Mateschitz: Coulthard will lead Red Bull.

David Coulthard will lead the Red Bull Racing team next season, according to quotes attributed to new owner Dietrich Mateschitz. Although the team has yet to issue official confirmation of a deal with the


FACTBOX-Australia v Pakistan factbox

Head-to-heads: The two teams have met 49 times since 1956-57. Australia hold the advantage with 21 victories while Pakistan have won 11, with 17 draws.


Tallest bridge in world spanning clouds across southern France

MILLAU, France French citizens and officials are celebrating a roadway bridge considered to be the world #39;s tallest. One of the Millau bridge #39;s pillars reaches more than eleven-hundred feet into the air, making


War Crime Trials Against Saddam to Start Next Week

Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi announced that proceedings would begin against former Baath Party leaders.


M.T.A. Spent \$15 Million on Officers' Overtime

A third of the M.T.A.'s police officers were paid more than \$100,000 last year, and some officers doubled and even tripled their base salaries by working overtime.


Army Reprimand Reported in Slaying

One of four U.S. military officers in Afghanistan alleged to have murdered a local man they believed was following their movements was issued an official reprimand.


OAS Reproaches U.S., EU Over Colombia

The Organization of American States has reproached the United States and the European Union for refusing to participate in Colombia's peace process with right-wing paramilitary groups despite what it called impressive progress.


Google to Digitize Some Library Collections

Five prestigious university and public libraries have reached agreement with Google Inc. to digitize millions of volumes in their collections and make portions of the text available for free to computer users online, the search giant plans to announce today. -The Washington Post


Danske pays \$1.86B for Irish banks

No. 2 Nordic bank eyes stronger EPS in  #39;06; shares fall 4.2 due to deal #39;s size, reduced buybacks. MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Denmark #39;s Danske Bank has bought two Irish banks from National Australia Bank (NAB) for


Zurich Financial Services, US Settle

Insurance giant Zurich Financial Services said Tuesday it had reached a US\$47.5 million (euro35.8 million) settlement in the United States to end litigation over the bankruptcy of a nursing home chain.


Business cost of climate control

As the UN climate conference meets in Argentina, a new report questions the economic sense in tackling greenhouse gases so vigorously now.


Stocks Seen Lower, Fed Meeting on Tap

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a lower  open on Wall Street on Tuesday as investors take profits  following Monday's rally and before the Federal Reserve is  expected to raise interest rates.


Chain Store Sales Rise in the Latest Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. chain store retail sales rose in  the latest week after sizable back-to-back declines, as  consumers took to the stores for holiday shopping, a retail  report said on Tuesday.


Before the Bell: Sprint, Veritas Rise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Sprint Corp. FON.N rose  5.4 percent before the bell on Tuesday after the Wall Street  Journal reported that Verizon Communications VZ.N has gained  the backing of partner Vodafone Group VOD.L to bid for  Sprint.


Delta to Slash Fares, Cut Restrictions (Reuters)

Reuters - Delta Air Lines Inc., the No. 3 U.S.\carrier which has been restructuring in efforts to avoid a\bankruptcy filing, is expected to slash fares and remove\restrictive rules such as Saturday-night stays, Time magazine\reported in its online edition on Sunday.


Microsoft desktop search tool launched

Microsoft Corp launched the beta version of its new MSN Toolbar Suite on Monday, with what it calls is  #39;breakthrough desktop search functionality #39; that will help users quickly find virtually any type of document, media file or e-mail message on their


Samsung and Sony sign patent agreement

Samsung and Sony have signed a five-year cross-licensing agreement covering a wide range of patents for digital products. The agreement should reduce the potential for disputes


Utah Says Goodbye to Meyer With Win (AP)

AP - Urban Meyer paused a few times to collect himself. Saying goodbye was hard enough. Doing so after a 12-0 season was almost too much. The fifth-ranked Utes sent Meyer to his new job at Florida with one last nearly perfect performance, beating Pittsburgh 35-7 Saturday night in the Fiesta Bowl.


Deadly Anniversary In Iraq

(CBS/AP) The first anniversary of Saddam Hussein #39;s capture was marked by violence across Iraq, including a suicide car bombing that killed 13 people in Baghdad and a report that seven US Marines died in combat in western Iraq.


Head-on train crash leaves 15 to 20 dead in India: minister

JAMMU, India : Two trains collided head-on in the northern Indian state of Punjab Tuesday, killing 15 to 20 people, the railway minister said.


Turkeys Parliament Approved Legislation Sought by the EU

Turkey #39;s parliament approved on Monday a final piece of legislation sought by the European Union before a Dec. 16-17 summit at which EU leaders will decide whether Ankara is now ready to begin long-delayed entry talks.


Syria, Hamas: Israel tried to assassinate a movement #39;s cadre in <b>...</b>

In separate statements both Syria and the Islamic resistance movement Hamas accused Israel of being responsible for the booby trapped car explosion which took place Monday evening in Mezze in Damascus.


Former Restaurant Inspector Loses Lawsuit (AP)

AP - A former restaurant inspector for France's famed Michelin Red Guide  #151; fired for revealing how it awards its coveted stars to the nation's best chefs  #151; lost a lawsuit Tuesday alleging wrongful dismissal, a Michelin lawyer said.


