ministry official said.


Iran promises to meet nuke deadline

Iran has promised to suspend its nuclear enrichment program by Monday #39;s deadline, the BBC reported. The head of Iran #39;s nuclear energy organization said work would stop at two


Sorenstam Needs a Playoff to Beat Kerr

The ADT Championship was an intense battle between Cristie Kerr and Annika Sorenstam, who won her eighth L.P.G.A. event this season.


NBA #39;s longest suspensions

Here is the list of longest suspensions in NBA history for on-court incidents. Note: does not include the immediate suspension (one game) handed down today: 72 games-x - Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers, (for the


New systems success has let designer prove a point

Opinion raged even before NASCAR chairman Brian France unveiled the Nextel Cup championship format in January. As the sun rises in South Florida, 1 of


NBA ROUNDUP Raptors Rally Late With Carter Sitting

By The Associated Press. With Vince Carter playing the worst basketball of his career, Lamond Murray picked up the slack. Murray scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter yesterday


PLO to press Powell on road map

Palestinian leaders will tell Colin Powell, the US secretary of state, who is visiting the occupied territories today, that they want the Bush administration to commit itself to the creation of a Palestinian state by the end of next year.


Federer Defends Master Cup With 13th Win (AP)

AP - Top-seeded Roger Federer won a record 13th straight final Sunday, beating Lleyton Hewitt 6-3, 6-2 in the title match of the ATP Masters Cup.


Pulitzer Hired Banker to Explore Sale

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Newspaper publisher Pulitzer Inc.  confirmed on Sunday it hired a financial adviser to help it  explore strategic options, including a possible sale of the  company.


Pulitzer Hired Banker to Explore Sale

Newspaper publisher Pulitzer Inc. confirmed on Sunday it hired a financial adviser to help it explore strategic options, including a possible sale of the company.


Amtrak Infrastructure On Brink, DOT Warns

The national passenger rail service risks a  quot;major point of failure quot; if infrastructure needs remain unaddressed, the US Department of Transportation warned in a scathing report made public today.


San Francisco Hotel Workers to Return

Unionized workers have reached an agreement with a group representing 14 luxury hotels to end an eight-week lockout, allowing about 4,000 maids, bellhops


Improved  #39;Halo 2 #39; has multiplayer mode

The first Halo game sold quite a few Xboxes (we know a few Xbox owners who don #39;t appear to play any other titles on their consoles), and Halo 2 clocked \$125 million in sales on its first day in stores.


Yahoo doubles e-mail storage limits

Yahoo Inc is more than doubling its limits on free e-mail storage in its latest move to combat two of its biggest rivals, Google Inc and Microsoft Corp.


NBA Meltdown Provides Blame Aplenty

It began with Ron Artest, a player who has undergone anger-management counseling and who last season alone was suspended six times.


England win World Cup

England have won the WGC-World Cup for the second time in 50 years, thanks to the heroics of former Walker Cup and current Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey and Luke Donald.


Yorke accuses Blackburn fans of racist abuse

An otherwise wonderful advert for English football was blemished by racism yesterday. As Dwight Yorke, a second-half substitute for Birmingham, warmed up on the touchline of his former club two or, possibly


Eredivisie Wrap: Feyenoord Slip Up

Three of the top four teams in the Erevisie recorded comfortable wins this weekend, with Feyenoord the exception after they crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Groningen.


Cavaliers Shock No. 10 Wildcats

Throughout the last month, the Virginia Cavaliers told anyone who would listen that their goals this basketball season far exceed the low expectations outsiders hold for them.


Kings Rally Past Bucks for 5th Win in Row

Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Strickland (20) shoots in a crowd of Sacramento Kings defenders Brad Miller, left, Darius Songaila (25) and Doug Christie, right, during the first half in Sacramento, Calif.


McNabb Tosses Aside Sluggish Start and Lifts Philadelphia

For the first half of the Eagles #39; game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Donovan McNabb looked like a quarterback with a hangover from last week #39;s victory on


Dollar Near Record Low Vs Euro

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar dangled near a record low  against the euro on Monday after a meeting of the Group of 20  rich and developing nations produced no coordinated stance to  stem the U.S. currency's decline.


Bush hails Iraq debts reduction by Pairs Club

The United States on Sunday applauded the decision by the Paris Club on slashing Iraq #39;s debts and urged other countries to follow suit.


Iraqi Premier urges Sunni Muslims to join elections

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi yesterday met the leaders of the Sunni Muslim Waqf (religious endowment) ahead of the country #39;s first free elections in decades.


Chavez calls for anti-terror plan after killing of state attorney

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has ordered the development of new anti-terror legislation, just days after one of the government #39;s top prosecutors was killed by a car bomb.


Ruling party retains Namibia presidency

Namibia #39;s ruling party retained the presidency and its two-thirds majority in parliament in a landslide victory in last week #39;s elections, officials said Sunday.


Paul McCartney to Headline Super Bowl Show (AP)

AP - Paul McCartney will headline the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 6 as the NFL goes mainstream after the controversy over last January's show.


Kings Rally Past Bucks for 5th Win in Row (AP)

AP - Peja Stojakovic scored 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Sacramento Kings made a late rally for their fifth straight victory, 88-79 over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.


Some rely on boats in Maldives

KOLHUFUSHI ISLAND, Maldives -- Residents of this low-lying atoll are being forced to seek refuge on the sea more than a week after it destroyed their homes.


Volcano Erupts in Southern Colombia, Ignites Fires (Reuters)

Reuters - The Galeras volcano in\southern Colombia erupted on Sunday, spraying rocks and\starting short-lived forest fires, but no injuries were\reported, the government said.


More Than 60 Nations to Protect Sharks (AP)

AP - More than 60 countries agreed Sunday to ban the killing of sharks for their fins in the Atlantic Ocean, a move that conservationists hope will increase protection of threatened species around the world.


