Home Ownership Tops Bush Housing Agenda (AP)

AP - Boosting homeownership tops President Bush's housing agenda, but the biggest battle facing his administration during the second term is how to overhaul a program that helps 2 million poor families pay their rent.


Boxer Becomes Third Biggest Vote Getter (AP)

AP - Little noticed in this month's election was that the nation's third biggest vote getter, behind only President Bush and John Kerry, was Sen. Barbara Boxer, a fiery California Democrat who proudly wears her liberalism on her sleeve.


Santorum Keeps Low Profile With Specter (AP)

AP - Ordinarily, Sen. Rick Santorum might figure to be Sen. Arlen Specter's most public of allies in a fierce and ultimately successful battle for the chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee, one Pennsylvania Republican aiding another in a classic Capitol power struggle.


Prince of Persia: Warri

Ubisoft today announced that Prince of Persia: Warrior Within has been shipped to stores nationwide for the Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and PC.


Sudan Govt., South Rebels Pledge Peace by Dec. 31

NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters) - The Sudanese government and its  southern rebel opponents signed a pledge Friday to complete an  agreement to end a 21-year-old civil war by December 31.


Venezuela Govt. Believes Car Blast Kills Prosecutor

CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Two blasts destroyed a car  in a Caracas suburb on Thursday and killed its driver, who  Venezuelan authorities believed was a key state prosecutor  leading a probe into opponents of President Hugo Chavez.


The naked truth about pro sports, television

The term throwing in the towel takes on new meaning this week, thanks again to televisions continuing creative contribution to sport.


Dollar Steadies, More Weakness Expected (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. dollar paused near recent\lows Friday but dealers expected selling to resume after a\weekend meeting of G20 finance ministers, while stock investors\sought cover in companies immune to currency risks.


Weak exports, consumption take toll on South Korea's economy (AFP)

AFP - South Korea's economy achieved lower-than-expected growth in the three months to September as domestic demand failed to pick up the slack from weakening exports.


Yukos Main Subsidiary to Be Sold on December 19

The Russian Federal Property Fund announced on Friday, November 19, that the auction to sell the shares of Yuganskneftegaz, the main production subsidiary of embattled Yukos Oil Company will take place on December 19.


Dollar Holds on to Gain From Record Low; G-20 May Voice Concern

The dollar in London held yesterday #39;s gain from a record low on speculation the Group of 20 largest economies will this weekend voice concern at the currency #39;s drop.


Kmart-Sears merger about price, quality

Average customers know the same thing that ministers of high finance understand: It #39;s all about the price. Shoppers Thursday at the Billings Sears store were eager to find out what a proposed


Radio veteran Karmazin joins Sirius

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. named former Viacom Inc. president Mel Karmazin chief executive Thursday, a month after signing talk-show host Howard Stern to lure listeners.


COMUNICADO DE ROCHE

Roche, OSI Pharmaceuticals and Genentech announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved, after priority review, Tarceva(TM) (erlotinib) for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung


Universal Life Resources sued by Calif.

California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi filed a lawsuit Thursday against brokerage Universal Life Resources and a number of major insurance companies as part of an effort  quot;to break up a national industry-wide pattern of kickbacks and hidden fees


Ancient ape #39;s bones unearthed in Spain

Spanish researchers say they have found the remains of an extinct species of great ape that may have been the last ancestor humans shared with gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans.


Mac Expo: Andy Ihnatko, live and loud

Macworld columnist and author, Andy Ihnatko, will speak at the opening of the London Apple Store on Regent Street on November 22. Ihnatko will speak at 7.00pm at Apple #39;s new flagship London store.


Sorenstam #39;s lead follows birdies

Annika Sorenstam birdied four of the last five holes Thursday, twice with a 7-iron into greens surrounded by trouble, giving her a 6-under-par 66 and a one-shot lead after the first round


Hokies crush Terps, maintain ACC lead

BLACKSBURG, Va.  Virginia Tech scored 24 points off four first-half turnovers and coasted to a 55-6 wipeout of Maryland on Thursday.


Cricket: Ton of class from Oram as NZ keep hopes alive

Century-maker Jacob Oram respected, frustrated and then bludgeoned an all-conquering bowling attack before his own  quot;popgun quot; bowling sent tremors through Australia #39;s top order in the first cricket test today.


Knicks notebook: Wilkens is still having doubts about Thomas

Lenny Wilkens gave a hint of his plans for puzzling forward Tim Thomas before the game, when he talked about how he had tried to get the 6-10 forward going, but he added,  quot;You know, I can only wait so long with him.


WSU notebook: Coach Doba worried about UW trick plays

PULLMAN - The fact that Washington coaches have nothing to lose worries Cougars coach Bill Doba, who has his team on alert for trick plays.


Sudanese government and rebels agree to end southern conflict by <b>...</b>

Sudanese government and rebel officials signed an agreement Friday promising to end the 21-year civil war in Sudan by the end of the year in front of the UN Security Council holding a special meeting in Africa.


UKIP #39;s attacks embarrass newly elected Barroso Commission

Approved by two thirds of the MEPs, the Barroso II Commission is due to take office on 22 November. Eurosceptic MEP Nigel Farage took the shine off the subsequent celebrations by attacking French Transport


Myanmar frees 4,000 wrongly imprisoned from jail

Our gratitude goes to you for the interest and enthusiasm you have shown in visiting the AsiaNews.it website. AsiaNews is also a monthly magazine (only in Italian).


Chappelle DVD Set for June Release Via Sony (Reuters)

Reuters - The reigning king of the\television DVD is ready to re-enter the market.


Militants Try to Stir Arab-Kurd Violence (AP)

AP - Insurgents battling U.S. and Iraqi forces in the northern city of Mosul have been trying to drag the Kurdish minority into their fight and set off a sectarian war, Kurdish and Arab officials say.


Manufacturer Gets Help Managing Product Information (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Brady Corp. turns to product-information-management software from FullTilt Solutions so it can more easily handle information on thousands of products. The software also helps Brady manage its online catalog.


Greek sprinters charged

Greek sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou and their coach were charged yesterday with avoiding a drug test on the eve of the Athens Olympics and faking a motorcycle accident hours later.


This week's picks

Canterbury over Kent -- You can't pick against a school that taught JFK how to play flag football.


This weekend on TV, radio

TODAY AUTO RACING 1:30 p.m. -- NASCAR Nextel Cup Ford 400 qualifying at Homestead, Fla., Speed Channel 3 p.m. -- NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Ford 200 at Homestead, Fla., Speed Channel COLLEGE BASKETBALL/MEN 5 p.m. -- Marist Classic at Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: Northeastern vs. Birmingham Southern, WRBB-FM (104.9) 7 p.m. -- Coaches vs. Cancer Classic third-place game at New York, ESPN2 7:30 ...


Preps step into spotlight

Catching Brian Morrissey is akin to catching a BB with your teeth: It's virtually impossible. But that's the task Brunswick faces tomorrow in a showdown with Governor Dummer for the NEPSAC Congleton-Stokinger title.


But seriously folks

By now, it's clear that the parity in the NFL this season doesn't mean there are a lot of good teams, but rather a lot of bad ones. More teams have losing records, in fact, than winning ones. There are 14 teams at either 4-5 or 3-6, all of whom will tell you they are still in the playoff hunt.


From the frying pan to the kitchen

After further review, the ABC promotion for last week's Eagles-Cowboys  quot;Monday Night Football quot; was over the top.


Belichick's appraisal? Praise

Bill Belichick yesterday was so effusive in his praise of the Chiefs, who will oppose his Patriots Monday night, that a passerby at his morning news conference might have believed the Kansas City record to be 30-6 instead of 3-6.


Now, Owens a little skittish

While Terrell Owens would never say he's sorry for his flashy touchdown celebrations, he did apologize yesterday to anyone offended by his role in a steamy segment with actress Nicollette Sheridan for the intro to  quot;Monday Night Football. quot;


Stoneham takes next step

Despite being the Globe's top-ranked boys' soccer team the entire season, Stoneham has had one goal: winning an elusive outright state championship.


Providence writes off Penn

Dwight Brewington went 5 for 5 from 3-point range and scored a career-high 21 points last night, leading host Providence to an 89-52 win over Pennsylvania in the second round of the Preseason NIT.


Win assures B-R spot in the playoffs

During pregame warmups for yesterday's matchup with Taunton to decide the Old Colony League title, Bridgewater-Raynham senior Tony Murdoch sprinted to the corner of the end zone and pulled down a pass with a teammate draped on his back.


Case closes out Melrose in five

Up two games to none and holding a 15-11 lead over Melrose in Game 3, Case seemed assured of making another trip to the Division 2 state volleyball finals.


How to make a gigapixel picture

A Dutch team has created the world's biggest digital picture, assembled from 600 individual snaps.


Radio Free Europe Woos Russian Listeners (AP)

AP - Ronald Reagan used it to reach out to the Soviets during the Cold War. Lech Walesa, the leader of Poland's Solidarity movement, likened it to the sun lighting the Earth. Rock band R.E.M. immortalized it in a cynical hit song.


IBM Says It Swamps Rivals in Key UNIX Computer Test

NEW YORK (Reuters) - IBM IBM.N said on Thursday its  workhorse commercial computers have smashed the industry's most  demanding tests, which analysts said creates a performance gap  that could put further pressure on Hewlett-Packard HPQ.N or  Sun Microsystems SUNW.O to recalibrate their strategies.


After False Starts, 3G Mobile Service Set for Take-Off

HONG KONG (Reuters) - With most technical issues resolved  and giants like Vodafone Plc signing up customers, 2005 could  be the year when third-generation (3G) mobile services finally  gain a global audience.


Intel Says Shifting Focus of Itanium to Higher-End

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - An effort by Intel Corp. INTC.O  to sell its Itanium 2 chip into high-volume, lower-end computer  servers has not worked, the president of the world's largest  chip maker said in an interview published on Thursday.


Electronic Eye Devised to Help Blind Cross Roads

LONDON (Reuters) - An "electronic eye" that can be fitted  to a pair of glasses could help the blind cross roads more  safely, scientists said on Friday.


Russia pays \$63m in debts to IMF

RBC, 19.11.2004, Moscow 10:54:13.The Russian Finance Ministry has paid \$63.2m in debts to the International Monetary Fund today, the Finance Ministry reported to RBC.


Anticipated  #39;Halo 2 #39; Leaves Gamers Panting

quot;Halo 2 quot; continues the story of Master Chief, a genetically enhanced soldier who is the only human ever to successfully defy the Covenant-a coalition of alien races on a murderous march toward Earth.


Spain in another racist football row

London - British ministers have condemned the  quot;disgraceful quot; racial abuse of England #39;s black players during Wednesday #39;s international friendly against Spain in Madrid and demanded that soccer authorities take action.


