Leinart takes Camp honors

NEW HAVEN, Conn, Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart has been named the Walter Camp player of the year after leading the Trojans to a 12-and-0 record and a berth in the BCS title game.


Corruption Remains Rampant, Says Poll of 64 Countries

A majority of people worldwide say corruption among government and business elites is a grave problem, and about 10 percent say that they or a member of their household paid a bribe in the previous year, according to a new global opinion poll.


Challenges for Mr. Karzai

A fghanistan #39;s three-year drive for stability reached a milestone when Mr. Hamid Karzai was sworn in Tuesday as its first popularly elected president.


Telekom Malaysia To Buy 27.3 Of Indonesia Excelcomindo

KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones)--Telekom Malaysia Bhd. (4863.KU) late Thursday said it will buy a 27.3 stake in Indonesia #39;s PT Excelcomindo Pratama for \$314 million in cash.


United launches US-Vietnam service

United Airlines began service between San Francisco and Vietnam Thursday, the first such regular flight to the Asian country in 30 years.


IBM shuts new workers out of pension plan

International Business Machines Corp. has shut its cash-balance pension plan to new employees, CBSMarketwatch.com reports. Instead, new employees can contribute 6 percent of their


Linux-based Palm OS on chart

The open-source software Linux is making a bigger dent in China #39;s ever-galloping mobile phone market. US-based PalmSource, provider of Palm OS, a popular operating system powering


Apple to use Toshiba chip next year

Toshiba Corp, Japan #39;s second largest chipmaker, has agreed to start selling a type of semiconductor known as flash memory to Apple Computer Inc, maker of the best-selling iPod digital music player.


Nintendo Unthreatened by PSP

December 09, 2004 - In a recent statement given at the Tokyo headquarters of the Foreign Correspondents Club, Nintendo Co Ltd president Satoru Iwata said Nintendo will not lose the imminent handheld war against Sony.


Analysis: Psst! Intifada #39;s over

It was a telling sign when senior commanders in the Central Command recently started counting the number of Palestinian stone-throwing incidents in the West Bank.


Defence pleads for conditional sentence for Alberta cop who shot prisoner (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - LETHBRIDGE, Alta. (CP) - Sending an RCMP officer to jail for shooting a drunken prisoner who grabbed his gun would amount to cruel and unusual punishment, Mike Ferguson's lawyer argued Thursday.


Similarities Abound in Orange Bowl Teams (AP)

AP - It was difficult for Southern California's Pete Carroll and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops to keep from repeating each other when the two coaches met Thursday.


Fans Do Care About Players Who Cheat

For people so sure that most fans don't care what Barry Bonds has fed his body, I would ask, why has baseball suddenly rethought its marketing position on his home-run record chase?


Giants' Manning Needs Time to Mature, Like the Others

As a rookie, Eli Manning needs the time to swat away the cobwebs of confusion, the time that almost every young quarterback has needed for one reason or another.


US marine charged with desertion

A US marine who turned up in Lebanon after disappearing from Iraq is charged with desertion.


Colonel charged over Jara killing

A retired Chilean army colonel is accused of orchestrating the execution of Victor Jara, a singer killed in 1973.


Nextel Talk Catches Fire

Nextel (NXTL:Nasdaq - news - research) and Sprint (FON:NYSE - news - research) shares surged to multiyear highs, fueled by reports that the telcos are in merger talks.


Bankrupt US Airways hopes for profitability by 2007

ALEXANDRIA, VA. The former chief financial officer for US Airways is offering a bleak outlook for the carrier. Dave Davis told a bankruptcy court in Virginia the airline doesn #39;t expect to turn a profit until 2007.


Disney Backs Blu-Ray

This week, the Walt Disney Company and its Buena Vista division said they would release content on the Blu-Ray next-generation DVD standard, meaning that battlelines have been drawn in publishing content.


NHL players offer 24 percent salary rollback in new proposal

The NHL players #39; association offered an immediate 24 percent rollback of salaries Thursday as the centerpiece of a new proposal handed to the league in an effort to end the season-long lockout.


Canada's disaster response team little used, criticized as 'paper tiger.' (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - DART: the name conjures up images of a fast-response, highly mobile team that can fly into a disaster zone, turn on a dime and deal with whatever catastrophe looms.


Sudanese govt hopeful of deal in Darfur crisis

Sudan #39;s government has said it hopes to reach a deal in talks resuming tomorrow with rebels in Darfur, which the UN says is descending into chaos.


BALCO Scandal Inspired Worldwide Changes

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Reuters) - Don Catlin, head of the  Los Angeles laboratory which identified a test for the designer  steroid THG, believes the BALCO scandal has ultimately helped  the war on drugs in sport.


Strong U.S. Economy Attracts Dollar Buyers (Investor's Business Daily)

Investor's Business Daily - After fretting for months about the bulging U.S. deficit, in recent days currency traders have turned their attention to the health of the world's other economies.


Dollar Inches Up, Market Eyes Fed, Tankan (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar edged up on Friday as\investors took advantage of the currency's recent weakness to\take profits, and as the market took on more neutral positions\in the final stretch before the year-end.


GM Europe cuts 12,000 jobs

The General Motors #39; European unit accepted a deal Thursday to cut as many as 12,000 jobs to end four years of revenue losses, the BBC reported.


Direct US flight to Vietnam departs

With fanfare and an appearance by actor David Hasselhoff, a United Airlines flight headed for Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday - the first direct flight from the United States to Vietnam in almost three decades.


Comparison-Shop For Prescription Drugs

We look for the best bargain when we shop for a car or a new coat. But what if you could comparison-shop your prescription medication?


Disney backs Sony #39;s Blu-ray DVD format

It is being billed as the DVD equivalent of the Betamax versus VHS video format battle of the early 1980s. Disney announced yesterday it has signed up to Sony #39;s Blu-ray technology for the


Golf: Tiger and Colin share lead at World Challenge

THOUSAND OAKS, California : Host Tiger Woods fired a four-under par 67 here Thursday to match fellow American Jim Furyk and Scotland #39;s Colin Montgomerie for the lead after the first round of the World Challenge.


India to play in Chittagong

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed that the Indian cricket team will play in Chittagong after the venue was given the green light by the security delegation sent to Bangladesh.


Hunt decides to sell Wizards

Lamar Hunt announced on Thursday that he will sell the Kansas City Wizards, opening up the possibility that the club will leave the area for any number of opportunities throughout the United States or even Canada.


Dollar Gains, Oil Prices Slide (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar staged a broad-based rally\Monday and oil prices slid, boosting shares in some Asian power\and exporter companies, but many investors struggled for\direction on the first trading day of 2005.


Finley Returns From Injury List to Mavs (AP)

AP - Mavericks swingman Michael Finley came off the injured list Thursday in time to start against the Seattle SuperSonics, giving Dallas another scorer besides Dirk Nowitzki.


Chattanooga Reporter Claims a Role in Rumsfeld Showdown (Editor and Publisher)

Editor and Publisher - NEW YORK One day after U.S. soldiers directly questioning Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld about the lack of armored vehicles in Iraq made national news, an email from a Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times embedded reporter ignited more interest after it was posted on two influential Web sites.


NASA Telescopes Find Dust Rings Around (AP)

AP - For the first time, scientists have found rings of dust around planet-bearing stars  #151; an important confirmation of theories about how planets form, NASA announced Thursday.


Dear CVS: I'm leaving

\\When we first met it was love at first sight!  I loved that you were so open\minded about my geeky friends who had patches that I needed.  You were a breath\of fresh air and and made my development life so simple.\\For the longest time we had a great love affair.  I remember my first anoncvs\patch I generated with your help and I was hooked.  I remember the first time\you sent me a diff against my own repository from another developer.  What a\sweet gesture!  You were so kind.\\Since then though you've started to let me down.  What happened to you?  In your\old age you've become confused when I've tried to share you with others.  You\often can't make up your mind when I try to branch and mer ...\\


Dean on Blogs, Politics and the Internet

\\My boy Howard Dean talks  about the next generation of politics:\\"The destination of the Democratic Party means making it a party that can\communicate with its supporters and with all Americans. Politics is at its\best when we create and inspire a sense of community. The tools that were\pioneered in my campaign -- like blogs, and meetups, and streaming video --\are just a start. We must use all of the power and potential of technology as\part of an aggressive outreach to meet and include voters, to work with the\state parties, and to influence media coverage."\\The Internet will fundamentally change every aspect of society.  It started in\how we developed software.  Open Source is starting  ...\\


Radioactive waste progress urged

Peers express dismay that long-term solutions are not forthcoming on disposing of radioactive waste.


Maoist rebels bomb Kathmandu building, no injuries (Reuters)

Reuters - Maoists rebels set off a powerful bomb in the Nepali capital on Thursday, causing no casualties but leaving a large part of a government building in ruins, police said.


As Prices Drop, OPEC Warms to Output Cuts

OPEC ministers said Thursday that they were considering curbing output and taking some oil off the market to prevent a price slump.


AMD cuts power on 90nm Opteron processors

Advanced Micro Devices managed to reduce the maximum thermal output of its newly released 90 nanometer Opteron server processors by 25 percent compared to the previous generation, the company said Wednesday.


Microsoft to Judges: Eolas Didn't Invent Patented Tech

Software company asks appeals court to cancel patent infringement judgment.


Lesser lights on leaderboard with Els

In few other sports could three players across such a broad spectrum be in contention for a title. But such is the case after the first round of the Dunhill Championship, where only six of the world #39;s top 200 golfers are playing.


Pittsburg #39;s offense hogs the ball

When Pittsburg State (Kan.) football coach Chuck Broyles surveyed his roster last August, he was confident he had an offense that could score.


Turnaround Progress Seen, 2 Executives to Leave Ford

Two of the Ford Motor Company #39;s most senior executives retired on Thursday in a sign that the company #39;s deep financial crisis has abated, though serious challenges remain.


First direct flight from US to Vietnam since 1975 is on its way

_ For the first time since 1975, a US passenger jet is flying from the US directly to Vietnam. The United Air Lines flight with 347 aboard took off from San Francisco today and is scheduled


PM Howard says Australia faces tough economic year in 2005

SYDNEY : Prime Minister John Howard warned that Australia #39;s strong dollar, high world oil prices and the lingering effects of prolonged drought would dampen the country #39;s long-buoyant economy in 2005.


Nintendo Ups DS Shipments

Nintendo has revealed the companies plans to increase by 40 the number of Nintendo DS portable gaming systems shipping in the US before the end of the year.


Oracle and HP expand offerings to value-added resellers

Through partnerships with leading technology vendors intended to leverage the capabilities of Oracle Files 10g, Oracle has announced evidence of strong support for its content management offering.


