US Special Forces Punished for Iraq Prisoner Abuse

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Four U.S. troops serving on an elite  special operations task force have been disciplined for abusing  prisoners in Iraq, including unauthorized use of Taser  electric-shock weapons, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.


Twenty Filipinos Found Alive in Rubble After Storm

MANILA (Reuters) - About 20 survivors were found on  Thursday in a building that collapsed 10 days earlier during a  fierce storm and landslides that devastated Real town in the  northern Philippines, a radio station quoted rescuers as  saying.


US and EU hail Ukrainian reforms

The US and the EU welcome reforms approved by Ukraine's parliament which pave the way for a new election


Sale of IBM unit doesn #39;t mean ThinkPads will cease to exist

This week, IBM said it is selling off most of its PC division to Lenovo, China #39;s No. 1 PC maker. The news is likely to rattle IBM customers - but it may end up benefiting them long term.


Saudi Arabia questions need for Opec action on cutting oil supply

CAIRO - Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi said yesterday that world oil stocks were not building too fast and questioned the need for Opec to act on supply with prices still above the groups formal target.


Don #39;t Stop Dealmaking

It has been a long and tortured courtship. For years, health-care giant Johnson  amp; Johnson (JNJ ) has held on-again, off-again acquisition talks with medical-device maker Guidant (GDT ). Now Wall Street sources say the companies are talking again.


Campina merger forms largest diary co-operative

AMSTERDAM - Dutch diary company Campina announced on Wednesday it would merge with Danish-Swedish firm Arla Foods to create the world #39;s largest farmer-owned diary corporation with an annual turnover of EUR 10 billion.


DreamWorks postpones  #39;Shrek 3 #39;

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- DreamWorks Animation SKG said after the bell Wednesday that it has decided to postpone the release of  quot;Shrek 3 quot; to May 2007 from the original target date of November 2006.


Congress to back aid for Internet schools

WASHINGTON -- Congress guaranteed the flow of Internet aid to schools and libraries and provided federal funds to upgrade emergency 911 services for calls from mobile phones in a communications bill approved Wednesday and sent to the president for his


Fannie Mae to forfeit millions

WASHINGTON -- In a deal with the government, the mortgage company Fannie Mae has agreed to forfeit \$7.5 million after being accused of accepting money it knew had been lost by a federal agency in a fraud scheme.


South Korea to curb hostile foreign takeover bids (AFP)

AFP - South Korea has introduced new rules to help domestic firms protect themselves from hostile takeover bids by foreign investors.


Disney Sides With The Blu-ray Disc Assocation

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced that The Walt Disney Company will become a member of the Board of Directors of the BDA, and will begin releasing content non-exclusively in the Blu-ray Disc format when Blu-ray hardware launches in North


Panel questions hubble mission

A leading panel of experts handed NASA #39;s leadership a sharp reproof Wednesday, concluding that the space shuttle should be used to service the Hubble Space Telescope and


The chicken and the genome

Scientists have analyzed the genetic makeup of chickens, and it is providing valuable information about how human genes work. Washington University Genome Sequencing Center led a group of international researchers


Enigmatic deep-space object may have a hot secret

A giant rock spotted on the fringes of the Solar System has frozen water crystals on its surface, an intriguing discovery that suggests it may harbour volcanic activity, a study says.


Nintendo is shipping more DS game units

Nintendo Co. said it is boosting holiday shipments of its new Nintendo DS dual-screen hand-held gaming device to 1.4 million in North America, from the previously announced 1 million, to help alleviate shortages and meet consumer demand for the device.


Cat gets MBA degree in US online scam

In an expanding worldwide market of e-learning, an online university in the United States is being sued for allegedly selling bogus degrees, including an MBA degree awarded to a cat.


Mantei #39;s up in bullpen

The Red Sox stats, schedule #39; starting rotation still has two significant spots to be addressed, but the bullpen is near completion with the addition of veteran Matt Mantei.


UNDATED: LSU (708).

Janel McCarville had 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead Minnesota over previously unbeaten Wisconsin-Green Bay. It was the sixth straight victory for Minnesota (7-1), which got 12 points


Annan gets ovation at UN despite US attack

The whiff of scandal has been swirling around the UN for months. But now Kofi Annan himself, the man handpicked by the Americans to lead the organisation seven years ago, is on the ropes.


Japan Extends Iraq Troop Deployment One Year

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan approved an extension of its troop  deployment in Iraq Thursday for up to a year, a decision  opposed by most voters, who want to end the nation's riskiest  military mission since World War II.


Sooners Come Through

Kevin Bookout scores all 12 of his points in the second half to lead Oklahoma to a 66-48 victory over Purdue.


Merck Gets a Breather -- for Now

The beleaguered drug giant #39;s lowered forecast isn #39;t as bad as Wall Street expected. But investors still await the long-term prognosis.


Orioles Sign Utilityman Gomez to Bolster Bench

The Baltimore Orioles strengthened their bench yesterday, signing veteran infielder Chris Gomez to a one-year minor league deal. Gomez, who hit .282 with three home runs last season as a reserve for the Toronto


Three survive 11 days under collapsed building

Two adults and a three-year-old girl have been pulled out alive after 11 days buried under a collapsed two-storey building in the Philippines #39; storm-hit town of Real, the local military commander said.


Nikkei at 5-Week Closing Low

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 1.51  percent to a five-week closing low on Thursday as poor  machinery orders data followed sluggish growth figures that  undermined confidence in the economy a day earlier.


Infineon to build a fab in Malaysia to build chips for cars and <b>...</b>

Infineon Technologies will build a fab in Kulim High Tech Park, Malaysia, to produce power supply and logic chips used in cars and industrial power applications, the firm announced on December 8. Infineon


Technology ; Oracle to  #39;oversupport #39; PeopleSoft customer - Ellison

quot;(A merged company) will invest more in (business software) applications than Oracle and PeopleSoft could do independently and we #39;ll give SAP a good run, quot; Ellison said.


Stockland Buys Lensworth From Foster #39;s for A\$825 Mln (Update1)

Stockland bought the Lensworth property development business from Foster #39;s Group Ltd. for A\$825 million (\$624 million), becoming Australia #39;s biggest residential property developer.


Ukraine's Opposition Sees Path to Victory (Reuters)

Reuters - Ukraine's opposition presidential hopeful\Viktor Yushchenko said on Wednesday parliament's vote to root\out cheating in elections opened the way for him to win a\re-run of a rigged poll.


Allen: Baseball must act quickly

Sen. George Allen, R-Va., says Major League Baseball needs to move fast to toughen its steroids-testing policy in order to avoid congressional action.


Blair weary but not downhearted

A disappointed but determined prime minister said last night he had not given up hope of reaching a lasting settlement in Northern Ireland.


NATO Seeks to Boost Image, Presence in Middle East (Reuters)

Reuters - NATO foreign ministers held\unprecedented talks with ministers from Israel and six Arab\states on Wednesday as part of the alliance's bid to improve\its image and ties in the region.


Japan OKs Plan to Keep Troops in Iraq (AP)

AP - Japan's Cabinet on Thursday approved a plan to keep Japanese troops in Iraq for another year, the trade minister said.


Nintendo Ups DS Console Shipment Target

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nintendo Co. Ltd. raised its 2004  shipment target for its DS handheld video game device by 40  percent to 2.8 million units on Thursday after many stores in  Japan and the United States sold out in the first week of  sales.


Blair 'pressing US on climate'

Tony Blair tries to persuade the US to cut greenhouse gases amid concerns over climate change.


Ballerina Markova is remembered

The funeral of one of the last century's greatest known ballerinas, Dame Alicia Markova, is held in Bath.


IBM agreement fuels nation #39;s foreign growth

Lenovo Group #39;s takeover of IBM #39;s personal computer business is a giant step in a multibillion-dollar foreign expansion by China, which is buying auto, television and telecommunications companies abroad.


Stockland pays A\$825m for Fosters property unit

Fosters, Australias largest beer and wine maker, has been trying to sell Lensworth, aiming to focus on its beverage business.


Dynegy falls on forecast 2005 loss

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - Shares of energy company Dynegy plunged 10 percent Wednesday after the company slashed its 2004 earnings estimate and warned investors it faces losses that could go as high as \$391 million next year.


An open letter to the Linux community from PalmSource

The following is a verbatim copy of a open letter to the Linux community issued by PalmSource. Read on for more information about the new acquisition and FAQs about how PalmSource will use the new resources and the new Palm OS Cobalt version of Linux.


HOW IT WORKS Giving Gamers Another Window on Their World

THE newest piece of hardware in the video game wars, the Nintendo DS hand-held console, arrived in stores last month, out to prove that two is better than one, in more ways than one.


ON SOCCER 82,000 empty seats greet Madrid, Roma

When Roma and Real Madrid took to the field Wednesday at the 82,000-seat Olympic Stadium in Rome, they walked into an empty stadium.


Talks to resume N. Ireland peace collapses

No agreement has been reached in the negotiation between Northern Ireland #39;s Democratic Unionist Party, or DUP and its rival Sinn Fein, to resume peace talks.


Twenty Filipinos Found Alive in Rubble After Storm

About 20 Filipinos were found alive in the rubble of a collapsed building on Thursday, 10 days after a fierce storm and landslides devastated several eastern and northern provinces, a radio station reported.


Nikkei Hits 5-Week Closing Low

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 1.51  percent to a five-week closing low on Thursday as poor  machinery orders data followed sluggish growth figures that  undermined confidence in the economy a day earlier.


CSFB Asia Unit Rebounds After Defections

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Credit Suisse First Boston is  targeting Asia for growth while cutting elsewhere, as its  regional team springs back from high-profile defections to  boost its M A and debt financing business.


HP pressured to sell PC business after IBM

SEATTLE, DEC 9: Hewlett-Packard Co will be under pressure to sell its personal computer business after IBM #39;s decision to sell its PC operations to China #39;s top PC manufacturer, but analysts said the No 2 computer maker would hold on to its \$25 billion PC


Studios juggle release dates of animated films

DreamWorks, Pixar and Disney have each rescheduled high-profile films in ways that could dramatically affect their earnings flow and status in


Auto industry sues over California air plan

Carmakers, dealers want to block rule to cut carbon dioxide emissions, saying only the feds can decide fuel economy. By Jeff Plungis / Detroit News Washington Bureau.


IRA Says Disarmament Pictures 'Never Possible' (Reuters)

Reuters - The Irish Republican Army said on\Thursday it would never provide photographic proof of\disarmament as demanded by its Northern Ireland Protestant\opponents.


Coulthard tests for Red Bull

David Coulthard #39;s Formula One prospects have received a boost with news of a test with the Red Bull team at Jerez in Spain. Coulthard, who has no confirmed seat for 2005 after


NHL players, owners will meet to seek ways to save season

The day after a caucus convened in Toronto to brainstorm ways to reinvigorate hockey, the brain trust in charge of the league descends on the game #39;s de facto capital with hopes of reviving the hockey season.