ROY LANG III: America thanks you, Paul Casey

The bad blood returns! And it may be exactly what the United States needed to turn the tide in the Ryder Cup. Thanks to Englishman -- by birth, really -- Paul Casey, the hugs and kisses the Americans and Europeans


Knicks beat Rockets 93-92 Rockets with buzzer 3-pointer

Jamal Crawford of the New York Knicks hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to hand the Houston Rockets their sixth loss this season at 93-92 on November 18.


Chase for Cup coming to wild finish

Jimmie Johnson went from top contender to also-ran to unbeatable, and now he has all the momentum heading into the last race of the Nextel Cup season.


Ukraine Election Commission Pores Over Last Results

KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukraine's central election  commission meets Tuesday to sign off on the final paperwork  from last month's presidential election, which could see winner  Viktor Yushchenko's victory formally declared at last.


Powell accuses Iranians of developing nuclear weapons

AMERICA accused Iran yesterday of trying to adapt its latest ballistic missile to carry nuclear warheads capable of hitting targets as far away as Israel and Cyprus.


Arafat #39;s death may bring peace to Mid East

The devil dancing in the Middle East is dead. After Arafat used his life to deny Palestinians a national state, Palestinians will now have the chance to use Arafat #39;s death to usher in a new era of compromise.


Mac Skeptic: Apple's ISight, a Webcam and More

Software developers have made the ISight good for much more than just video chat.


Discount Desktops: How Low Can You Go?

Here's what you need to know to get the most desktop for your dollar at any price.


Photos from MacExpo 2004

With over 100 exhibitors  #151; including Apple, Adobe, Bose, Epson, HP, Microsoft, Quark and Sony  #151; and more than 20,000 visitors expected during the three-day event  #151; this year #146;s London MacExpo is shaping up as the biggest and best ever staged. Nov 18


Mac OS X Tip of the Week: Tell-Tale Icons

Learn how to tell whether you #146;ve turned on Snap to Grid or Keep Arranged by Name for a particular window. It #146;s the latest Mac OS X killer tip at the Apple Pro/ site. Nov 10


FCC Crackdown Could Spread

With more conservatives in power, the Federal Communications Commission may become more forceful about indecency fines. The agency may even try to expand its jurisdiction into cable TV, satellite radio and the internet. By Randy Dotinga.


Wheels of Progress Turn Slowly

Despite burgeoning demand for hybrids, carmakers remain conservative about manufacturing them. So, if you want one, be prepared to wait. By John Gartner.


Web Media Buyouts Coming? Kinda

MarketWatch is sold for \$500 million and Slate is next. Will there be a spate of other sites on the block? Probably, but the most fevered M   #038;A activity will be among blogs. Commentary by Adam L. Penenberg.


Jak of All Trades, Master of Fun

The latest installment in this PlayStation 2 action series tries to be all games to all players. To its credit, Jak 3 largely succeeds. By Chris Kohler.


Advertisers Muscle Into RSS

There's no escaping advertising. Show even a modicum of success, and marketers start looking for a way in. Really Simple Syndication feeds are the latest target. By Daniel Terdiman.


Stem Cells Feed Brain Tumors

Researchers discover stem cells that initiate and maintain the growth of brain cancer tumors. The study could lead to new treatments for many types of cancer. By Kristen Philipkoski.


Wisconsin to Invest in Stem Cells

California's not the only state willing to throw money at the controversial research. Wisconsin's governor plans to spend \$750 million building two research centers and supporting scientists studying cardiovascular illnesses and other diseases.


Fossils Found in Spain Seen as Last Link to Great Apes

Fossils of an ape species from about 13 million years ago may have been the last common ancestor of great apes, including humans.


Running Extra Mile Sets Humans Apart in Primates' World

The ability of early human ancestors to run long distances may have influenced the transition to today's body form, researchers report.


Harris, Miami Upend No. 19 Florida 72-65 (AP)

AP - Anthony Harris scored 18 of his career-high 23 points in the second half to help Miami upset No. 19 Florida 72-65 Saturday and give first-year coach Frank Haith his biggest victory.


Evidence Hints at Earlier Humans in Americas

Archaeologists in South Carolina announced radiocarbon dates suggesting that people made tools near the Savannah River about 50,000 years ago.


Joseph Weiss, 80, Originator of Theory on Facing Trauma, Dies

Dr. Joseph Weiss was a psychoanalyst and researcher who helped develop an influential theory involving ways that patients confront psychological trauma.


Aishwarya Rai to star in Hollywood blockbuster "Taj Mahal" (AFP)

AFP - Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai is set to star in a Hollywood blockbuster called "Taj Mahal", the famous monument to love built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.


Bridging the Gadget Gift Gap

The generational divide becomes apparent as families start to think about gift-giving holidays. Advice for shoppers of all ages.


Stocks overcome some gloomy news

Stocks rose modestly yesterday as investors looked past a mix of economic data and falling profit forecasts from Google and Applied Materials.


EMI sales slip on weak release schedule

EMI has blamed a weak release schedule for a failure to exploit an improvement in the music sector, with sales falling by more than four times the industry average.


IRS on search for Nebraska residents

Actually, Haskins isn #39;t alone. The Internal Revenue Service says it is looking for 329 Nebraskans who have more than \$174,000 in unclaimed federal tax refunds coming their way.


Tim Duncan Leads Spurs Past 76ers 88-80 (AP)

AP - The Philadelphia 76ers got a firsthand demonstration of why Tim Duncan might be the toughest player in the NBA to defend. Duncan scored a season-high 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Spurs to their fifth straight victory, 88-80 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.


Sorenstam Leads ADT Championship by One (AP)

AP - Annika Sorenstam has nothing left to prove this year. She has won seven times, claimed another major and went over the  #36;2 million mark for the fourth consecutive season. But that doesn't mean she came to the ADT Championship to relax.


Gates and Ballmer the most spammed in the world

THE KING of Microsoft his Excellency Williams Gates and his silent voodoo doll Steve Ballmer are claiming to be the world #39;s most spammed men.


MIKE #39;S MAILBAG

I #39;ve received lots of e-mail from readers who disagreed with my dissing of the combination laptop and Tablet PC I reviewed Tuesday (catch up online at www.


Alexander Credits Line for His Success (AP)

AP - Shaun Alexander has always had a knack for getting into the end zone. Lately, Seattle's offensive line has been making it easy for the Seahawks running back to find the open lanes and open field, too.


Henman can #39;t wait for Safin

Tim Henman is relishing his Masters Cup eliminator against Russian Marat Safin in Houston tonight. The British No1, who lost to Andy Roddick in his opening match at the \$4.45million end-of-season tournament


No. 5 Syracuse 71, No. 12 Mississippi St. 58

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim is known for his cutting wit, and even his star players can wind up on the receiving end. Preseason All-America Hakim Warrick scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half to lead


AUTO RACING: I hope to help Busch

Roush Racing driver Matt Kenseth, the defending NASCAR champion, will race Sunday in the Ford 400 at Homestead, Fla., the final event in the Nextel Cup series.


Martyn back on an even keel

Damien Martyn steadied the ship for Australia with an undefeated half-century after they lost three quick wickets in the post-tea session on the second day of the First Test in Brisbane.


Motorola to Build Cell Phones Into Ski Jackets (Reuters)

Reuters - Motorola Inc.  said it will\unveil plans this week for a line of outerwear that uses\interactive cell phone and portable music technology in\snowboarding jackets, in a bid to win over twentysomethings.


Myanmar frees some political prisoners

Myanmar #39;s military government has begun to release nearly 4,000 prisoners, including some political detainees, arrested  quot;inappropriately quot; by the dissolved National Intelligence Bureau led by purged prime minister Khin Nyunt.


Update 9: Russia Advances Plans to Break Up Yukos

Russia moved ahead Friday with plans to break up the country #39;s largest oil producer, announcing it would auction off a majority stake in the main production unit of oil giant OAO Yukos next month.


Eisner admitted lying on Kings show about Ovitz

Yesterday Walt Disney CEO Michael Eisner was speaking about his interview with Larry King in September 1996, during which he denied any tensions in Disney boardroom giving praises to Disneys President Michael Ovitz, while in fact persuading other


Oracle to Issue Tender Results Saturday

Oracle Corp. (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said it would report preliminary results of its \$8.8 billion hostile tender offer for PeopleSoft (PSFT.


EMI sees profits fall but upbeat on outlook

LONDON : British music group EMI reported a fall in interim profits as sales dropped by 11.4 percent, reflecting a release schedule skewed towards the second half and the strength of sterling.


Cancer Drug Tarceva Approved

NEW YORK - Last night, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Tarceva, a pill that extends survival in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients for whom chemotherapy has failed.


Profits Are Up 24 at Disney and So, It Says, Is Teamwork

Buoyed by the strong performance of ESPN and its other cable channels, the Walt Disney Company said yesterday that its profit rose 24 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter.


Intel looks to log result boost in 2005

INTEL, the worlds largest company making computer microchips, said it expected a much better performance in the first half of next year.


For the Salvation Army, there #39;s little holiday cheer at this <b>...</b>

Target #39;s decision to ban Salvation Army bell ringers from its 1,313 locations nationwide has hit Allentown this holiday season.


Sharper Image says campaign hurt 3Q

Sharper Image Corp., a retailer of personal and home electronics, posted a third-quarter loss Thursday, saying same-store sales slipped and that the presidential election campaign hurt business.


Trade Negotiators Get Technical at WTO

Negotiators gathered Friday at the World Trade Organization for formal farm talks, capping a weeklong series of informal discussions on ways to reach a wider-ranging liberalization accord by the end of 2005.


Ballmer #39;s Asian IP warning set to backfire

When Steve Ballmer wants to make a stir he makes sure that he makes a big one. At the same venue where he spoke of Bill Gates receiving 4 million emails a day he also chose the meeting of Asian Government


Fossil of last great ape ancestor found

Paleontologiosts from the Miguel Crusafont Institute of Paleontology and the Diputacisn de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain have found a fossil of a new ape species called Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, or its close relative that might have been the last


Recording Companies Sue ISU Students

The industry filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 761 computer users in the latest round of litigation in the record companies #39; effort to stamp out unauthorized trading of music online.


MSN Re-Ups With Overture Through June 2006

MSN Thursday extended for one year its partnership with sponsored-search listings provider Overture Services, a Yahoo! subsidiary.


Apple begins European adventure

As Apple puts the finishing touches to its new London store for Saturday #39;s grand opening, it appears that punters eager to lay their hands on the firm #39;s iconic iPod music player when the doors open could be disappointed.


Microsoft Launches Regional Versions of Hotmail

Microsoft Corp., the world #39;s largest software maker, has expanded its flagship MSN Hotmail internet email service to include European and Japanese domain names, it said on Friday.


Gamers Rewarded With Another Life

There #39;s a scene close to the beginning of Half-Life 2 of an urban vista in which a flock of birds flies toward a pale ecru sky against the backdrop of a very tall, black, ominous building.