N.B.A. Hands Tough Penalties to Players Involved in Brawl

The Pacers' Ron Artest was suspended for the season, and two of his teammates must sit out for a combined 55 games.


Present Imperfect, Future Is Manning

Eli Manning had a chance, after a shaky start and a resurgent second half, to drive the Giants to a winning touchdown, but fell short in the final minute.


Ugly Victory Redeems Carter in a Game of Second Chances

Winning behind Quincy Carter - who completed 11 of 20 passes for 116 yards - might have assuaged the Jets' concerns about him as the backup quarterback.


New row threatens top EU body

A new row engulfs European Commission over an undisclosed conviction of one of its members.


Bloody Sunday inquiry nearing end

The Bloody Sunday inquiry enters its final phase as  the counsel to the inquiry begins his closing speech.


Giving the Law a Religious Perspective

The Rev. Jerry Falwell's Liberty University is part of a movement around the nation that brings a religious perspective to the law.


Mids Go Bowling

Navy's football team will announce Monday whether it will accept a bowl bid from the Emerald Bowl or consider inquiries from four other bowls.


Grunfeld Backs Action

Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld agrees with the NBA Commissioner David Stern's level of punishment for the Pacers-Pistons brawl.


Iraq Force Likely to Grow

Officials say they will need a further increase in combat forces to put down remaining areas of resistance.


Iraqi Election Set for Jan. 30

The balloting, however, remains imperiled by calls for a Sunni Muslim boycott and a persistent insurgency that has roiled Sunni regions.


Connecticut Crashes Early

North Carolina closes with a 16-5 run to upset Connecticut, 71-65, the three-time defending national champions' earliest loss since 1995.


Bush Signs Bill to Keep Government Going

President Bush on Sunday signed a stopgap spending bill that keeps the government running while Congress sorts out remaining issues related to a more permanent federal spending package.


Justice Is Too Light

It's too bad Stern stopped at 30 games for Ron Artest's Indiana teammate Stephen Jackson, who should have been kicked out for the rest of the season, too.


Microsoft Targets Older People for Web Via TV

SEATTLE (Reuters) - For people trying to get their aging  parents on the Web so they can read e-mail and get digital  photos of the family, Microsoft Corp. has a message: Don't give  up.


Iraq looks to world for approval

An international conference aimed at supporting the Iraqi political process begins in Egypt.


Cable's Rivals Lure Customers With Packages

Cables two hungry rivals  phone companies and satellite providers  are stealing cables disgruntled customers with cheaper all-in-one packages that bundle TV with Internet and phone services.


Silent bells

For many of us, it just isn #39;t the holiday season until we see the bright red kettles go up and smiling bell ringers plying their trade outside local merchants.


Humans Well-Suited for Running

It may be hard to believe in these days of driving the SUV to the corner store, but people are actually pretty fast on their feet, and endurance running may have played an important role in human evolution.


Lions #39; Printers sits and watches

OTTAWA (CP) - In the end, Wally Buono #39;s decision to start Dave Dickenson at quarterback Sunday ahead of the CFL #39;s most outstanding player Casey Printers probably didn #39;t have much of an effect on the outcome of the 92nd Grey Cup.


Jets (Eventually) Down Browns, 10-7

For more than three quarters on Sunday, it appeared as if the Jets wouldnt find the end zone if it was loaded with uranium and Quincy Carter was armed with a Geiger counter.


Thousands Flee Clashes in East Congo - U.N. (Reuters)

Reuters - Thousands of civilians have fled\their homes after clashes in the east of Democratic Republic of\Congo, the United Nations' humanitarian arm said on Friday.


Crawford Outshines James With His 24 Points and Long-Distance Shots

Just as LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers seemed ready to swipe the game from the Knicks, Jamal Crawford began to sink one shot after another.


Internet Retailers Reaching Out to Mailbox Surfers

E-commerce sites have been dabbling in catalogs for the past few years, but now theyre getting more serious, with more sites mailing more catalogs than ever.


Playing Games in Your 20's? Nintendo Is Onto You

Nintendo is hoping that the Nintendo DS will win over older, more sophisticated gamers.


Oracle Will Take Its Quest Back to Court

Oracle will continue its pursuit of PeopleSoft this week, asking a judge to dismantle one of the last obstacles to a deal.


Computers as Authors? Literary Luddites Unite!

A computer program known as Brutus.1 is generating brief outbursts of fiction that are probably superior to what many humans could turn out.


Radio One Makes Its Move

Radio One Inc. chief executive Alfred Liggins III agreed last night to buy a controlling stake in radio personality Tom Joyner's media company for \$56 million, furthering his attempt to turn the radio company his mother began out of a trailer 24 years ago into a diversified media group aimed at the black community.


Building a Medical Data Network

Digital patient records could become building blocks in a nationwide biomedical computer network for assembling and distributing up-to-the-minute studies of disease.


Update 1: Pulitzer Inc. Says It #39;s Considering Sale

Newspaper publisher Pulitzer Inc. said Sunday that company officials are considering a possible sale of the firm to boost shareholder value.


Update 1: AirAsia Makes Solid Stock Market Debut

AirAsia Bhd., the first low-cost carrier to be listed in Southeast Asia, made a solid debut Monday on the Malaysian stock exchange, while company officials said they #39;ll decide within two months on plans to acquire 40 new aircraft.


Update 2: Tokyo Stocks Plunge; Dollar Trades Lower

Tokyo stocks plunged more than 2 percent Monday morning and the US dollar traded just above its four-and-half-year lows against the yen, following a dollar selloff in New York on concerns over the swollen US trade deficit.


Suspensions greeted locally with outrage, suspicion

Ryan Carrell of Carmel will be at Conseco Fieldhouse Tuesday night for the Pacers #39; game against Boston. He #39;ll have with him a petition he #39;d like Pacers fans to sign before sending it to NBA commissioner David Stern.