Survey: Political Parties Seen As Corrupt (AP)

AP - Political parties are the public institutions most marred by corruption, an international watchdog group said Thursday in a new global survey marking the United Nations' first International Anti-Corruption Day.


Ask Jeeves to Launch Desktop Search

On the heels of a series of desktop search releases, Ask Jeeves Inc. is set to launch an application to scour users #39; hard drives for e-mails and files.


Portable playstation a hit in Japan

The new PlayStation Portable (PSP) portable game console reportedly sold out at Tokyo electronic retailers within hours of its debut on Sunday.


Anniversary marked with fire and blood

BAGHDAD: A suicide car bomber linked to al-Qaeda killed 13 people in Baghdad yesterday, the first anniversary of Saddam Hussein #39;s capture.


World #39;s tallest bridge opens in France

Jacques Chirac, the French president, opened the bridge which is in the Tarn Valley in the south west of the country. The four-lane bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower at 343 metres high and 1.5 miles long.


Saddam officials #39; trials to begin

The trials of former members of Saddam Hussein #39;s Iraqi regime will begin next week, interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said.


Holt First With Five 1,300-Yard Seasons (AP)

AP - Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams became the first player in NFL history with five straight 1,300-yard seasons when he caught a 44-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first half against the New York Jets on Sunday.


Trade Deficit Swells to Record \$55B

America's trade deficit swelled to an all-time high of \$55.5 billion in October as imports  --  including those from China  --  surged to the loftiest levels on record.


US trade gap balloons

The US trade deficit widens to fresh record levels after higher oil prices raise the cost of imports.


Egypt and Israel seal trade deal

Egypt and Israel sign a trade protocol with the US, allowing Egyptian goods made with the support of Israel free access to American markets.


Vodafone Says It Isn #39;t Discussing Bid for Sprint With Verizon

Vodafone Group Plc, the world #39;s largest mobile-phone operator, said it #39;s not in talks with US partner Verizon Communications Inc.


DALE JEWETT  Automotive News

General Motors and DaimlerChrysler are joining forces to develop a new hybrid powertrain that they claim is more efficient and flexible than current hybrids.


US trade deficit hits another record

WASHINGTON - The US trade deficit continues to swell to new records, hitting \$55.5 billion US in October. The US Commerce Department said Tuesday that the trade deficit grew by 8.9 per cent from September, even


Humana buying CarePlus Health Plans

The health insurer expects the proposed \$408M acquisition to boost its offerings of Medicare plans. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Health insurer Humana Inc.


Blockbuster Dumping Late Fees

(CBS/AP) Blockbuster Inc., plans to eliminate late fees on games and movies as of Jan. 1. But there is plenty of fine print, which suggests that the nation #39;s biggest movie rental company is still struggling


Pier 1 Shares Up

Home furnishings retailer Pier 1 Imports Inc. (PIR.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday posted a sharp fall in third-quarter earnings, but its share price jumped as analysts had feared worse news.


Merck to Cut About 5,100 Jobs by Year #39;s End

Merck  amp; Co., under siege because of lost revenues from its recalled blockbuster arthritis drug Vioxx, will cut about 5,100 jobs by year #39;s end, more than originally planned, and will slash hundreds of millions of dollars in spending, Chairman Raymond V


Pearson Agrees to Sell Spanish Publisher Recoletos

Britain #39;s Pearson agreed on Tuesday to sell its 79 percent stake in Recoletos to a management-led consortium offering 941 million euros (\$1.25 billion) for the entire Spanish media group.


S amp;P 500 Rises as Veritas Advances on Report; Gains Are Limited

The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index rose, spurred by gains among computer-related shares after the New York Times reported Symantec Corp.


UPDATE 2-ProQuest buying education company, stock jumps

Electronic publisher ProQuest Co. (PQE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Tuesday it would buy privately held Voyager Expanded Learning, a reading curriculum provider, for \$360


Heat Puts 14-Game Streak to Test (AP)

AP - Seattle and Miami are among the NBA's four winningest teams so far this season, ranking just behind Phoenix and San Antonio. Yet when the Heat put their 14-game winning streak on the line Monday night against the SuperSonics, Miami won't be looking at the matchup as a potential NBA Finals preview or a measuring stick to see where it ranks against one of the Western Conference's elite clubs.


Microsoft Launches Desktop Search

Microsoft debuts a preview of its long-anticipated desktop search as part of a toolbar suite that integrates with Windows, Internet Explorer, and the company #39;s Outlook e-mail client.


Google to Offer Libraries #39; Books to Lure Web Surfers (Update4)

Google Inc., the most-used Web-search service, will scan books and documents from four universities and the New York Public Library, offering access to material unavailable on Yahoo!


Study: 10 of all bird species could be extinct in 100 years

(National-NBC) Dec. 14, 2004 - Conservation biologists say ten percent of all bird species could be extinct in the next 100 years.


Firefox Keeps Slicing Into IE #39;s Share

Firefox #39;s share of the US browser market grew by more than a third in the last month. Firefox #39;s share of the US browser market grew by more than a third in the last month, a Web metrics firm said Monday.