Nintendo set to introduce new handheld gaming system

While the first of the new-generation handheld gaming systems hits Canadian stores Sunday, consumers will have to wait a while before they see all of the Nintendo DS #39;s bells and whistles.


Search engines get more specifics

It #39;s no secret that savvy online travelers in search of the best deal on an airline ticket, hotel room or car rental have long followed Smokey Robinson #39;s admonishment: You #39;d better shop around.


Ease of Purchase Makes iTunes Popular

ITunes has been a success for a number of reasons. Backed by a respected name (Apple), it offers a massive, ever-expanding library of songs at appealing prices.


Sun posts Java source code to developers

Sun Microsystems has posted the next version of its Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) to the developer community for early review and feedback.


NBA Today (AP)

AP - Seattle at Toronto (7 p.m. EST). The SuperSonics, winners of eight straight, face Vince Carter and the Raptors.


Safin stands in path of Henman

Tim Henman faces a must-win clash against Russian Marat Safin on Saturday as he bids to reach the semi-finals of the Masters Cup in Houston.


CRUEL MADRID

WHEN Patrick Vieira got back to Arsenal #39;s training ground yesterday, he will not have been shocked to encounter England left back Ashley Cole still shaking with rage.


London unveils plans for Olympic Games

London has unveiled its detailed plans to stage the 2012 Olympics, promising a Games of excellence without extravagance. Bid chief Sebastian Coe said on Friday the city would


Ecuador stun Brazil; Argentina up

Reuters Rio de Janeiro Nov 18: World champions Brazil crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat in Ecuador yesterday while home wins for Peru, Colombia and Uruguay kept the South American World Cup qualifying group wide open.


Dutch driver Albers to test for Jordan

Dutch driver Christian Albers is to test drive for Jordan at Jerez in Spain on December 1, the Formula One team said on Friday. Albers, 25, was set to test for Jordan, who have a


NASCAR gets its drama, but cost might be high

Its been a dozen years since the final race of the NASCAR season could promise this kind of suspense. When the checkered flag drops Sunday with the Nextel Cup Chase championship on the line, three of the


Primera Liga matches, November 20-21

Locked in combat at the top of the Primera Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their rivalry at the Nou Camp on Saturday (kickoff 2100 GMT) in the most keenly awaited Spanish derby for years.


Honda buys 45 pct stake in BAR team from BAT

Honda has agreed to buy a 45 percent holding in the BAR Formula One team, the revelations of the 2004 season. Honda, the team #39;s engine maker, agreed to buy the majority


Manning in eye of the storm

After several days of debate about whether the Giants made the right decision in turning their playoff hopes over to the No. 1 pick in this year #39;s draft, the anticipation of what will take


Power in final, but at huge cost

If it #39;s the final of the PACE Canadian Squash Classic, then Jonathon Power must be involved. But it was only with a hard victory that took 91 minutes last night that Power, who beat Anthony Ricketts, will


Speculation about Tedford dominates Big Game buildup

It #39;s Big Game week in the Bay Area, and Jeff Tedford has dominated the headlines. The California coach preaches a team-first dogma, so he probably wasn #39;t happy that speculation about his future swamped the pregame coverage.


Boise St. Seeks Third Straight WAC Title (AP)

AP - The accolades flow when Louisiana Tech coach Jack Bicknell talks about the Boise State football team.


Woods Critical of PGA on Ryder Captain (AP)

AP - Tiger Woods reiterated his criticism of the PGA of America on Friday for its decision to pass over close friend Mark O'Meara as captain of the 2006 Ryder Cup team.


Powell Remarks on Iran Create Stir in Washington

A statement by US Secretary of State Colin Powell revealing information about Iranian efforts to obtain nuclear weapons has created a stir in Washington.


Chirac Hails Anglo-French  #39;Harmony #39;

French President Jacques Chirac today spoke of the true friendship between his country and Britain but again stressed his opposition to the kind of military intervention which started the war in Iraq.


Activists ready to frustrate Chile #39;s APEC Summit

George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin, and leaders from other 19 Asian - Pacific nations including China #39;s Hu Jintao and Japan #39;s Junichiro Koizumi are beggining to arrive in Santiago to attend to Chile #39;s APEC summit on Saturday.


Pakistan Adopts Wait And See Approach to Kashmir Peace Process

Pakistan #39;s president says he is not happy with all of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh #39;s comments this week about the disputed territory of Kashmir.


Sharon  #39;is going soft #39;

Jerusalem - Members of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s right-wing Likud party expressed concern on Friday that the hawkish premier had gone soft on the Palestinians since Yasser Arafat died last week.


Prince Charles: Man of the People or Royal Snob?

Britain #39;s Prince Charles always prides himself on being a man of the people. But with one gruff memo about not all men being equal, the heir to the throne has tarnished his populist credentials.


US firms prove green credentials

Many US businesses are already introducing greenhouse gas reduction programs despite their government #39;s failure to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.


Troops ready for Mosul after Fallujah

US-backed Iraqi commandos were poised Friday to storm rebel strongholds in the northern city of Mosul, as US military commanders said they had  quot;broken the back quot; of the insurgency with their assault on the former rebel bastion of Fallujah.


Summit day important in African history: AU official

The African Union on Friday hailed the convening of the inaugural summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region as an important event in history.


Dollar Back Toward Record Lows Vs. Euro (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar dropped to within half a cent\of this week's record low against the euro and hit 7-1/2-month\lows on the yen on Friday as traders took the view that world\finance chiefs would not try to slow the dollar's slide.


Oracle to Issue Tender Results Saturday (Reuters)

Reuters - Oracle Corp.  said it would\report preliminary results of its  #36;8.8 billion hostile tender\offer for PeopleSoft  as soon as practicable after 1\a.m. EST Saturday.


Oil Prices Up Ahead of Northern Winter (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices rose on Friday as tight\supplies of distillate fuel, including heating oil, ahead of\the northern hemisphere winter spurred buying.


G20 meets amid record-high euro and weak dollar (AFP)

AFP - Finance ministers and central bank chiefs from the world's 20 most powerful nations were gathering for a weekend G20 summit in which exchange rates are expected to figure prominently.


Drug firms hit by safety scares

An FDA official named and shamed several drugs offered by major drugs companies, causing their shares to fall sharply in early trading.


World Bank pledges Kashmir help

The World Bank says it is ready to offer economic assistance to Kashmir to help promote the peace process in the region.


Greenspan: U.S. Needs to Cut Budget Gap (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan\Greenspan said on Friday the United States should cut its\budget gap to foster a more balanced pattern of global trade\and avoid painful economic consequences.


Greenspan Warns About Trade Deficit Impact (AP)

AP - The persistence of bloated U.S. trade deficits over time can pose a risk to the U.S. economy, which thus far has proven resilient, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned Friday. Policy-makers must not get lulled into a sense of complacency, he said.


Greenspan Urges Budget Gap Reduction

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Friday the United States should cut its\budget gap to foster a more balanced pattern of global trade and avoid painful economic consequences.


A slip to end stock week?

Futures point to lower open for US markets as investors look to catch their breath. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Stocks looked to open lower Friday as investors appeared ready to consolidate the gains of the past three weeks.


Giants join 3G forces

OPTUS and Vodafone yesterday formalised an alliance in which they will together spend \$1 billion on third-generation mobile phone networks.


Delta Extends Note Exchange Offer

Delta Air Lines Inc. said Friday it is extending the offer to exchange up to \$680 million in three series of newly issued senior secured notes to the holders of \$2.6 billion of outstanding unsecured debt securities and enhanced pass through certificates.


High-Tech City to Go Up in Southern India (AP)

AP - Southern India's Kerala state plans to create a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) zone called "Smart City," where technology companies from around the world will be invited to set up operations, an official said Friday.


No. 5 Syracuse to Play No. 24 Memphis (AP)

AP - Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim is known for his cutting wit, and even his star players can wind up on the receiving end. Preseason All-America Hakim Warrick scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half to lead the fifth-ranked Orange to a 71-58 victory over No. 12 Mississippi State on Thursday night in the semifinals of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.


Amazon CEO Bezos Sells 450,000 Shares for  #36;18.2 Mln (Reuters)

Reuters - Amazon.com Inc.  Chairman and\Chief Executive Jeff Bezos sold a total of 450,000 shares in\the online retailer this week, for a total of  #36;18.2 million,\according to regulatory filings.


Microsoft Launches Regional Versions of Hotmail (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp., the world's largest\software maker, has expanded its flagship MSN Hotmail internet\email service to include European and Japanese domain names, it\said on Friday.


Music company EMI reports loss for first half but says sales on way back up (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - LONDON (AP) - EMI Group PLC, one of the world's Big Three music companies, reported a fall in sales and a net loss for the first half of its fiscal year Friday but said it expected an improvement in the second half when its album release schedule kicks in.


Mac Skeptic: Apple's ISight, a Webcam and More (PC World)

PC World - Software developers have made the ISight good for much more than just video chat.


Suicide Bomber Crashes Into Iraqi Police (AP)

AP - A suicide car bomber rammed into a police patrol in Baghdad on Friday, killing one policeman, police and hospital officials said.


Spammed inbox for Bill Gates

Bill Gates is claiming the most spammed person in the world. Microsoft Corp. Chairman receives 4 million spam messages in his email every day, according to his silent voodoo doll Steve Ballmer.


No half measures with Half-Life 2

Could Half-Life 2 possibly live up to the hype? After almost two years of tantalising previews and infuriating delays it #39;s safe to say that this is the most highly-anticipated computer game of all time.


More Security Holes Found In Internet Explorer 6.0

Three more vulnerabilities in Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer 6.0 browser were disclosed by Danish security vendor Secunia. By Gregg Keizer, TechWeb News.


Power Surfing

When Che Carsner wanted to find discount airline tickets for his parents from the Miami area to New York, he knew where to look. Carsner, a Manhattan real-estate agent logged onto Kayak.


U2 sees iPod TV spots as synergy, not sellout (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Uno, dos, tres, CATORCE! The TV quakes as a euphoric punk holler, stabbing guitar and muscle-bound rhythms roar over convulsive images of rock stars in silhouette. The iPod ad touting U2's Vertigo  isn't your father's Oldsmobile commercial, but it is a commercial, and that's stirring debate among rock 'n' roll old-schoolers and within the band's vigilant following.


Honda Takes 45 Stake in British American #39;s F-1 Team (Update1)

Honda Motor Co., Japan #39;s third- largest carmaker, said it will take 45 percent stake in British American Tobacco Plc #39;s Formula One team, owning part of a team for the first time in 36 years.


Liga Weekend Preview: El Clasico Dominates

There is a strange La Liga round of fixtures in store, mainly because its difficult to tell if more than one game is taking place.