Burmese 'forgotten,' aid workers say

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thai survivors of Asia's tsunami disaster have complained they are second-class victims, with foreign tourists getting the best care. Now aid officials say a third class of victims in Thailand has emerged: migrant workers from Burma.


Kings 88 Bucks 79

SACRAMENTO, Calif. Peja Stojakovic (PAY #39;-zhah stoy-AH #39;-koh-vich) scored 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Sacramento Kings rallied for their fifth straight victory, 88-to-79 over Milwaukee.


North Carolina pulls shocker on No. 4 Connecticut

Connecticut missed shots, made turnovers and struggled at the free throw line. None of the mistakes caught coach Geno Auriemma off guard.


Crawford #39;s hot hand halts Cavs #39; streak

NEW YORK - Judging merely by the motion Jamal Crawford was using on his jump shot, it was clear he had leapt into the realm players call The Zone.


NBA-Raptors Produce Thrilling Comeback Win (Reuters)

Reuters - Rafer Alston contributed 20 points, 11\assists and seven rebounds and Lamond Murray scored 13 points\in the fourth quarter as the Toronto Raptors rallied from a\huge deficit to upset the San Antonio Spurs 96-91 Sunday.


55 Killed In Chinese Plane Crash

Beijing, Nov. 22 (NNN) : All the 53 people on board and two on the ground were killed as a plane crashed into a frozen lake in northern China.


Iraqis not interested in Sharm el-Sheikh conference

The Iraqis, who still suffer from the worsening security situation, are hardly interested in an international conference on Iraq to be held in the Egyptian Red Searesort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Nov 22-23.


NBA-Raptors Produce Thrilling Comeback Win

TORONTO (Reuters) - Rafer Alston contributed 20 points, 11  assists and seven rebounds and Lamond Murray scored 13 points  in the fourth quarter as the Toronto Raptors rallied from a  huge deficit to upset the San Antonio Spurs 96-91 Sunday.


Japanese Banking Group Mizuho Reports Dip

Mizuho, one of Japan #39;s four biggest banking groups, reported Monday that group net profit for the first fiscal half fell 8.4 percent from the previous year, despite some progress in getting rid of bad debts.


Retail #39;s Little Guys Come Back

Who #39;s afraid of Wal-Mart? Specialty retailers and chains with unique lines are thriving by offering shoppers what the big-box stores can #39;t.


More corporate whistleblowers sing

A 2002 congressional law adds protection for corporate tattletales, but few of them gain such status from US courts. By Adam Geller / Associated Press.


NASA HUNTS BLACK HOLES

NASA has launched the fastest-swivelling space observatory ever built to hunt the cosmos for clues to violent celestial explosions that some astronomers believe mark the birth of black holes.


SpaceShipOne named Time #39;s  #39;Invention of the Year #39;

The first privately financed manned rocket to fly into space has been named Time magazine #39;s Invention of the Year. #39; #39;.


Federer wins epic tie-break to reach final

Houston, Nov 22 - World number one and defending champion Roger Federer won an epic 20-18 tie-break to seal a 6-3 7-6 win over Marat Safin and place in the Masters Cup final.


Kerr #39;s career at crossroads

WEST PALM BEACH - Cristie Kerr is about as good as any female golfer on the planet whose name isn #39;t Annika Sorenstam.  quot;I was born to do this, quot; Kerr said Sunday afternoon while walking across the parking


In The Fast Lane: Busch wins NASCAR title

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Kurt Busch got his first big break in NASCAR by winning a 1999 talent audition nicknamed  quot;The Gong Show. quot; He was selected from dozens of unknown, young race drivers to work for one of the sport #39;s most famous team owners, Jack Roush.


Fog delays start of play in Kanpur test

Dense fog delayed the start of the third day #39;s play in the first test between India and South Africa on Monday. The visibility was improving but the groundsmen were busy mopping


Manning shows promise despite losing first NFL start

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- By their very nature, little brothers have a lifetime #39;s worth of experience coming up a little short, but you got the feeling watching Eli Manning on Sunday at Giants Stadium that he grew even in defeat.


Packers Sherman #39;s Theory: Practice

Sherman #39;s theory: Practice Houston Mike Sherman eased back into his seat as the Green Bay Packers #39; charter flight waited on the tarmac preparing to depart the Buffalo airport, but there was nothing the least bit comforting about his situation.


AUSTRALIA TO FORGIVE IRAQI DEBT

The deal is part of a new international agreement to forgive 80 per cent of Iraq #39;s international debt, amounting to a total of about \$150 billion.


Powell starts new Middle East peace efforts

Outgoing US Secretary of State Collin Powell arrived in Israel late Sunday as part of the international efforts to revive the stalled Middle East peace process amid continued violence in the region.


Asia-Pacific leaders close summit

Santiago (VNA) - The two-day summit meeting of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum closed in Chile on Sunday, declaring their concerted efforts to ensure sustainable growth, trade and security.


Controversy over Arafat #39;s medical file

Paris: The widow of Yasser Arafat has questioned the right of his nephew to receive a copy of the medical file of the late Palestinian leader.


Washington expects  #39;message of unity #39; on Iraq from conference

WASHINGTON, Nov 21 (AFP) - Washington expects this week #39;s international conference on Iraq to send a strong and unified message of support for the country, according to Secretary of State Colin Powell, who is to attend the meeting.


Stocks Sink, Dlr Steadies Above 103 Yen (Reuters)

Reuters - Fears of further dollar weakness sent\shares in Asian exporters sharply lower on Monday, after a\meeting of the Group of 20 rich and developing nations said\nothing to arrest its fall.


Hardie boycotts start to bite

BOYCOTTS of James Hardie building products over the company #39;s handling of asbestos liabilities were beginning to hurt sales in Australia, the company said today.