Novell exchanges Linux collaboration products

Novell Inc is set to discontinue its SUSE Linux Openexchange Server collaboration software product in favor of the Open-Xchange Server technology that underpins it from Netline Internet Service GmbH.


Appeals court ponders Microsoft patent case

WASHINGTON--A federal appeals court on Thursday wrestled with whether to overturn or uphold a lower court #39;s \$565 million judgment against Microsoft in the biggest patent dispute in Web history.


Two of the Ford Motor Company's most senior executives retired in a sign that the company's deep financial crisis has abated, though serious challenges remain.


YORIO: NHL season is in Bettman #39;s hands

Gary Bettman, the NHL season is now in your hands. And because you have said repeatedly that saving this season isn #39;ta concern of yours, that can #39;t be good news for fans.


Cavs owner in  #39;serious #39; negotiations to sell team

Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund is in  quot;serious quot; negotiations to sell the NBA franchise, which has enjoyed a dramatic financial turnaround since the arrival of star LeBron James.


Kent agrees to \$17 million, two-year contract with Dodgers

ANAHEIM - The Los Angeles Dodgers got the established run producer they coveted for the middle of their lineup, and Jeff Kent got the team he wanted to play for since he was a boy.


Padres add Eric Young

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - The San Diego Padres lacked speed and an experienced bench last season, things veteran infielder Eric Young is capable of providing.


South American leaders sign Ayacucho Declaration

One day after creating the South American Community of Nations (CSN), a continent wide political-economic bloc, the leaders of South America on Thursday signed the Ayacucho Declaration


The saving of Silverstone

Perhaps it #39;s fitting that the future of the British Grand Prix has been secured after an argument straight from the playground.


Fichardt looks strong in weak field

Ernie Els is a red-hot favourite to win the Dunhill Championship, which begins at Leopard Creek in South Africa early tomorrow. The Big Easy is as short as 11-10 with the fixed-odds firms to brush aside a


Griffin could get company as only Heisman repeat winner

Two Heismans, one man. Maybe he #39;s been alone long enough, in the club that claims only him as a member. Time for Archie Griffin to get company?


36pc babies born underweight

About 50 percent of the children in Bangladesh are malnourished while 36 percent of the babies are born underweight. The country has around six million working children and about 2.5 lakh children die every


Blair lobbies Bush on global warming

Tony Blair has been lobbying for George Bush #39;s support for a new international treaty on global warming. On Thursday The Times claimed that Downing Street had confirmed the prime minister had held  quot;lengthy


Ford says two top executives retiring; Padilla named president

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. on Thursday announced the retirements of president Nick Scheele and vice chairman Allan Gilmour, two company veterans tapped by chairman Bill Ford to help the company emerge from a sea of red ink during the past three years.


US airline starts Vietnam flights

The first commercial flight from the United States to Vietnam since the war nearly 30 years ago has taken off from San Francisco. The new service to Ho Chi Minh City, run by United Airlines, will fly daily.


Nextel and Sprint talk about \$70bn merger plan

Sprint and Nextel, two of the top five US mobile phone carriers, are negotiating a merger, say people close to the proposed deal. The combined company would be worth about \$70bn.


Climate control delegates talk global warming

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Delegates to a United Nations climate conference discussed new ways to combat greenhouse emissions after the current agreement expires as nearly 200 countries continued meetings Thursday on the effort to limit a gradual rise of


Italy readies for Berlusconi trial

The prosecution and defense in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi #39;s four-year-long bribery trial have one last chance Thursday to make their case before a panel of three judges begins deliberations.


Some Venezuelan TV Channels Alter Programs (AP)

AP - Some Venezuelan television channels began altering their programs Thursday, citing fears of penalties under a new law restricting violence and sexual content over the airwaves.


Japan approves overhaul of military policy (AFP)

AFP - Japan has approved an overhaul of its military policy to take account of threats from China and North Korea and to allow defense exports to the United States.


Bush Taps Nicholson for Veterans Affairs (AP)

AP - President Bush announced Thursday he was keeping the heads of the Transportation, Interior, Housing and Labor departments, ending the major shake-up that will put new faces on three-fifths of his Cabinet in his second term.


J J, Guidant Talks Undeterred by Overlap

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Johnson   Johnson aims to seal a  purchase of Guidant Corp. without immediately jettisoning the  medical device maker's stent operations, sources familiar with  the situation said on Thursday.


Dollar Inches Up, Market Eyes Fed, Tankan

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar edged up on Friday as  investors took advantage of the currency's recent weakness to  take profits, and as the market took on more neutral positions  in the final stretch before the year-end.


Khartoum, Darfur Rebels Split on Peace Chances (Reuters)

Reuters - Sudan's government said on Thursday it\hoped to reach a deal in talks resuming on Friday with rebels\in Darfur, which the United Nations says is descending into\chaos.


US airline starts Vietnam flights

The US resumes commercial flights to Vietnam, 30 years after the last flight at the end of the war.


Nextel Said to Be in Talks With Sprint

Nextel Communications is in advanced talks to merge with the Sprint Corporation, a deal that would form the third largest cellphone company in the nation.


To Pay Debt, Transit Agency Goes to Market

The M.T.A., in an effort to raise more than \$1 billion, wants to sell or lease many of its 14,000 properties.


Space Station Astronauts Told to Eat Less as Food Runs Low

The two astronauts aboard the International Space Station have been asked to curb their calories because of a food shortage, NASA officials said Thursday.


French government cuts stake in Air France-KLM

Herv Gaymard, France #39;s new finance minister, yesterday made his first move towards reducing the state #39;s hefty budget deficit by selling almost half of the government #39;s holding in Air France-KLM for a total of 682m (\$906m).


Investors flock to HK Reit

Hong Kong retail investors have flocked to the US\$3bn listing of shops and car parks by the local Housing Authority with nearly one in ten of the territory #39;s


Premier pays 70m for Bird #39;s Custard

Premier Foods, the manufacturer of foods with long shelf lives, is to acquire Bird #39;s, the best-selling custard brand that has drenched countless dishes of jam sponge and spotted dick during its 167-year history.


#39;French CNN #39; to challenge US view of world affairs

France is to launch a French-language news channel next year in a long-awaited attempt to challenge the dominance of the American view of world current affairs, the prime minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, said yesterday.


AWB sells stake in Futuris

The country #39;s grain exporter has been busy again, selling its stake of almost 15 per cent in Elders #39; parent company, Futuris.


EU moves to bar  #39;protective #39; mergers

Neelie Kroes, the EU #39;s controversial new competition commissioner, yesterday signalled to the French authorities that she would block any attempt to protect France #39;s energy market by engineering a merger between its state-owned electricity and gas groups.


Dollar Gains, Oil Prices Slide

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar staged a broad-based rally  Monday and oil prices slid, boosting shares in some Asian power  and exporter companies, but many investors struggled for  direction on the first trading day of 2005.


No. 1 Illini Wear Down Georgetown 74-59 (AP)

AP - In the first half, Illinois trailed for 11 minutes, 20 seconds, longer than it had in its first seven games combined. In the second half, the Fighting Illini were in control buzzer-to-buzzer in a solid defense of their No. 1 ranking.


No. 21 Purdue Defeats No. 15 DePaul 69-61 (AP)

AP - Katie Gearlds scored 21 points for No. 21 Purdue, which handed 15th-ranked DePaul its first loss of the season, 69-61 Thursday night.


Statement of Senator Barbara A. Mikulski on Hubble Report Issued <b>...</b>

quot;I commend the National Academy of Sciences on this outstanding report. I fought to add \$300 million to NASA #39;s budget for a Hubble servicing mission and I will continue to advocate for a mission to take place.


OU #39;s White takes Maxwell, Davey O #39;Brien awards

Oklahoma quarterback Jason White was a two-time award winner Thursday night, taking the Maxwell Award as college football #39;s best all-around player and adding his second straight Davey O #39;Brien quarterback trophy.


Sharon warns Likud to vote for coalition

Ariel Sharon, Israeliprime minister, yesterday warned his rightwing Likud party that it would face early elections unless it backed a coalition with the opposition Labour party


The greatest catastrophe

The HIV/Aids pandemic is the worst catastrophe in history and is blighting childhood across the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa, the United Nations said yesterday.


Road sparks alarm for Brazil rainforest

Brazil and Peru have announced a 363m plan for a highway to link Brazil #39;s Amazon basin to the Pacific, raising concerns about further devastation in the rainforest.


Berra Speaks Against Giambi's Return

Manager Joe Torre repeatedly declined comment Thursday on whether he thinks first baseman Jason Giambi will return to the Yankees, but the Hall of Famer Yogi Berra did not.


Injuries Are Plentiful, but Nothing to Be Alarmed About

The operative word in the National Football League this season is ouch.


Hoyas Sparkle, Fade

Georgetown led for most of the first half Thursday night, before succumbing to top-ranked Illinois, 74-59, at MCI Center.


Arbitrator Hears Pacers

The NBA declines to participate as Indiana teammates testify before an arbitrator in an attempt to get their brawl-related suspensions reduced.


Carter is Grounded

Toronto star Vince Carter will miss at least two games with a strained left Achilles' tendon, suffered Wednesday in a loss to Detroit.


Season Over for Priest

Kansas City's star running back Priest Holmes, who was leading the NFL in scoring and rushing when he got hurt Nov. 7, will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.


Ohio State Banned

Ohio State has imposed a one-year postseason ban on its men's basketball team after the university admits former coach Jim O'Brien gave a recruit \$6,000.


Euro Takes Hit on Broad Dollar Rally

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The euro bore the brunt of a  broad-based dollar rally on Monday, the first trading session  of 2005, shedding nearly 1 percent on technical factors and the  adjustment of positions in thin trade.


The case against cutting oil output

As ministers from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries meet in Cairo, there are calls for cuts in output to prevent the slide in oil prices accelerating with the seasonal decline in demand in the spring.


Ford announces top management changes

Ford announced several high-level management changes yesterday, including the retirement of two stalwarts, its president Sir Nick Scheele and vice-chairman Allan Gilmour, who played


WMC to return A\$1bn of capital

WMC Resources, the Australian mining group fighting a hostile A\$7.4bn takeover bid from Xstrata, is to return up to A\$1bn (US\$1.3bn) to shareholders after yesterday upgrading its profit forecast for 2004.


Nextel Said to Be in Talks With Sprint

The cellular telephone industry #39;s game of musical chairs has restarted again - and the music may soon stop with one less chair.


Pizza and pub tycoon to buy Pearl

Hugh Osmond, the business man who made his fortune through pizzas and pubs, is at the head of a consortium spending over 1bn to buy the Pearl life insurance business.


US Could Seek Recall of Up to 600,000 Dodge Trucks

The US government has asked DaimlerChrysler AG #39;s Dodge to recall some of its Dodge Durango SUVs and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks due to concerns over their safety, Chrysler officials said on Thursday.