Spurrier reportedly to lead USC after Holtz #39;s retirement

(Columbia-AP) Nov. 19, 2004 - Following news Lou Holtz announced his pending retirement to his Gamecock players before practice Thursday, the attention of South Carolina fans turns to the man who will reportedly replace him, Steve Spurrier.


A really Big Game

IN MOST years, the Big Game has been so in tradition only, with die- hard alums from Stanford and Cal seeing the contest as a chance to salvage so- so seasons.


Kazakh government seeks to buy British Gas stake in huge oil project (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - ALMATY, Kazakhstan (AP) - Kazakhstan's oil minister said Friday the government wants to buy British Gas's entire stake in a project to develop a giant oil field in the Caspian Sea, according to a news report.


Sudanese sign pledge to end long civil war

NAIROBI Sudan #39;s government and insurgents in the south signed a pledge Friday to end Africa #39;s longest running civil war by Dec. 31.


Dollar Back Toward Record Lows Vs. Euro

The dollar dropped to within half a cent of this week #39;s record low against the euro and hit 7-1/2-month lows on the yen on Friday as traders took the view that world finance


Asian CEOs Warned of Threat from Climate Change (Reuters)

Reuters - More severe tropical cyclones,\heatwaves and a dramatic shift in rainfall patterns could\batter Asia by the end of the century as its factories boom, a\leading climate expert told Asian chief executives on Friday.


Scientists See Hope Amid Coral Doom and Gloom (Reuters)

Reuters - Even though nearly two thirds of coral\reefs are now officially endangered, some are bouncing back\despite warmer oceans and pollution, giving hope the marine\marvels are not completely doomed, scientists said on Friday.


New Study to Compare Genetic Make-Up of Asians (Reuters)

Reuters - Just how similar are the Japanese and\Indonesians, apart from being Asians?


Sudan Foes Sign Peace Pledge at Security Council

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Sudan's government and southern rebels  vowed on Friday to end Africa's longest civil war by Dec. 31,  signing a pledge in front of 15 U.N. Security Council envoys  who flew in from New York to demand the fighting stop.


Summary: U.N Draft Ban on Human Cloning (AP)

AP - CLONING DECLARATION: U.N. diplomats are poised to approve a draft declaration to outlaw human cloning, a non-binding agreement that would not outlaw research cloning.


Palestinians Reject Sharon's Peace 'Test'

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - The Palestinian Authority  on Friday rejected Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's new  and seemingly softer terms for restarting peace talks, saying  he should drop all conditions for dialogue.


Site: Zarqawi Group Beheads Two Iraqi Soldiers

DUBAI (Reuters) - The group led by al Qaeda ally Abu Musab  al-Zarqawi said it beheaded two Iraqi soldiers in broad  daylight in Mosul, a statement found on an Islamist Web site on  Friday said.


Myanmar Frees Prominent Political Prisoners

YANGON, Myanmar (Reuters) - Myanmar's junta freed at least  two dozen members of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's  political party Friday during a mass release of 4,000 people  detained "inappropriately" by the intelligence machine purged  last month.


S.Korean Farmers Clash with Police on Rice Imports

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean police used water cannon in  central Seoul Friday to disperse at least 15,000 farmers  protesting against a government plan to further ease  restrictions on rice imports.


Gunman kills Sri Lankan judge

A Sri Lankan high court judge and his bodyguard are shot dead in the capital, Colombo, police say.


Cheap HIV treatment hailed

Giving HIV-positive children a common antibiotic could nearly halve the death rate, the UN says.


Death toll from storm in Philippines rises to at least 527, 352 <b>...</b>

The Philippine military said Friday rescuers have recovered 484 bodies from landslides and flash floods in an eastern province, bringing the toll from this week #39;s powerful rainstorm to 527 people.


Tennis: Roddick makes semis

Andy Roddick beats Marat Safin in two tie-breaks to reach the Masters Cup semis.


Golf: Woods upset at Ryder post

Tiger Woods says Mark O'Meara should have been named US Ryder Cup captain for 2006.


Belgium death threat suspect held

Belgian police arrest a man suspected of threatening to kill a senator who criticised fundamentalist Muslims.


Egypt wants Guantanamo releases

Egypt asks the US to hand over five of its citizens detained at the American military base at Guantanamo Bay.


Agreement May Be Near on 9/11 Bill

House and Senate negotiators were close to a deal to enact the major recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission.


Official Allegedly Hinted At Saudi Torture of Man

A federal prosecutor made a comment suggesting that a Virginia man held in a Saudi Arabian prison had been tortured.


Venezuela Govt. Believes Car Blast Kills Prosecutor

CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Two blasts destroyed a carin a Caracas suburb Thursday and killed its driver, whoVenezuelan authorities believed was a key state prosecutorleading a probe into opponents of President Hugo Chavez.


UK looks at 'integrating' ID card with health care

To 'maximise benefits for patients', of course...


Digital music download coin-op to offer 'all formats, all DRMs'

Analysis Inspired thinks big but lacks the content


The Register is band full of s**t

FoTW AV specialist throws wobbler


From Indymedia to the Moon: your musings in full

Letters An eclectic postbag


Renewed violence shatters lull in Baghdad

A suicide car bomber plowed into a Shiite mosque in Baghdad after dawn prayers on Friday, killing 14 people and stoking fears that sectarian divisions over when to hold elections could bring further bloodshed.


EMI looks to digital as download sales quadruple

But look to lawsuit stick rather than iTunes carrot for the cause


Home working trial proves popular

Experiment confines workers to their homes for two days to try teleworking.


Car bombers strike near green zone, 7 dead

BAGHDAD - A double suicide car bomb attack has devastated a police station just outside Baghdads fortified Green Zone, killing seven people and wounding 57 in the latest strike against Iraqs beleaguered security forces.


Dollar Slips After Greenspan Remarks (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar slipped  on Friday, after\Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's remarks on the U.S.\trade gap and on foreign demand for dollar-denominated  assets.


Dollar Slips After Greenspan Remarks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar slipped  on Friday, after  Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's remarks on the U.S.  trade gap and on foreign demand for dollar-denominated  assets.


Stocks Seen Flat, Drug Makers Pressured

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock futures pointed to a flat market  open on Friday, with higher oil prices and weakness in drug  maker stocks offsetting better-than-expected earnings from  entertainment company Walt Disney Co. DIS.N.


Oil Prices Rise Ahead of Northern Winter

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed on Friday as tight  supplies of distillate fuels ahead of the northern hemisphere  winter spurred buying.


Ton-up Vik wows Zim

VIKRAM SOLANKI smashed an 89-ball hundred to keep England on course for a series whitewash. The Worcestershire captain hit exactly 100 in the third one-dayer at the Queens Club in Bulawayo


Oracle to Issue Tender Results Saturday

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oracle Corp. ORCL.O said it would  report preliminary results of its \$8.8 billion hostile tender  offer for PeopleSoft PSFT.O as soon as practicable after 1  a.m. EST Saturday.


J.M. Smucker Quarterly Profit Rises

CHICAGO (Reuters) - J.M. Smucker Co. SJM.N on Friday  posted higher quarterly profit as improved sales at its Jif  peanut butter and Smucker's jelly business helped offset higher  raw material costs and a loss on the sale of its Brazilian  unit.


Advancis: Funds Through Early 2006

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Advancis Pharmaceutical Corp.  AVNC.O, which recently saw a large contract end with  GlaxoSmithKline Plc GSK.L, said Friday it has enough funds to  operate though at least early 2006, and outlined a plan to cut  costs.


Time To Applaud Chelsea #39;s Football

Chelsea are bad for football, it #39;s true; but they are also very good at it. Not something you could say about Titus Bramble, say.


Companies Forced to Fight Phishing

Phishing is a growing form of online fraud that blends old-fashioned confidence scams with innovations in technological trickery. In the second part of our two-part series, washingtonpost.com explores how banks, Internet service providers and other online businesses are trying to make e-commerce safe for their customers.
-washingtonpost.com


High-Tech City to Go Up in Southern India

Southern India's Kerala state plans to create a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) zone called "Smart City," where technology companies from around the world will be invited to set up operations, an official said Friday.


Nintendo DS a Sleek Powerhouse

The last time Nintendo Co. tried two screens, the result was a head-splitting virtual reality goggle called Virtual Boy that quickly flopped in the mid-1990s.


Hartson double puts Celtic top

Celtic have moved top of the Scottish Premier League, for 24 hours at least, after John Hartson #39;s double gave them a 2-1 victory over Hibernian.


Arsenal gets back to winning ways

Arsenal won for the first time in five games Saturday, getting two goals from Thierry Henry to beat Birmingham 3-0 in the Premier League.


Verdict Due for Afghan in Killing of Journalists

KABUL (Reuters) - An Afghan court is expected to announce a  verdict on Saturday in a closed-door trial of a man accused of  killing four foreign journalists, including two from Reuters,  just after the fall of the Taliban three years ago.


At Unusual U.N. Session, Sudanese Factions Vow to End War

The Sudanese government and southern rebels vowed today to end Sudan's long civil war by the end of this year.


Nike #39;s father to step down

Nike co-founder Phil Knight has announced that he will step down as chief executive and president of the company. The 66-year-old notified the company #39;s board of directors at


Russia set to auction oil giants prize asset

MOSCOW The government on Friday set the stage for the resolution of the  quot;Yukos affair, quot; setting an auction date for the prize asset of Yukos, the country #39;s No.


EMI stock surges 10 on robust 2H outlook

LONDON, November 19 (newratings.com) The share price of the global music company, EMI (EMI.ETR), appreciated nearly 10 to 228.5p on the London Stock Exchange today, after the company guided to improved full year results, despite posting ay/y decline


Waterford Wedgwood Posts Heavy Losses

Waterford Wedgwood PLC, the debt-laden maker of luxury homewares, reported a slight half-year profit but heavy operating losses Friday as it continued to suffer from the weak US dollar.


Telcos forge 3G link

THE race to get a widespread third generation mobile phone network in Australia started in earnest yesterday with Optus and Vodafone agreeing to a joint venture network.


Intel to Invest \$40 Million in Bangalore

Intel Corp., the world #39;s largest computer chip maker, said it would spend \$40 million to expand in the southern Indian city of Bangalore over the next two years, maintaining its spending rate since the start of 2003.


A dash of holiday giving

The 12th annual Kettle Kick-off Holiday Luncheon on Thursday raised \$150,305 for Christmas food baskets, meals, toys and other services for needy people during the holidays and throughout the year.


Cherkasky: Marsh Clears Its Board Of Insiders

Another new policy at Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. (nyse: MMC - news - people ): The insurer said yesterday that five directors--all company executives--are leaving its board.


Iraqi Forces, U.S. Troops Storm Baghdad Mosque

Iraqi forces, backed by U.S. soldiers, stormed one of the major Sunni Muslim mosques in Baghdad after Friday prayers, opening fire and killing at least three people, witnesses said. Another raid overnight at a hospital allegedly used by insurgents in Mosul led to three arrests, the military said.