France #39;s Industrial Power Trip

In so many ways, French politician and presidential aspirant Nicolas Sarkozy is a breath of fresh air in French and European politics.


Techbits: AOL security, Digital archives, Dual-network phones <b>...</b>

America Online Inc. is packaging new features to combat viruses, spam and spyware in response to growing online security threats. Subscribers will be able to get the free tools


VICK SHATTERS ELI #39;S DEBUT DREAMS

Michael Vick did enough to make sure that Eli Manning #39;s first start as the quarterback of the New York Giants did not have a fairytale ending.


Tiger #39;s swing clicks for first win in 20 attempts

Tiger Woods yesterday won his first tournament since February and his first stroke-play event for 13 months, saying he feels the swing changes he has made are now starting to pay off.


NFL Game Summary - Green Bay at Houston

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Brett Favre engineered three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, the final one ending with a 46-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell as time expired, to lift the Green Bay Packers to a 16-13 victory over the Houston Texans.


Martin #39;s Presence Drives the Jets

Knowing he was too hurt to be effective, running back Curtis Martin still wanted to be in the huddle as the New York Jets attempted to rally in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns.


Nowitzki Injures Ankle Against Nuggets (AP)

AP - All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki had to be helped to the Dallas locker room after twisting his left ankle Sunday night against the Denver Nuggets.


Bush calls for broader Iraq debt relief

SANTIAGO, Nov 21 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Sunday welcomed newly scheduled Iraq elections and a deal to shave billions of dollars off the war-torn country #39;s debt, calling on all creditors to follow suit.


Black box missing as investigators look into cause of China plane <b>...</b>

BEIJING (AFP) - Investigators in China are searching for clues as to the cause of a plane crash that killed 54 people, but after more than 24 hours of efforts they have still not located the crucial black box.


Man to face trial in Hookes case

A 22-year-old hotel bouncer has been ordered to stand trial over the death of former Australian Test cricketer David Hookes. Zdravco Micevic has pleaded innocent to charges of manslaughter and assault.


Thirty-Three Chinese Miners Dead in Blaze (AP)

AP - A fire at a complex of iron mines in northern China killed at least 33 miners and trapped another 28, state media reported Monday.


Radio One Makes Move

CEO Alfred Liggins III to buy a controlling stake in radio personality Tom Joyner's media company, furthering his attempt to turn the radio company into a diversified media group.
-The Washington Post


HGS Picks Watkins as New Chief Executive

20-year product development veteran from Abbott Laboratories will face the challenge of completing Human Genome Sciences' makeover from gene hunter to drug marketer.
-The Washington Post


BearingPoint Leader Plans Shake-Up

Analysts speculate that company is a possible target to be acquired and that big operational changes are in store for the 16,557-person technology consulting firm.
-Ellen McCarthy


BearingPoint Leader Plans Shake-Up

Analysts speculate that company is a possible target to be acquired and that big operational changes are in store for the 16,557-person technology consulting firm.


Mizuho 1st-Half Profit Falls 8 on Fewer Stock Gains (Update1)

Mizuho Financial Group Inc., the world #39;s second-largest bank by assets, said first-half profit fell 8 percent after it failed to earn sufficient fee income to make up for reduced gains from stock investments.


Packers Oust Texans 16-13

Green Bay Packers #39; Donald Driver, left, catches a 50-yard pass next to Houston Texans #39; Marcus Coleman (42) in the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004, in Houston.


Let #39;s hear it for the Heels

Well, I was wrong about North Carolina #39;s matchup with UConn ... and am happy to be wrong. This is not to say anything against UConn.


Utes Forcing Way In

TAMPA - Just a few weeks ago, the Utah Utes were building an impassioned case for why they belonged in a Bowl Championship Series game.


Ex-presidents to lead aid effort

WASHINGTON -- President Bush, seeking to highlight America's concern over the Asian disaster, named his father and his predecessor yesterday to spearhead a private fund-raising campaign to help victims of last month's tsunamis, calling on Americans to ''contribute as they are able to do so."


Paris Club agrees on Iraq debt reduction

A French finance ministry spokesman said the Paris Club of creditor nations had reached a deal yesterday to write off 80 per cent of the debts Iraq owes them.


Tough new laws on terror

HOME Secretary David Blunkett yesterday promised sweeping new anti-terror laws if Labour wins an historic third term. He revealed a raft of measures - from jury-less courts for terror trials to allowing wire tap evidence in major cases.


Hu tells Japanese leader his shrine visits are  quot;crux quot; of problem <b>...</b>

SANTIAGO : Chinese President Hu Jintao has told Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi that his visits to a shrine honouring Japan #39;s war dead including war criminals are the  quot;crux quot; of the problem in Sino-Japanese ties.


An Exceptionally "EEVL" Search Resource

One of the most respected engineering gateways on the web has just released four new databases providing free access to hundreds of online scientific and technical journals.


Whole Latta heart

Geno Auriemma told his team in the locker room that it was a no-win situation. Sylvia Hatchell had been saying just the opposite to her players for weeks.


Raptors rally to drop Spurs

TORONTO - Lamond Murray scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping the Toronto Raptors overcome a 20-point deficit in the second half to beat the San Antonio Spurs 96-91 yesterday.


Utah Enjoys BCS Celebration While It Can

Utah Coach Urban Meyer is a man whose brown eyes boil with intensity. He subscribes to the football adage of taking one game at a time as if it were a directive from Scripture.


Stick-up becomes unstuck at Aussie restaurant

Sydney - Bemused diners watched as three hapless thieves unsuccessfully tried to kick open a sliding door in a botched attempt to rob an Australian seafood restaurant, police said on Monday.


Advertisements You Didnt Demand

Video-on-demand specials have so far appeared without advertisements. But Fox Cable Networks and Visa plan to try including ads in a show in January.