Samsung, Sony Enter Cross-License Agreement

Two of the world #39;s consumer electronics giants, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp., have signed a cross-license agreement detailing mutual usage of patents across major product lines owned by the two companies.


Report: Hollywood steps up piracy fight

Major movies studios to announce fresh crackdown on illegal downloads, according to a news report. NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The Motion Picture Association of America is expected to announce a new campaign aimed


Rock-solid signs of early water on Mars

Spirit, one of the two rovers exploring Mars, has discovered the first rock on the planet that scientists say could have formed only in water - - but whether the water was flowing, or lay like a shallow sea that came and went, remains unknown, the mission


Samsung launches tiny memory card for mobiles

In a flash, Samsung has unveiled its latest removable storage product, and it #39;s only a quarter of the size of a standard multimedia memory card.


Heart Patch Pulses Like the Real Thing - Study

Pulsing transplanted heart cells with electrical current helps them grow into mature cardiac cells, bringing doctors closer to a grow-your-own heart patch, US researchers said on Tuesday.


Football: Shevchenko named Footballer of the Year

The poll conducted by European football journalists from 52 countries organised by France Football magazine, voted for the 28-year-old Ukrainian for his outstanding scoring record for Milan since he joined the Italian side in 1999.


Red Bull want to give Coulthard wings

Red Bull Racing are still hopeful of signing David Coulthard for the 2005 formula one season - but admit the chances of getting their man are just  quot;50-50 quot;.


Old Firm pair hit with suspensions

Celtic #39;s Henri Camara and Nacho Novo of Rangers have been suspended for offences missed by the referee in last month #39;s explosive Old Firm match.


France unveils its motorway in the clouds

Taller than the Eiffel Tower and longer than the Champs Elysee, the Millau viaduct was today opened by President Jacques Chirac to acclaim as marvel of art and architecture.


Iran may negotiate with US over nukes

Iran is willing to talk with the United States about a nuclear program that Washington alleges is aimed at secretly acquiring the bomb, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said Monday.


Hizbollah TV stops broadcasting to France

PARIS - The television channel run by Lebanon #39;s Hizbollah guerrillas and banned in France as anti-Semitic has agreed to stop its satellite broadcasts here immediately, France #39;s broadcasting authority said on Tuesday.


Ex-PM  #39;erased #39; Madrid blast files

SPAIN #39;S Prime Minister has accused the government he succeeded of ordering the destruction of all computer records on the March 11 Madrid train bombings in an attempt to influence the outcome of the election held three days later.


SF accuses Paisley of holding gun to Ahern and Blair

Sinn Fin has accused DUP leader Ian Paisley of effectively holding a gun to the heads of the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister on the issue of photographic proof of IRA decommissioning.


Trade Gap Swells More Than Expected (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. trade deficit widened\nearly 9 percent in October to a record  #36;55.5 billion as\sky-high oil prices helped propel imports into new territory,\the government said on Tuesday.


Coffee Prices Perking Up 14 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Coffee lovers are digging deeper into\their pockets for their daily fix of the black brew.


Verizon: No Imminent Plan for Sprint Bid (Reuters)

Reuters - Verizon Communications Inc. has\eyed a potential acquisition of Sprint Corp. , but has\no imminent plans to make a bid, people familiar with the\situation said on Tuesday.


U.S. Stocks Flat, Bonds Fall Ahead of Fed (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. stocks hovered around the\break-even mark, bonds fell and the dollar recovered a bit on\Tuesday just hours before the Federal Reserve was expected to\raise U.S. interest rates for the fifth time this year.


U.S. Trade Deficit Swells to Record  #36;55.5B (AP)

AP - America's trade deficit swelled to an all-time high of  #36;55.5 billion in October as imports  #151; including those from China  #151; surged to the loftiest levels on record. Skyrocketing crude-oil prices also contributed to the yawning trade gap.


Pier 1 Shares Up (Reuters)

Reuters - Home furnishings retailer Pier 1\Imports Inc.  on Tuesday posted a sharp fall in\third-quarter earnings, but its share price jumped as analysts\had feared worse news.


Fifth rate hike expected from US Fed

Federal Reserve officials are set to jack up interest rates tonight for a fifth time this year, confident the US expansion is self-supporting and no longer in need of rock-bottom borrowing costs for a boost.


A Holiday M A Party

Despite a lowered outlook for 2005, investors gave a thumbs-up for Honeywell's recent deal.


Bristol-Myers' Smart Moves

Although problems still hang over the company, Bristol-Myers is paving the way for recovery.


Verizon: No Imminent Plan for Sprint Bid

Verizon Communications Inc. has eyed a potential acquisition of Sprint Corp. (FON.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , but has no imminent plans to make a bid, people familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.


US trade deficit hits new record 55.5 billion dollars

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US trade gap unexpectedly shot to a record 55.5 billion dollars in October as Americans sucked in more imports, particularly from China, and oil prices sizzled.


Act of desperation

The nations largest video chain says there will be no more late fees charged on any movie or game rental at its more than 4,500 US outlets, starting Jan. 1. Blockbuster (BBI, news, msgs) said it spilled


Microsoft launches desktop rival to Google

The battle for search-technology supremacy extended to new front today when Microsoft launched a tool for finding files stored on personal computers.