Hyatt to buy AmeriSuites

Hyatt Corporation, the hotel operator owned by the Pritzker family, yesterday said it would buy the AmeriSuites chain from Blackstone, the private equity group, in a deal believed to be worth about \$600m.


Unheralded McDonald one up on favorite Els in the Alfred Dunhill

MALELANE, South Africa (Sports Network) -- Unheralded Bruce McDonald, a 23-year-old from Zimbabwe, posted a 6-under-par 66 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead over tournament favorite Ernie Els after the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.


UAL resumes service to Vietnam

United Airlines Thursday launched the first scheduled flight of a US airline to Vietnam in almost 30 years.  quot;Today #39;s launch of direct service to Vietnam marks an historic step in the relationship between the


Pixar Vs. DreamWorks Contest Panned by Wall Street

Computer animation pioneers Pixar and Dreamworks have set the stage for a potentially bruising box office battle after both studios changed their schedules this week


Stern Stance for Europe #39;s New Antitrust Chief

Talking tough in her first public appearance since becoming Europe #39;s competition commissioner, Neelie Kroes blocked a merger in Portugal #39;s energy industry on Thursday and


Pizza king snaps up life fund in record 1bn deal

HUGH OSMOND, the pizza and pub entrepreneur, last night snapped up the closed life fund of HHG, formerly part of Australias AMP, for 1.025 billion.


ACCC clears way for 3G sharing

THE national competition regulator has elected not to oppose Telstra #39;s 3G radio access network sharing arrangement with rival telco Hutchison.


Cisco Buys Routing Software Startup BCN Systems

Cisco Systems on Thursday agreed to buy up the remaining portion of routing software startup BCN Systems that it didn #39;t already own.


British Grand Prix Safe Till 2009

The British Racing Drivers #39; Club has come to a financial agreement with Bernie Ecclestone which will keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on the F1 calendar for the next five years.


Rain eases to showers ahead of one-day decider

Rain is continuing to fall around Brisbane, threatening the deciding match in the Chappell-Hadlee one day series between Australia and New Zealand.


Buy Now, Buy Often, but Make a Good Deal

The glass doors to the Anaheim Marriott opened into a spacious lobby that was calm early on Thursday afternoon. All but one of the plush chairs near the entrance was


Putting a Face on College Programs

Shortly before Steve Spurrier appeared at Derrick Williams #39;s Upper Marlboro home on Monday night, the phone rang. It was Ron Zook.


The off-season activity will surely intensify as Major League Baseball's winter meetings officially start on Friday.


N.H.L. Players Propose a 24 Percent Solution

Seeking to end the lockout, the N.H.L. Players Association on Thursday offered an immediate pay reduction of 24 percent and other concessions to the league.


N.B.A. Sits It Out as Pacers Plead Case

Four of the Pacers involved in last month's brawl pleaded their cases before an independent arbitrator on Thursday, but no representative from the N.B.A attended.


Oil Steady, OPEC Expected to Cut Supply (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices held steady on Friday just\hours ahead of a key meeting of the OPEC producers' cartel,\which was expected to agree to curb crude output running above\the group's official production limits.


Corporations in Brazil Shed Stay-at-Home Tradition

Many of Brazil's biggest companies riding high at home are increasingly flexing their muscles on the international stage.


US-Vietnam flight launched

United Airlines (UA) on Thursday launched the first daily flight service to Vietnam from the United States since 1975. The flight represents the first such service by an American air carrier since the end


Swiss Life sells its closed UK business for 205m

Resolution Life, the closed life assurance consolidator led by Clive Cowdery, completed its second acquisition yesterday with the 205m purchase of Swiss Life #39;s closed UK business.


REVIEW: Kit Automates Holiday Lights (AP)

AP - It's a chore that can quickly chill the warmth of the holiday season: Trudging outside each winter night to unplug the lights, deflate the blowup snowman and shut off the rest of the outdoor extravaganza.


NHL Players Propose a 24 Percent Solution

Seeking to end the lockout that threatens this season, the National Hockey League Players Association offered an immediate pay reduction of 24 percent Thursday and other concessions


Malloy #39;s Remarks on Firing at Notre Dame Gaining Applause

As Notre Dame continued to search for a football coach yesterday, the former agent for the fired coach Tyrone Willingham applauded the criticism of the firing by the university #39;s president, the Rev.


Woods, Furyk, Monty share lead in California

Thousand Oaks, CA (Sports Network) - Colin Montgomerie, Jim Furyk and Tiger Woods, the tournament host, each posted rounds of four-under-par 67 on Thursday to share the lead after one round of the Target World Challenge.


Colts Lock Up Harrison Long Term (Reuters)

Reuters - The Indianapolis Colts\signed wide receiver All-Pro Marvin Harrison to a long-term\contract extension Thursday.


NATO Agrees to Expansion of Forces Training Soldiers in Iraq

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreed Thursday to increase its forces training soldiers in Baghdad, but six member countries refused to take part, prompting expressions


Bush wants Annan to stay

US Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth says the Bush administration has confidence in UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and is not calling for his resignation.


Bush II keener on India

VISITING US secretary of defence Donald Rumsfeld sent a strong message on Thursday that the second Bush regime was keen on strengthening strategic ties with India.


Lex: Nextel/Sprint (FT.com)

FT.com - Good call. If Nextel can pull off a merger with Sprint, it would crown its recovery from the dark days of 2002 when its shares dipped below  #36;3 - compared with  #36;30 on Thursday. It would also fill important gaps for both mobile operators.


No. 23 TCU Defeats Oklahoma 81-65 (AP)

AP - Sandora Irvin had a career-high 32 points and 18 rebounds to lead No. 23 TCU to an 81-65 victory Thursday night over Oklahoma.


Goin' Back to Cali: Kent Signs with Dodgers

LOS ANGELES (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Dodgers and  second baseman Jeff Kent agreed to a two-year contract on  Thursday, bringing the All-Star back to the state where he won  his lone NL MVP award.


Schools failing 'missing pupils'

Vulnerable youngsters expelled from schools in England are being let down by the system, say inspectors.


Stern Stance for Europe's New Antitrust Chief

Talking tough in her first public appearance since becoming Europe's competition commissioner, Neelie Kroes blocked a merger in Portugal's energy industry.


Getting Animated About Summer

Call it the CG dance -- CG as in  quot;computer generated. quot; A day after Pixar (PIXR ) and Disney (DIS ) announced they would delay for seven months the release of their next animated feature, Cars, DreamWorks SKG Animation (DWA ) said it will do the same with


Paris cuts Air France KLM stake

France is selling almost half its stake in Air France KLM, in a deal set to raise at least 700 million euros (\$933 million), sources close to the operation said.


UPDATE: China #39;s ZTE Shares Rise 11 On Hong Kong Debut

HONG KONG (Dow Jones)--China #39;s second-largest telecommunications equipment maker ZTE Corp. (0763.HK) staged a strong debut at its listing on the Hong Kong bourse Thursday


Kremlin draws a bead on Vimpelcom

Moscow is demanding \$160 million in back taxes fines and interest from the nation #39;s No. 2 cellular company. The claim against OAO Vimpelcom is fueling fears that the Kremlin attack on oil giant OAO Yukos could


America West won #39;t bid for ATA Airlines

America West Airlines, which has been considering a bid for ATA Airlines for more than a month and was widely expected to make an offer by Friday #39;s deadline, Thursday said it will not make an offer.


Kroes Vows to Be Tough on Big Business

The European Union #39;s new antitrust chief Neelie Kroes used her first major rulings Thursday to make plain her aversion to cartels and reject suspicions that she would bow to the interests of big business.


NBA: Stoudemire Shines as Suns Stop Trailblazers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Amare Stoudemire poured in a career  high 50 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns  cruised to a 117-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on  Sunday, improving their record to an NBA best 26-4.


Perth join Super 14

THE Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has announced that Perth have been chosen as the fourth Australian team for the expanded Super 14 rugby competition in the 2006 season.


Woods on Target in California

Tiger Woods has taken share of the first-round lead of the Target World Challenge in California with Colin Montgomerie and Jim Furyk.


As Earnhardt, Pepper got up to speed

Dale Earnhardt #39;s fierce presence on the raceway earned him a name: The Intimidator. His spirit had a similar effect on those making 3, an ESPN movie about the NASCAR legend that


Unicef Report Says Children in Deprivation Reach a Billion

over half the children in the world - suffer extreme deprivation because of war, HIV/AIDS or poverty, according to a report released yesterday by the United Nations Children #39;s Fund.


Shiites Signal Concern Over Sunni Turnout Amid Violence

A leading Shiite political figure showed signs of unease on Thursday about the risks that the continuing violence here poses for the elections.


Quik Drop and NuMarkets Services Sell eBay for You\\After cleaning out my parent's garage the other month, I was thinking about selling off some of their junk on eBay. Unfortunately, I was overwhelmed over the amount of trinkets and toys that we had pulled out of the garage. So overwhelmed ...


Cellphones Aloft: The Inevitable Is Closer

Federal regulators plan next week to begin considering rules that would end the official ban on cellphone use in commercial flights.


Portsmouth players make Shaka favourite to join Southampton

Portsmouth players have installed goalkeeper Shaka Hislop as favourite to follow Harry Redknapp to south coast rivals Southampton.


NHL players #39; new offer includes 24 salary cut

The NHL Players #39; Association is offering to cut player salaries by 24 per cent in a bid to end the lockout, but is not offering the salary cap the league has said it wants.


Perth Selected to Host Australia #39;s New Super 14 Rugby Team

The Australian Rugby Union chose Perth over Melbourne to host the country #39;s fourth rugby union franchise when the annual Super 12 competition expands to 14 teams from 2006.


China Mine Blast Kills 33 in 10th Mishap in 3 Months (Update1)

A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China killed 33 workers in the 10th deadly mine blast reported in three months. The explosion occurred yesterday at 4:20 pm at Nanlou township


Heroin Holy War Pledged by Afghan President

Afghanistans President Hamid Karzai has declared a holy war on Afghanistans runaway narcotics industry, calling for international aid to counter a threat he said was more dangerous than any his country has faced in more than 20 years of war.


Tokyo Stocks Higher, Dollar Up Vs. Yen (AP)

AP - Tokyo stocks edged higher Friday morning amid some bargain-hunting in technology and auto companies. The U.S. dollar was higher against the Japanese yen.


Some Venezuelan TV Channels Alter Programs

Some Venezuelan television channels began altering their programs Thursday, citing fears of penalties under a new law restricting violence and sexual content over the airwaves.


Opec likely to focus on quota busters

Cairo - The push to cut Opec oil production grew yesterday with the minister of the United Arab Emirates saying on the eve of a meeting of the oil producers #39; cartel that members had to honour output quotas to stem oversupply and falling prices.