Pulitzer Inc. says it #39;s considering sale

ST. LOUIS - Pulitzer Inc. said Sunday that company officials are considering selling the newspaper publisher to boost shareholder value.


Xstrata makes \$5.8B bid for WMC

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Swiss mining conglomerate Xstrata said Monday it offered to buy the entire issued share capital of major Australian mining company WMC Resources for A\$7.4 billion (\$5.79 billion) in cash.


Crude Oil Little Changed After Gaining on Heating Oil Concern

Crude oil futures were little changed in New York after surging 5.4 percent on Nov. 19 on speculation falling temperatures in Europe will boost competition with the US for heating fuel.


Kmart-Sears merger not a cure

Kmart Corp. #39;s cheeky proposal to acquire Sears, Roebuck and Co. for \$11 billion may be wowing Wall Street, but it doesn #39;t do anything to fix the serious problems afflicting two


Newton ranked safest city in America

Camden, NJ, has become the nation #39;s most-dangerous city, while at the other end of the spectrum, Newton, Mass., ranks as the safest city, according to a company #39;s yearly ranking based on crime statistics.


Malaysia #39;s AirAsia rises sharply on debut

KUALA LUMPUR : Shares in Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia rose sharply on their listing, doing well against a weaker broader market as investors bought into the low-cost concept, dealers said.


Gas prices drop 5 cents nationwide

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- National gas prices dropped 5 cents per gallon in the past two weeks, according to a survey. Free! Sign up here to receive our SiteWatcher e-Newsletter!


Wilbur Ross, Steel Winner, Bets on China Textiles as Quotas End

Wilbur Ross used US government protection to merge four bankrupt steelmakers into a company so profitable he #39;s selling it for \$4.5 billion.


Video game re-creates slaying of Kennedy

A new video game to be released Monday allows players to simulate the assassination of President Kennedy. The release of JFK Reloaded is timed to coincide with the 41st anniversary


Nintendo DS: Doubly good

short for  quot;Dual Screen quot; -* * 1/2 out of four, \$150) was designed to bring innovation to the portable video game market, so far only developer Sega has completely caught on.


Nvidia, Intel Sign Agreement

Intel has followed up its patent cross-licensing agreements with graphics processor maker ATI Technologies with a similar one with rival Nvidia.


The phenomenon of Xbox #39;s gem,  #39;Halo 2 #39;

quot;Halo 2 quot; is unquestionably the most eagerly anticipated video game of 2004. But that may be a bit of an understatement. Its predecessor became a religion, a staple to what seems like 99 percent of dorm room gamers.


Clash brings back bad memories for Tomjanovich

Rudy Tomjanovich isn #39;t sure whether the TV images of the brawl between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers affected him more deeply because of what he went through in another on-court brawl 27 years ago.


Sorenstam wins ADT Championship, Rosales 4th

West Palm Beach, FLORIDA - Annika Sorenstam bogeyed the first hole of a playoff to win her third ADT Championship at Trump International Golf Club Sunday (Monday in Manila).


FOR ELI, LINE PUTS ON GOOD FRONT

The Giants #39; fourth offensive snap yesterday provided the afternoon #39;s first obvious mistake. Its plot sounded frighteningly familiar.


Redskins Can #39;t Keep TO From Dancing in End Zone

Wide receiver Terrell Owens found a vacant corner of the end zone and executed his pattern perfectly, a picture of fluidity with his feet planted firmly on the turf and both hands rising above his head.


Vikings 22 Lions 19

MINNEAPOLIS Daunte Culpepper engineered a pair of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to lead Minnesota #39;s 22-to-19 win over Detroit.


U.S. to Help Rebuild Tsunami-Stricken Lives -- Powell

BANGKOK (Reuters) - The United States will help the  millions devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami, but an effort  on the scale of the post-World War II Marshall Plan is probably  not needed, Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Tuesday.


Powell meets Israel #39;s Sharon

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has met Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for talks expected to focus on steps Israel could take to facilitate a Palestinian presidential election scheduled for January.


International conference on Iraq opening in Egypt

SHARM EL SHEIKH (Egypt), November 22 (Itar-Tass) - An international conference on Iraq is opening in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm El Sheikh on Monday.


Date Set for Iraqi Elections; Violence Slows Registration

Iraqi electoral officials on Sunday scheduled national and provincial elections for Jan. 30 and said that nearly 200 political groups had applied to take part.


Koizumi dismisses Chinese leader #39;s criticism of visits to Yasukuni <b>...</b>

SANTIAGO -- Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Sunday dismissed Chinese President Hu Jintao #39;s criticism of his controversial visits to Tokyo #39;s Yasukuni Shrine where the war dead, including Class-A war criminals, are enshrined.


Gunmen Assassinate Baghdad Governor - Police

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Baghdad governor Ali al-Haidri was  assassinated by gunmen in the capital on Tuesday, police and  hospital sources said.


Marriage does not guarantee happiness

In the world of retailing, there is no such thing as  quot;too big to fail, quot; as investors have often learned to their sorrow.


Wonky crime numbers benefit St. Louis

Erroneous crime statistics propelled St. Louis to its best finish in recent years in a report to be issued Monday that ranks the nation #39;s most dangerous cities.


Upstart RCN faces second Goliath head-on

In its seven years playing David to the Goliaths of Greater Boston cable television, upstart RCN Corp. has managed to secure a robust business, in a few communities


Federer wins rain-soaked Masters

It rained Sunday, of course, and but another soppy, sloppy gray day at Westside Tennis Club did nothing to deter Roger Federer from his appointed rounds.


India v South Africa

Andrew Hall #39;s highest ever first class score underpinned a fine South African batting effort as the tourists reached 459 for seven at stumps on day two of the first Test with India.