FDA Says Stands by Safety of Approved Drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that Senate testimony by a veteran FDA researcher regarding safety risks for five drugs does not reflect the views of the agency.


Acquisition helps Smucker reports 18 percent earnings increase

ORRVILLE, Ohio - JM Smucker Co. said on Friday that earnings for its second quarter were up 18 percent, helped by a 57 percent increase in sales stemming from its acquisition of International Multifoods Corp.


Former Viacom president Karmazin returns to radio roots with <b>...</b>

NEW YORK_Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. is bringing in another big gun from the media world, tapping Mel Karmazin, the former president of media giant Viacom Inc.


RIAA launches P2P file sharing legal blitz

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) continued its hard line approach to music sharing across P2P networks with a round of copyright infringement lawsuits targeting 761 alleged illegal file sharers.


Sun #39;s New No. 1 Threat

Is an older Sun a mellower Sun? Scott McNealy, Sun Microsystems chairman and CEO, said at a press conference this week to introduce the companys Solaris 10 operating system that hed just turned 50 over the weekend.


First Apple Retail Store in Europe on its marks and set to ...

On Saturday, November 20th 2004, Apple will open its first European Retail Store on Regent Street in the West End of London. There those with an interest to do so will be able in a kind of adventure shop to


Explorer Again In The News For Wrong Reasons

Microsoft #39;s flagship Internet Explorer has once again come under the spotlight, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Two more vulnerabilities were uncovered in the widely used Web browser version 6, according to security firm Secunia.


Science: Europe Probe Lands on Mars

The Smart 1 lunar probe has entered into orbit around the Moon, the first European mission to do so. On Monday, Smart 1 began firing its ion engine to bring it into lunar orbit.


Coe outlines London bid for 2012 Olympics

London revealed its detailed plans for hosting the 2012 Olympic Games today with bid chief Sebastian Coe promising they would be a  quot;games for the next generation quot;.


US Airways Mechanics Not Hopeful

The head of the mechanics union at US Airways said yesterday the group is not optimistic about reaching an agreement with the airline before a critical hearing Thursday and raised the prospect that the unit could walk off the job if a court allows the current labor contract to be voided.


Prem Preview : Man United-Charlton

Club football returns and the weekend begins at Old Trafford as Charlton make the trip north to Manchester. Following a week of recriminations and fallout from the international friendlies and World


Hokies Keep ACC Title Hopes Alive With Win

The win moves the Hokies to 8-2 overall and to 5-1 in the ACC while the Terps fall to 4-6 overall and to 2-5 in the league. Virginia Tech controls its own destiny in the ACC race.


Chase comes to Florida with trio in hot pursuit

A: One race to go, and the tension is so thick, noted outdoorsman Ward Burton could barely slice it with a big, scary hunting knife.


Holiday Air Travel

Post reporters Sara Goo and Keith Alexander share holiday travel stories and discuss how the airlines handled what was one of the biggest holiday travel fiascos in years.


Ministers lash Charles

LONDON - Uproar between government and royalty broke out throughout the corridors of power yesterday in reaction to Prince Charles #39; apparent belief that people should not rise above their station.


Rivals ready themselves for Palestinian poll

WITH the reality of democratic elections across the West Bank and Gaza now sinking in, Palestinian political leaders yesterday began jockeying in earnest for position and advantage, as new coalitions and obscure candidates emerged.


Two killed in Baghdad mosque clash; Iraqi troops prepare assault <b>...</b>

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraqi national guardsmen raided a Sunni mosque in Baghdad after Friday prayers, sparking bloody clashes, an AFP correspondent reported, while in the northern city of Mosul US-backed Iraqi commandos were poised to storm rebel strongholds.


European Shares Hit New 2-1/2 Year Peak

LONDON (Reuters) - European stocks hit a new 2-1/2 year  high on Tuesday as a slide in oil prices and a rise in the  dollar fueled confidence in the global economy, but a glum  Christmas report from Woolworths weighed on UK retailers.


Speculation Surrounding IE Updates Continues

Microsoft has cobbled together dozens of third-party software plug-ins and add-ons that enhance IE and provided links to them from its Windows Marketplace site.


Online Award to Times Writer

The New York Times on the Web won an award from the Online News Association for commentary by Nicholas Kristof, an Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times.


Update 4: Japan, China Leaders Agree to Meeting

The leaders of Japan and China agreed to a one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of a summit, overcoming a diplomatic impasse between the Asian powers that have been increasingly at odds.


Supermarket chain Loblaw #39;s third-quarter profit rises 18 to \$258 <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Loblaw Cos. Ltd., Canada #39;s biggest supermarket chain, says its third-quarter profit rose 18 per cent to \$258 million as sales increased six per cent.


Wholesale sales fell in September for the first time in 7 months <b>...</b>

OTTAWA (CP) - Wholesale sales declined for the first time in seven months in September, Statistics Canada says. Sales fell by 1.9 per cent from August, to \$37.6 billion.


Karmazin named CEO at Sirius

A month after signing Stern to a five-year deal, Manhattan-based Sirius said yesterday its new chief executive is Mel Karmazin, the former head of media conglomerate Viacom who was successful


Controversy over Christmas kettles

One of the biggest fund-raising efforts of the year is about to begin for the Salvation Army: the Christmas kettle drive. In Flagstaff, the drive will kick off the day after Thanksgiving outside


Greenspan Sends Dollar to 4-Yr Low Vs Yen (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar fell under 103 yen on\Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said large\interventions in the currency market do not create protracted\changes in exchange rates but have some effect.


FDA Says Approved Drugs Are Safe (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration\said on Friday that Senate testimony by a veteran FDA\researcher regarding safety risks for five drugs does not\reflect the views of the agency.


11 local Net file sharers targeted

quot;You Got Served quot; is the title of one movie a New York-area person is accused of making available for download over the Internet.


In-Depth Review: What Makes Firefox 1.0 So Compelling

Mozilla #39;s new Firefox Web browser can make believers even out of loyal Internet Explorer proponents. By Scot Finnie, Desktop Pipeline.


Oram puts Australian attack to the sword

AUSTRALIAN crowds are familiar with the sight of a big-hitting left-hander wandering to the wicket at No.7 and turning a Test match on its head.


Greenspan: Appetite for Dollar to Dwindle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The insatiable foreign demand for  dollar holdings would eventually fall as investors diversify,  U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said on Friday in  remarks that landed hard on the dollar.


End armed chaos - Palestinian leader

PLO leader Mahmud Abbas stepped up calls Friday to end  quot;armed chaos quot; engulfing the occupied territories, as the new Palestinian leadership readied the ground for presidential elections in January.


Democratization of Europe

Europe #39;s integration project is historically unprecedented. For the past millennium, Europe has lived in an uneasy equilibrium, giving birth to every great empire that dominated and pacified the world in the last 500 years.


Fit-again Kallis to play in first India test

All-rounder Jacques Kallis will play in the first test against India starting on Saturday after recovering from a side strain, but is unlikely to bowl.


Russia Sets Auction for Oil Giant Yukos

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia pressed ahead on Friday with the  last step in the destruction of oil major YUKOS, saying it will  auction its main Siberian unit on Dec. 19 for \$8.65 billion and  hit it with a new tax claim.


Canadian Grocer Loblaw Sales Up 6 Pct.

TORONTO (Reuters) - Loblaw Cos Ltd. L.TO, Canada's  largest grocery store chain, reported a higher third-quarter  profit on Friday, as stronger sales in non-food categories  helped boost overall sales by 6 percent.


Disney's Not Goofy

The entertainment giant wraps up a successful fiscal year and sets the course for consistent growth.


Wall St. Seen Flat as Drug Shares Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock futures pointed to a flat market  open on Friday, with higher oil prices and drug maker stocks  weighing on Wall Street after Thursday's late-session rally.


Dolby Labs Files for a \$460 Million IPO

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Audio technology company Dolby  Laboratories Inc. filed on Friday to raise as much as \$460  million in an initial public offering of Class A common stock.


Investors May Sue Russia as YUKOS Tanks

MOSCOW (Reuters) - YUKOS' foreign investors accused Russia  on Friday of attempting to steal the oil giant's key unit  Yugansk and threatened to sue after Moscow set a Dec. 19 fire  sale of its assets, sending the stock collapsing by 25 percent.


Euro steadies below 1.30 dollars ahead of G20 meeting

LONDON (AFP) - The euro steadied just below the 1.30 dollar mark as the markets positioned themselves for this weekend #39;s G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bankers in Berlin.


Loblaw Profit Rises 19 as Lederer Fends Off Wal-Mart (Update1)

Loblaw Cos. said third-quarter net income rose 19 percent as the company, Canada #39;s largest supermarket chain, cut distribution costs and sold more of its profitable nonfood goods.


NVIDIA and Intel Sign Broad Cross-License, Chipsets License <b>...</b>

SANTA CLARA, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Nov. 19, 2004 -- NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq:NVDA) and Intel Corporation today announced the companies have signed a broad, multi-year patent cross-license agreement


Stocks Open Flat; Pressure on Drugmakers

US stocks opened flat on Friday, with higher oil prices and shares of drugmakers weighing on Wall Street after Thursday #39;s late-session rally.


Microsoft warns of Linux dangers

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has told Asian government leaders at a forum in Singapore that they could face patent lawsuits for using the Linux operating system instead of Windows software.


Google engineers new scholarly search

Google Inc., the leader in online search engines, is setting out to make better sense of all the scholarly work stored on the Web.


Oracle settles on quarterly patch regime

Oracle Corp is following rival Microsoft Corp in making its security patching schedule more predictable for customers. Unlike Microsoft, which faces more scrutiny from security researchers and patches every month, Oracle will patch quarterly.


AOL adds anti-spam features to version 9.0

AOL will be adding a host of new features designed to combat spam, virii and spyware to version 9.0 of its browser. The package, known as  #39;AOL 9.0 Security Edition #39; is a free download which was available from Thursday.


Spanish leaders denounce racial taunts by soccer fans

In a move to protect Spain #39;s image and bid for the 2012 Olympics, Spanish leaders stressed that its citizens and sports fans are not racist.


No mercy for England says Os

London - A 70-0 beating of Canada was effectively a warmup for new England coach Andy Robinson. Now Clive Woodward #39;s successor has a real challenge when Tri-Nations champion South Africa returns to Twickenham to make up for a 53-3 loss two years ago.


WTO Rules Against EU Protection of Goods (AP)

AP - The European Union said Friday its system of protecting names for regionally produced foods such as Champagne and Parma ham was strengthened by an initial ruling from the World Trade Organization.


Prince  #39;out of touch #39; with education, says Clarke

A government minister today dismissed the Prince of Wales as  quot;old-fashioned and out of time quot; with  quot;patronising quot; views on the education system.


Palestinians fail first post-Arafat leadership test

The Palestinian Authority Friday failed its first post-Arafat test to determine whether or not it was serious about making peace with Israel.