IRA Says Disarmament Pictures 'Never Possible'

BELFAST (Reuters) - The Irish Republican Army said on  Thursday it would never provide photographic proof of  disarmament as demanded by its Northern Ireland Protestant  opponents.


WMC says moves are  #39;business as usual #39;

The chief executive of WMC Resources has denied the company #39;s share buyback and the sale of part of its business is designed to undermine a takeover offer from Swiss-based Xstrata.


Australia Stockland Pays A\$825M For Foster #39;s Lensworth-2-

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Stockland (SGP.AU) said Thursday it will pay A\$825 million, plus working capital of A\$21 million, for Lensworth, the property development business of Foster #39;s Group Ltd.


Merck #39;s stock rises despite cloudy outlook

The big drug maker yesterday told Wall Street that the recent withdrawal of its Vioxx painkiller will dampen 2005 earnings even more than previously expected.


OUR OPINION

Target #39;s decision to ban The Salvation Army bell ringers from stores has sparked a backlash, according to news reports from around the country.


Automakers Challenge CA CO 2 Regulation in Court

As expected, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has joined a group of automobile dealers in Californias Central Valley to file suit against Californias new regulation of CO 2 emissions.


Sales soar in aerospace industry

WASHINGTON -- After three dark years, the sun finally peeked through yesterday at the Aerospace Industries Association #39;s annual year-end review.


Toshiba Develops Dual-Format DVD

Toshiba with NEC and Sanyo, are backing the next-generation DVD #39;s called HD-DVD or High-Definition DVD. According to Toshiba and a disc maker, they have developed a dual-layer ROM disc which stores data in


Watch out Outlook, here comes Thunderbird

THE Open Source Mozilla Project is on a roll and attracting favourable attention and interest right now. Its Firefox 1.0 browser, officially launched last month, has created enough buzz judging from the number of downloads to date.


Volcanic Activity Possible on Object Beyond Neptune

A large planet-like object out in the realm of Pluto shows signs of either a relatively recent collision or perhaps volcanic activity, astronomers said today.


China Bans Video Game for Breach of Sovereignty

China, sensitive about issues of national sovereignty, has banned a computer sports game that classifies Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet as countries and has threatened to fine Web sites that supply the game and net cafes that let


Siemens sets up 1Gbit/s wireless link

Siemens has claimed a world first for its transmission of data at a rate of 1Gbit/s over a wireless link. To achieve this rate, which is 20 times faster than today #39;s 50Mbit/s wireless LANs, researchers at


Gritty Sonics roll on

SAN ANTONIO -- Antonio Daniels scowled and every muscle in his body seemed steel-cable taut as he walked toward the Sonics #39; bench.


Former US Marine in Iraq tells Canadian board some comrades became <b>...</b>

A former US Marine in Iraq, testifying Wednesday at a hearing for an American military deserter seeking asylum in Canada, said several men


Reports: Allawi says Iraq could spread out elections

Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi says national elections scheduled for Jan. 30 could be staged over two or three weeks so that the military can protect voters in dangerous places.


Dollar Extends Rebound Against Euro, Yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar rebounded for a second session  against the yen and the euro on Thursday as traders and  investors took profits on bets against the U.S. currency before  the year draws to a close.


Computershare Says No Wrongdoing in Probe

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Computershare Ltd., the world's  largest share registry, said on Thursday a New York division  subpoenaed by U.S. market regulators investigating stock  surveillance firms had not broken any laws.


Oil Prices Rise for Second Day in a Row

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices rose for the second day in  a row on Thursday with an Arctic blast forecast to hit the  United States next week seen ramping up demand for heating  fuels.


Swiss insurer sells UK life unit

Swiss Life, Switzerland's largest insurer, sells its UK life assurance business for 205m.


An investing slam-dunk

Leslie Alexander has led the kind of life people in the investment world dream about.


Aerospace firms' sales, jobs climb

The aerospace industry bounced back this year with record sales and the first upswing in employment in five years as a result of  quot;robust quot; defense spending, according to an industry analysis released yesterday.


Snow to remain Treasury secretary

Just days after the Washington rumor mill had John Snow leaving his job as Treasury secretary, President Bush yesterday said Snow was staying on.


Support builds for minimum wage hike

Union leaders and advocates for the poor are uniting behind an effort to raise the state's \$6.75-an-hour minimum wage for the first time since 2001 and to tie future increases to the inflation rate, a move that would make Massachusetts only the fourth state in the nation to establish that link.


Drumbeat grows for OPEC cuts

The possibility of a cut in OPEC production grew stronger yesterday after the oil minister of Saudi Arabia indicated he was aware of majority sentiment in favor of a reduction.


Merck slashes '05 forecast, citing Vioxx

The withdrawal of painkiller Vioxx means Merck  amp; Co. will miss the already diminished expectations of Wall Street analysts for 2005, the drug maker said yesterday.


Growth of global PC market forecast to ease

The global personal computer market will grow at a more modest pace in 2005 as the economic recovery slows, according to a report by a market research firm.


Retailers' accuracy high on toy pricing

Massachusetts retailers are doing a good job of charging the correct prices for toys, according to a survey released by state regulators that found an accuracy rate of 99.5 percent at eight retailers. The state Division of Standards checked 6,493 toys at 65 stores and found 6,304 of them scanned at the correct price and 189 at an incorrect price. ...


Jury rules for franchisees in Shell trial

A federal jury awarded more than \$3 million to eight Massachusetts gas station operators after finding Shell Oil Co. used unfair tactics that were effectively intended to drive them out of business.


SEC probes auditor's link to fund trustees

TIAA-CREF, the largest US retirement fund, said the Securities and Exchange Commission is conducting an informal inquiry into a relationship between auditor Ernst  amp; Young LLP and two former fund trustees.


Women's apparel store shifts into high gear

ARLINGTON -- Despite a fear of heights and her claim to be  quot;the most unathletic person out there, quot; Becky Carriveau of Medford said she was inspired to sign up for a beginner's indoor rock-climbing class through the Wild Women Outfitters retail store in Arlington as a challenge for the coming year.


Vivendi to Sell 15 Stake in Veolia to Cut Debt (Update2)

Vivendi Universal SA, owner of the world #39;s largest music company, said it will sell a 15 percent stake in Veolia Environnement SA to cut debt and focus on its media business.


Aerospace firms #39; sales, jobs climb

The aerospace industry bounced back this year with record sales and the first upswing in employment in five years as a result of  quot;robust quot; defense


Ah, the whiff of a very old yolk

It is one of the world #39;s oldest questions: Why did the chicken cross the road? It might seem like a  #39;poultry #39; subject to weigh on the minds of hundreds of scientists, but research published yesterday has brought us a little closer to the answer.


Longest-serving astronaut to retire

HOUSTON -- The longest-serving astronaut in history, who flew twice to the moon and commanded the first space shuttle mission, has announced his retirement after 42 years at NASA.


Lucent shines a little brighter

It #39;s been a good two weeks for Lucent. Just when it looked like the troubled vendor was set to come in behind the pack in the 3G contract race, the carrier jumped ahead with two gigantic contract wins.


Two China Banks Uncover Fake Web Sites (Reuters)

Reuters - Two of China's leading banks have\identified fake Web sites in recent days and reported them to\the country's public security organs, bank officials said on\Thursday.


EU sees no lifting of China arms ban

The European Union and China agreed to boost relations yesterday, but the EU made clear there can be no early lifting of its 15-year-old


Japan extends troops mission in Iraq

Japan #39;s cabinet decided Thursday to extend the Self-Defense Forces #39; (SDF) humanitarian assistance operation in Iraq by one year until Dec. 14, 2005.


UN General Assembly welcomes Annan #39;s call for reform

The UN General Assembly has given Secretary-General Kofi Annan a symbolic show of support in the face of calls by some US lawmakers for his resignation.


United States Blanks Mexico 5-0 (AP)

AP - The security guards were trying to hustle Mia Hamm off the field, but she was having none of it. Making a U-turn, Hamm headed directly to a group of young fans seated in the stands who were screaming for her autograph.


Lenovo shares slump after IBM deal (AFP)

AFP - Shares in China's largest personal computer-maker Lenovo fell in Hong Kong trade, as they resumed trading after the company's purchase of American IBM's PC-making business.


Timely Iraq Vote a Point of Pride (AP)

AP - For an administration that likes to make the trains run on time, the Jan. 30 elections scheduled in Iraq are light at the end of a dark and violent tunnel.


Sharon Warns of Snap Elections Without Likud Backing

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  urged his Likud party on Thursday to vote for a governing  alliance with the Labour Party, warning that failure to do so  would force snap elections and derail his Gaza withdrawal plan.  Internal polls predict victory for Sharon in a crucial ballot  by the rightist Likud's Central Committee on whether to allow  him to open talks with center-left Labour on joining a unity  coalition to shore up his shattered government.


Rivers: It starts with stops

Doc Rivers was on the defensive following practice yesterday at The Arena, though purely in a basketball sense, which had nothing to do with the frustrations of Paul Pierce or the ongoing constructive criticism of Gary Payton.


Brady is passing the true test

Tom Brady in a slump? It's hard to imagine after a 24-3 win over Baltimore and a 42-15 romp over Cleveland the last two weeks.


Lieber goes to the Phillies

Jon Lieber agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, Al Leiter returned to the Florida Marlins, and Woody Williams went back to the San Diego Padres as major league teams moved quickly to grab starting pitchers yesterday after the first free-agent deadline of the offseason passed.


Free agents offered arbitration

Players offered arbitration have until Dec. 19 to either accept or reject. Players who reject arbitration may sign with former club until Jan. 8 (or after May 1).


NHL players to put new offer on table

Any hope of saving the NHL season hinges on whether the next proposal by the Players Association stirs serious negotiating.


Knicks snap out of it

Stephon Marbury had 22 points and nine assists to help the New York Knicks end a three-game losing streak with an 86-79 victory over New Orleans last night, dropping the Hornets to 0-9 at home.


Creamer already appears to be rising to top

She couldn't accept the \$6,000 first-place prize, but no big deal. Paula Creamer had known that going into the tournament. But the free ticket from American Airlines? That was OK -- and quite amusing to the 18-year-old.


Sharon seeks coalition go-ahead

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's Likud party is to  vote on whether to invite the opposition Labour Party into the coalition.


Laptops may damage male fertility

Men who use laptop computers may inadvertently be risking their fertility, experts believe.


Chess masters bloom in ancient desert city

BEERSHEBA, Israel -- Beersheba is a city of humble origins. Once known as a biblical oasis, it became in its later incarnation a desert backwater.