Germany #39;s New Reality

During much of Germany #39;s postwar economic boom, as prosperity mounted and car sales multiplied, workers at the Opel automobile factory here


Hollywood Manager in Talks to Run Paramount

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood dealmaker Brad Grey, an  executive producer of the hit television show "The Sopranos"  and manager of Brad Pitt, is in line to take over Paramount  Pictures, a once-great studio that has fallen on tough times,  news reports said on Sunday.


Bare cupboards force space station crew to diet

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. - The two crew on the international space station need to cut back on calories for the next two weeks because of dwindling food supplies.


Ubiquitous browser hole an easy target for scammers

Dec 10, 2004: A new web browser security hole has been uncovered by a security firm, which could provide scammers with the means to launch phishing attacks from pop-up windows on genuine, trusted websites.


NASA Telescopes Find Dust Rings Around

In this artist #39;s concept released by NASA, a ring of dusty debris is seen around a star. NASA #39;s Spitzer Space Telescope found rings of dust around planet-bearing stars, an important confirmation of theories


Eolas, Microsoft make their case--again

com December 8, 2004, 11:09 AM PT. Microsoft and the University of California are getting ready to make their respective cases before the US Court of Appeals on Thursday in the biggest patent fight in Web history.


Perth wins Super 14 berth

Perth has triumphed over Melbourne to win the endorsement of the Australian Rugby Union to establish Australia #39;s next provincial rugby franchise.


New Zealand Opening Batsman Richardson to Retire From Cricket

New Zealand batsman Mark Richardson said he will retire from cricket next week after a Test career in which he averaged more than 44 runs an innings.


Kenya #39;s anti-graft drive dismal - survey

Nairobi - Kenya #39;s government had missed its best chance to stamp out rampant corruption and faced a tough task to regain credibility, Transparency International said yesterday on International Anti-corruption Day.


No. 2 Kansas Tops TCU 93-74 (AP)

AP - Wayne Simien had 20 points and Keith Langford added 17 in No. 2 Kansas' 93-74 victory over TCU on Thursday night.


Fairy Tale or Not, Knicks Call Malone

Isiah Thomas, the team president, made a call Wednesday to the agent for Karl Malone, the disillusioned former Lakers forward.


Buy Now, Buy Often, but Make a Good Deal

Baseball's winter meeting will run through the weekend and could lead to any number of trades and free-agent signings.


Malloy's Remarks on Firing at Notre Dame Gaining Applause

An assistant to the university's president said that she had shaved her head to protest the firing of football coach Tyrone Willingham.


McGrady Shocks Spurs

With the Rockets seemingly headed to another tough home loss, Tracy McGrady puts them on his back by scoring 13 points in the final 35 seconds as Houston stuns the Spurs, 81-80.


Functional Fashion at Airport Checkpoints

In this era of tightened airport security, retailers are offering new products -- such as bras and shoes -- designed to get passengers through the checkpoints without the indignity of a pat-down.


Report Denies Privatization Windfall

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 -- Opponents of creating private accounts under Social Security often argue that the primary beneficiaries would be Wall Street investment firms. Wall Street's main trade group on Thursday said it isn't so.


Honda Moves To Prevent Engine Fires

Honda Motor Co. has acknowledged a problem with oil filters on CR-V sport-utility vehicles and is taking steps to prevent engine fires caused by oil leaks.


Safeway to Open on Christmas

Safeway Inc. yesterday said that for the first time, it will open many of its supermarkets on Christmas Day, a move that triggered an angry protest from the union representing the grocer's Washington area employees.


Foundation Coal Raises \$519 Million

Foundation Coal Holdings Inc. went public yesterday, raising \$519 million, most of which went to the owners of the company.


Bogus E-Mail Worries Cell Phone Users

The e-mails, often forwarded by friends, vary in wording, but the underlying message is always ominous: Soon, all cell phone numbers will be made public to telemarketing firms.-The Washington Post


Ciena's Loss Tempered By Rise in Revenue

Ciena officials stressed that the revenue growth was the result of a two-year effort to diversify Ciena's products and customer base to include cable operators, government entities and telecommunications companies.-The Washington Post


Yahoo to Release Desktop Search Tool

The competition between two leading Internet search engines is heating up anew as Yahoo Inc. plans to announce today that it soon will offer a free, high-speed way to search for information on personal computers, challenging rival Google Inc., which released a similar product earlier this fall.


Compound Shows Promise Against TB

A chemical compound shelved as a failed treatment for inflammation has unexpectedly become the most promising new tuberculosis medicine to emerge in 40 years.


Oil prices edge higher

OIL prices edged higher in Asian trading today as the market waited for a decision by OPEC ministers on whether to cut the cartel #39;s production when they meet in Egypt later today.


Yahoo to Release Desktop Search Tool

The competition between two leading Internet search engines is heating up anew as Yahoo Inc. plans to announce today that it soon will offer a free, high-speed way to search for information


Fans can throw financial punches

Just when you start to think pro athletes have nothing in common anymore with the customers, along comes the brawl in Auburn Hills, Mich.


No. 7 Notre Dame Drubs Dayton 65-39

Notre Dame guard Charel Allen, left, looks for a shot in front Dayton guard Ashley Armstrong, right, during the second half Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 in Dayton, Ohio.


UNDATED: 14 points.

Tiffany Porter-Talbert scored 24 points, and Western Kentucky rallied from an 8-point halftime deficit. The Lady Toppers (3-3) made 16 of 28 shots in the second half after trailing 44-36 at the break.


Gaza plan wins party vote

Israel #39;s plan to pull out of Gaza next year passed a crucial test on Thursday when Prime Minister Ariel Sharon easily won party approval to ask the more moderate Labor party to join his coalition.


33 Dead in Chinese Mine

A gas explosion at a coal mine in the northern Shanxi Province killed 28 miners and 5 rescuers, the government said on Friday. In the latest in a series of such


Rescuers search for more survivors as Philippine storm death toll <b>...</b>

REAL, Philippines : Philippine rescuers are digging through the rubble of a collapsed building for more survivors, as the number of dead and missing from two storms which lashed the country rose to nearly 1,600.


Walmart.com follows Amazon with outages

Company provides few details on outage, which came two days after online retail giant Amazon.com Inc.'s Web site faced significant performance problems.


T-Mobile USA sees high-speed network 2 years off

That would likely put the company well behind its bigger rivals in delivering services such as mobile Internet to mobile phones at speeds similar to connections many consumers have on their home computers.


New GNOME version is available for Linux users

Improvements include new file manager, ability to recognize removable storage devices and an integrated e-mail and groupwware client.


Crude Futures Climb Amid OPEC Worries

Crude futures rose Friday amid market jitters over possible production cuts by OPEC at their meeting in Egypt, as well as fears that winter weather will put pressure on supplies.


Dollar in Broad Rally at Start of 2005

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The euro and Swiss franc both fell  about 1 percent and the Japanese yen shed half a percent in  Asia Monday as the dollar rallied broadly in thin trade.   Holidays in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and London kept  volume low, exaggerating moves, and dealers said there was  nothing particular behind the dollar's rise.  "It seems to be position-squaring across the board in somewhat  thin markets. There is no major news or intervention or  anything like that," said David Simmonds, markets strategist  with the Royal Bank of Scotland.


Food Short on Space Station

NASA officials said yesterday that the international space station is running so low on food that its two crewmen have had to cut back on their eating and may have to abandon the orbiting


Ernie hunted down by own protg

There was a little-known, long-hitting Zimbabwean at the top of the Dunhill Championship leaderboard at Leopard Creek on Thursday evening - a leaderboard that also bore that rather familiar name of Ernie Els.


Joy at Silverstone deal

SIR Frank Williams led the celebrations after the British Grand Prix was rescued by a last-ditch agreement yesterday. The British Racing Drivers #39; Club, which owns the Silverstone racetrack, had until the close


Lewis leads Sonics past Mavs

Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Rashard Lewis scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a 107-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.


UPDATE 1-Rugby-Australia pick Perth to host fourth Super 14 team

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) on Friday selected the Western Australia capital of Perth to be the venue for their fourth team in the expanded Super 14 provincial competition in 2006.


Dale Earnhardt: In the presence of a legend

By Wayne Pearson, host of ESPN #39;s  quot;Ultimate Outdoors quot;. It #39;s been my experience that the term  quot;legend, quot; when describing an individual, has been tossed around all too freely.


Sale nearly set for NBAs Cavaliers

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. CLEVELAND, Ohio, United States of America -- Cleveland Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund is involved in contract talks


DreamWorks Shifts  #39;Shrek 3 #39; To May 2007

DreamWorks has pushed back the release date of Shrek 3 from a November 2006 release to May 2007. The date shift comes after a similar move by Walt Disney/Pixar Animation to push the date of Cars from a November 2005 release to May 2006.


Telekom up 20 sen after winning Excelcomindo stake

Share price of Telekom Malaysia Bhd rose more than 1.7 or 20 sen to RM11.80 on Dec 10 after winning the bid for Indonesia #39;s third-largest mobile phone operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama.


Foundation Coal cools; OccuLogix, Symmetry gain

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Foundation Coal failed to fire up Wall Street Thursday, as investors sold off shares in the energy company after early interest boosted the initial public offering #39;s price.


Hollywood sues over home theatre

A FILM industry group has sued a high-end consumer electronics company, claiming its home theatre jukebox system makes illegal copies of movie DVDs.


The Waning Loyalists

(IsraelNN.com) The Likud loyalist faction, which numbered close to twenty at its prime, has diminished to a mere nine Likud faction members voting against giving Prime Minister Ariel Sharon a mandate to bring the Labor Party into the government.


Latest China Mine Blast Kills 33

A gas explosion at a coal mine in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi killed 28 miners and five rescuers, the government said on Friday, in the latest in a grim series of similar disasters.


Venezuela Signs South American Integration

Caracas, December 9, 2004Venezuelan President Hugo Chvez and heads of state and representatives from 11 other South American nations gathered in Cuzco, Peru yesterday and today, to formally inaugurate the South American Community of Nations (CSN).


GM management, unions reach agreement

RUESSELSHEIM - General Motors, the world #39;s biggest car maker, said on Thursday that after months of negotiations it had finally reached a framework agreement with unions on a deep restructuring programme for its loss-making German unit Opel.


Hyatt to buy AmeriSuites in plan to develop hotel brand

CHICAGO (AFP) - US hotel group Hyatt said it was buying the lodging chain AmeriSuites from the Blackstone investor group as part of its plan to expand the Hyatt brand name.


Ghana's President Wins Four More Years in Office (Reuters)

Reuters - Ghana's President John Kufuor won a\second and final four-year mandate in the world's number two\cocoa grower on Thursday after taking more than half the votes\in the first round of a presidential poll.


OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for 2005 (Reuters)

Reuters - OPEC oil producers said Thursday that\Friday's ministerial meeting would rein in oversupply to\bolster falling prices and that the cartel would have to reduce\output quotas early next year.


Yahoo to test desktop search

com December 9, 2004, 9:00 PM PT. In a step to keep pace with chief rival Google, Yahoo plans to start testing a downloadable desktop search application in early January.


Deep Tremors Detected Along San Andreas Fault

These tremors may signal an increased likelihood of earthquakes on the San Andreas fault. Scientists have long expected California #39;s next big earthquakeof magnitude 8 or higherto occur on the San Andreas fault.


No. 2 Kansas Hosts Horned Frogs

LAWRENCE, Kan. (Ticker) -- Second-ranked Kansas looks to post its 12th straight win at Allen Fieldhouse when its host Texas Christian on Thursday.


Reinventing the Wheel (and the Tire, Too)

Michelin engineers envision a future in which vehicles would ride on what they call the Tweel, a combined tire and wheel that could never go flat because it contains no air.


Players speak their minds to union leaders

Don Fehr is always quick to say what #39;s said in baseball union meetings is confidential. That edict didn #39;t change this week when the executive board held what turns out to be a historic session on steroids.


74 American Kids Found in Mexico Schools (AP)

AP - Mexican authorities took custody of 74 American youths who were attending two irregularly operated boarding schools and returned them to the United States on Thursday.


From Simple to Complex, Hedge Funds Gain Ground

Hedge funds are gaining in popularity as they pursue a host of investment strategies.


Militant leader hurt in attack

RAFAH: The wanted leader of a Palestinian militant group and two of his lieutenants survived an Israeli assassination bid yesterday after an air strike targeted their vehicle in the southern Gaza Strip.


Globally, Stocks Are Poised to Advance Further

Despite the strongest global economic growth since the 1970's and outsized gains in corporate profits, 2004 was a decidedly ho-hum year for international stock markets.


Mugabe Says No to Western Election Observers

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe vowed today not to allow Western observers to monitor next years parliamentary elections, saying only fair-minded countries would be asked to monitor the key vote.


Players Offer to Slash Salaries to Save NHL Season

TORONTO (Reuters) - Hopes for an NHL season were left  hanging by a thread Thursday as players presented a proposal  that included a massive 24 percent rollback in salaries but did  not address owners' main demand for cost certainty.


Paris cuts stake in Air France-KLM

PARIS: France shed almost half of its 44 per cent stake in Air France-KLM yesterday, kicking off a wider deal that could see its remaining stake cut to below 20pc and give staff shares in return for pay cuts.


Dollar Inches Up, Market Focus on Fed

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar climbed on Friday as investors  took advantage of the currency's recent weakness to take  profits and as the market took on more neutral positions in the  final stretch before the year-end.


Chinese Inflation Falls Sharply in Nov.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's annual inflation rate dropped  sharply in November, heartening policy makers who have been  striving to cool the economy and reducing chances of a further  rise in interest rates in the near term.


Federal safety agency asks for recall of Durango, Dakota

Federal safety regulators have asked DaimlerChrysler AG to recall 600,000 Dodge Durango and Dakota trucks because their wheels could fall off, a Chrysler spokesman confirmed Thursday.


Yahoo Adds Tool to Search Hard Drives (AP)

AP - Yahoo Inc. is adding a tool to search computer hard drives as it scrambles to catch up with Google Inc. and stay a step ahead of Microsoft Corp. in the battle to help users sort through gobs of information on the Internet and the desktop.


Yahoo to Begin Testing Desktop Search in January

Yahoo Inc. said on Thursday it will begin testing a free desktop search service in early January, following rivals hoping to extend the reach of wildly profitable search-related advertising.


Winning Isn #39;t Everything

Two recent events have me thinking that maybe we put too much importance on winning in sports. First, there were reports that baseball superstars Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi took steroids, drugs that can help make players stronger.


NCAA Game Summary - TCU at Kansas

Kansas shot 37-of-66 for 56 percent...TCU turned the ball over 23 times and had only 11 assists...Chinweze exited the game with 10 points.


Yahoo to Begin Testing Desktop Search in January (Reuters)

Reuters - Yahoo Inc. said on Thursday it\will begin testing a free desktop search service in early\January, following rivals hoping to extend the reach of wildly\profitable search-related advertising.


Rockets Edge Spurs 81-80 (AP)

AP - Tracy McGrady scooped up a loose ball and hit a running 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left, helping the Houston Rockets complete a rally from a 10-point deficit in the final minute for an 81-80 win over San Antonio on Thursday night.


Bogus E-Mail Worries Users Of Cell Phones (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The e-mails, often forwarded by friends, vary in wording, but the underlying message is always ominous: Soon, all cell phone numbers will be made public to telemarketing firms. That means, according to one version, that "your cell phone may start ringing off the hook with telemarketers" and your precious, limited cell phone minutes will be eaten up with calls you don't want.


First India-Pakistan joint film promotes peace process (AFP)

AFP - With the competitive Bollywood movie industry making hundreds of films a year, new releases need a selling point -- and the people behind India and Pakistan's first co-production hope they're onto a winner.


W. Kentucky Upsets No. 14 Vanderbilt 85-77 (AP)

AP - Tiffany Porter-Talbert scored 24 points, and Western Kentucky rallied to upset No. 14 Vanderbilt 85-77 Thursday night.


Pygmy Chimpanzees on Brink of Extinction -- WWF (Reuters)

Reuters - Pygmy chimpanzees, one of\humanity's closest living relatives, have been pushed to the\brink of extinction in the war-battered Democratic Republic of\Congo, conservation group WWF International said on Thursday.


Md. Hepatitis C May Be From Medical Tests (AP)

AP - A company that makes substances used in some common medical tests has suspended operations at a nuclear pharmacy in Maryland as state and federal health officials investigate several cases of hepatitis C in the Baltimore area, authorities said Thursday.


OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for 2005

CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers said Thursday that  Friday's ministerial meeting would rein in oversupply to  bolster falling prices and that the cartel would have to reduce  output quotas early next year.


Latest China Mine Blast Kills 33

BEIJING (Reuters) - A gas explosion at a coal mine in the  northern Chinese province of Shanxi killed 28 miners and five  rescuers, the government said on Friday, in the latest in a  grim series of similar disasters.


1st US-Vietnam Flight in 30yrs Symbol of Closer Ties

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The first U.S. passenger flight to  Vietnam since 1975 shows bilateral ties are "right on track"  between old battlefield foes who still spar over human rights  and trade, a Vietnamese spokeswoman said on Thursday.


Australia Terror Suspect Offered Prostitute -Papers

CANBERRA (Reuters) - An Australian terror suspect was  offered the services of a prostitute by the U.S. military if he  agreed to spy on other detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay  base in Cuba, according to court documents. In an affidavit  unsealed by a U.S. District Court and seen by Reuters on  Friday, David Hicks, a 29-year-old convert to Islam, said he  was also beaten while blindfolded and handcuffed, threatened  with weapons and had his head rammed into asphalt.


Howard Still Perfect

The Lady Bison, off to their best start in 21 years, improve to 5-0 with a 59-53 victory over visiting Loyola on Thursday night.


SynXis to Be Bought for \$40 Million

In buying the McLean firm, Sabre would get 6,000 small and medium-size hotels as customers, as well as the technology they use to track inventory, book guests online and connect to Internet reservation services, including Sabre's Travelocity.-The Washington Post


Lilly forecasting strong 2005

Eli Lilly and Co. said its strategy of staying independent and plowing money into research should pay off in 2005, with profits expected to jump 8 percent to 12 percent over 2004 and nine new drugs in advanced human testing.


Yahoo Adds Tool to Search Hard Drives

SAN FRANCISCO Dec 10, 2004 - Yahoo Inc. is adding a tool to search computer hard drives as it scrambles to catch up with Google Inc.


Cisco Buys BCN Systems

Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO - message board) announced late Thursday that it is buying routing software startup BCN Systems Inc.


Kazaa secret command unlocked by court

A secret command that showed the number of connected users of the Kazaa file-sharing software was demonstrated to Federal Court on Thursday.


Williams seeking to cap Rocky rise to world title

On Saturday, the 31-year-old can claim a piece of the world heavyweight crown with a win over Vitali Klitschko, capping a Rocky-like rise to the top.


India  #39;aiming for wins not records #39;

DHAKA: India will focus on results and not records in the first Test against Bangladesh starting today, even though two of their players are on the verge of personal milestones, captain Saurav Ganguly said.


Weis attended ND but never played

The New England Patriots offensive coordinator could be interviewed by the Irish as early as Friday, The Boston Globe reported on its Web site Thursday night.


Perth to host Super 14 franchise

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) announced on Friday that Perth will host the fourth Australian team in a Super 14 competition to begin in the 2006 season.


Shanahan says he intends to honour his deal with Broncos

Trying to defuse rumours he might be leaving soon, Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said Thursday night he intends to honour the final four years of his contract.


Baseball can #39;t hold out any longer on steroid issue

We now know what it takes to break through the institutional indifference of Major League Baseball to the drug abuse among its players, including its biggest stars.


No. 1 Illinois takes control with 10-0 run late in first half

It took a while for the top-ranked Illini basketball team to find a little traction Thursday night. But when the Fighting Illini dug in -t one point going


Kiwi opener retires

New Zealand opening batsman Mark Richardson on Friday announced his retirement from cricket after returning home from his fruitless tour to Australia.


IRA links destruction of weapons to demand

The Irish Republican Army declared yesterday that it is willing to get rid of all its weapons this month - but only if Protestants drop their demands for photographic proof.


Jangled jingle bells

As traditional as fruitcake, and less palatable, are the perennial holiday season snowball fights over displays, music, school programs and other expressions of angst that disrupt what we long to remember as  quot;the most wonderful time of the year.


SunTrust shakes up management

SunTrust Banks, the seventh-largest US bank, yesterday overhauled its management weeks after it restated earnings and fired three executives because of accounting errors.


Japan Eases Arms Export Ban for New Missile Shield (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan eased a blanket ban on arms exports\on Friday to open the way for joint production of a new missile\shield with the United States, but said it would still refrain\from most other weapons exports.


White, Leinart split top honors

If Thursday was supposed to sort out a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, Jason White and Matt Leinart both can take heart. Each won separate national player of the year honors, two highlights


Notre Dame must make right choice

It seems you are having a problem finding a new coach for the legendary Notre Dame football team. After firing Tyrone Willingham you had your sights set on Utah coach Urban Meyer.


Iraqi troops beheaded

Baghdad - Extremists killed 25 members of the Iraqi security forces, with several of the victims being beheaded, reports said on Thursday.