Google plans to put millions of books online

Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the founders of search giant Google, have long had a dream of putting all the world #39;s information on the Internet, free for the world to browse.


Thunderbird, Firefox, and Transitional Applications

quot;These last few months have been extremely exciting for the talented developers at the Mozilla project. Their Firefox browser has re-ignited the browser wars and done what no one thought possible -- taken


Celtic go three points clear in Scotland (AFP)

AFP - Celtic went three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 2-1 win at home to Livingston.


Fernando Poe Jr. Dies; Filipino Film Star, Presidential Hopeful

Fernando Poe Jr., 65, the Filipino action film star and presidential candidate who refused to concede May #39;s election, died just after midnight Dec. 12 US time at a hospital in Quezon City after a stroke.


India, Pak officials discuss nuclear CBMs

India and Pakistan on Tuesday held talks on nuclear confidence building measures aimed at reducing the risk of accidental war and promoting strategic stability.


Israel, Egypt Sign US-Backed Trade Agreement

In the latest sign of a thaw in Israeli-Egyptian relations, Israel and Egypt on Tuesday signed a US-backed economic pact hailed as the most important agreement between the two countries in two decades.


Abbas calls for end to armed Palestinian uprising

JERUSALEM - The armed uprising against Israel was an error and should end, interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said in a rare public condemnation of the four-year-old intefadeh that has killed hundreds of Israelis.


Trade Deficit Swells to Record \$55B

America #39;s trade deficit swelled to an all-time high of \$55.5 billion in October as imports -- including those from China -- surged to the loftiest levels on record.


Md. Judge Strikes Down Anti-Spam Law (AP)

AP - A judge has ruled that Maryland's anti-spam law  #151; the first state law to penalize senders of junk e-mail  #151; is unconstitutional because it seeks to regulate commerce outside the state's borders.


Report lays part of blame for Concorde crash on Continental Airlines (AFP)

AFP - A French legal inquiry into the July 2000 Concorde crash outside Paris that killed 113 people presented findings Tuesday that put part of the blame on the US airline Continental.


AOL Canada makes the leap into VoIP

AOL Canada Inc. will announce plans today to enter the burgeoning market for providing telephone service over the Internet. The on-line service company has beaten its US parent Time Warner Inc


Worldwide PC Market Seen Doubling by 2010 (Reuters)

Reuters - The number of personal computers\worldwide is expected to double to about 1.3 billion by 2010,\driven by explosive growth in emerging markets such as China,\Russia and India, according to a report released on Tuesday by\Forrester Research Inc.


Verizon wins Vodafone backing for Sprint bid - report (AFP)

AFP - Verizon Communications has reportedly gained the backing of its wireless partner, Vodafone Group, for a potential bid for Sprint Corp, clearing a major hurdle to such a deal.


Insecurity Cuts Off 360,000 of Darfur's Needy-WFP (Reuters)

Reuters - About 360,000 needy people in\Sudan's Darfur region are out of reach of the World Food\Program because of fighting, officials said on Tuesday.


Gaudi's Cathedral Gets Help from Dassault, IBM (Reuters)

Reuters - Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's\unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral is nearing completion\faster with the help of software from France's Dassault\Systemes and IBM, Dassault said on Tuesday.


Conservatives say they'll move to protect traditional definition of marriage (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The federal Conservatives are girding for a same-sex battle with Paul Martin's Liberals, saying they will move to protect the traditional definition of marriage.


Media 100 HD video editing system released for Mac (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Optibase Ltd. subsidiary Media 100 on Tuesday announced the release of Media 100 HD for Mac OS X, providing Mac-based video professionals with another option for manipulation 10-bit uncompressed Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) digital video.


Montenegro MPs Oppose Plan to Flood Tara Gorge (Reuters)

Reuters - The parliament\of Montenegro on Tuesday opposed government plans to build a\dam that would flood part of the Tara River canyon, the deepest\and longest canyon in Europe.


Democrat May Be Leading in Wash. Race (AP)

AP - Through all the counting and recounting in the closest governor's race in state history, Republican Dino Rossi has held the slimmest of margins over Democrat Christine Gregoire  #151; even picking up a few votes here and there as a tedious hand recount grinds on.


Israel responds to massive tunnel blast

ISN SECURITY WATCH (14012/04) - The Israeli army has responded to a massive explosion that killed five Israeli soldiers on Sunday by launching an attack on two buildings in Gaza City allegedly being used by Palestinian militants to manufacture weapons


Proud France Inaugurates World's Highest Bridge (Reuters)

Reuters - President Jacques Chirac\inaugurated the world's highest bridge on Tuesday, a creation\taller than the Eiffel Tower, longer than the Champs Elysees\and designed to end a traffic bottleneck in southern France.


Military Will March Front and Center at Inaugural Festivities (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; As he leaves the Capitol after taking the oath of office Jan. 20, President Bush is expected to exercise a familiar presidential prerogative  #8212; reviewing the troops.


High Court Upholds Inmate's Death Penalty (AP)

AP - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a Florida death row inmate should not automatically get a new trial because his lawyer conceded the man's guilt without his consent.