Reform vote eases crisis in Ukraine

KIEV -- The bitter political crisis that has gripped Ukraine for more than two weeks eased dramatically yesterday as parliament overwhelmingly approved a compromise package of laws strengthening safeguards against electoral fraud while weakening presidential powers.


Putin plan to appoint governors is approved

MOSCOW -- President Vladimir Putin's plan to end the election of governors by popular vote passed its final hurdle yesterday, when the Russian parliament's upper chamber approved the bill. The law -- part of a package that has been assailed by opposition parties and human rights monitors as an attempt by the Kremlin to strengthen its authority at the expense ...


US consulate attack

JIDDA, Saudi Arabia -- The five men who attacked the US consulate are being vilified by some Saudis as criminals, not lauded as heroes, even though they targeted the offices of a country that remains unpopular among many Arabs.


Brazil a leading world polluter, report says

BRASILIA -- Burning of the Amazon and other forests accounts for three quarters of Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions and has made the country one of the leading polluters in the world, a long-delayed government report said yesterday.


N. Korea head purges key official

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il recently purged his brother-in-law from the government, removing a powerful party official who was thought to be a possible rival to Kim and his sons, South Korean intelligence officials have reported.


4 soldiers disciplined in abuse case

WASHINGTON -- At least four members of a special operations task force in Iraq have been disciplined in connection with an investigation of the abuse of prisoners, a Pentagon spokesman said yesterday. In at least one case the violation involved a Taser stun gun.


Federal judge orders soldier back to Iraq

WASHINGTON -- A soldier who challenged an Army policy requiring him to serve past the date of his enlistment contract must return for duty in Iraq while his lawsuit is under review, a federal judge ruled yesterday.


Plea to the democratic world: Ukraine needs your support

Ukraine needs your support. On Sunday December 26, 2004, a re-vote of the run-off for the Presidential Election in Ukraine is planned.  nbsp;Anyone who is over the age of 18 and a citizen of another country (i.e. other than Ukraine) can become an international observer.  nbsp;(Ukrainian citizens can be local observers)  nbsp;The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), in cooperation with the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), has organized international election observers for the first two rounds and are now seeking observers for round three.  nbsp;You do not need to be Canadian to register through the UCC, you may be a citizen of any country except Ukraine.  nbsp;You can make a contribution to democracy in Ukraine and spend the most interesting Christmas ever by coming to Ukraine to observe the elections.


Disney Backs Sony's Blu-Ray for New DVD Format

LOS ANGELES/TOKYO (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co. said on  Wednesday it would support the Blu-ray standard for  next-generation DVDs backed by Sony Corp., but kept open its  options for a rival format championed by Toshiba Corp.


IBM Reassures Workers After Milestone Deal

IBM will sell its once vaunted personal computer business to Lenovo Group Ltd., the leading computer maker in China.
-The Washington Post


On Local Sites, Everyone's a Journalist

Several notable ventures have launched or raised money this year to create local news sites online in which readers contribute all or most of the news.-Leslie Walker


Use Shuttle To Fix Hubble, NASA Is Told

The space shuttle should be used to service the Hubble Space Telescope and can do the job  without posing unacceptable risks to the astronauts, NASA's leadership was told Wednesday.-The Washington Post


Filipino Rescuers Pull 4 Storm Survivors (AP)

AP - At least four survivors were pulled Thursday from a building that collapsed in mudslides 10 days ago, while the death toll from devastating storms in the Philippines' northeast rose to at least 842, with more than 750 people missing.


Kraft Sells UK Desserts Unit for \$135 Mln

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kraft Foods Inc. said on Thursday it  has agreed to sell its UK desserts unit to Premier Foods Plc  for \$135 million in a bid to focus on larger-scale businesses.


For Young Armenians, a Promised Land Without Promise

An independent Armenia has proved too constricting and its promise too distant for the next generation's ambitions.


The Terminator takes on Detroit

Nine automakers, led by Toyota and General Motors, have sued to block California #39;s new greenhouse gas regulation, which would require a 30 percent cut in emissions from cars and trucks sold in the state by 2016.


Ellision: Oracle to  #39;oversupport #39; PeopleSoft customer

SAN FRANCISCO - Business software maker Oracle Corp. will do everything it can to support PeopleSoft Inc. customers, who are vital to the success of Oracle #39;s proposed \$9.2 billion takeover of PeopleSoft, Oracle


Target getting bum rap for ending  #39;ringer #39; favoritism

Target Corp. is being treated as the Grinch who stole Christmas because it bent its rules to play Santa Claus for Salvation Army bell-ringers for years -- to the tune of about \$9 million a year.


Will Blu-ray Zap a Rival DVD Format?

Three major movie studios have signed on for Sony #39;s high-definition technology for the discs. But a competitor has drawn big support, too.


Orange Bowl will showcase four of five Heisman Trophy finalists

LOS ANGELES - As Reggie Bush neared the goal line on the first of his two jaw-dropping long-distance touchdowns runs, the University of Southern California game-breaker went airborne.


Japanese Troops Authorised to Stay in Iraq

Japans Cabinet today approved a plan to keep Japanese troops in Iraq for another year. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a vocal supporter of the US-led invasion of Iraq, had argued the dispatch was needed


Barghouti still in PA race

Jerusalem Fatah leader Ahmed Ghanem, a close associate of Marwan Barghouti, was appointed with Barghouti #39;s approval to head the jailed Fatah leader #39;s election campaign for PA chairman.


Panel Urges Shuttle Mission to Help Hubble

A panel said that NASA should send astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope rather than rely on a robotic device.


Astronomers Contemplate Icy Volcanoes in Far Places

A discovery now has some astronomers entertaining visions of icy volcanoes roiling on some of the tiny worlds circling beyond Neptune, at least at one time.


Buying Bowl Tickets Is a Game in Itself

Tickets to your favorite bowl game are readily available, for a price.


Report urging manned Hubble mission praised

Colorado astronomers hailed a National Academy of Sciences report Wednesday that urges NASA to send shuttle astronauts - not a robot - to save the aging Hubble Space Telescope.


Middle East ; Twenty Filipinos found alive in rubble after storm

Middle East News, MANILA, About 20 Filipinos have been found alive in the rubble of a collapsed building, 10 days after a fierce storm and landslides devastated several eastern and northern provinces, a radio station has reported.


#39;Unknowns #39; stirring Palestinian race

In an election dominated by a jailed intifada leader and a moderate veteran negotiator who both come from the ruling


Nintendo's DS beats sales target

Japanese computer games firm Nintendo raises its sales target for the DS handheld  games console after strong early sales.


Ellison #39;s take on PeopleSoft, datahubs

San Francisco  ITWeb, 9 December 2004 - Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has reaffirmed his company #39;s commitment to datahubs and hinted of a merged product line after the PeopleSoft buyout.


Hyatt to Buy AmeriSuites Hotel Chain

Hyatt Corp. has agreed to buy the AmeriSuites hotel chain from affiliates of private equity firm The Blackstone Group, Hyatt said on Thursday.


Infineon to Build \$1B Malaysian Fab

Infineon Technologies AG today said it would build a new front-end production plant in Kulim High Tech Park, Malaysia, at a cost of \$1 billion.


Premier Delight at buy from Kraft

PREMIER FOODS today emerged victorious in the bidding for another slice of British gastronomic history. The owner of Ambrosia creamed rice has.


Oil, chips to crimp stocks

Rise in oil prices ahead of OPEC meeting, sales forecasts by 2 chipmakers send futures lower. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Stocks will struggle early Thursday due to another rise in oil prices ahead of Friday #39;s


General Motors to Save \$664 Mln Through European Cuts (Update2)

General Motors Corp., the world #39;s biggest carmaker, will save 500 million euros (\$664 million) annually after cutting 11,500 jobs and reorganizing its European division.


Tribune to stop charging for Spanish-language paper

The Chicago-based media giant plans to turn Hoy, its Spanish-language daily, into a free newspaper in two of the three cities where it is sold, executives said Wednesday.


Amazon launching DVD rentals

The Amazon.co.uk is launching a DVD rental service, the online retailer #39;s first foray into a market that was pioneered by US-based Netflix.


Vioxx Withdrawal to Reduce Merck Earnings

The withdrawal of painkiller Vioxx means Merck  amp; Co. will miss the already diminished expectations of Wall Street analysts for 2005, the huge drug maker said Wednesday.


Disney backs Blu-ray

Sony has won Disney #39;s support for its Blu-ray Disc (BD) hi-definition video optical format. Disney #39;s home video operation, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, said it will ship  quot;popular new releases and classic


PalmOS Goes Linux

PalmSource, the makers of the PalmOS are looking to acquire Chinas MobileSoft. MobileSoft will provide PalmSource with a solid footing in the lucrative Chinese and Asian markets, as well as providing valuable


Pop-ups Spoof Into Your Money

The firm has rated the flaw as moderately critical. It demonstrated the flaw on its site, with options for both users who use pop-up blockers and those who don #39;t.


Nintendo President Shrugs Off PSP

Following on from the hugely successful launch of the Nintendo DS across America and Japan, Satoru Iwata President Nintendo Co. has today shrugged off the challenge of the impending release of the Sony PSP.


China Bans a New Computer Video Game

SHANGHAI, China Dec 9, 2004 - China has banned a new computer game for referring to Taiwan and other regions claimed by China as separate countries.


Space flight pro Young honored for NASA years

NASA #39;s most experienced astronaut, John Young, was honored by NASA Tuesday night at the National Air  amp; Space Museum for his 42 years of service as he prepares to retire.


Sun #39;s McNealy talks about open source, Microsoft

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. SAN FRANCISCO, California, United States of America -- Months after it surprised the industry by


Amazon Burning Makes Brazil a Leading Polluter

Burning of the Amazon and other forests accounts for three quarters of Brazil #39;s greenhouse gas emissions and has made the country one of the world #39;s leading polluters


Lonesome whale #39;s high-pitched voice baffles biologists

A LONE whale with a mysterious voice that matches no other species has been discovered roaming the Pacific, it was revealed yesterday.


IBM signs seven-year deal with Lloyds TSB

IBM Corp has signed a seven-year deal to manage the voice and data services of London, UK-based financial institution Lloyds TSB. The contract is estimated to be worth \$972.5 million.


NBA players and supporters charged

Five memebrs of the National Basketball Association #39;s Indiana Pacers and seven supporters have been charged over the melee that broke out at the end of a nationally televised game against


More Southampton Stories

New Southampton manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed coach Kevin Bond will join him at St Mary #39;s. Bond will make the switch from Portsmouth on Thursday and Redknapp #39;s former Pompey assistant Jim Smith could also be joining him.


Becks relieved after Roma win

Rome - David Beckham said Real Mardrid had done what they needed to after defeating Roma 3-0 here on Wednesday to book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.