After Kashmir, PM bids to calm northeast fires (Reuters)

Reuters - Having reached out to Kashmiris during a two-day visit to the region, the prime minister heads this weekend to the country's volatile northeast, where public anger is high over alleged abuses by Indian soldiers.


B.C. doesn't have to pay for special autism treatment: Supreme Court (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The British Columbia government does not have to pay for a  costly early childhood treatment for autism, the Supreme Court of Canada said Friday.


Annan Sees Hope for Great Lakes Peace

DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - U.N Secretary General Kofi Annan  urged leaders of Africa's resource-rich but blood-soaked Great  Lakes region on Friday to implement a peace plan that could  herald a "new era" for millions of Africans.


Chirac on final day of UK visit

The French president Jacques Chirac lays a wreath at the tomb of Edward VII on the final day of his visit to Britain.


Nvidia, Intel Sign Cross-License Deal

Nvidia Corp., a maker of computer video cards, on Friday said it inked a multiyear patent cross-licensing agreement with Intel Corp.


Microsoft Tries To Steer Asian Government Away From Linux

According to a recent report from a research group, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer at an Asian Government Leaders Forum in Singapore claimed that Linux violates more than 228 patents.


Raptors reportedly considering Carter trade

The Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors are reportedly talking about a seven-player blockbuster trade involving Vince Carter that could amount to a wish granted for the disgruntled superstar, according to a broadcast report.


Organizers Say 2006 Olympics on Track (AP)

AP - Organizers of the 2006 Winter Olympics insist the games are on track despite a  #36;242 million budget shortfall and a police investigation into possible fixing of construction contracts.


Greenspan Sends Dollar to Multiyear Lows

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar slumped across the board,  plunging to four-and-a-half-year lows against the yen on  Friday, after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said  demand for U.S. assets could decline at some point given the  size of the current account deficit.


Official Insists FDA Acted Appropriately With Vioxx

WASHINGTON -- A Food and Drug Administration official is defending the agency #39;s action with regards to Vioxx. The drug was taken off the market Sept.


Stocks Fall on Greenspan Deficit Warning

Stocks fell modestly Friday as Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan sounded a warning over the nation #39;s spiraling trade deficit.


U.S. Firm Buys Stake in Jimmy Choo (AP)

AP - Hicks Muse Tate  amp; Furst Inc. said Friday that it has bought a majority stake in Jimmy Choo, the British-based luxury shoe label, in a deal valued at 101 million pounds ( #36;187 million).


Karmazin Brings Sirius Starpower to Radio (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Sirius Satellite Radio's hiring of former Viacom President Mel Karmazin as its new chief executive is its most aggressive move yet to steal market share away from larger rival XM Satellite Radio. It's also the clearest signal so far that the satellite upstarts intend to be real competitors in the media world.


RIAA Files New Lawsuits

The Recording Industry Association of America has filed new lawsuits against 761 people who allegedly use peer-to-peer software to trade music files without permission, the trade group announced this week.


Gateway Launches New Media Center PCs

Irvine-based Gateway refreshed its lineup of personal computers yesterday, introducing two new Media Center PCs. The company #39;s 3250X Media Center PC and 7200S Media Center PC both use Microsoft #39;s new Windows


New York Knicks Team Report - November 19

(Sports Network) - The New York Knicks hope to get back to .500 this evening when they conclude a four-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks at the AmericanAirlines Center.


Putin: No authoritarian rule in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said there could be no authoritarian rule in the Russian Federation. Commenting on statements by some Western political analysts that totalitarian rule could be established


Pitt Locks Up BCS Bid

Tyler Palko tosses a career-high 411 yards and five touchdowns to push No. 19 Pittsburgh over South Florida, 43-14, on Satudray.


Are You A Comfort Addict?

Do you find yourself unsatisfied, but unable to work out why?  Do you find yourself nodding during Fight Club when Tyler Durden tells his recruits that their struggle is a philosophical one... only to be dismayed with his idea of a solution?  Is everything okay, but nothing great?    You could well be a comfort addict.


Sigourney Weaver books flight with Virgin Galactica

Alien star turns space tourist


Operators wake up to mobile enterprise needs

Analysis Starmap points the way forward


EMI's download music sales soar

EMI sees download music sales rise by nearly 600 in the six months to the end of September and says they are becoming a major part of its business.


Microsoft Launches Regional Versions of Hotmail

LONDON (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp., the world's largest  software maker, has expanded its flagship MSN Hotmail internet  email service to include European and Japanese domain names, it  said on Friday.


Phishing Schemes

Fraudulent phishing e-mail is forcing businesses to reconsider how they communicate with their customers online. Join Dave Jevans, chairman of the Anti-Phishing Working Group, as he discusses this growing form of online fraud with washingtonpost.com reporter Brian Krebs.


Karmazin Brings Sirius Starpower to Radio

You might have thought that Sirius got serious when it hired Howard, but the second-place satellite radio company is upping some serious ante now by enlisting former Viacom President Mel Karmazin. -washingtonpost.com


Earnings alert: Linux OS sales boost Novell

Plus: Salesforce quarterly revenue rises...Write-downs widen DirecTV's loss...Time Warner net income slips...Cell phone unit shores up Verizon.


TV technology enters a new generation

The big, bulky tube television is ready to get a leaner look--and to challenge flat panels at their own game. Meanwhile, TV tuners are headed to new PCs.


Coulthard Hints at Red Bull Move

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's David Coulthard says he will  be back in Formula One next year and hinted Saturday that a  move to the Red Bull Racing Formula One team was imminent.


Euro Reaches New High against Dollar

The US dollar fell yesterday against all the major currencies on international exchange markets except the Canada dollar. The Euro climbed to \$1.3074 against US dollar, breaking a new record.


Stocks End High on Jobless Claims Report

Stocks rose modestly in uninspired trading Thursday as investors looked past a mix of economic data and falling profit forecasts from from Google Inc.


Movie Gallery Bids on Hollywood Chain

DOTHAN, Ala. - Video rental chain Movie Gallery Inc. on Friday said it has made an offer to acquire Hollywood Entertainment Corp., countering a \$700 million takeover proposed last week by Blockbuster Inc.


NY pension fund says to tender PeopleSoft stock

New York state #39;s pension fund, the nation #39;s second largest, said on Friday it plans on tendering its 2.2 million shares of PeopleSoft Inc.


EMI looks to digital future as download sales quadruple

The world #39;s third largest music label, EMI, saw its revenues from digital music increase by more than 300 per cent in the six months to 30 September, the company said today.


SAN LORENZO Sports card auctions lead to indictment

A San Lorenzo man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he defrauded EBay users in online auction for rare Mickey Mantle and Michael Jordan sports cards.


AOL launches 9.0 Security Edition

After much publicity and anticipation, America Online launched AOL 9.0 Security Edition. America Online made news when it announced that AOL 9.0 Security Edition would include McAfee VirusScan Online for free as part of basic membership.


Fifa to probe Spain #39;s race abuse shame

Football #39;s world governing body, Fifa, has said that it will launch a full investigation into the racist abuse meted out by Spanish spectators at England #39;s recent friendly international.


No. 15 Va. Tech Drubs Maryland 55-6

Virginia Tech quarterback Bryan Randall (3) twarts the tackle of Maryland #39;s Dominique Foxworth (6) during first half action of the Maryland-Va Tech Atlantic Coast Conference college football game at Lane stadium in Blacksburg, Va.


Report: NHL agent loses certification

According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, an NHL agent has lost his certification for leaking information about a players #39; association website to a reporter from a Minnesota newspaper.


Jacquess Cracks

We are approaching Thanksgiving. For an American, no matter where you are on the planet, that means it #39;s time to stop and take stock of all we have for which we should all be grateful.


Sharon drops key demand for peace talks

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon signaled that he is dropping what was once his key demand for resuming peace talks - a Palestinian crackdown on militant groups.


Vodafone tests Chinese mobile phone equipment

Vodafone Group, Europe's largest mobile phone operator, is testing several network systems from Chinese manufacturers with the intention of purchasing equipment within the next few years.


DoCoMo develops Linux, Symbian common software platform

NTT DoCoMo, Japan's largest mobile operator, has developed a common software platform that can run on both the Linux and Symbian operating systems used in its 3G (third generation) mobile phones, the company said Thursday.


Calpers tenders PeopleSoft shares to Oracle

The California Employees' Retirement System (Calpers) is tendering its 1.5 million PeopleSoft shares to Oracle, giving the hostile suitor a boost in the final days of its takeover bid.


Update: Yahoo, SBC extend partnership, plan new services

Yahoo and SBC Communications will collaborate to extend to cell phones and home entertainment devices some of the online services and content they currently provide to PC users.


Dollar Drops After Greenspan Warning on Current-Account Deficit

The dollar fell to its lowest in more than four years against the yen and dropped versus the euro after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said foreign investors will tire of financing the record current-account deficit.


ECB delays task of choosing architect

FRANKFURT Choosing this German city to be the home of the European Central Bank and its new currency, the euro, was a diplomatic challenge worthy of Talleyrand.


WTO panel rules in favor of S. Korea #39;s Hynix in dispute with 0U.S.

SEOUL, Nov 19, 2004 (Kyodo via COMTEX) -- A World Trade Organization panel has ruled in favor of South Korea #39;s Hynix Semiconductor Inc.


Bill Gates Inundated with Spam

Steve Ballmer said he, too, is among the most spammed people in the world because he gives out his e-mail address in nearly every speech he makes.


SMART-1 #39;s Ion Drive: From Fiction to Fact

SMART-1, the European Space Agency craft currently in orbit around the moon, makes use of a technology that was pure science fiction until the 1960s - the ion drive.


Let the handheld games begin

It #39;s the fight computer gamers have been waiting for. But the latest duel between wise old master Nintendo and challenger Sony is not taking place on a TV screen.


At Unusual UN Session, Sudanese Factions Vow to End War

The Sudanese government and southern rebels vowed today to end Sudan #39;s long civil war by the end of this year, putting their pledge on paper in


US, Iraqi Troops Storm Baghdad Mosque

Iraqi forces arrest people during a raid on one of the major Sunni Muslim mosques in Baghdad, the Abu Hanifa mosque, Friday Nov. 19 2004.


Does Your Site Need a Custom Search Engine Toolbar?\\Today's surfers aren't always too comfortable installing software on their computers. Especially free software that they don't necessarily understand. With all the horror stories of viruses, spyware, and adware that make the front page these days, it's no wonder. So is there ...


Search Engine Marketing: Internet Gardening Tips For 2005\\With the major elections now behind us, we can once again concentrate on getting back to business. In Canada, we don't even have Hockey to distract us this year. Here are a few gardening tips to help you prepare for marketing your business ...