No. 13 Texas Tech Tops Oral Roberts 79-46 (AP)

AP - Cisti Greenwalt had 18 points, 14 rebounds and blocked seven shots to lead No. 13 Texas Tech to a 79-46 victory over Oral Roberts on Thursday night.


20 injured in fight at Malaysian detention camp for terror suspects (AFP)

AFP - Twelve inmates and eight warders have been injured in a fight at a Malaysian detention camp for terror suspects during a search which turned up a cache of home-made weapons.


Japan Eases Arms Export Ban for New Missile Shield

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan eased a blanket ban on arms exports  on Friday to open the way for joint production of a new missile  shield with the United States, but said it would still refrain  from most other weapons exports.


U.S. Marine Killed in Western Iraq

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Insurgents have killed a U.S. Marine in  western Iraq, the U.S. military said Friday.


Tokyo's Nikkei Average Edges Down

TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo's Nikkei average edged down by the  close on Friday with the market only slowly recovering from  disappointment over machinery orders data a day earlier.


OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for '05

CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers said Thursday that  Friday's ministerial meeting would rein in oversupply to  bolster falling prices and that the cartel would have to reduce  output quotas early next year.


#39;Shrek 3 #39; release date delayed

Dreamworks Studios said on Thursday it had delayed the release of its highly anticipated animated movie  #39;Shrek 3 #39; by six months as Hollywood frantically reshuffles its cartoon debuts.


Wall St. Journal says companies are in discussions

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Shares of wireless carriers Nextel and Sprint rose Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the companies are discussing a merger.


Amazon launching DVD rentals

The UK website of Amazon.com is launching a DVD rental service, the online retailer #39;s first foray into a market pioneered by US- based Netflix.


Huawei pushes into Europe with 3G deal

China #39;s largest telecoms equipment maker, Huawei Technologies, clinched its first European contract for a third-generation mobile network yesterday, underlining its threat to bigger international rivals.


Cyber Securitys Cassandra Syndrome

A proposal to create a senior-level cyber security position at the Department of Homeland Security is killed at the eleventh hour.


Sonics dance in Dallas

DALLAS -- Two games in two days in a pair of sold-out arenas and the Sonics are now two-for-Texas after they beat the Dallas Mavericks 107-102 last night at American Airlines Center.


After the Fall: Measured Moves

Individual investors are struggling to find a balanced approach at an unreliable time for the market.


India, Pakistan discussing transit route to Afghanistan: Singh

NEW DELHI (India): India is in touch with Pakistan on the issue of opening road route for transhipment of goods to Afghanistan through that country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Parliament on Thursday.


Militant chief wounded in Israeli strike in Gaza

GAZA - A militant leader survived an Israeli missile strike on his car in Gaza on Thursday in Israel #39;s first assassination attempt in the Palestinian territories since Yasser Arafat died in a Paris hospital.


US mobile giants in merger talks

Sprint and Nextel, two large US mobile companies, are discussing a possible \$70bn merger, according to newspaper reports.


The Fidelity watch

Scott DeSano, Fidelity Investments' super-powerful head of stock trading, and his band of traders are suddenly under the gun.


Fund insiders: Lavish gifts abound

Mutual fund companies in Boston say they have strict prohibitions against employees getting the kind of wining and dining and luxe entertainment that government regulators are investigating at Fidelity Investments, but industry officials and attorneys in the field contend such extravagance is nonetheless common in the investment world.


City shuts Back Bay Holiday Market

The hard luck Back Bay Holiday Market at Prudential Center was shut down for about five hours yesterday by the Boston Public Health Commission, prompting one merchant to say she plans to leave.


Kuwaiti: OPEC will cut output

OPEC will cut back on oil production early next year in a bid to stave off a further decline in the world price, Kuwait's oil minister said yesterday.


New IBM workers to get 401(k)

Starting next year, International Business Machines Corp. will exclude new workers from its contested cash-balance pension plan and offer them only a 401(k) savings plan.


Malden Mills workers accept contract

A union representing about 700 textile workers at Malden Mills Industries Inc. voted to accept a contract offer, averting a possible strike. Paul Coorey, president of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees Union, Local 311, said workers voted 301-136 to accept a three-year pact that included annual wage increases of 2 percent, 2 percent, and 3 percent. But ...


World has 1.5bn cellphone subscribers

Cellphone subscribers around the globe totalled nearly 1.5 billion by the middle of this year, about 25 percent of the world #39;s population, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said yesterday.


CAO #39;s parent not expected to be implicated in scandal: report

BEIJING : The parent firm of troubled Singapore-listed China Aviation Oil (CAO) does not expect itself or any of its other subsidiaries to be implicated in the scandal surrounding CAO #39;s trading losses, state media said on Friday.


US mobile giants in merger talks

US mobile operators Sprint and Nextel are in talks about a \$70bn merger (36bn) according to newspaper reports. The deal would create the country #39;s third-biggest mobile operator which would have 38.5 million


AirTran, Southwest seek Midway gates

AirTran and Southwest emerged Thursday as the leading airline bidders for valuable gates at Chicago #39;s Midway Airport, where troubled discounter ATA is selling assets for cash.


Web site compares drugs for  #39;best buys #39;

The publisher of Consumer Reports launched a free Web site Thursday to do for prescription drugs what it has already done for cars, refrigerators and other gadgets: rate them on safety, effectiveness and cost.


Amazon launches DVD rentals in UK

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- It #39;s been widely speculated that e-tail giant Amazon would one day set its sights on Netflix #39;s business, and on Thursday it confirmed that prediction, launching a DVD rental service in the United Kingdom.


Reporter uses kettle, bell to collect funds; finds job satisfying

Want to make \$27 per hour just to stand around and smile and wiggle your wrists? Plenty of seasonal opportunities exist through Dec. 24.


U.S. Marine Killed in Western Iraq (Reuters)

Reuters - Insurgents have killed a U.S. Marine in\western Iraq, the U.S. military said on Friday.


Steelers Need Wins to Match Patriots (AP)

AP - Heinz Field doesn't look very hospitable now that November has yielded to December, leaving the midsection of the playing field barren of grass and as rough and tumble as a North Side alleyway.


Belarus Opposition Streams to Kiev (AP)

AP - "Today Ukraine, tomorrow Belarus!" read a banner strung up this week in a tent camp for opposition protesters.


Yahoo Details Desktop Search Plans; Ask Jeeves  amp; MSN Launch This <b>...</b>

Yahoo has announced that it will release a desktop search product after the New Year, putting the search engine firmly in the desktop search race that Google kicked off earlier this year and that other major search engines have already declared that they


Space station crew cuts food intake, awaits Christmas resupply

WASHINGTON--NASA officials said Thursday the international space station is running so low on food that its two crewmen have had to cut back on their eating and may have


Tremors rock earth deep beneath San Andreas Fault

Mysterious tremors deep beneath the San Andreas Fault near the quake-prone town of Parkfield are shaking the earth #39;s brittle crust, far below the region where earthquakes normally strike -- and scientists say they can #39;t understand what #39;s happening or what


Using tools is monkey business in Brazil

Researchers at a British university say they have seen monkeys in South America using stones to dig for food in the wild, a use of tools never previously seen in non-human species.


Sharman exec calls child porn unstoppable

Sharman Networks #39; chief technology officer has refuted a claim on the Kazaa Web site that the company could  quot;permanently bar quot; users who are using its peer-to-peer software to distribute child pornography.


Samsung Doubles Memory Density

According to a Samsung release, the device is the most advanced graphics double-data-rate synchronous DRAM available for graphics card makers, as well as game console manufacturers.


Summary: Faith in Democratic Iraq Slips (AP)

AP - CONFIDENCE SLIPS  #151; Fewer than half of Americans, 47 percent, think it's likely Iraq will establish a stable, democratic government. In April, 55 percent said they believed such a government probably would be established.


Klitschko wanted Tyson, settles for Williams

Vitali Klitschko #39;s dream was always to fight Mike Tyson. For now, he #39;ll have to settle for fighting the man who last beat Tyson.


Abdur-Rahim three beats Celtics at buzzer

Coach Doc Rivers had to have liked what he saw in the first half of last night #39;s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Gary Payton scored


No. 1 Illinois 74, Georgetown 59

WASHINGTON - Chants of  quot;Overrated! Overrated! quot; bellowed from the Georgetown fans even before the opening whistle. Illinois needed about 14 minutes to shut them up.


ND, Weis are ready to talk

By Nick Cafardo and Mark Blaudschun, Globe Staff  December 10, 2004. Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, long rebuffed in his attempts to land a head coaching position in the NFL, has emerged as a


Dougherty makes return

For the former Roy Williams assistant, who spent seven years at Kansas, the crowd stood and applauded. It was pretty much the same old Phog for TCU #39;s third-year coach.


Include party financing in corruption legislation - Munroe

Government senator Professor Trevor Munroe, and a lobbyist for party financing regulation, yesterday described its omission from amended corruption legislation as  quot;a glaring gap quot;, saying it could serve to further the influence of big business and the drug


Shiite parties announce candidates for election

A Sunni group that had called for a delay in voting quietly files its slate for balloting.  Seven Iraqis were killed Thursday in clashes in Baghdad and the volatile city of Ramadi.


For sale signs

While keeping pitcher Pedro Martinez and catcher Jason Varitek remain the primary objective for the Red Sox as they head to baseball's winter meetings for the first time as World Series champions, a flurry of free agent signings this week would appear to foreshadow an active weekend of player movement.


Glaus goes to Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks moved quickly to get a righthanded power hitter with their first free agent signing in what they promise will be a busy offseason.


It's tough to trap these tigers

The Patriots' defense is expecting a challenge Sunday from the Cincinnati Bengals, who have scored 85 points in their last two games.


NFL games on TV

TAMPA BAY (5-7) vs. SAN DIEGO (9-3) When, where: Sunday, 4:15 p.m., at San Diego. TV: Ch. 25. Last season: Buccaneers won, 25-17, in 1996. Comments: The Chargers, sitting at the top of the NFL draft, wheeled and dealed back in April so they could land their quarterback of the future. Little did they know, they already had him. Drew ...


It's clear they know who to call for help

quot;Commissioner Tagliabue, it's Commissioner Stern on Line 1. quot;  quot;Who's Commissioner Stern? quot;


NBA snubs hearing with arbitrator

Ron Artest took the witness stand in New York yesterday and described one of the worst brawls in NBA history. Indiana Pacers teammates Stephen Jackson , Jermaine O'Neal , and Anthony Johnson did the same, and a union attorney and one of O'Neal's bodyguards also testified. It went on for six hours, with none of the witnesses being cross-examined by ...


New Orleans Bowl

Teams: North Texas (7-4) vs. Southern Mississippi (6-5) When: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. Where: New Orleans TV: ESPN At a glance: The Mean Green are really mean, and not green, other than freshman running back Jamario Thomas, who has rushed for 1,709 yards and scored 17 TDs. Thomas is worth watching and is the best running back not involved in the ...