One in 10 avian species  #39;extinct by end of century #39;

By the end of the century one in 10 species of birds in the world will be extinct and a further 15 per cent will be on the brink, according to one of the largest studies of avian biodiversity.


Mixed Report for Math, Science Grades (AP)

AP - U.S. eighth-grade students are improving in science and math compared with international peers, but the nation's fourth-graders have stagnant scores and are slipping behind in both subjects, according to a study of achievement across the globe.


Study Says Dolphins Are Too Thin (AP)

AP - One-third of the bottle-nose dolphins swimming off Israel's Mediterranean coast are too thin, apparently due to a lack of food from overfishing, researcher said Tuesday.


Abbas Calls for End of Armed Uprising

The armed uprising against Israel is a mistake and must end, interim Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said in an interview published Tuesday, signaling his determination to change direction after Yasser Arafat's death.


At Least 27 Dead, 36 Injured in India Train Crash

Two passenger trains collided head-on in northern India Tuesday, killing at least 27 people and injuring 36, officials said, blaming the accident on communications problems between stations.


Employers To Ring In New Year With More Jobs

In its latest quarterly survey, the staffing firm Manpower contacted 16,000 US companies, and about 25 percent of them said they expect to have more openings in the first three months of the new year.


Update 1: Groups: Holiday Shoppers Not in Rush

With less than two weeks until Christmas, consumers don #39;t seem to be in a big rush to finish their holiday shopping, evidence from two groups that track sales confirmed on Tuesday.


Heart Tissue Is Grown From Rat Cells

CAMBRIDGE Dec 14, 2004 - Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have used rat cells to grow dime-sized swatches of heart tissue that twitch like a beating heart when an electrical current passes through.


Toshiba Announces iPod-Ready 80GB Mini Drive

Toshiba Corp. announced Tuesday a 80 gigabyte (GB), 1.8-inch hard drive that will set off speculation of a new, higher capacity Apple iPod models later in 2005.


Let #39;s Talk About VoIP

Are we ever sick of talking on the phone. (Sorry, Mom!) After trying out six VoIP services on both cable and DSL lines, on workdays and weekends, while surfing the Web or staring at the


Kraft Raises Coffee Prices by 14 Percent

Following a surge in the price of coffee beans, Kraft Foods will hike the price of a 13-ounce can of Maxwell House coffee by 14 percent to \$2.29, the company said Tuesday.


Schilling says he likely won #39;t be ready by Opening Day

Red Sox ace Curt Schilling said his right ankle isn #39;t recovering from surgery as quickly as he expected and he doesn #39;t think he #39;ll be ready to pitch by Opening Day.


U.S. Fed Set to Nudge Interest Rates Up

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Federal Reserve officials  gathered on Tuesday for their final policy meeting of the year  and were widely expected to nudge interest rates up to stay  ahead of inflation amid a steady economic expansion.


Merck Cuts More Jobs as Earnings Decline

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Merck   Co. Inc. MRK.N, whose  earnings are being hurt by the withdrawal of its arthritis drug  Vioxx, said on Tuesday it has increased the number of jobs to  be cut by year-end to 5,100 from 4,400.


Price of Maxwell House Coffee Up 14 Pct.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Kraft Foods Inc. KFT.N said Tuesday  it raised the price of its Maxwell House coffee brand by 28  cents per 13-ounce can, becoming the second major U.S. roaster  to boost prices in a week.


BT denies fiddling prices on Advent Calendar sales promo

URL 'manipulation' yields unpublished discounts


Colder Weather Keeps Oil Above \$41

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices held firm above \$41 a barrel  on Tuesday as colder weather in the U.S. brought temperatures  more into line with seasonal norms, spurring heating oil  buying.


Treasury Prices Lower Before Fed Meeting

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Treasuries prices were under pressure  on Tuesday just hours before the Federal Reserve was expected  to raise U.S. interest rates for the fifth time this year.


Blockbuster Ends Late Fees, Sees Flat 2005

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. on Tuesday said it was  ending late fees on movies and games from Jan 1. as it battles  to reverse falling rental demand, and forecast operating income  would be flat in 2005.


Sony and Samsung to Cross-License Patents

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp. 6758.T and Samsung  Electronics 005930.KS said on Tuesday they had agreed to  share patents on basic technology to speed up product  development and avoid adding to a growing number of  cross-border patent disputes.


Google -- 21st Century Dewey Decimal System

College kids may never darken the library's door again, thanks to Google's move to digitize the vast holdings of several prestigious university libraries. -washingtonpost.com


Judge Rejects Maryland Spam Law

A Montgomery County judge has ruled that Maryland's anti-spam law -- one of the first attempts to control junk e-mail advertising -- is unconstitutional because it seeks to regulate commerce outside the state's borders.


Microsoft Unveils Software to Find Files

Microsoft Corp. on Monday joined the battle for supremacy in so-called desktop search, introducing software for quickly locating files on personal computers that challenges Google's two-month-old rival product.


Microstrategy President and CFO Resigns

MicroStrategy, which makes business\intelligence software, said Tuesday that Eric Brown resigned as\president and chief financial officer in order to become CFO at\McAfee Inc. which makes system security products.