Babelplex Multilingual Search Engine - the C3PO of Search\\I live in a bilingual household, well, make that trilingual. I'm an English speaker from the US and my wife is a dual Brazilian/Japanese citizen. I lived in Japan for 18 months and then spent about the same amount of time in ...


Trouble for California Cloning?

The United Nations considers a ban on all forms of cloning, a move that could eventually lead to problems for California's 10-year, \$3 billion stem-cell initiative. By Kristen Philipkoski.


Gamers Rewarded With Another Life

It doesn't break new ground, and the plot is a little sparse, but thanks to its visual quality and ability to suck you into its world, Half Life 2 is probably the best game of 2004. By Suneel Ratan.


Please, More Steam-Powered Games

Perhaps just as good as the release of Half-Life 2 this week is the introduction of Steam, a service that lets gamers buy and download sophisticated PC games. It's the way game retailing ought to be. Commentary by Suneel Ratan.


Pushing the Male Envelope

Though it seems most sex toys are designed for women, it's the male-oriented ones that nudge the technology to new levels. Commentary by Regina Lynn.


Don't Touch That Dial

Plextor's new ConvertX PVR turns a Mac or PC into a digital video recorder. It's a slick product that's easy to set up and use. But inexplicably, the PVR is crippled in a fundamental way. By Leander Kahney.


Researchers: Florida Vote Fishy

President Bush may have received up to 260,000 more votes than he should have in Florida counties that used touch-screen voting machines, according to an academic analysis. Researchers call on Florida to examine the results. By Kim Zetter.


Treasuries Down, Greenspan Warns on Rates

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices turned abruptly  lower on Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan,  in a highly unusual move, said those unprepared for higher  interest rates stood to lose money.


FDA scientist details problems of five drugs

During a Senate hearing Thursday regarding Vioxx, the arthritis blockbuster pulled off the market in September over concerns about increased risk of heart attacks and


Nike #39;s Knight Resigns As CEO

The co-founder of the athletic shoe and clothing company is stepping down as president and CEO, with his resignation taking effect Dec. 28.


Dollar sinks after Greenspan remarks, gold up in Europe

LONDON - The US dollar sank Friday in European trading after US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan warned of the dangers of America #39;s growing trade deficit and the chance the imbalance could eventually depress foreign demand for the greenback.


Intel, Nvidia Sign Cross-Licensing Pact

Chip giant Intel and graphics processor vendor Nvidia said Friday they have inked a wide-ranging technology sharing pact that, among other things, will let Nvidia use Intel #39;s front-side bus technology.


Intel to invest \$40 million in India

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


Dolby Labs files for IPO worth up to \$460 million

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones/AP) -- Dolby Laboratories Inc., the developer of noise reduction systems for audio equipment, filed Friday to sell up to \$460 million in stock in an initial public offering.


Genentech #39;s new lung cancer drug gets FDA approval

NEW YORK, November 19 (newratings.com) - Tarceva, an experimental lung cancer drug, has been approved by the Food  amp; Drug Administration, Genentech (DNA.


Loblaws Q3 profit up 18

TORONTO - Grocery retailer Loblaw Companies Ltd. said Friday its third-quarter earnings grew by more than 18 per cent over the previous year.


Germany calls for measures to halt dollar decline

German Finance Minister Hans Eichelon Friday called on the world #39;s three main trading blocks to find a way of halting the dollar #39;s slide against the euro and the yen.


Think your spam is a problem? Think again.

According to Microsoft #39;s Chief Executive, Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates is number one in the amount of spam a person gets. According to the Microsoft CEO, Gates gets over four million messages a day, most of which are junk.


Minneapolis PR Upstart Joins Web-Browser War

The New York Times ad for Firefox has become a cause celebre sight unseen. It #39;s part pat-on-the-back souvenir for Firefox fans, part anti-Microsoft clarion call and part reality check


Zoo nixes request to send aging elephants to sanctuary

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association on Thursday denied Detroit Zoo director Ron Kagan #39;s final appeal to send the two aging, arthritic elephants to one of two US sanctuaries where they could roam hundreds of acres.


Bomber Targets Baghdad Police, Troops Raid Mosque (Reuters)

Reuters - A suicide car bomber attacked a police\convoy in Baghdad on Friday as guerrillas kept pressure on\Iraq's U.S.-backed security forces despite a bloody rout of\insurgents in the Sunni Muslim bastion of Falluja.


Trevor and Rory fight back

Seville, Spain - England #39;s Ryder Cup stars Paul Casey and Luke Donald produced a classic display of team golf over the Royal Seville Golf Course on Friday to forge a five-stroke lead in the World Cup at the halfway stage.


Tiger Takes A Stand On Ryder Cup Politics

Tiger is upset that his buddy Mark O #39;Meara got passed over as 2006 Ryder Cup captain. Instead, PGA America picked Tom Lehman. Woods says that Lehman is a good choice but would be a good choice four years from


England-South Africa pits World Cup winner versus Tri-Nations <b>...</b>

The last time England faced South Africa at Twickenham, the English were on the climb and the Springboks were on a steep slide. The result two years ago was a 53-3 thrashing for the South Africans.


Will SEC tee off on Spurrier?

Ah, the life of Steve Spurrier. From all indications, he #39;s headed to the University of South Carolina, which will allow him to pursue victories and birdies, not necessarily in that order.


Comeback not enough

To say the Sixers had trouble scoring in the first quarter Thursday is like saying a fish has trouble surviving out of water. Of their first 16 shots, the Sixers missed exactly 16.


Sharon eases conditions to restart peace talks

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has indicated he is dropping a demand that Palestinians crack down on militant groups before he will resume peace talks.


Bush to press APEC leaders on N. Korea

North Korea #39;s nuclear aspirations, allies #39; worries about the US budget deficit and hopes for global trade deals will be on the agenda this weekend as President Bush attends


Arsenal Gets Back to Winning Ways (AP)

AP - Arsenal won for the first time in five games Saturday, getting two goals from Thierry Henry to beat Birmingham 3-0 in the Premier League.


Mel #39;s Sirius Decision

Former Viacom (NYSE: VIA) Chief Operating Officer Mel Karmazin being named CEO at Sirius Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) shouldn #39;t have come as much of a surprise.


Hollinger International gets cash from CanWest deal

Hollinger International Inc. (HLR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday that it received cash proceeds of about \$49.1 million on a transaction with CanWest Global Communications Corp.


Electronic Eye Devised to Help Blind Cross Roads

An  quot;electronic eye quot; that can be fitted to a pair of glasses could help the blind cross roads more safely, scientists said on Friday.


Rooney apologises for Madrid display

MADRID, Nov19 (SW) - A display categorised as Thuggish by some pundits led to England star Wayne Rooney apologising to head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson after Wednesdays 1-0 defeat in Madrid.


Novo wins appeal of red card

Glasgow, Scotland (Sports Network) - Rangers striker Nacho Novo won his appeal against a red card Friday and will be eligible to play in the Old Firm derby on Saturday.


Afghan opium cultivation area increased by 64 percent: UN :

New York, Nov 19 : In a highly disturbing development, the area under opium cultivation in Afghanistan increased by 64 percent this year, giving the country the dubious distinction of establishing a new record in its cultivation and becoming the largest


Greenspan Rate Warning Spooks Treasuries (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasuries prices skidded lower\on Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said\investors should be hedged for higher interest rates.


Japanese Officials Assure Recovery (AP)

AP - Japanese financial officials tried to play down worries Friday that a planned revision in calculating growth may show the economy shrank instead of grew slightly in the quarter ended Sept. 30.


Dow, S P 500, Nasdaq All Drop 1 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Friday, led by  pharmaceutical shares after a U.S. health official raised  concerns about drug safety and a drop in chip-equipment makers  following a ratings downgrade by Goldman Sachs.


Greenspan Rate Warning Spooks Treasuries

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasuries prices skidded lower  on Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said  investors should be hedged for higher interest rates.


Sri Lankan budget eyes brothel gains

Sri Lanka's 2005 budget measures include a massive increase in the fine for running a brothel.


Phil Knight to resign as CEO of Nike

Worldwide athletic-goods giant Nike, Inc. announced Thursday that University alumnus and current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philip H. Knight will step down as CEO, effective Dec. 28.


Greenspan sceptical about central bank intervention, warns on US <b>...</b>

FRANKFURT, Nov 19 (AFP) - US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan deflated European hopes Friday for coordinated central bank intervention to check the record-setting pace of the euro.


Nvidia Cross-Licensing Deal Positive For Intel

Standard and Poor #39;s Equity Research reiterated a  quot;hold quot; rating and \$27 target price on Intel (nasdaq: INTC - news - people ). The research firm said the chipmaker #39;s deal with Nvidia (nasdaq: NVDA - news - people


Pay-Per-Channel TV Would Cost Viewers More -- FCC

Most US households would face higher television bills if they only paid for the channels they wanted to watch, US regulators told Congress in a report released on Friday.


Tennis star Andre Agassi wins appeal, will avoid British taxman

Andre Agassi won #39;t have to pay British taxes on endorsement money earned while playing in England. A three-judge panel upheld the American tennis star #39;s appeal Friday, overturning a High Court ruling in March.


JM Smucker Disappoints, Sales Flat

JM Smucker Co. (SJM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday posted an 18.5 percent rise in quarterly profit, but its shares fell as much as 5 percent as sales were nearly flat excluding an acquisition.


Spamming the Big Fish

Bill Gates may be the most-spammed person in the world. The Microsoft chairman receives about four million e-mails a day, most of them spam, according to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.


Microsoft raises FUD over patents

Microsoft has responded to our story yesterday about it threatening Asian governments that, if they choose Linux, they may get sued - possibly by one of the holders of the  quot;more


Bones of Possible Missing Link Unearthed in Spain

Scientists believe they may have found the remains of an extinct species of ape that would be the last common ancestor humans shared with chimpanzees, gorillas and other primates during a dig in Spain.


#39;Electronic eye #39; helps blind across the road

An electronic  quot;artificial eye quot;, developed for people with impaired vision, has been shown to reliably identify pedestrian crossings, determine when it is safe to walk across and even measure the width of a road.


State news of national interest

GERMANTOWN, Md. - An analyst at Cellmark #39;s DNA testing laboratory was fired for allegedly falsifying data. Cellmark, the world #39;s largest private DNA testing firm, says the falsification occurred in only


Apple To Open London Store

its 99th retail outlet and the first in Europe -- to sell Macintosh computers and the popular iPod music players. The opening follows close on the


Honda to take stake in BAR-Honda F1 team

Honda Motor Co. will own a stake in BAR-Honda for the first time since the Japanese automaker rejoined Formula One racing in 2000.


Favre, Tice can #39;t help but admire their NFC North enemies

His teammates charged onto the Lambeau Field grass like high school kids who #39;d just captured a state championship, basking in the glory of Ryan Longwell #39;s game-ending 33-yard field goal.