Last chance for NHL season

TORONTO - The public mud slinging and name calling over the National Hockey League lockout fell to a hush Wednesday ahead of the first meeting between the league and its union since the deadlock began three months ago.


Chittagong cleared for second Test

The Ministry of External affairs has cleared Chittagong as venue for the second Test between India and Bangladesh after the assesment by the Indian security delegation.


Singh showdown for Tiger

For the first time, Tiger Woods will not be the reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year when the Target World Challenge begins on Thursday at Sherwood Country Club in California.


Fergie stands by selection policy

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no regrets about fielding a second-string side against Fenerbahce. Sanli Tuncay #39;s second-half hat-trick consigned the Red Devils to a 3-0 defeat in Istanbul


It #39;s a wrap for Hamm and fellow legends

On the night that some of the greatest names in women #39;s soccer retired -amm, Foudy, Fawcett  -re was a new one on the US team when it took the field for the second half against Mexico at The Home Depot Center.


British confident of Grand Prix deal

Silverstone racing track owners are confident they will reach an agreement with Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone for a British Grand Prix next July.


Leicester keeper set for Gunners recall

Taylors one-month loan at the Walkers Stadium is set to end shortly and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bring him back to Highbury to battle for the goalkeeping jersey with Jens Lehmann and Manuel Almunia.


Multi-faceted Duncan is NBA #39;s best

So here #39;s this guy, Tim Duncan, who #39;s got credentials galore - including six All-Star game appearances, five All-NBA citations, three MVPs, two gold rings, and probably even a partridge in a pear tree.


Tyson arrested for damaging car

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after he allegedly jumped on to the bonnet of a car.


SuperSonics Top Spurs 102-96 (AP)

AP - Ray Allen scored 29 points, including a pair of 3-pointers late in the game, as the Seattle SuperSonics ended San Antonio's 21-game home winning streak with a 102-96 victory over the Spurs on Wednesday night.


Texans Want No Part of Manning's History (AP)

AP - The Houston Texans were plenty embarrassed when Peyton Manning threw five touchdown passes against them in a 35-point rout.


US Defense Secretary Says Military Ties With India Will Strengthen

US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has paid a visit to the Indian capital New Delhi for discussions on how to improve military relations between the two nations.


Four pulled from Philippines rubble after ten days

Rescuers in the Philippines today pulled at least four survivors from a building that collapsed in mudslides ten days ago. The four survived by drinking  quot;any kind of liquid that


EU Could Lift Arms Embargo on China by Next Year

The European Union Wednesday held out the prospect of lifting a 15-year-old arms embargo on China, possibly by next year. Washington firmly opposes


Group Criticizes Coleman For Calling On Annan To Resign

A left-leaning Minneapolis think tank says Senator Norm Coleman was, quote,  quot;reckless, quot; unquote, by calling for United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan to resign.


Contentious race for power

Cars circle the roundabout in the center of Ramallah in no particular order, and groups of young Palestinian men hang out on a steel structure in the middle.


South American leaders vow to create an EU-styled political union

With the European experience in their minds, South American leaders meet this week in Cuzco, the millenarian capital city of the Inca #39;s Empire in Peru, in an attempt to set the basis of the political unification of the continent and speed up the


Furious Japan seeks action against NKorea for lying about <b>...</b>

TOKYO : Japan is enraged at North Korea for allegedly lying about the deaths of two of its citziens the Stalinist state kidnapped, with commentators warning the deception has set back the chances of reconcilation with the outside world.


Kremlin targets another oligarch

Alarm in Russian markets yesterday at the authorities #39; \$158m tax demand from Vimpelcom, the mobile operator, underlines nervousness after the assault on Yukos.


Hyatt to buy AmeriSuites, consolidate holdings

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Hyatt Corp. said it will buy the 143-unit AmeriSuites hotel chain from The Blackstone Group for an undisclosed sum and will consolidate all of the Pritzker family #39;s hospitality holdings into one company called Global Hyatt.


Infineon to Invest \$1 Billion in Malaysian Factory (Update4)

Infineon Technologies AG, Europe #39;s second-largest maker of semiconductors, plans to invest about \$1 billion in a new factory in Malaysia to expand its automotive chip business and be closer to customers in the region.


UPDATE: Australia #39;s WMC Ups Stakes In Xstrata Battle

PERTH (Dow Jones)--Trying to derail Xstrata Plc. #39;s (XTA.LN) hostile takeover bid, WMC Resources Ltd. (WMR.AU) Thursday said it will return up to A\$1 billion to shareholders


Shrek 3 Moved To 2007

Dreamworks Pictures has announced they will delay the release of Shrek 3 from November 2006 to May 2007.  quot;We believe there are more than a half a dozen strong release windows available annually


DPI buys CSX terminal business for 1.15 bn dollars

DUBAI (AFP) - Dubai Ports International (DPI), a leading world port operator, announced it had acquired the international terminal business conducted by CSX World Terminals (CSXWT) for 1.15 billion dollars.


Many states altering rules on insurance

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and the Northridge earthquake in 1994 were two watershed natural disasters that prompted significant changes in homeowners #39; insurance.


Scientists pluck the details from chicken-genetics map

In a step forward for biology and agriculture, scientists yesterday unveiled the first, detailed analysis of the genetic blueprint of the chicken - revealing few surprises, but suggesting


Mozilla launched Thunderbird 1.0

On Mozilla web site you can find the newest version of the e-mail client Thunderbird 1.0. Mozilla expects this software to be more competitive than Microsofts Outlook Express.


Sun Plans to Call on Lenovo After IBM Deal-CEO

Scott McNealy is looking forward to making an early sales call on Lenovo #39;s new CEO as soon as the company #39;s \$1.25 billion deal to buy IBM #39;s PC business closes, the Sun Microsystems CEO said on Wednesday.


Trojan programme exploits anti-spam sentiment

Chennai, Dec.9: An alert for a data-stealing Trojan horse programme that installs itself on computers by offering to fight spam has been sounded on the Internet, the New Scientist news service reported today.


Singh on top of the world, and he got there quietly

THOUSAND OAKS -- Anonymity is only a problem if you want it to be, and it is obvious Vijay Singh doesn #39;t want it to be. Let others chase fame.


SPORT * RUSSIA * FRANCE * FOOTBALL * CSKA

PARIS/MOSCOW, December 8 (RIA Novosti #39;s sports analyst Mikhail Smirnov) - Footballers of the Moscow Central Army Sports Club (CSKA) had their last and best game of the season in Paris, confidently outplaying local PSG (Paris Saint-Germain).


US areas lag behind in keeping up with races

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. -- As the World Cup rolls on to Europe after its brief moment of glory in North America, one can't help but remember when New England hosted such events, last put on by Tommy Corcoran at Waterville Valley.


BU's Bourque finds himself in select company

On Monday morning, when Chris Bourque glanced at his cellphone to see his coach was calling, he had a good idea of what Jack Parker was going to tell him. That day, USA Hockey was informing 10 players that they had been selected to represent their country at the 10-team World Junior Championship later this month in Grand Forks, N.D.


ND's president speaks his mind

A turbulent situation at Notre Dame became even more stormy yesterday when outgoing president Rev. Edward Malloy, speaking at a panel discussion in New York, criticized the school's decision to fire football coach Tyrone Willingham last week.


Infineon to invest \$1bn in Malaysia to produce chips for cars

LONDON, December 9 (newratings.com) - Infineon Technologies (IFX.ETR) announced yesterday its plans to invest about \$1 billion in Malaysia to build a factory to manufacture chips used in cars and industrial power applications.


Oil, Dollar, Chips to Weigh on Wall St.

A rise in crude oil prices for a second day, a stalled recovery in the dollar and a crop of warnings in the chip sector were set to push Wall Street lower at Thursday #39;s opening.


#39;Shrek 3 #39; Hibernating Until  #39;07

DreamWorks Animation Studios said Wednesday it would postpone the release of  quot;Shrek 3 quot; to May 2007 from November 2006. The announcement came a day after


Dubai Ports International Buys CSX #39;s Ports

Dubai Ports International is buying the foreign port operations of US railroad company CSX Corp. for \$1.15 billion in cash, the companies announced Thursday.


Vivendi to Sell 15 Stake in Veolia to Reduce Debt (Update3)

Vivendi Universal SA, owner of the world #39;s largest music company, plans to sell a 15 percent stake in Veolia Environnement SA to cut debt and focus on media and mobile-phone businesses.


Merck slashes  #39;05 forecast, citing Vioxx

The withdrawal of painkiller Vioxx means Merck  amp; Co. will miss the already diminished expectations of Wall Street analysts for 2005, the drug maker said yesterday.


BC doubles up Fordham

Basketball games are most often decided by a crucial run, but last night was simply a runaway as the Boston College women's team routed Fordham, 82-40, before a crowd of 630 at Conte Forum.


Washington pursues O'Brien for vacancy

The courtship of Boston College football coach Tom O'Brien moved east yesterday when University of Washington athletic director Todd Turner and president Mark Emmert flew east and met with O'Brien.


McNealy: Sun is boxing clever with Microsoft

The ground-breaking legal settlement and technology sharing deal between Microsoft Corp and Sun Microsystems Inc will not diminish competition between the two adversaries.


Peterson may become first freshman to win Heisman

Never in the history of college football #39;s top award has a freshman walked away with what is arguably sports #39; most recognizable trophy.


White Sox fill a gap

The White Sox can scratch  quot;veteran reliever #39; #39; from their wish list after signing right-hander Dustin Hermanson on Wednesday to a two-year, \$5.5 million contract with a team option for a third season.


Oil, Dollar, Chips to Weigh on Wall St. (Reuters)

Reuters - A rise in crude oil prices for a second\day, a stalled recovery in the dollar and a crop of warnings in\the chip sector were set to push Wall Street lower at\Thursday's opening.


Europe Urged to Help NATO More in Iraq, Afghanistan (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States said it expected\European countries to come up with offers of help in Iraq and\Afghanistan at a NATO meeting on Thursday to discuss the\alliance's role in the insurgency-hit countries.


Venezuelan President Approves Media Law (AP)

AP - A law that gives the government control over the content of radio and television programs in Venezuela took effect Thursday.


'Miracle in mud' as four pulled alive from Philippine disaster (AFP)

AFP - Philippine rescuers were frantically digging for more survivors after four people, including a toddler, were pulled alive from a building crushed by a landslide 11 days ago.


Hand Recount Starts in Wash. Gov.'s Race (AP)

AP - Sitting at a folding table under fluorescent lights, Republican Lloyd Haskins Sr. held up ballots for Democrat Carl Brownstein to see, and they both marked their running totals on white scrap paper.


Oil, Dollar, Chips to Weigh on Wall St.

LONDON (Reuters) - A rise in crude oil prices for a second  day, a stalled recovery in the dollar and a crop of warnings in  the chip sector were set to push Wall Street lower at  Thursday's opening.