O'Brien awaits offer

Boston College athletic director Gene DeFilippo met yesterday morning with football coach Tom O'Brien, who returned to campus after an out-of-town meeting Wednesday with officials from the University of Washington about their head coaching vacancy. While neither party elaborated on what was discussed, all indications were that O'Brien informed DeFilippo that if the Washington job were offered to him, he ...


Opec states to press for oil cuts

The oil producers' group is set to meet, with some members pressing for a reduction oil output.


Museum Puts Life, Truth and, It Hopes, Sales in a Wine

A new museum in Italy features exhibits that show the link between wine and the place it comes from.


Hospitalized Reservist's AWOL Case to Proceed

An Army  reservist who checked himself into a civilian psychiatric hospital after being turned away from a military clinic should be court-martialed for being absent without leave, according to an Army report.


Security Checks to Greet Fallujah's Returning Residents

FALLUJAH, Iraq, Dec. 9 -- When the residents of Fallujah begin trickling back to their devastated city, they will be routed through sandbagged checkpoints where U.S. and Iraqi troops will take their fingerprints, issue ID cards and in some cases scan their irises, part of an elaborate plan to keep insurgents out of the former radical militant stronghold.


Dollar Extends Its Rebound Into Third Day

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar extended its rebound into a  third day on Friday as investors worried that the dollar's  two-month slide had been too rapid and sought more neutral  ground in the final stretch before the year-end.


Grocer Winn-Dixie to Name New CEO -- WSJ

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. WIN.N is  ousting its Chief Executive Frank Lazaran and replacing him  with Peter Lynch, a former executive at the Albertsons Inc.  ABS.N supermarket chain, the Wall Street Journal reported on  Friday.


PalmSource set to acquire China MobileSoft

US-based software developer PalmSource Inc. said Wednesday it had entered agreement to acquire China MobileSoft Ltd. in a bid to extend its market as a software provider for cell phones and mobile devices.


OPEC Poised to Stamp Out Excess Supply (Reuters)

Reuters - OPEC oil producers were poised on Friday\to stamp out excess supply that has lowered world prices from\record highs.


Ford Motor names Padilla president

Ford Motor Co. Thursday named Chief Executive Officer Jim Padilla president to succeed Nick Scheele, who is retiring in February. Vice Chairman Allan Gilmour will also retire in February, the automaker announced.


Sprint, Nextel exploring merger; 40 million subscribers involved

Nextel Communications and Sprint are negotiating a possible merger, according to a source familiar with the discussions. It was not clear how far the talks had progressed, and


Arrested CAO chief is released on bail

Chen Jiulin, the chief executive of China Aviation Oil (Singapore), was arrested yesterday as Singaporean authorities step up investigations into the city state #39;s biggest trading scandal in nearly a decade.


Car Talk: Fire hazard on Honda CR-V is real

Dear Tom and Ray: I was pretty freaked out recently to learn that more than 20 2003-04 Honda CR-Vs had caught fire after their first oil change.


Yahoo Adds Tool to Search Hard Drives

SAN FRANCISCO - Yahoo Inc. is adding a tool to search computer hard drives as it scrambles to catch up with Google Inc. and stay a step ahead of Microsoft Corp.


Solar-system births witnessed

Giant planets and broad bands of dust swirl around seven distant stars in new images captured by two NASA telescopes, both built partly in Colorado.


British Grand Prix is rescued thanks to Mirror

BRITAIN #39;S Silverstone Grand Prix was yesterday saved for the next five years after a Daily Mirror campaign. Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone gave it a reprieve until 2009 by signing


Oh where, oh where will Kent get to play?

It #39;s the call of an offseason in the making, the Dodgers finally on the move. Have a big free-agent signing to announce at the first day of the winter meetings.


USC #39;s leading man

Los Angeles - If you think the freeways around Southern California are crowded, you should see the crowd in the Southern California locker room after a football game.


Collapse in judgment: C #39;s fall apart late in loss to Blazers

The Celtics were playing their only national television game of the season last night, so the rest of the country now knows about your club #39;s late-game lapses.


National unity government expected within days

Premier Sharon has already begun to initiate coalition negotiations with Labor, UTJ and Shas, following his significant victory at last nights Likud convention vote, which overturned a previous decision by the central committee nixing a coalition with


Peace talks on Darfur to resume

A new round of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebels from the Darfur region is set to re-open on Friday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.


NBA Wrap: McGrady Leads Rockets to Stunning Win

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tracy McGrady hit a running 3-pointer  with 1.7 seconds left on the clock to give the Houston Rockets  a dramatic 81-80 win over the San Antonio Spurs in National  Basketball Association play Thursday in Houston.


College Basketball: Illinois, Kansas Win

WASHINGTON (Sports Network) - Roger Powell Jr. netted 19  points on 8-of-11 shooting to lead top-ranked Illinois to a  74-59 victory over Georgetown at the MCI Center.


McDonough shocked he's not coming back

His emotions alternating between his trademark humor and broken-voiced sadness, veteran broadcaster Sean McDonough confirmed yesterday that NESN informed him last Friday that he will not be part of the Red Sox broadcast team in 2005.


Barnicle has hill to climb

Newton North cross-country star Chris Barnicle will escape the frigid temperatures of the Northeast for a weekend of sunshine and 75-degree weather in San Diego.


This weekend on TV, radio

TODAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL/MEN 7 p.m. -- Harvard at Colgate, WRCA (1330) 10 p.m. -- Alabama-Birmingham at Oklahoma St., ESPN2 PRO BASKETBALL 8 p.m. -- Philadelphia at Chicago, ESPN 10:30 p.m. -- Portland at Utah, ESPN COLLEGE FOOTBALL 7 p.m. -- Division 1-AA Tournament semifinal: James Madison at William  amp; Mary, ESPN2 GOLF 9 a.m. -- PGA European Dunhill Championship (second ...


Transactions

BASEBALL Arizona (NL): Signed 3B Troy Glaus to a four-year contract. Atlanta (NL): Signed 1B Julio Franco. Chicago (AL): Signed OF Jermaine Dye. Los Angeles (NL): Signed 2B Jeff Kent. New York (AL): Named Neil Allen bullpen coach and Rich Monteleone special pitching instructor. San Diego (NL): Signed OF Eric Young; designated P Mike Bynum for assignment.


Ukraine Candidates Start Campaigning (AP)

AP - Ukraine's two presidential candidates mapped out campaign strategies with less than three weeks remaining before the repeat of last month's fraud-marred election runoff, and opposition protesters lifted their two-week siege of the Cabinet headquarters.


Gay Rights Activists Reassess Strategy (AP)

AP - The ritual was replayed from Boston to San Francisco: Exuberant gay couples sharing marriage vows and slices of wedding cake.


Peace talks on Darfur to resume

Peace talks addressing Sudan's troubled region of Darfur are set to resume in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.


Missile 'targets Gaza militant'

An alleged militant in northern Gaza is unharmed in an Israeli missile attack, hours after a similar strike in the south.


Child cancers steadily increasing

\The rate of childhood cancer has slowly increased over the last three decades, research has found.


Reporter Prompted Query to Rumsfeld

Edward Lee Pitts of the Chattanooga Times Free Press told colleagues in an e-mail that he and members of the Tennessee Army National Guard now in Kuwait "worked on questions to ask Rumsfeld about the appalling lack of armor" and that Spec. Thomas Wilson posed the question at his request.


Vietnam prepares for arrival of first US passenger jet since war

Vietnam is preparing for the arrival of the first passenger jet from the United States since the end of the war in 1975. The United Airlines flight from San Francisco, via Hong Kong, is scheduled to land in


Yahoo! takes a partner for desktop-search fray

Yahoo! plans to launch software in coming weeks that allows users to search for e-mail and other files stored on their computers, but unlike rivals Google and Microsoft, it is turning to a partner for help with the technology.


Astronauts running low on food

WASHINGTON - The two astronauts on board the international space station are cutting back on their food as supplies are running shorter than expected in advance of the planned arrival of a Russian supply ship on Christmas Day.


PSP  #39;rubbish #39;? Nintendo think so. (PSP, DS)

At least, according to Nintendo President Satoru Iwata it isn #39;t. Whilst talking to journalists in Japan the boss let his feelings loose concerning Sony #39;s foray into the handheld market, stating that the PSP would simply alienate possible new gamers rather


New heavyweight record set

Las Vegas - Vitali Klitschko #39;s fight with Danny Williams on Saturday will be the biggest heavyweight clash ever - at least in the ring.


Jordan welcomes Silverstone deal

Silverstone owners the British Racing Drivers Club and Bernie Ecclestone #39;s FOA announced Thursday that they have signed a contractual and financial agreement to secure the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the next five years.


No moves for Rockies

Anaheim, Calif. - By standing still, the Rockies seem to be falling in the National League West. The Rockies finished fourth in their five-team division in 2004, behind the San Diego Padres and ahead of the abysmal Arizona Diamondbacks.


KEEP YOUR NOSE OUT OF IT, LOWE

HARRY REDKNAPP has warned Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe to keep his nose out of team affairs. Lowe has gained a reputation for offering advice to his managers, and appears regularly on the


ND aide shaves her head to support Willingham

The assistant to Notre Dame #39;s president has shaved her head to protest Tyrone Willingham #39;s firing as football coach, saying she will remain bald until the Irish win a national championship.


Sharon, with Party Backing, Invites Labour Into Govt

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Friday invited the opposition Labour Party to begin talks to form a unity government, a move that would avoid early elections and pave the way for a withdrawal from Gaza.


China mine blast kills 33

Thirty-three workers have been killed after a gas explosion at a coal mine in China #39;s northern Shanxi province. Officials say 71 miners were in the shaft when the blast occurred at Nanlou township.


Yahoo set to launch desktop search tool

Yahoo is preparing to stake its claim to a key part of the burgeoning search engine business with a desktop search tool that makes it easier to find information on the hard drives of personal computers.


Lakers Beat Nuggets, 99-91 (AP)

AP - Kobe Bryant scored the Lakers' first 14 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 42, carrying Los Angeles to a 99-91 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.


Diamondbacks clinch Glaus signing

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed former Anaheim Angel third-baseman Troy Glaus on a four-year deal. The 28-year-old free agent hit 18 home runs last season despite missing over three months through injury.


Caps' Ovechkin Shines

With a 7-2 triumph over the United States, impact teens Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin place Russia in the World Juniors championship game against Canada.