Vodafone not in talks with Verizon about Sprint

British-based mobile phone giant Vodafone Group said Tuesday that it was not in talks with US partner Verizon Communications about a possible bid for US rival Sprint.


Shoppers Getting Into the Holiday Spirit

US shoppers are starting to get into the holiday spirit, with indices on Tuesday showing sales picking up with only 10 shopping days until Christmas.


Google under pressure over desktop search

Analyst firm Gartner has put out a statement warning businesses to steer clear of Google #39;s desktop search tool until a more robust, enterprise-ready version is released.


PSP Japanese Launch Impressions

Last week #39;s Japanese launch of the Nintendo DS was a fairly low-key affair, with short lines, piles of available stock, and boringly high salesover 500,000 units in Japan to date, with


Samsung Introduces Tiny Flash-Memory Cards

com. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced a line of flash-memory cards that are smaller than a thumbnail, as the firm said it had defeated the nagging problem of high power consumption.


Symantec near \$13bn deal to buy Veritas

Symantec is close to sealing a deal worth about \$13bn to acquire Veritas in one of the largest ever mergers between two software companies.


Tentative Contract for United Pilots Reached

Negotiators for United Airlines and its pilots' union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, the union said Tuesday. Details were not disclosed


Symantec may buy Veritas for over \$13 billion

Security software company Symantecis negotiating to buy storage software vendor Veritas Softwarefor more than \$13 billion, according to a report published Tuesday by The New York Times.


Edify gets VoiceXML certification

Edify on Tuesday is announcing that its Edify Voice Interaction Platform (EVIP) 9.0 system for deploying speech activation applications has received VoiceXML 2.0 Certification from the VoiceXML Forum.


ICANN enters negotiations on .mobi, .jobs domains

Two new top-level domain names moved closer to approval this week, as the body charged with overseeing the Internet's technical matters moved into negotiations with the companies applying to set up and run the ".mobi" and ".jobs" domains.


IBM, AMD detail new use of strained silicon

IBMand Advanced Micro Devices(AMD) have jointly developed a new method for implementing strained silicon technology on both positive and negative transistors, the companies said Monday.


PARC signs multiyear research deal with Fujitsu

Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), the legendary Xeroxinstitution that pioneered graphical user interfaces, Ethernet and laser printing, is set to announce on Tuesday a multiyear research and development agreement with Fujitsu.


Report: Symantec May Buy Veritas

Antivirus vendor may pay \$13 billion for the storage software company.


Toshiba Boosts Hard Drive Capacity

New perpendicular recording technology could lead to thinner, lighter, 80GB IPods.


Google Works with Libraries to Search Book Collections\\Google is taking its searchers away from the bookstore, and back to the library. Google today announced that it is working with the libraries of Harvard, Stanford, the University of Michigan, and the University of Oxford as well as The New York Public ...


Microsoft MSN Desktop Search Is Out In Beta\\As expected, Microsoft has finally released a beta of their Desktop Search software. It is integrated with their Browser Toolbar set and is now labeled MSN Toolbar Suite Beta.\\The download size is huge compared to Google Desktop Search at 4.8megs and you would ...


News: Gait advances in emerging biometrics

Retinal scans, finger printing or facial recognition get most of the publicity but researchers across the world are quietly labouring away at alternative types of biometrics.


News: Tunable surfaces prevent Wi-Fi leaks

Last year a man in Canada was arrested for downloading child pornography onto his laptop, but he used someone else's wireless access point to access the illegal material.


How to Pay for College

Richard Gibbons offers a simple strategy to ensure that your child can go to college.


Merck Cuts More Jobs as Earnings Decline

Merck  amp; Co. Inc. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , whose earnings are being hurt by the withdrawal of its arthritis drug Vioxx, said on Tuesday it has increased the number of jobs to be cut by year-end to 5,100 from 4,400.


Google Puts Library Collections Online

including out of print volumes -- soon will become part of the vast Google database. Harvard, Stanford, the University of Michigan, the University of Oxford, and the New


Beware! Sand in This Physics Lab May Eat You Alive

Scientists have shown that it is possible to vanish into a pile of completely dry sand just as easily as traditional quicksand.


Iran says US could join nuclear program talks

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran is willing to talk with the United States about a nuclear program that Washington alleges is aimed at secretly acquiring the bomb, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said Monday.


Google To Scan, Index Four Great Libraries

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- Google is trying to create an online reading room for five major libraries by scanning stacks of hard-to-find books into its Internet search engine.


FireFox Up 34

Use of FireFox climbed a staggering 34 percent in November, reports WebSideStory, a web analytics company. The report comes just hours after FireFox 1.0, the browser #39;s first official version release, reached its 10 millionth download.


Toshiba launches 80 GByte 1.8-inch harddrive

Perpendicular recording technology allowed Toshiba to reach a new record level of 133 Gbit per square inch storage density for its new pocket-sized harddrives.


#39;Madden NFL #39; maker scores exclusive football deal

Video game publisher Electronic Arts on Monday said it had signed an exclusive agreement with the National Football League and the marketing arm of its players #39; union, giving EA the sole rights to put NFL players, stadiums and teams in its games.