Dollar Extends Recovery for 2nd Session

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar strengthened against major  currencies for a second session on Thursday, as investors  continued to take profits on bets against the long-suffering  U.S. currency.


OPEC Debates Need for Oil Supply Cutbacks

CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers on Thursday weighed up  whether heavy recent price falls were severe enough to warrant  cutting back excess supply at Friday's ministerial meeting.


GM Unit Opel to Cut 9,500 German Jobs

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - General Motors' GM.N German unit  Adam Opel AG will cut around 9,500 jobs at its loss-making  operations, a source who attended a briefing by the carmaker's  management on Thursday said.


Toll Brothers Profit Nearly Doubles

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Toll Brothers Inc. reported on  Thursday quarterly earnings that nearly doubled, buoyed by  growing demand for its luxury homes, and the company raised its  forecast for 2005.


Disney backs Sony DVD technology

The battle over next generation DVDs hot ups, with Disney opting for a technology developed by Sony.


State reduces stake in Air France

The French government sells 17.7 of its stake in Air France-KLM amid reports it may cut its holding in the airline to as little as 18.


Nations mark anti-corruption day

Events are held around the world to mark the first ever United Nations anti-corruption day.


Over 1,000 Die Every Day from Congo War -- Report

KINSHASA (Reuters) - Over 1,000 Congolese civilians a day  are dying, nearly all from disease and malnutrition, due to a  festering conflict that has killed 3.8 million people, an aid  agency said on Thursday.


Rescue chopper down off Alaska

Six people are missing after a US Coast Guard helicopter crashes off Alaska during a ship rescue.


Kiev back to work in protest lull

Ukrainian government workers resume duties as protesters lift blockades ahead of the presidential vote re-run.


Karzai warning over drugs trade

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says the  rampant drugs trade poses a bigger threat than the Soviet invasion.


Shipman report demands GMC reform

The General Medical Council is doing too little to protect patients, the latest report from the Shipman Inquiry has said.


Iraq Combat Fatality Rate Lowest Ever

Ten  percent of soldiers injured in Iraq have died from their war wounds, the lowest casualty fatality rate ever, thanks in large part to technological advances and the deployment of surgical SWAT teams at the front lines, an analysis to be published today has found.


FBI Searches Saudi Arabia's PR Firm

The FBI searched offices of a prominent public relations firm Tuesday, looking for information about its client Saudi Arabia, law enforcement sources said.


Aid to Palestinians Approved

President Bush  approved Wednesday \$20 million in direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, as part of a broader White House strategy to pursue peace in the Middle East following Yasser Arafat's death.


Interpreter Says No To Secrecy

Interpreters have long been the cogs in the wheel of international diplomacy. They make headlines only when they mess up, as when President Jimmy Carter's interpreter spoke of the Polish people's "lusts for the future" instead of their  "desires" for the future.  And even then, convention demands that interpreters  remain in the background, refraining from public comment.


Shrek 3 not in cinemas before 2007

The third movie adventure of animated hero Shrek has been postponed, and will now reach cinema screens in May 2007. The Hollywood Reporter says that  #39;Shrek 3 #39; had been pencilled in by studio DreamWorks for a November 2006 release.


5 Indiana players, 7 fans charged in November NBA brawl

PONTIAC, Mich. - Five members of the Indiana Pacers and seven Detroit Pistons fans were criminally charged yesterday because of their roles in the Pistons-Pacers brawl last month - a fight that captured national attention.


Crewmen Ration and Lose Weight on Space Station

The two crewmen aboard the International Space Station lost a few pounds in the five weeks they were forced to ration their dwindling supply of food.


General Motors to cut 9,500 jobs at German unit

LONDON, December 9 (newratings.com) - General Motors Corp (XGM.NYS) plans to cut 9,500 jobs at its German unit, Adam Opel AG, as part of its efforts to reduce its significant losses in Europe.


New players proposal could be last chance

-- Any hope of saving the NHL season hinges on whether the next proposal by the players #39; association stirs serious negotiating.


Alaska Oil Spill Takes Toll on Animals and Fisheries

A rare break in rough Bering Sea weather is allowing officials to gain a better sense of damage from a large spill in the Aleutian Islands.


Stock Futures Point to Lower Market Open

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower  market open on Thursday, weighed down by rising oil prices and  a crop of warnings in the chip sector.


The hounding of Kofi Annan

Last night in New York, the UN secretary-general was given a standing ovation - a robust response to a series of attacks in past weeks.


FUTURES MOVERS

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Crude-oil futures continued to rise Thursday, extending overnight gains a day ahead of a key meeting of the OPEC cartel.


Vivendi sale raises spectre of Veolia takeover

Vivendi Universal on Thursday sold a 15 per cent stake in its former water subsidiary Veolia Environnement, raising about 1.5bn for the French group to pay back debt and tighten its focus on media and telecommunications.


FTC shuts down debt collection company

Sonya Harper, 35, knew she didn #39;t buy a car when she was 15 years old. So why was a debt collector threatening to sue her unless she paid \$800 on a car she never had?


Segal to get full hearing on release

Convicted insurance mogul Michael Segal is scheduled to get a full hearing Tuesday on whether he should be let out of a federal lockup as he awaits sentencing.


Dollar Steadies Versus Euro and Yen

The dollar steadied versus the euro and yen on Thursday following sharp gains across the board in the previous session driven by profit-taking on bets against the long suffering US currency.


How Does a Chicken #39;s Sense of Smell Help us Understand Human <b>...</b>

Medical Research Council (MRC) scientists have ended lengthy scientific speculation by confirming that chickens have an acute sense of smell.


Unscheduled upgrade caused government IT death

An unscheduled software upgrade what was caused some 40,000 computers at the UK government #39;s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to crash, the IT supplier EDS has announced.


Troubled Griffin's NBA homecoming brings 76ers sixth loss in a row (AFP)

AFP - Eddie Griffin's National Basketball Association homecoming was more than the Philadelphia 76ers could handle.


Europe Urged to Help NATO More in Iraq

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States said it expected  European countries to come up with offers of help in Iraq and  Afghanistan at a NATO meeting on Thursday to discuss the  alliance's role in the insurgency-hit countries.


Stocks to Watch on Thursday, Dec. 9

XILINX INC. XLNX.O:


Bank keeps interest rate unchanged

The Bank of England today held the base interest rate at 4.75 for the fourth consecutive month, with the decision coming amid evidence of a slowdown in house price growth and weak economic data.


McNealy: Sun still shines for Oracle

Despite Oracles strategic push for Linux- and Intel-based deployments, Sun is still the company #39;s leading platform, according to Sun chairman and chief executive Scott McNealy.


Gerrard can win with us, says Benitez

Rafael Benitez says Liverpool #39;s remarkable 3-1 defeat of Olympiakos in the Champions League has proved to captain Steven Gerrard he does not need to leave to win trophies.


Supporting cast out to nail star Els

WORLD No.3 Ernie Els may feel like a hunted man this week when he takes on a largely unknown field in the Dunhill Championship at the Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa.


War, poverty and Aids causing half of world #39;s children to suffer

WAR, poverty and HIV/Aids are causing more than half of the worlds children to suffer, effectively denying them a childhood, according to a report today.


US for stronger defense ties with India: Rumsfeld

The United States is keen on strengthening its growing defense ties with India, which currently encompass a wide range of military-to-military exchanges and joint exercises


Poll: Optimism, Fatah support on the rise among Palestinians

Rising prospects for Palestinian-Israeli peace are marginalizing the Hamas movement, responsible for numerous suicide bombings and other attacks on Israelis, according to a Palestinian poll.


OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for '05

CAIRO (Reuters) - OPEC oil producers said on Thursday that  Friday's ministerial meeting would focus on cutting back  oversupply to support falling prices and that producers would  have to reduce output quotas early next year.


Before-the-Bell: Ciena Rises on Outlook

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Ciena Corp. CIEN.O rose 13  percent before the bell on Thursday after the  telecommunications equipment maker posted a wider quarterly net  loss but forecast further revenue growth in the current  quarter.


BoE Holds UK Rates at 4.75 Percent

LONDON (Reuters) - British interest rates stayed at 4.75  percent for the fourth month running on Thursday, but  economists are split over whether the Bank of England will  raise borrowing costs again next year.


Bank of England Leaves Rate Unchanged

It was the fourth month in a row that the bank #39;s Monetary Policy Committee decided against changing the rate. The decision was widely expected following indications that Britain #39;s economy has slowed, and that


12/09/2004:  quot;Disney backs Sony #39;s Blu-Ray high definition DVD <b>...</b>

In news that has shocked the already rocky state of today #39;s DVD industry, the Walt Disney Company yesterday announced that it intends to back Sony #39;s high-def Blu-Ray format in the upcoming war between two competing technologies.


Spartan hen serves up a scientific golden egg

in fact, the first farm animal - to be genetically sequenced, researchers said Wednesday. That #39;s important for humans because understanding chicken DNA can


New virus steals passwords

Paris - A virus that spies on keystrokes and downloads passwords and bank account details is circulating among e-mails. It masquerades as a screensaver designed by internet portal Lycos to attack spammers, a watchdog warned on Thursday.


Date set for second Longhorn conference

Microsoft will hold a second Longhorn-themed Professional Developers Conference in September 2005, almost two years after it first detailed the successor to Windows XP.


DC in pole position for Red Bull slot

STEWARTRY-born David Coulthard is favourite to book a seat in the Red Bull Racing team. The 33-year-old who was axed by McLaren-Mercedes at the end of the season has been on the lookout for a team for the 2005 season.


Western Australia skittle Pakistan for 262 in tour game

Pakistan were bowled out for 262 against Western Australia on Thursday in a worrying sign for the tourists ahead of next week #39;s first test against Australia.


S America launches trading bloc

December 9. KAZINFORM quotes CNN - South American countries are creating the third bloc in the world. Representatives from 12 South American countries have signed an agreement to create a political and economic bloc modelled on the European Union.


Before-the-Bell: Ciena Rises on Outlook (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of Ciena Corp.  rose 13\percent before the bell on Thursday after the\telecommunications equipment maker posted a wider quarterly net\loss but forecast further revenue growth in the current\quarter.


BoE Holds UK Rates at 4.75 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - British interest rates stayed at 4.75\percent for the fourth month running on Thursday, but\economists are split over whether the Bank of England will\raise borrowing costs again next year.


Judgment at Hand in Landmark Berlusconi Trial (Reuters)

Reuters - Judges in the corruption trial of Prime\Minister Silvio Berlusconi withdrew on Thursday to decide their\verdict, which could hobble the Italian leader's political\future.


NATO Struggles to Find Troops for Missions (AP)

AP - NATO foreign ministers pledged Thursday to speed the expansion of alliance peacekeeping in Afghanistan and boost military training for Iraq, but failed to come up immediately with the troops for both operations.