Jets: Carter keeps cool after a shaky start

Jets quarterback Quincy Carter looked like a character in the movie  quot;Animal House quot; yesterday in Cleveland Browns Stadium.


Utah #39;s euphoria might not last long

The fiesta hadn #39;t even begun, and already people were asking Urban Meyer, the life of the party, if it was over. That, as we #39;ve come to learn, is the price of success in college football these days.


Longwell barely makes game-winning field goal

HOUSTON - Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre got a chance to work his fourth-quarter magic at Reliant Stadium for the first time in his career Sunday night -nd work it he did.


EU ponders sugar reforms

EU agriculture ministers are to discuss urgent reforms to Europe's heavily subsidised sugar industry.


Major Creditors Agree to Cancel 80 of Iraq Debt

The world #39;s leading industrial nations agreed Sunday to cancel 80 percent of the nearly \$39 billion debt owed them by Iraq, a critical step in rebuilding the country #39;s devastated


Clarke ends war of words with praisefor people #39;s prince

CHARLES Clarke yesterday signalled a truce in the simmering row with the Prince of Wales which has soured relations between the Education Secretary and the heir to the throne.


Taking on No. 1

Say the name Verizon , and most consumers in America get some clear pictures in their mind. The phone company. The Bell System. The wireless test guy asking,  quot;Can you hear me now? quot;


In its seven years playing David to the Goliaths of Greater Boston cable television, upstart RCN Corp. has managed to secure a robust business, in a few communities grabbing nearly 40 percent of cable television customers while bundling telephone and Internet services.


Alien aims to multiply and thrive

MORGAN HILL, Calif. -- In the lobby of Alien Technology, giant statues of Robbie the Robot and Klaatu from  quot;The Day the Earth Stood Still quot; stand guard over the reception area. Hanging on one doorway leading to the inner sanctum is a sign that reads:  quot;Area 52. Restricted Area. Secret Research Facility. quot;


Firm reaches wide accord on lead paint

A prominent Boston-based real estate company has agreed to test for and remove any hazardous lead paint from nearly 10,400 apartments nationwide, including more than 7,000 in Massachusetts, under a consent agreement that federal and state officials plan to announce today.


Firefox helping to make Web better for all

This column gets results. A few months ago I suggested that Internet users would do well to give up on Microsoft Corp.'s buggy and insecure Internet Explorer browser and check out some well-crafted alternatives. And so you have, in a big way.


Merck offers Vioxx defense

NEW YORK -- Merck  amp; Co.'s campaign to defend itself in the wake of the recall of the pain reliever Vioxx intensified last week, as it placed a package of three full-page ads in seven prominent newspapers beginning last Friday. That follows several television appearances, as well as testimony before Congress by the company's chief executive.


Pulitzer Inc. says it #39;s considering sale

Newspaper publisher Pulitzer Inc. said Sunday that company officials are considering a possible sale of the firm to boost shareholder value.


Thousands Queue for Water in Aceh, Aid Blocked

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - Hungry and filthy,  Indonesians queued for water in their thousands on Tuesday as  aid deliveries to tsunami-ravaged Aceh province hit new snags.


Oracle seen closer in PeopleSoft bid

SAN FRANCISCO -- Bolstered by investors, Oracle Corp. appears destined to complete its long-sought takeover of PeopleSoft Inc. unless its rival becomes more profitable and proves it's worth more than the \$9.2 billion bid currently on the table.


Britain-JFK Game

A spokesman for Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy is calling a new video game  quot;despicable. quot;. A British company says it #39;s releasing a game that recreates the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy, the senator #39;s brother.


So much fun, it #39;s criminal

Comedian Bruce Daniels once opened a show with a rant against the video game Grand Theft Auto:  quot;There #39;s this game that encourages you to pick up hookers, engage in sex, beat them then rob them


Pennsylvania School District Retreats from Evolution

A Pennsylvania school district on Friday defended its decision to discount Charles Darwin #39;s theory of evolution and take a lead in teaching what critics say is a version of creationism.


Federer trounces Hewitt to take Masters title

The 23-year-old Swiss dominated the final tournament of the season just as he dominated most of 2004, winning his second straight Masters Cup and breaking the record of 12 straight finals victories shared by Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.


Apec pushes for free trade boost

Leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific states in the Apec grouping have ended a summit in Chile with a call for action to lower global trade barriers.


Arafat #39;s medical file handed over to Widow

PARIS (France): French authorities have handed over the medical file on late President of Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat to his widow Ms Suha Arafat, who is studying it, her lawyer said in a statement.


Evolution still taught, regardless of debates

Despite renewed controversies across the country over how the creation of the universe is taught, S. Blaire Hedges, Penn State biology professor, said the university will continue teaching the theory of evolution as it always has.


Tokyo stocks end flat

TOKYO - Tokyo stocks ended Friday almost flat as earlier gains on buying of high-tech shares evaporated after selling of domestic demand-related issues accelerated later in the day.


SpaceShipOne is Time #39;s  #39;Invention of the Year #39;

SpaceShipOne, the world first privately developed spacecraft that first entered the space in October, has been named  #39;2004 Invention of the Year #39; by Time magazine as a part of its annual  #39;Coolest Invention #39; issue.


Giants: Falcons impressed by first look at Eli

To a veteran defensive lineman, there is a dead giveaway when a rookie quarterback is rattled. You can see it in the kid #39;s eyes.


Culpepper rallies Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings shut out Detroit in the second half and overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the sliding Lions, 22-19, yesterday, ending their three-game losing streak.


Blunkett plans tough new terror laws

Tough new laws on terrorism could be passed if Labour wins a third term in power, Home Secretary David Blunkett has indicated. Mr Blunkett said officials were looking at a range of measures - from jury-less


Oil Extends Rally on Heating Worries (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices continued to rally on\Monday, clawing back more of this months' losses on heightened\concerns over low global winter fuel supplies.