PLO chief urges end to armed intifada

West Bank: New PLO chairman Mahmud Abbas called for an end to the armed uprising, as Israeli tanks Tuesday rolled into Gaza in the aftermath of the most lethal Palestinian attack since Yasser Arafat #39;s death.


Blockbuster killing late fees on videos, games

TORONTO - Blockbuster Inc., the world #39;s biggest video rental company, plans to eliminate late fees on movies and games in the new year.


Symantec, Veritas Reportedly In Talks

Oracle #39;s (nasdaq: ORCL - news - people ) \$10.3 billion blockbuster acquisition of PeopleSoft (nasdaq: PSFT - news - people ) is already yesterday #39;s news.


Challenges await next NASA chief

The abrupt resignation of Sean O #39;Keefe will saddle NASA #39;s next admnistrator with unfinished business: struggling to return


Hornets Guard Garcia Out for Season

New Orleans Hornets forward PJ Brown practices at the Charlotte Bobcats Training Facility in Fort Mill, SC, Monday, Dec. 13, 2004.


Cycling champion sues former assistant

Lance Armstrong is suing a former personal assistant who claims the six-time defending Tour de France champion owes him \$500,000. In a lawsuit filed Monday, Armstrong and his personal service company, Luke


U.S.: One-Child Abuses Rampant in China (AP)

AP - Despite some changes, China's one-child family planning program remains a source of coercion, forced abortions, infanticide and perilously imbalanced boy-girl ratios, State Department officials said Tuesday.


Democrats Say They'll Assume Watchdog Role

Complaining about G.O.P. oversight of taxpayer money, Senate Democrats said they would hold hearings of their own.


Samsung, Sony ink licensing pact

Samsung Electronics Co. and Sony Corp. have signed a licensing agreement to share 24,000 basic standard patents necessary for product development, Samsung officials said yesterday.


Eagles #39; Thomas out 3-to-6 weeks; Owens sore

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Hollis Thomas is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks with a dislocated left elbow.


Armstrong sues former personal assistant

Lance Armstrong is suing a former personal assistant who claims the six-time defending Tour de France champion owes him \$500,000. In a lawsuit filed Monday, Armstrong and his personal


Chirac inaugurates world #39;s tallest bridge in France

MILLAU, France (AFP) - As air force jets screamed overhead, French President Jacques Chirac inaugurated the world #39;s tallest bridge, a stunning masterpiece of engineering that will carry drivers 270 metres (885 feet) above ground.


Falcons RB Duckett Sidelined with Knee Injury (Reuters)

Reuters - Atlanta Falcons\running back T.J. Duckett is expected to undergo minor\arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and will miss\this Saturday's home game against Carolina.


Gucci Group Unveils Sales Growth Plan (AP)

AP - Luxury goods retailer Gucci Group NV said Tuesday that it plans to increase sales by 10 percent a year by doubling the size of its core brand and turning around unprofitable units.


Nasdaq planning \$100m-share sale

The owner of the Nasdaq index, an icon of the internet boom, is planning to sell \$100m of shares to the public and list itself on the market it operates.


Hollywood Wants BitTorrent Dead

The lobbying arm of the film studios files lawsuits against the operators of sites and servers that help users of file-sharing networks locate movies and songs. By Xeni Jardin.


Business News for Technology Leaders DaimlerChrysler, GM Team Up <b>...</b>

DaimlerChrysler plans to offer hybrids in many of its vehicles but says the technology initially will be used in its Dodge Durango, following implementation in General Motors #39; SUVs.


Federal Reserve opens meeting, tipped to raise rates

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Federal Reserve policymakers met, poised to raise key interest rates to remove some of the cheap-money stimulus washing through the economy.


You can keep it late -- but if you keep it too late, you own it

DALLAS Blockbuster is eliminating late fees on games and movies, but there #39;s a catch: If you keep it too long, you #39;ve bought it.


Humana to Acquire CarePlus Health Plans

Health-care insurer Humana Inc. on Monday said it agreed to acquire CarePlus Health Plans of Florida for about \$408 million in a transaction expected to give a solid boost to 2005 earnings.


ProQuest to buy Voyager Expanded Learning

ANN ARBOR, Mich. ProQuest in Ann Arbor has agreed to buy Voyager Expanded Learning in a 360 (m) million dollar cash and stock deal.


Eagles Defensive Tackle Thomas Injured (AP)

AP - Philadelphia defensive tackle Hollis Thomas could miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season, this time with a dislocated elbow.


Barkley Visits With Justice Thomas (AP)

AP - The Supreme Court's solemn atmosphere was broken Tuesday as usually subdued workers snapped to attention, riveted by a guest in the cafeteria.


Firefox Grows Browser Share 34 Percent in One Month

Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer #39;s usage share continues to fall in the United States. Between November 5 and December 3, Internet Explorer #39;s share dropped 1.09 percentage points to 91.80 percent, according to WebSideStory.


Toshiba #39;s iPod-Class Drive To Hit 80 GB In 2005

Toshiba Corp. said Tuesday that it plans to offer an 80-Gbyte version of its 1.8-inch hard drive, a storage platform that could be used in a next-generation Apple iPod.