Around the CFL: The Argos are all business

Head coach Mike  quot;Pinball quot; Clemons and the Toronto Argonauts are all business this week heading into Sunday #39;s Grey Cup matchup against British Columbia at Frank Clair Stadium.


Winky:  #39;I #39;m going to dominate Shane #39;

At this time last year, Winky Wright was just another anonymous belt-holder. Despite having the IBF junior middleweight trinket, he was on the outside looking in at all the other big fights taking place around him.


2004 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit - Chile

In this edition of Perspective, we #39;ll take a look at some of the issues at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Summit in Chile.


FCC Updates Congress on Cable TV Prices

Letting cable TV subscribers pay for only the channels they want won't reduce the cost for most, federal regulators told Congress in a report released Friday. Consumer groups immediately attacked the study as flawed.


Battered Wife Wins Suit Against Md. Matchmaker

Bethesda-based company didn't screen clients properly or help when she reported abuse, Ukrainian woman alleged.


The Fool's Look Ahead

It will be a short trading week, but that is probably the best reason to take a long, hard look at some of the companies that will be in the news.


Greenspan sceptical about central bank intervention on forex markets (AFP)

AFP - US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan appeared to be sceptical about the efficacy of any central bank intervention to prop up the dollar.


Movie Gallery Bids for Hollywood Video (Reuters)

Reuters - Movie Gallery Inc.  on Friday\offered to buy rival movie rental chain Hollywood Entertainment\Corp.  for an undisclosed sum, one week after industry\leader Blockbuster Inc.  bid about  #36;700 million for\Hollywood.


Worm salutes Microsoft

After a relatively quiet fall, mass-mailing worm begins to spread on Windows PCs. Meanwhile, the Air Force turns to Microsoft for security help.


Sober worm variant shimmies

New version of mass-mailing worm promises German speakers pictures of a naked go-go dancer seeking employment.


AstraZeneca Shares Fall on Crestor Worry

LONDON (Reuters) - Shares in AstraZeneca Plc fell as much  as 10 percent on Friday after regulators in the United States  and Europe raised safety concerns about the Anglo-Swedish drug  maker's anti-cholesterol treatment Crestor.


Movie Gallery Bids for Hollywood Video

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Movie Gallery Inc. MOVI.O on Friday  offered to buy rival movie rental chain Hollywood Entertainment  Corp. HLYW.O for an undisclosed sum, one week after industry  leader Blockbuster Inc. BBI.N bid about \$700 million for  Hollywood.


J.M. Smucker Disappoints, Sales Flat

CHICAGO (Reuters) - J.M. Smucker Co. SJM.N on Friday  posted an 18.5 percent rise in quarterly profit, but its shares  fell as much as 5 percent as sales were nearly flat excluding  an acquisition.


Pressure mounts on EDS over U.K. government IT system grows

LONDON -- After continuous computer failures forced the top civil servant of the U.K.'s Department of Work and Pensions' Child Support Agency (CSA) to step down from his job this week, the government is considering scrapping a welfare case management and telephony system developed in large part by Electronic Data Systems (EDS).


CORRECTED - UPDATE 2-Greenspan warns appetite for dollar to <b>...</b>

In FRANKFURT story headlined  quot;UPDATE 2-Greenspan warns appetite for dollar to dwindle quot; please read in paragraph 13 ... said Jason Bonanca ... instead of ... said Jason Bonaca ... (adds dropped letter). FRANKFURT


Oil soars back near \$48

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Oil prices soared Friday as worries about heating fuel supplies and technical trading factors pushed prices sharply higher.


Stocks step back

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Stocks edged lower early Friday with some lingering weakness in the tech sector, weakness in the dollar and higher oil prices in the background.. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite (up


EMI upbeat on music business

A WEAK dollar and a lack of major album releases saw music giant EMI #39;s sales slide again in the past six months. But chairman Eric Nicoli sang an uncharacteristically upbeat tune today when he said sales in


Morning business news

TIMES STILL TOUGH FOR WATERFORD - Waterford Wedgwood has issued interim results for the six months to the end of September. Conditions remain tough for the group.


Bill Gates sees spam  quot;under control quot; in two years

MADRID, Nov 19 (AFP) - Spam, the junk mail that clogs the in-box of hundreds of millions of e-mail users, could become a thing of the past in around two years time, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said on a visit to Madrid on Friday.


Recording Cos. Sue 761 for Music Swapping

LOS ANGELES Nov 19, 2004 - The recording industry has filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 761 computer users, the latest round of litigation in the record companies #39; effort to stamp out unauthorized trading of music online.


Microsoft renews Yahoo! ad contract

Microsoft Corp has renewed its deal with Overture Services Inc, owned by rival Yahoo! Inc for another year until June 2006, the companies have announced.


NASA sets Swift launch for Saturday

Swift #39;s new launch date is Saturday, if NASA, Boeing and the Air Force can replace and test components of the rocket in time. The gamma-ray observatory #39;s


Md. DNA lab fires analyst

GERMANTOWN, Md. -- The world #39;s largest private DNA testing firm has fired an analyst for allegedly falsifying test data. Officials with Orchid Cellmark - with labs in Maryland, Texas, Tennessee and Britain


DoCoMo taps up Linux and Symbian for common aim

DoCoMo has tapped up handset vendors to create the platform, which works with both Linux and Symbian phones, working with NEC and Panasonic on the former and Fujitsu on the latter.


England leads at World Cup of Golf

Englishmen Paul Casey and Luke Donald surged to a five-stroke lead in the second round of the team World Cup, shooting an 8-under-par 64 on Friday for a two-round total of 19-under 125.


UN adopts resolution on Sudan, slammed by aid agencies as 'weak' (AFP)

AFP - The Khartoum government and rebels pledged to sign a final accord ending a two-decade war in southern Sudan by the end of the year, as the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution pushing for peace in the war-ravaged country.


U.S. Commander: N. Korea May Sell Nukes (AP)

AP - Impoverished North Korea might resort to selling weapons-grade plutonium to terrorists for much-needed cash, and that would be "disastrous for the world," the top U.S. military commander in South Korea said Friday.


Stocks narrowly mixed..

The Dow Jones industrial average is up 32 points. Decliners on the New York Stock Exchange hold an eight-to-seven lead over advancers.


Palestinians cool to apparent softening by Sharon

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon apparently has softened his stance that Palestinians must crack down on militants before he will restart peace talks, but Palestinian leaders on Friday said Sharon should go further and drop all


AFGHAN OPIUM GROWING UP TWO THIRDS

Opium cultivation in Afghanistan leapt by two-thirds this year, according to a new UN report that warns the countrys economy could be forced to rely on poppy growing largely wiped out under the hardline Taliban militia.


Sharon 'eases' talks conditions

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon appears to have eased his preconditions for resuming talks with the Palestinians.


Voq Pro smart phone

Reg review A great idea - just a year too late?


Casey, Donald Five Ahead at World Cup (AP)

AP - Englishmen Paul Casey and Luke Donald surged to a five-stroke lead in the second round of the team World Cup on Friday after shooting an 8-under-par 64.


Serbia seeks support for budget

Serbia's government seeks support from parliament for its 2005 budget, which includes tax breaks, more welfare benefits and a "modest" deficit.


Bush Signs Into Law Debt Ceiling Increase (Reuters)

Reuters - President Bush on Friday signed into\law a measure authorizing an  #36;800 billion increase in the\credit limit of the United States, the White House said.


BT launches mobile phone service

BT launches a new mobile phone service, three years after spinning-off its MM02 subsidiary.


The Perfect Business

To determine how good a company is, it helps to consider the characteristics of the perfect business.


Russia Advances Plans to Break Up Yukos

Russia moved ahead Friday with plans to break up the country #39;s largest oil producer over unpaid back tax bills, announcing it would auction off a majority stake in the main production unit of oil giant OAO Yukos next month.


Crematory to Draw Guilty Plea

Nearly three years after grabbing international headlines, the grisly Tri-State Crematory case creeps closer to its end Friday morning.


Recording Cos. Sue 761 for Music Swapping (AP)

AP - The recording industry has filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 761 computer users, the latest round of litigation in the record companies' effort to stamp out unauthorized trading of music online.


Chirac tries to ease Franco-British tensions over Iraq (AFP)

AFP - Visiting French President Jacques Chirac hailed "a very strong historical link" between London and Paris, while arguing his case for a multipolar and interdependent world.


Bill Gates Gets 4 Million Spams A Day

Junk e-mail, more commonly know as spam, clogs inboxes world wide, and wastes millions in thus far vain attempt to curb nuisance. It is likely that no one


Spanish FA sorry for racist taunts

LONDON, England -- The English FA has received a letter of apology from the Spanish FA after fans racially abused England players during Wednesday #39;s match in Madrid.


It was a mutual decision insists Richards

Talking in a teleconference this afternoon, David Richards insisted that the ending of the  quot;consultancy contract quot; between BAR and Prodive, and his subsequent departure from the team, was a mutual decision.


Quieroz defends under-fire Rooney

REDS coach Carlos Quieroz believes Wayne Rooney has received an excessive amount of criticism due to being a Manchester United player.


Raptors shipping Carter to Blazers: report

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Talk of a trade between the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trail Blazers involving marquee players Vince Carter and Shareef Abdur-Rahim is  quot;more than just a rumour, quot; says a source close to the Trail Blazers.


US team to search for remains of 2,000 soldiers in North Korea (AFP)

AFP - North Korea has agreed to allow US investigators to search for the remains of more than 2,000 members of the US armed forces missing in action from the Korean War, US officials said.


No. 19 Pitt QB Palco Throws 5 TDs in Win (AP)

AP - Tyler Palko threw for a career-high 411 yards and five touchdowns in three quarters Saturday, helping No. 19 Pittsburgh rout South Florida 43-14 and virtually assure the Panthers the Big East spot in the Bowl Championship Series.


Agency: Less Than 30 Chinese Tigers Left in Wild (Reuters)

Reuters - South China tigers, among the rarest of\the five remaining tiger subspecies, are on the verge of\extinction in the wild with less than 30 remaining, Xinhua news\agency said on Friday, citing a recent survey.


US envoy tells Ukraine leaders to hold fair vote (AFP)

AFP - A top US senator met outgoing Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to urge him to ensure a fair presidential election at the weekend, amid opposition warnings of massive vote-rigging to ensure victory for Kuchma's protege.


Imagine That! Star Patterns to Ponder (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - In our current evening sky \  we have one of the earliest soap-operalike stories, with two independent plots \  becoming intertwined into one. Perhaps we could call it the celestial version \  of  quot;All My Children. quot;


Quantum Astronomy: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - This is the second article in a series of four articles each with a separate explanation of different quantum phenomena. Each article is a piece of a mosaic, so every one is needed to understand the final explanation of the quantum astronomy experiment we propose, possibly using the Allen Array Telescope and the narrow-band radio-wave detectors being build by the SETI Institute and the University of California, Berkeley.