Two policemen killed, three injured in Kashmir rebel attack (AFP)

AFP - Two policemen were killed and three injured in a Muslim rebel attack on their camp in Indian Kashmir, police said.


Stocks Seen Lower with Chips Getting Hit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower  market open on Thursday, weighed down by rising oil prices and  sales warnings in the chip sector, with Wall Street awaiting  weekly jobless claims data.


Sabre Buys Reservation Services Company

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sabre Holdings Corp. TSG.N, owner of  the Travelocity Web site, on Thursday said it agreed to buy  privately held SynXis Corp., a provider of reservation  management services to hotels, for \$40 million.


Lilly Sees Profit Lifted by Newer Drugs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co. LLY.N on Thursday  said it expects earnings in 2005 to rise to between \$3.05 and  \$3.15 per share before special items as growing sales of newer  medicines more than offset disappointing sales of its  top-selling schizophrenia drug.


Judgment at Hand in Landmark Berlusconi Trial

MILAN (Reuters) - Judges in the corruption trial of Prime  Minister Silvio Berlusconi withdrew on Thursday to decide their  verdict, which could hobble the Italian leader's political  future.


Air China raises \$1.07bn in IPO

Air China, the biggest and last of China's three large airlines to list on the stock market, prices its float near the top of its  target range.


UK 'discriminated against Roma'

The government discriminated against Roma people seeking entry into the UK, the Law Lords rule.


France moves to cut Air France KLM stake

France was selling almost half its stake in Air France KLM on Thursday as part of a wider deal which could see its remaining stake cut to below 20 and give staff shares in return for pay cuts.


Kraft to Sell UK Desserts Business

Kraft Foods Inc. said Thursday it agreed to sell its UK desserts business to Premier Foods PLC for \$135 million. Kraft said the transaction, which is subject to required approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2005.


Where #39;s the market for Sun #39;s pay-as-you-go?

During his keynote at Oracle OpenWorld, Sun CEO Scott McNealy talked up the company #39;s pay-as-you-go strategy, which is one of the bigger


EU stalls over lifting China arms embargo

China urged the European Union yesterday to end  quot;political discrimination quot; and resume its arms trade, but failed to secure a clear commitment on the timing of such a move.


Costco Posts Higher First-Quarter Profit (Reuters)

Reuters - Costco Wholesale Corp. , the\largest U.S. warehouse club, posted a 21 percent increase in\quarterly profit on Thursday.


Hyatt, Gripped by Family Lawsuit, Buys AmeriSuites (Update1)

Hyatt Corp., the Chicago-based hotelier owned by the infighting Pritzker family, agreed to buy the AmeriSuites chain of 143 hotels to tap rising demand from corporate travelers for upscale self-service rooms.


Opel to cut 9,500 German jobs

RUESSELSHEIM - US automotive giant General Motors aims to slash 9,500 jobs at its German subsidiary Opel, but payroll cuts will come without compulsory redundancies, Opel #39;s top workers representative said on Thursday.


Amazon UK rents DVDs

Amazon UK has entered the DVD rental business in a bid to cash-in on this growing sector of the entertainment industry. For 7.99 a month, subscribers can have two movies at home at one time, with a total of four DVD rentals a month.


Steelers' Roethlisberger Misses Practice (AP)

AP - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't appear concerned about missing Sunday's game against the Jets despite sitting out Wednesday's practice with a sore quadriceps.


Nintendo Raises DS Target on Demand From US, Women (Update1)

Nintendo Co., the world #39;s biggest maker of hand-held game machines, raised its shipment forecast for its new handheld console by 40 percent for this year on demand from the US and female gamers in Japan.


Trojan horse program masquerades as anti-spam screensaver

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. PARIS, France -- A virus that spies on keystrokes and downloads passwords and bank account details is circulating


Ganguly urges teammates to worry about matches, not records (AFP)

AFP - Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has asked his team to concentrate on the game rather than look for personal records during a two-Test series against Bangladesh.


Neville: We fear no one

PHIL Neville insists Manchester United don #39;t fear anyone in the Champions League last 16 and declared:  quot;Bring on the Italians.


Clijsters rejects reports she will not make Australia

Kim Clijsters is still hopeful of making next month #39;s Australian Open despite reports she would not be fit. Tournament chief Paul McNamee said on Wednesday that last


Red Bull and David Coulthard

Last time we checked the Pitpass statistics, David Coulthard had driven in 175 Grands Prix, covering almost eleven seasons. In that time the Scot has accumulated 475 points, an average of 2.714 point a race, 13 wins, 12 pole positions and 18 fastest laps.


Passing the torch

Calgary Sun. Dan Marino wouldn #39;t swap his collection of NFL records and Hall-of-Fame nomination for the world. Not even for that elusive Super Bowl victory.


Japan extends SDF deployment in Iraq by one year

TOKYO - Japan on Thursday extended the Self-Defense Forces mission in Iraq for a year through Dec 14, 2005. The cabinet endorsed the extension of the deployment of up to 600 ground troops in Iraq after the


Iraqis Float Staggered Vote Idea

(CBS/AP) Iraq #39;s Interior Ministry on Wednesday threw its weight behind a reported suggestion by Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to hold next month #39;s national elections over several days, rather than just one.


Rescuers Dig at Philippine Ruins After Saving Four

Philippine rescuers pulled four survivors from the rubble of a collapsed building and dug furiously for others on Thursday, 10 days after a fierce storm devastated several eastern and northern provinces.


One in 10 families 'pays bribes'

Ten per cent of people say they or a member of their household paid a bribe in the past year, a survey suggests.


Air China raises \$1.07bn in IPO

Air China, the biggest airline in China, raised \$1.07bn (558m), after pricing its flotation near the top of its range, sources said.


Hyatt buying AmeriSuites for about \$600M

CHICAGO -- The Pritzker family #39;s Hyatt Corp. said Thursday it plans to buy the AmeriSuites hotel chain from Blackstone Group in a deal reportedly worth more than \$600 million.


U.N. Urges Expansion of Tsunami Warning System to Indian Ocean

A tsunami warning system should be in place in South Asia and Southeast Asia within a year, the U.N. said.


Frayed Nerves and Aftershocks Create Panic in Southern Asia

Three aftershocks ultimately led to officials in India issuing what amounted to a false alarm.


Amazon challenges DVD rental market with lower rates

LONDON - Amazon.co.uk is taking on the crowded UK DVD online rental market with a new offering that will undercut current prices by as much as 30.


UK October Trade Deficit in Goods Widens to 5.3 Bln Pounds

The UK #39;s global trade deficit in goods widened to a nine-month high in October as imports rose to a record and exports to countries outside of the European Union declined.


Tsunami Group Will Expand Its Network

Officials in charge of the existing international tsunami warning system, have taken an initial step to broaden the network to the Indian Ocean and other possible trouble spots.


NASA urged to send shuttle to Hubble

Astronauts, not robots, should fix the Hubble Space Telescope, says a new report by the US National Research Council (NRC). That conclusion is directly at odds with NASA, which is opposed to a human mission


Nintendo Ups DS Console Shipment Target

Nintendo Co. Ltd. raised its 2004 shipment target for its DS handheld video game device by 40 percent to 2.8 million units on Thursday after many stores in Japan and


Players, Fans Face Charges in NBA Brawl

Description: Criminal charges are filed against five Indiana Pacers players and seven Detroit Pistons fans for their roles in a violent melee at an NBA game last month.


One game of true passion on a night of fakes

With the stirring exception of Liverpool versus Olympiakos, where both sides fought to exhaustion to try to qualify for the second round, the last set of matches in the group stage was another night of shameful collusion in the Champions League - another


Disappointed Delneri Says  #39;Arrivederci Champions #39;

At the end of yesterdays match against Real Madrid, a sad Luigi Delneri reflected on what has been a terrible Champions League campaign for the Giallorossi.


NHL Players, Owners to Meet in Bid to Salvage Season

National Hockey League owners will meet with representatives from the players union on Thursday in what is seen as a final bid to end a lockout and save the NHL season.


Pakistan recovers after shaky start.

The Western Warriors are in a good position after day 1 against Pakistan at the WACA. The Warriors are 1/20 at stumps, 242 runs behind Pakistans first innings total.


Canada Confirms 2nd Case of Mad Cow

A final laboratory test has confirmed that an Alberta dairy cow had mad cow disease, the second case Canada has found in its herd.


Nations losing world hunger fight, report says

Rome- The world is losing the battle against hunger, with the number of malnourished people in developing nations growing to more than 800 million and rising, according to a UN report Wednesday.


Kashmir bus talks to continue

India and Pakistan have been unable to agree on starting a bus service between the capitals of divided Kashmir in two days of talks which have ended


Jobless Claims Rise Unexpectedly (Reuters)

Reuters - The number of Americans filing\initial claims for jobless pay grew unexpectedly last week to\357,000, Labor Department data showed on Thursday, but an\official said an increase in the week after a public holiday\was typical.


Jobless Claims at Highest Level Since Sept. (AP)

AP - New claims for jobless benefits moved higher last week, a possible sign that employers haven't completely let go of their caution and are looking to cut costs.


Costco Posts Higher First-Quarter Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Costco Wholesale Corp. COST.O, the  largest U.S. warehouse club, posted a 21 percent increase in  quarterly profit on Thursday.


Before-the-Bell: Nortel, Ciena Gain

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Nortel Networks Corp. NT.N  rose 3.7 percent before the bell on Thursday after the telecoms  equipment maker put a specific date, Jan. 10, on when it will  start filing its much-delayed restatement of financial results.


Weekly Jobless Claims Rise Again

New claims for jobless benefits moved higher last week, a possible sign that employers haven't completely let go of their caution and are looking to cut costs.


Hyatt to Buy AmeriSuites Hotel Chain

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hyatt Corp. on Thursday said it agreed  to buy AmeriSuites, an upscale limited-service hotel chain that  it said would complement its full-service portfolio.


McDonald's Sales Climb 4.2 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp. MCD.N on Thursday  said sales at its namesake restaurants open at least 13 months  rose 4.2 percent in November as U.S. results were boosted by an  "Incredibles" Happy Meal tie-in.


Air China raises \$1 billion in share offering

HONG KONG Air China, the nation #39;s biggest international carrier, has raised 8.36 billion Hong Kong dollars, or \$1.08 billion, in an initial public offering after pricing its shares at the high end of a target range, bankers involved in the sale said


John Player to lay off 90 workers

The tobacco firm John Player  amp; Sons has announced plans to lay off 90 workers at its cigarette factory in Dublin. The company said it was planning a phased closure of the factory between now and February as part of a review of its global operations.