Trump's Casinos File for Bankruptcy (Reuters)

Reuters - Donald Trump's casino operations\filed for bankruptcy on Sunday in a long-expected move that\would allow the real estate maverick to restructure the\company's debt and overhaul its aging casinos.


Oil Extends Rally on Heating Worries

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices continued to rally on  Monday, clawing back more of this months' losses on heightened  concerns over low global winter fuel supplies.


Stocks Sink as Dollar Hovers Near Lows

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar held near a record low  against the euro and a 4-1/2-year low versus the yen on Monday,  sending Asian shares sharply lower, after a meeting of rich and  developing nations said nothing to arrest its fall.


Trump's Casinos File for Bankruptcy

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Donald Trump's casino operations  filed for bankruptcy on Sunday in a long-expected move that  would allow the real estate maverick to restructure the  company's debt and overhaul its aging casinos.


PeopleSoft Says Again Oracle Bid Inadequate, It Won #39;t Sell

PeopleSoft Inc. said its board remains convinced Oracle Inc. #39;s \$24-a-share takeover bid is inadequate #39; #39; and said it will not sell the company for less than it #39;s worth.


Xstrata makes new bid for Australia WMC

Swiss-based miner Xstrata says it will take its A\$7.4 billion (3.1 billion pound) bid for Australia #39;s WMC Resources directly to the company #39;s shareholders, effectively making a hostile bid after WMC #39;s management rejected its offer


Annual ranking of  #39;most dangerous #39; cities

TRENTON, NJ Camden, New Jersey, has become the nation #39;s most-dangerous city, according to a Kansas company #39;s yearly ranking based on crime statistics.


AirAsia to make solid debut on Malaysian bourse next week <b>...</b>

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia #39;s budget carrier AirAsia is expected to make a solid debut on the stock exchange Monday, with gains to be made from its retail initial public offer (IPO) price of 1.16 ringgit (0.31 dollars) a share, fund managers and analysts said


New billboard beauty in London -- 96 years young (AFP)

AFP - It's never too late to start a new career, even if you're 96 years old -- and the new job is modelling cosmetics.


This column gets results. A few months ago I suggested that Internet users would do well to give up on Microsoft Corp. #39;s buggy and insecure Internet Explorer browser and check out some well-crafted alternatives.


NBA fans find extra security after brawl as shorthanded Pistons win (AFP)

AFP - With security staffing levels raised 50 percent following Friday's melee between spectators and players, National Basketball Association champion Detroit beat Charlotte 117-116 here.


Fans stand behind suspended Wallace

It might have been NBA Commissioner David Stern taking his chances had he tried to enter the stands at The Palace on Sunday after suspending Ben Wallace for six games.


Holland: PSV Eindhoven keeps lead

PSV Eindhoven beat Vitesse Arnhem 2-0 to maintain a five-point lead atop the Dutch First Division on Sunday, earning its 10th straight shutout in a game that was suspended 15 minutes for unruly fan behaviour.


41-year-old QB lifts Toronto to 1st Grey Cup since 1997

OTTAWA - Damon Allen, a 20-year veteran, ran in two touchdowns and passed for another as the Toronto Argonauts defeated the British Columbia Lions 27-19 in the Grey Cup on Sunday night.


U.S. to Help Rebuild Tsunami-Stricken Lives -- Powell (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States will help the\millions devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami, but an effort\on the scale of the post-World War II Marshall Plan is probably\not needed, Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Tuesday.


#39;Identity problem #39; is not political

Taiwan has a high level of consensus on the nation #39;s independent and sovereign status. According to a survey published by the Taiwan Thinktank on Nov. 8 about the public #39;s expectations


Celtics keep it together

Once again down the stretch, there was the sound of 15,000 people squirming in their seats. The Celtics had led the hottest team in basketball from the first quarter last night. They'd been up by 22 points with 11:08 to play. And now, with the spread down to 10, everybody was thinking the same thing: Can these guys blow it ...


It's a group dynamic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A group of six Patriots has played together since 1996, no small feat in the era of NFL free agency and constant personnel change.


Busch withstands pressure to win Cup

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Acknowledging the reputation he had earned as an aggressive young driver with a penchant for wrinkling a few car fenders and ruffling a few feathers along the way, Kurt Busch yesterday seemed to come of age.


1-2 punch is a hit for Colts

CHICAGO -- Edgerrin James on the ground. Peyton Manning through the air. The Indianapolis Colts made it look easy.


McNabb heats up in 2d half

PHILADELPHIA -- Rattled, hurried and battered for 2 1/2 quarters, Donovan McNabb kept his poise, stayed in the pocket and picked apart Washington's secondary.


McNair cures Titans' ills

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Steve McNair returned to the lineup, and the Tennessee Titans returned to form.


Droughns hits ground running

NEW ORLEANS -- Reuben Droughns had his fifth 100-yard game to help the Denver Broncos stay atop the AFC West.


Jets get their timing down

CLEVELAND -- This week, the New York Jets beat the clock. Quincy Carter threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Justin McCareins with 5:32 remaining as the Jets bounced back from an embarrassing loss with an ugly 10-7 win over the Cleveland Browns yesterday.


There was no stopping Goings

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nick Goings revived the Carolina Panthers' running game -- for a half, anyway.


It's Boulware to the rescue

SEATTLE -- Rookie safety Michael Boulware saved the game for the Seattle Seahawks. Maybe the season, too.


Chargers zap Raiders again

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Antonio Gates had eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown, LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 164 yards and a score on 37 carries, and the San Diego Chargers won their fourth straight game, 23-17, over the AFC West rival Raiders yesterday.


It's one for all for BC

Matt Ryan had arrived at a conference room adjacent to the visitor's locker room at Lincoln Financial Field to meet the press Saturday after Boston College's 34-17 Big East victory over Temple in Philadelphia.