Business ; HHG sells life insurance arm

Business News, MELBOURNE, Financial group HHG has agreed to sell its life insurance business, including Pearl, National Provident Life and London Life, for 1.025 billion pounds to Life Company Investor Group, and plans to return 875 million pounds of the


Chinese Inflation Drops Sharply

China #39;s annual inflation rate dropped sharply in November, providing further evidence that steps to cool the economy are working and reducing the chances in the near term of a fresh rise in interest rates.


China Crime Chief Urges End to 'Social Conflicts' (Reuters)

Reuters - China's security chief has urged\officials to heed the grievances of their communities, state\media reported Friday, following a series of violent protests\that undermine efforts to maintain stability.


Khartoum, Darfur Rebels Split on Peace Chances (Reuters)

Reuters - Sudan's government said on Thursday it\hoped to reach a deal in talks resuming Friday with rebels in\Darfur, which the United Nations says is descending into chaos.


Yahoo #39;s New Year #39;s Resolution: Desktop Search

Yahoo Inc. will enter the desktop-search field in early January. According to the company #39;s top search executive, Yahoo expects to quickly integrate its various online services into the product.


Calhoun not fond of loss

But Calhoun likes his players and his university and the fact that the Huskies are the defending national champions a lot more. Calhoun was livid with himself and the collective


Trail Blazers Edge Celtics 89-87

Portland Trail Blazers #39; Zach Randolph, right, loses the ball as Boston Celtics #39; Gary Payton looks on during the second quarter Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore.


Thirty-three dead in latest China mine blast

BEIJING : Thirty-three workers have been killed in the latest gas explosion at a Chinese coal mine, once again highlighting the appalling safety standards blighting the industry.


Singapore Crt OKs 6-Weeks Extension For China Aviation-2-

SINGAPORE (Dow Jones)--Singapore #39;s High Court Friday threw a six-week lifeline to troubled China Aviation Oil Singapore Corp. (C47.


Sprint, Nextel consider lucrative deal

Sprint (FON) and Nextel (NXTL) are in discussions to merge, with an eye to creating a wireless giant that could rival Cingular and Verizon Wireless in size and scope, according to two people with direct knowledge of the talks.


Hhg Offloads Pearl and London Life

Financial group HHG today announced the 1.03 billion sale of its UK life insurance business, which includes the Pearl and London Life brands.


IBM #39;s cash-balance move could start trend

IBM #39;s (IBM) decision to drop cash-balance plans for new hires could put pressure on other companies to close similar programs amid lawsuits and attacks from critics who say the plans hurt older workers.


Kings Stop Spurs

Peja Stojakovic's long-range shooting and Mike Bibby's big second half catapults the Kings over the Spurs, 86-81, on Sunday night.


Miles to LSU?

A source close to the negotiations says Oklahoma State football coach Les Miles will take over for Nick Saban in Baton Rouge.


Stoudemire Soars

The Suns move their league-leading record to 26-4 behind 50 points from Amare Stoudemire to blow by the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday night, 117-98.


Jim Mora Jr., Tom O #39;Brien are top Washington candidates

It looks like the Washington Huskies search for a new head football coach has picked up in the last several days. Reports from around the country have stated that Washington has met with or contacted former


Price rises prompt exodus from British Gas

Shares in Centrica have fallen by 7 per cent after the energy company revealed that its British Gas business was to limit rises in bills after losing 900,000 this year.


Michoud cheers support for space shuttle

NASA #39;s decision to reconsider using a space shuttle to repair the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope is potentially good news for the eastern New Orleans plant that makes external fuel tanks for the shuttle, a plant spokesman said Thursday.


Oracle Expands Beyond Databases

Oracle announced the creation of Oracle Collaboration Suite, a real-time toolkit enabling enterprises to collaborate and manage content in whole new ways.


Klitschko has long climb to top

When Vitali Klitschko lost to Lennox Lewis on cuts last year, it was a fumbling attempt at passing the heavyweight torch. Klitschko was ahead on the judges #39; cards when his face got


Finley moving down the freeway

The Angels have reached agreement on a two-year contract with former Dodgers outfielder Steve Finley, who provides a more cost-efficient, shorter-term solution to their gap in center field than top free agent Carlos Beltran.


Napster Entering Ringtone Market (Reuters)

Reuters - Online music service Napster on\Thursday said it reached a deal to enter the ringtone market\with mobile content publisher Dwango Wireless .


HP Rolls Out Ultra-Low Priced PC in China (Reuters)

Reuters - Hewlett-Packard Co. , the\world's number-two PC maker, said on Friday it has launched a\3,999 yuan ( #36;483) computer in China, turning up the heat in the\intensely competitive market.


UK initiative on climate change

Tony Blair is to host a major scientific conference on climate change in February as part of an attempt to create an international consensus on the science involved and so lock the US and the G8 group of industrial nations into action beyond the Kyoto


Israel readying to turn over northern Gaza security to <b>...</b>

JERUSALEM Israeli security officials say the nation is preparing to hand over security in the northern Gaza Strip to Palestinians well before Israel withdraws from the area in mid-2005.


Red Hat, IBM Partner In ISV Certification (TechWeb)

TechWeb - IBM and Red Hat will work together in helping independent software vendors get application certification on Red Hat's Linux server software.


IBM Updates TotalStorage SAN Software Suite (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - The company says the new version of its SAN virtualization manager can handle all of rival EMC's arrays.


IBM Product to Challenge Data Storage Leader EMC (Reuters)

Reuters - IBM  on Friday will take\aim at the heart of data storage equipment leader EMC Corp.'s\ market with a product that will allow EMC buyers to\switch to IBM.


Whale Shark Finds New Friends in Indian Fishermen (Reuters)

Reuters - A few weeks ago, the crew of an\Indian fishing boat in the Arabian Sea thought they had the\biggest catch of their lives.


Old News.... REALLY Old News!

The video archives of Pathe News are online, covering the late 1890s through to the 1970s. Pathe News was one of the earliest video news services in Britain and one of the best remembered.


Java Java Java... and Coffee

\\Great writeup from Tim Bray WRT Dynamic Java  ...\\Here's the funny part.  Whats up with all the damn coffee in these pictures?\\One can only come to the conclusion that caffeine makes you smart as hell!\\caption: Coffee\\caption: Coffee and Java\\caption: Java and Coffee\\


Metamorphosis of Narcissus

\\Dali's Metamorphosis of Narcissus is one of my favorite paintings.  I actually\own a print in my bedroom.\\I was amazed at how well Google image search did on this query \\Literally 90 of the images are perfect captures of the painting...\\


Hi-tech posters guide commuters

Interactive posters at 25 underground stations are helping Londoners travel safely over Christmas.


Robots rejected for Hubble rescue

Shuttle astronauts would do a better job of upgrading the ailing Hubble Space Telescope than robots, say experts.


EU probes mobile phone call costs

The amount consumers are charged for making mobile phone calls while abroad is to be investigated by EU regulators.


1st US Jet Since War to Land in Vietnam

For the first time since the war ended nearly 30 years ago, a US passenger jet was on its way to Vietnam on Friday. United Flight 869 took off from San Francisco


Group to focus on fund management

HONG KONG (CBS.MW) -- London-based financial services group HHG surged Friday after agreeing to sell its life insurance and pensions business to private equity investors for 1.025 billion pounds (\$1.96 billion) in cash.


Former Congresswoman Chisholm Dies at 80 (AP)

AP - Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress and an outspoken advocate for women and minorities during seven terms in the House, died Saturday near Daytona Beach, friends said. She was 80.


Eurostocks open higher

PARIS: European shares opened higher on Friday, led by oil heavyweights such as BP ahead of an expected decision by Opec to trim its output.


Community Coffee to hike price

Citing sharp increases in commodity costs, Community Coffee will increase prices on its trademaker Red Bag coffee for the first time in seven years, the company said.


Napster to enter ringtone market with Dwango

MUMBAI: Napster today announced that it has forged an agreement with Dwango Wireless, a leading mobile developer and publisher of entertainment content to launch Napster Mobile across major North American carriers.


Panel recommends manned mission to repair Hubbble!:

World News: Washington, Dec 10 : A National Academies #39; panel has ruled out sending a robotic mission to mend the Hubble Space Telescope, citing fears that a robot might crash into Hubble instead of fixing it.


Simians are experts too in the use of tools!:

World News: London, Dec 10 : Cambridge University researchers have concluded that use of tools is habitual in monkeys after collecting the first hand evidence on this score.


Ninty boss slams PSP as DS shipment target raised

Sony #39;s forthcoming PlayStation Portable handheld will fail to attract newcomers to gaming, according to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, whose comments come as shipment targets for the DS are raised once again.


MSA welcome British GP deal.

The Motor Sports Association, the governing body of motorsport in the UK, has welcomed yesterday #39;s announcement that a deal has been agreed to keep the British Grand Prix at Silverstone for the next five years.


Artest testifies about basketball brawl

NBA Indiana Pacers #39; Ron Artest and three teammates testified about the basketball brawl. Ron Artest took the witness stand and described, in his words, one of the worst brawls


NHL players offer 24 percent rollback of salaries

As promised, the NHL Players Association on Thursday delivered its strongest proposal to end the lockout. In a move even NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow admitted


NZ coach launches pre-game tirade

New Zealand coach John Bracewell did his best yesterday to create a siege mentality for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy decider in Brisbane today by accusing the media and the Gabba curator of skulduggery.


meetings start with bang

Baseball officials streamed into the winter meetings hotel all day. Troy Glaus was done for \$45 million before most arrived, Jeff Kent after arrivals.


PEACE ON EARTH

As the holiday season approaches, there is no greater hope for Peace on Earth and Goodwill to men than this months awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Kenyan conservationist Wangari Maathai, who has become a symbol of peace and harmony between Man and


Survey Says Political Parties Seen as Most Corrupt Institutions

Political parties are seen as the institutions most afflicted by corruption, according to a survey released by a non-governmental organization that monitors corruption.


More than thirty miners killed in China blast

At least 33 miners have been killed in a gas explosion at a Chinese coal mine northern Shanxi province. 71 miners were in the mine when the blast exploded, the officials said.


France backs Turkish EU talks for late-2005

BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (AFP) - France wants the European Union to open membership talks with Turkey at the end of next year or early 2006, Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said on Thursday.


Slip a Geek Book Under the Tree

Tech gifts needn't be electronic. Geeks and non-geeks alike can enjoy the old-fashioned pleasure of curling up by the fire with a good read. Michelle Delio reviews a passel of new books just in time for the holiday season.


GM to cut jobs in Europe

Automaker, unions agree to eliminate up to 12,000 workers to curb losses and save \$665 million a year. By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News.


Tough times for British Gas

British Gas owner Centrica says that soaring energy prices will hit margins in some of its key businesses, sending its shares sharply lower.


Nextel, Sprint in talks

Sprint, the No. 3 US mobile- phone company, and Nextel Communications are in early talks about a possible merger, people familiar with the matter said.