Salvation Army donations are down

Charles Burnett was ringing a bell in front of the Wal-Mart in Fairmount. It was Burnetts first day, but the Salvation Army has stationed volunteers by red kettles for more than a hundred years.


Oracle revises PeopleSoft intentions

At its user conference yesterday, Oracle continued to send out mixed messages about how it will support PeopleSoft products if it succeeds in its \$9.2bn (4.8bn) takeover bid for its rival.


UK trade deficit grows

The UK trade deficit widened to 5.3bn in October after imports hit their highest level since records began, official data showed today.


China Bans a New Computer Video Game (AP)

AP - China has banned a new computer game for referring to Taiwan and other regions claimed by China as separate countries.


GM Europe to Cut 12,000 Jobs in Deal (AP)

AP - General Motors Corp.'s European unit Thursday announced a deal that will allow the struggling automaker to cut up to 12,000 jobs  #151; most of them in Germany, where it will offer generous incentives for employees to leave.


Coming Soon to an Inbox Near You: 'Spiritual Spam' (Reuters)

Reuters - Internet users praying for salvation\from junk mail face a new torment -- "Spiritual Spam."


Sale of IBM unit doesn't mean ThinkPads will cease to exist (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - This week, IBM said it is selling off most of its PC division to Lenovo, China's No. 1 PC maker. The news is likely to rattle IBM customers - but it may end up benefiting them long term. USA TODAY reporter Michelle Kessler answers some questions many IBM customers are asking:


Mobile Phone Users Double Since 2000 (Reuters)

Reuters - Mobile phone subscribers around the\globe totaled nearly 1.5 billion by the middle of this year,\about one quarter of the world's population, the International\Telecommunication Union (ITU) said on Thursday.


Nintendo President Plays Down Sony Handset

The president of Japanese game maker Nintendo Co. shrugged off the threat from rival Sony #39;s entry into the handheld video game business Thursday, saying his company is targeting a different market of novice players.


Microsoft Schedules Second Longhorn Event

Microsoft has set a date for a second Longhorn-themed Professional Developers Conference (PDC). The event will be held in September 2005, almost two years after the company first detailed the Windows XP successor at the 2003 PDC.


Technology ; Kazaa talked to record firms about music swaps <b>...</b>

Technology News, SYDNEY, Kazaa, the world #39;s most popular Internet file-swapping system, told a court on Thursday it was worried about users exchanging unauthorised files and held talks with record companies in the United States about the problem.


Microsoft Schedules Second Longhorn Event (PC World)

PC World - Conference will allow developers to examine, discuss the successor to Windows XP.


Leiter leaves Mets

Al Leiter heard all the right things from the Florida Marlins. That was the reason he chose to move south and leave the New York Mets.


Vince hurt as Raps bow in OT

As the Raptors were falling 90-86 in overtime to the defending champion Detroit Pistons last night before a sellout crowd of 22,076 at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich.


IBM Reassures Workers After Milestone China Deal (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 8 -- During an IBM employee meeting here Wednesday, a worker got up and asked a question that perhaps only 10 years ago would have been unthinkable: If he wanted to keep his job helping to design some of the world's most advanced computers, would he have to move to China?


Unicef report: 1bn children suffering

More than half the world #39;s children are suffering extreme effects of poverty, war and HIV/Aids, denying them a healthy and safe childhood, according to a report published today.


Worst Oil Spill in Five Years Off S. China Coast (Reuters)

Reuters - Two container ships collided and\spilled some 450 tons of fuel oil off China's southern coast,\the country's worst oil spill in five years, a maritime\official said on Thursday.


Suspected Explosives Found Before Taiwan Election

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Police found four packages of suspected  explosives at the Taiwan capital's main railway station on  Thursday, triggering a bomb scare days before a hotly contested  legislative election.


Opposition supporters leave tent camp in Kyiv, but many plan to stay (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - Demonstrators removed blockades near the government building in Ukraine's capital on Thursday, signalling a further decrease in tensions following parliament's adoption of electoral and constitutional changes ahead of a repeat presidential runoff vote.


Players, Owners to Meet in Bid to Save NHL Season

TORONTO (Reuters) - National Hockey League owners will meet  with representatives from the players union on Thursday in what  is seen as a final bid to end a lockout and save the NHL  season.


Tyson Arrested in Arizona

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Sports Network) - Former heavyweight  champion Mike Tyson was arrested after allegedly jumping on the  hood of a car outside a nightclub.


Glaus Headed to Arizona??

PHOENIX (Sports Network) - Free agent third baseman Troy  Glaus is reportedly headed to the Arizona Diamondbacks.


Els Makes Flawless Start in Dunhill

MALELANE, South Africa (Reuters) - A faultless 67 left  South Africa's Ernie Els one shot off the pace after the first  round of the Dunhill Championship at the Leopard Creek Country  Club on Thursday.


Oil Rises as OPEC Considers Supply Cut

Oil prices rose for the second day in a row on Thursday as several OPEC ministers called for the cartel to stop producing more oil than its official target.


Paris to sell 700 million of its stake in Air France

The French government is selling 17.7 percent of Air France-KLM Group, Europe #39;s biggest airline, taking advantage of an increase in the carrier #39;s shares as oil prices decline, the managers of the sale said on Thursday.


GM Europe Axes 12,000 Jobs

General Motors Europe will chop 12,000 jobs over two years -- around a fifth of its workforce -- to lop 500 million euros (\$673 million


US Data Suggest Job-Market Recovery Losing Steam

Wall Street had expected a drop in new unemployment claims. The prediction of economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and CNBC was a decline of 14,000 claims.


Lilly:  #39;05 Profit Driven by Newer Drugs

Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Thursday said it expects 2005 earnings to rise as higher sales of its newer drugs offset a decline in its top-selling schizophrenia drug Zyprexa.


Costco profits rise, but stock falls in early trading

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Discount retailing giant Costco Wholesale Corp. said Thursday that profits grew 21 percent in its fiscal first quarter, thanks to higher sales and more revenue from membership fees.


US Economy: Import Prices, Initial Jobless Claims Rise

The costs of imported goods rose less in November than a month earlier, restrained by a drop in petroleum prices that may help boost consumer spending and the US economy.


Agree with Target #39;s ban of Salvation Army bell ringers?

For the past decade, the Salvation Armys familiar red kettles represented the sole exception to Targets (TGT, news, msgs) no-solicitation policy.


McDonald #39;s Same-Store Sales Rise in Nov.

McDonald #39;s Corp. said Thursday that global comparable-restaurant sales, or sales at restaurants open at least 13 months, rose 4.2 percent in November.


Hyatt Books AmeriSuites Acquisition

CHICAGO -- Hyatt Corp. said Thursday it will purchase the 143-unit AmeriSuites hotel chain from affiliates of The Blackstone Group.


Disney backs Sonys Blu-ray DVD format

The battle to set the standard for next-generation digital recording media took another twist on Thursday with the announcement that Walt Disney would launch titles on the Blu-ray Disc format promoted by Sony and Matsushita.


Decoded chicken genome reveals common ancestors for birds and <b>...</b>

Health India: Washington, Dec 9 : In a breakthrough revelation, scientists have succeeded in unveiling the genomic sequence of the chicken, thus bridging the gap between the genomes already obtained from mammals and other organisms which may help them


Linux-based Palms on the way

quot;Future Palm devices may run Linux, thanks to a surprise purchase by PalmSource. The company, which makes the operating software for the PalmOne devices (notably the Treo smartphones), intends to buy China


Nintendo DS Proves Popular

Sales of the Nintendo DS handheld gaming device are going better than expected, prompting Nintendo to raise its full-year shipment forecast, the company #39;s president says.


Experts call on NASA to save Hubble with shuttle mission

NASA should launch a shuttle mission to save the Hubble Space Telescope because its plan to use a robot to repair the instrument is unlikely to work, a panel of experts convened by the National Research Council recommended yesterday.


New virus camouflaged as screensaver

A virus that spies on keystrokes and downloads passwords and bank account details is circulating among emails, masquerading as a screensaver designed by internet portal Lycos to attack stammers, a watchdog warned on Thursday.


Hollywood nails Kaleidescape

The MPAA #39;s DVD Copy Control Association (DVDCCA), owner of the ineffective DVD  #39;copy-protection #39; technology, is after a firm called Kaleidescape because, claim the studios, Kaleidescape #39;s \$27,000 jukebox illegally makes copies of DVDs.


Kazaa  #39;worried about piracy #39;

Kazaa, the internet #39;s most popular file-swapping system, told a court in Sydney yesterday that it was worried about users exchanging unauthorised files and had held talks with record companies in the United States.


Brazil accounts for 3 percent of emissions of greenhouse gases in <b>...</b>

_ The burning and deforestation of Brazil #39;s vast Amazon rain forest causes nearly 3 percent of the world #39;s greenhouse gas emissions, according to a government report released Wednesday.


Big Kuiper Belt object got a face-lift

The ammonia and crystalline ice would be destroyed in about 10 million years, quot; Jewitt says.  quot;This implies Quaoar gets recoated on that time scale or faster.


Say hello to Yahoo on your handphone real soon

THE online search giant Yahoo wants to make a debut on the small screens of handphone users soon. Yahoo has acquired WUF Networks, a small start-up with technology which aims to let consumers move their songs


Siemens sets wireless speed record with OFDM

German electronics manufacturer Siemens has set what it claims to be the fastest-ever wireless connection. At its research lab in Munich, Siemens achieved a transmission speed of 1gbps by combining an intelligent


Another delay for Oracle Collaboration Suite update

Oracle has postponed the delivery of a major update to its Collaboration Suite until mid-2005, which will add instant messaging and voice-over-IP capabilities, and offer content management features.


Pacers to Appeal Suspensions

(New York City-December 9, 2004) - Two days of grievance hearings stemming from the November Pacers-Pistons brawl are unfolding in New York City.


Clijsters expected to miss Aussie Open

Melbourne, Australia (Sports Network) - Former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters continues to recover from a wrist injury and is not expected to play in next month #39;s Australian Open.


Sir Alex:Our kids will come on a ton

Sir Alex Ferguson today has no regrets about fielding a second-string side against Fenerbahce. Sanli Tuncay #39;s second-half hat-trick consigned the Red Devils to a 3-0 defeat in Istanbul and, more importantly


Pitch change has Bracewell upset

Five days of rain at the Gabba ground and forecasts of more have forced a pitch change for the deciding game Friday in the three-match limited-overs cricket series between Australia and New Zealand.


Glaus joining Diamondbacks: report

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly signed free-agent third baseman Troy Glaus. The Arizona Republic reported Thursday that Glaus and the Diamondbacks have agreed to a four-year, \$45-million US contract.


Germany #39;s Glagow, Fischer win biathlon events

Germany #39;s Martina Glagow won a 15-kilometer biathlon event Thursday for her first World Cup victory this season, and compatriot Sven Fischer won a men #39;s 20-kilometer race.