A tough playoff draw for UNH

The University of New Hampshire football team is going dancing -- the Wildcats will be playing in the NCAA Division 1-AA playoffs for the first time since 1994.


After further review, half a title is better than no title

WORCESTER -- BC High senior Greg O'Neil acknowledged his initial reaction to yesterday's 0-0 draw with Algonquin in the MIAA Division 1 state final was disappointment.


Six straight for Andover

WELLESLEY -- For the sixth year in a row, Andover claimed the MIAA State Swimming  amp; Diving Championships.


Bush Touts U.S.-Backed Anti-Drug Efforts (AP)

AP - President Bush aims to highlight the benefits of American drug-fighting aid in Colombia and boost a conservative Latin American leader with a brief, security-laden stop in the Andean nation.


Discipline of writing helped Dallaire beat Rwanda demons that haunted him (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Romeo Dallaire has stepped back from the edge of the abyss.


China Iron Mine Fire Death Toll Rises to 49

BEIJING (Reuters) - Rescue workers have recovered the  bodies of 49 Chinese miners killed when fire swept through an  iron mine complex in the northern province of Hebei, the State  Administration of Work Safety said on Monday.


Three held over Brazil land clash

Police in Brazil arrest three men on suspicion of murder, following a violent confrontation over land rights.


Basketball: Season ban for brawl

Indiana's Ron Artest is banned for the rest of the season after the brawl involving fans and players at Detroit.


EU ponders sugar industry reforms

EU agriculture ministers are to discuss urgent reforms to Europe's heavily subsidised sugar industry.


Africa and its children

Second of three parts URAMO BEACH, Nigeria -- It was just a shack made of cardboard and bamboo.


Ukraine prime minister takes lead in runoff

KIEV -- Ukraine's prime minister was leading the nation's runoff presidential election, according to partial vote tallies released today, but his Western-leaning challenger held the advantage in an exit poll funded partly by the United States.


King frees convicted activist in Bahrain

MANAMA, Bahrain -- Bahrain's king ordered the immediate release of a human rights activist who was convicted of inciting hatred of the government and sentenced to one year in prison yesterday in a case linked to criticism of the prime minister.


US forces kill four in suspected Al Qaeda compounds

KABUL, Afghanistan -- US-led troops mounted overnight raids on suspected Al Qaeda compounds in eastern Afghanistan, killing four people and detaining several others, officials said yesterday.


National Assembly elections set for Jan. 30

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's electoral commission yesterday set Jan. 30 for elections to choose a National Assembly, a vote that could deliver power to Iraq's Shi'ite Muslim majority after decades of disenfranchisement. The balloting, however, remains imperiled by calls for a Sunni Muslim boycott and a persistent insurgency that has roiled Sunni regions.


Pacific Rim leaders vow antiterror efforts

SANTIAGO, Chile -- Pacific Rim leaders pledged yesterday to shore up global security and push ahead with the World Trade Organization's negotiations on lowering global trade barriers.


S. Korea Weighs Support for the North

Roh's move to do away with the security law has become the latest symbol of an ideological battle now raging in South Korea over whether detente with the North is happening too fast, too soon.


Oil prices climb on winter supply fears

Oil prices climbed higher in Asian trade on Monday as fresh concerns over the possibility of energy shortages in the northern hemisphere winter sparked another wave of panic among investors, dealers said.


AirAsia Shares Gain in Malaysian Debut on New Routes (Update3)

Shares of AirAsia Bhd., Southeast Asia #39;s biggest discount airline, rose about 16 percent on their first day of trading in Malaysia on expectation a drop in fuel prices and new routes to China and Indonesia will boost profit.


Gunmen Assassinate Baghdad Governor - Police (Reuters)

Reuters - Baghdad governor Ali al-Haidri was\assassinated by gunmen in the capital on Tuesday, police and\hospital sources said.


Swift takes off

The first space mission dedicated to gamma-ray bursts was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday. Gamma-ray bursts are the most energetic events in the universe, but they continue to


New Video Game Lets You Kill JFK

quot;JFK Reloaded quot; from Scottish videogame company Traffic Games lets you become Lee Harvey Oswald and recreate the assassination of JFK.


Play resumes in first Test

Kanpur - South Africa resumed at their overnight score of 459 for seven after heavy fog held up play in the first session on the third day of the first Test against India here on Monday.


Busch withstands pressure to win Cup

Acknowledging the reputation he had earned as an aggressive young driver with a penchant for wrinkling a few car fenders and ruffling a few


Rates mixed in T-bill auction

Interest rates on short-term Treasury securities were mixed in yesterday's auction. The Treasury Department sold \$19 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 2.28 percent, up from 2.23 percent last week. An additional \$17 billion was sold in six-month bills at a rate of 2.560 percent, unchanged from last week's auction.


Iran carries out promised suspension: report

Iran on Monday suspended its uraniumenrichment activities under a commitment in an agreement reached with the European Union, the state TV reported.


UPDATE 1-ING to sell Baring Asset Management

Financial group ING (ING.AS: Quote, Profile, Research) has agreed to sell Baring Asset Management (BAM) to US groups MassMutual and Northern Trust (NTRS.


CAT in alliance with AstraZeneca

Cambridge Antibody Technology has announced an alliance with pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca after posting a slightly narrower annual loss before tax.


Swift roars to record the  quot;birth cries quot; of black holes

Nasa #39;s fastest-swivelling space probe ever built -- Swift -- roared into the orbit aiming to explore the violent celestial explosions which may bestow black holes the birth cries.


ROVERS BOUNCE BACK IN EWOOD THRILLER

Blackburn fought back from 3-1 down at half-time to earn a 3-3 draw with Birmingham in a pulsating Premiership clash at Ewood Park on Sunday afternoon.