Teammates unhappy with Bryant regime

What were the Lakers thinking this summer when they let Kobe Bryant dictate whom the Lakers acquired in the offseason? Everyone knows that they were desperate to re-sign Bryant, but once you give


IRA: Willing to Disarm, But Photos Impossible

IRA guerrillas said on Thursday they would never be  quot;humiliated quot; by the photographing of their final acts of disarmament -- the last sticking point in an Anglo-Irish drive for a Northern Ireland political settlement.


'Mercenaries' appeal in Zimbabwe

More than 60 suspected mercenaries are to appeal against their convictions in Zimbabwe over a coup plot.


Sistani unveils electoral alliance, Sadr not on list

Iraq #39;s Shiite Muslims led by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Thursday unveiled a broadly based electoral alliance which excludes radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.


Survivors rescued after 10 days

MANILA, Philippines -- As the confirmed death toll from devastating storms in the Philippines rises to more than 840, rescuers have pulled at least four survivors from a building that collapsed in mudslides 10 days ago.


Koizumi will keep Japanese in Iraq

TOKYO The cabinet of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi decided Thursday to extend the mission of Japanese troops in Iraq despite the growing opposition of voters, political opponents and members of his own party.


Europe and China: keeping pace with a growing giant

The European Union #39;s arms embargo against China was the focus of nearly all the attention at Wednesday #39;s political summit in The Hague between the EU and China.


Palestinian candidate says Israeli soldiers beat him

Democracy activist Mustafa Barghouti who joins the Palestinian presidential race told reporters on Thursday that he and his bodyguards were beaten by Israeli soldiers on a roadblock in the northern West Bank.


Zimbabwe curbs rights groups

Zimbabwe's parliament passes a controversial bill banning international rights groups from working in the country.


Serbian church sues over Kosovo

Serbia's Orthodox Church files a lawsuit accusing the UK, France, Germany and Italy of failing to protect churches in Kosovo.


Hello! appeals in Zeta Jones case

Hello! magazine is to appeal against damages awarded to its rival OK! over Catherine Zeta Jones' wedding photos.


Jobless Claims Up, Import Prices Gain (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. jobless claims unexpectedly\rose again last week in more worrying news for the labor\market, government data showed on Thursday, while other data\offered some positive signals for America's economy.


Jobless Claims Up, Import Prices Gain

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. jobless claims unexpectedly  rose again last week in more worrying news for the labor  market, government data showed on Thursday, while other data  offered some positive signals for America's economy.


Global Growth Key to Beer Wars

Anheuser-Busch teams up with Vietnam's largest brewer, laying the groundwork for future growth in the region.


Hamm, Foudy Retire From Women's Soccer

Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy closed out their remarkable careers with the U.S. women's soccer team in style Wednesday night, cheered on by droves of young girls in a 5-0 victory over Mexico.


Dollar Rises, Investors Eye Yields

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rose on Thursday as  traders, short of dollars after relentlessly selling them for  weeks, looked to the growing yield advantage of U.S. assets as  a reason to buy back the currency before the end of the year.


Tech Stocks Tumble After Chip Makers Warn

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Thursday, hit by a  sharp drop in technology shares following a slew of sales  warnings from semiconductor makers, and as oil prices rose  nearly \$1 a barrel.


Hyatt to Buy AmeriSuites Hotel Chain

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hyatt Corp. on Thursday said it agreed  to buy AmeriSuites, an upscale limited-service hotel chain that  it hopes will complement its full-service portfolio.


Showtime for Martha

Next year will bring a brand new Martha Stewart show, but it's not as daring as it could have been.


Is D B Down and Broken?

Dave   Buster's has a lethargic quarter, but the calendar proves that the third quarters are always slow at D B.


Kos Sinks, Generic Drug Blamed

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of Kos Pharmaceuticals Inc.  KOSP.O slumped 8 percent on Thursday after an analyst  suggested Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. BRL.N could launch a  copycat version of a key Kos drug earlier than expected.


Japan  Extends Its Military Presence in Iraq

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's cabinet agreed Thursday to extend the deployment of Japan's 600 non-combat troops in Iraq for up to one year despite widespread public opposition and condemnations by political opponents.


OPEC Warns Oil Supply Cuts Needed for 2005

\

 By Peg Mackey and Francois Murphy

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


UK imports at record high

The UK's trade gap widens sharply from 4.4bn to 5.3bn, as imports hit 21.5bn, the highest monthly level since records began.


China officials halt Playboy club

Business regulators in Shanghai turn down an application for a Playboy nightclub complex in the city.


UK to launch Parliamentary inquiry into future e-voting

The U.K. government will launch a Parliamentary inquiry next year into the practicalities of electronic voting.


Bomb Explodes in Argentine Branch of Citibank

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - A small bomb explodedearly on Thursday in an Argentine branch of Citibank but nobodywas injured, police said.


Venezuelan President Approves Media Law

A law that gives the government control over the content of radio and television programs in Venezuela took effect Thursday.


Folgers lifts ground coffee prices 14

Folgers, a brand of Procter  amp; Gamble (PG), raised the price of its roast-and-ground coffee on Thursday, affecting about 75 of the company #39;s retail coffee line.


US stocks fell on Thursday, hit by a sharp drop in technology shares following a slew of sales warnings from semiconductor makers, and as oil prices rose nearly \$1 a barrel.


Jobless Claims Up, Import Prices Gain

US jobless claims unexpectedly rose again last week in more worrying news for the labor market while prices for imported goods grew in November, government data showed on Thursday.


Bring on the big boys, says Bayern #39;s Magath

Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath admits he is unconcerned who his side face in the last sixteen of the Champions League, claiming the 18-time German champions are capable of beating anyone.


Tyson arrested for beating car

POLICE have arrested former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson for allegedly jumping on the bonnet of a car outside a nightclub. The car #39;s driver Asaf Alikadic, 22, told police he had left the club and stopped


Arms to Pak: India conveys concerns to US

India today conveyed to the US its concern over repercussions of American arms supplies to Pakistan on the ongoing Indo-Pak dialogue and its impact on the positive sentiments for Washington in this country.


ANNAN #39;S FUTURE: Remains up in the air with scandal

When US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell met Secretary-General Kofi Annan last month at an Egyptian summit on Iraq, the two old friends shook hands.


Nintendo boss slams PSP as DS shipment target is raised

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


Humans favoured for Hubble rescue

Shuttle astronauts would do a better job of upgrading the ailing Hubble Space Telescope than robots, a panel of space experts has said.


Samsung shipping samples of 512Mbit GDDR3

Samsung Electronics has begun shipping samples of 512Mbit GDDR3 chips targeting the high-end graphics-card and the game-console markets.


Angulo apology for Valencia fracas

Valencia midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo has joined coach Claudio Ranieri in apologizing for his behavior during the bad-tempered Champions League match against Werder Bremen, daily Marca reported on Thursday.


Saudis call for delays in output cuts

Saudi Arabia is urging global oil stocks be increased before the world #39;s crude oil cartel consider cutting output. Members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries


MP Offers to Photograph IRA Decommissioning

Maverick Labour MP Austin Mitchell today offered to use his photographic skills to end the impasse in the Northern Ireland peace process.


Iraqi Shiites unveil broadly based electoral alliance

BAGHDAD, Dec 9 (AFP) - Iraq #39;s majority Shiite Muslims on Thursday unveiled a broad alliance ahead of next month #39;s key elections that is backed by their highest religious leader but which excludes radical cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.


Middle East ; Israeli airstrike wounds three Palestinians in Gaza

Middle East News, Three Palestinian fighters were injured in an Israeli missile strike on their car in the southern Gaza Strip, witnesses and medics said on Thursday.


Tyco International Ups Dividend

Tyco International (TYC:NYSE - news - research) Thursday reaffirmed guidance and said its board had approved a dividend increase. The Bermuda-based conglomerate said the quarterly dividend will increase to


Mozilla tries to emulate Firefox success with email client.

Mozilla the company behind the overnight success Firefox 1.0 has launched an email client to go up against Microsofts Outlook Express email client.


Samsung doubles graphics memory density

Samsung Electronics said today that it has made a memory manufacturing breakthrough that allows it to produce a graphics memory chip that is faster than any other on the market.


Yahoo buys start-up to boost mobile

Yahoo on Tuesday confirmed it acquired a start-up last month called Wuf Networks that produces technology to let people transfer digital files onto mobile devices.


Charges filed in connection with brawl

Seven fans have now been charged along with five Indiana Pacers players in the Nov. 19 brawl at a Detroit Pistons NBA game. Players Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, David Harrison and Anthony Johnson are charged with one count of assault and battery.


BENITEZ OUT TO KEEP GERRARD

Rafael Benitez has told his ambitious skipper Steven Gerrard that he can achieve all of his dreams at Liverpool. The Anfield manager understands fully Gerrard #39;s dilemma as the England midfielder contemplates


Biathlon stars gather at Holmenkollen

Norway #39;s biathlon queen lost more grip on her reign Thursday. The world #39;s top biathlon athletes gathered in Oslo for World Cup competition due to last through the weekend.


Oil firm chief in Singapore free on bail

Scandal-hit Chen Jiuling, the suspended chief of Singapore-based China Aviation Oil (CAO) was questioned by local police for a second straight day yesterday as the investigation


SPX shakes up leadership: Blystone out, Johnson in

The SPX Corp. Board of Directors accepted the resignation and retirement of Chairman, President and CEO John Blystone. The now Charlotte NC-based SPX -- which for years was the Sealed Power Corp.


McDonald #39;s posts another monthly sales gain, led by US

OAK BROOK, Ill. Oak Brook-based McDonald #39;s is reporting a solid four-point-two percent gain in worldwide comparable sales for November and a 20th straight monthly increase for its US business.


Bank of England holds interest rates

The Bank of England left the cost of borrowing unchanged at 4.75 per cent on Thursday after data had shown a slowdown in the housing market, slowing consumer


November import prices rise 0.2, more than expected

The price of goods imported into the United States in November rose 0.2, slightly more than expected, a Labor Department report showed on Thursday, as increases in non-petroleum prices hit a 10-month high.


India to take on Bangladesh

India #39;s first Test against Bangladesh begins on Friday in Dhaka and already all the talk is not on whether India will win but when.


Sky is the limit

The movement of oil prices this year, both in the international and local markets, has consistently maintained an upward trend causing hysteria in the global oil market.


China/New York IBM deal reflects global realignment

International Business Machines Corp. Tuesday agreed to sell its personal computer business to China #39;s largest computer manufacturer, backing out of a market the venerable technology


The future in your pocket

The next 12 months look like they are going to be a lot of fun if you are a geek or gadget fan.


Car bomber hits central Baghdad

A suicide bomber blows up his car near the party headquarters of interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.