Arrests of writers raise fears of crackdown against dissident <b>...</b>

(WiPC/IFEX) - On the afternoon of 13 December 2004, three prominent dissident intellectuals - literary critic Liu Xiaobo, writer Yu Jie and political theorist Zhang Zuhua - were arrested in Beijing and held for 12 hours, before being freed on the morning


Blockbuster move: biggest video and game renter eliminating late <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Blockbuster Inc., the world #39;s biggest video rental company, has presented a promise to eliminate late fees on movies and games in the new year.


Merck looks to cut jobs, trim spending

Drug giant Merck, stung by its handling of the recall of the arthritis drug Vioxx, says it will cut about 51-hundred jobs by the end of the year.


Fiat, GM struggle to settle row over Fiat Auto sale option

MILAN (AFP) - Top officials from Fiat of Italy and General Motors were conferring in a bid to settle differences on Fiat #39;s option to sell its loss-making car operation to the US auto giant, a dispute that threatens their four-year-old collaboration.


Seattle Post-Intelligencer

A rectangular box, embedded in a preview version of MSN Messenger 7.0, is a search field. Users will be able to launch Internet searches from that field, automatically opening a Web browser to display results on an Internet search site.


Stanford and Google to Make Library Books Available Online

STANFORD, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Dec. 14, 2004 -- Stanford University today announced an ambitious plan to cooperate with Google Inc.


Hollywood Wants BitTorrent Dead

Hollywood movie studios on Tuesday launched new legal action against operators of sites that help connect people to movies on two major peer-to-peer filesharing networks.


Samsung, Sony cross-license their patents

com December 14, 2004, 10:45 AM PT. Samsung and Sony have entered into an extensive cross-licensing agreement that will help them fill gaps in their patent portfolios and potentially stem off lawsuits.


Yahoo announces mobile deal with Nextel

Yahoo on Tuesday said it will provide mobile Internet services to Nextel Communications, a deal that gives Yahoo relationships with all five leading mobile carriers in the United States.


Golden Ball for Shevchenko

AC Milan striker Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko won the Golden Ball awardas as the best European footballer in a poll of journalists from 52 countries.


Gordon Strachan touted as Portsmouth manager

Harry Redknapp made the jump from Portsmouth to Southampton. Is Gordon Strachan about to move in the opposite direction? Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric said Tuesday he plans


Egypt, Israel Ink Trade Deal with US

Israel, Egypt, and the United States signed a trade agreement that a senior US official called the most significant trade pact between Egypt and Israel in the past 20 years.


Trains collide in India: 38 killed

At least 38 people died Tuesday when two trains collided in northern India, officials said, revising downwards a previous death toll of 50.


Anti-Terror Chief Encourages Fans (AP)

AP - The possibility of terrorist attacks at sports events should not stop fans from going to stadiums, Europe's anti-terror chief said Tuesday.


Googling Libraries

Google is trying to create an online reading room for five major libraries by scanning stacks of hard-to-find books into its Internet search engine.


Justice Dept. Seeks  #36;2.5 Bln from Rigas (Reuters)

Reuters - The Justice Department has asked a\judge to enter a  #36;2.53 billion judgment against two Rigas\family members, citing the amount it claims the Adelphia\Communications Corp. founders obtained illegally, court\documents released on Tuesday show.


Google to scan books from big libraries

Taking a trip to the library may take little more than a computer #39;s Web browser. Working with major libraries, Google is hoping to scan millions of books and periodicals into its popular


Next step for iPod: 80GB?

com December 14, 2004, 11:07 AM PT. Toshiba, whose tiny hard drives power Apple Computer #39;s hit iPod music players, announced that it has produced an 80GB model.


Samsung Debuts Thumbnail Mobile Phone Memory Card

At just 12 x 14 x 1.1mm, Samsung #39;s MMCmicro device is one-third the size of reduced-size multimedia cards currently in use. The MMCmicro can read at 10 Mbps and write at 7 Mbps.


Green reports shun supply chain

A growing number of companies are reporting on their social and environmental impact  but many neglect the environment footprint of their supply chain.


General Mills' Latest Trix

The packaged food outfit is taking some important steps that should contribute to improved results down the road.


RedEnvelope's Early Gift

Great expectations have lifted the company's shares -- but is it time to cash out?


Revenge of the Nerds

Desktop search tools from Microsoft and Ask Jeeves show just how shallow Google's moat really is.


Holiday Shopping Season: Retailers Have One Last Chance To Get It Right (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The holiday shopping season is entering the home stretch. And with some retailers depending on seasonal spending for half or more of their sales, the stakes are high.


Source: Hollywood to Sue Server Operators

LOS ANGELES Dec 14, 2004 - The US film industry is preparing to sue computer server operators in the United States and Europe who help relay digitized movie files across online file-sharing networks, a source familiar with the movie studios #39; plans said


Soccer: The season to forget teams and reward stars

There are probably turkeys with a shrewder idea about the meaning of Christmas than there are ex-professional soccer players who truly know their game.


Olmert: Egyptian QIZ agreement will weather political storms

The Israeli-Egyptian-US qualifying industrial zone agreement creates a basis for stable relations between Israel and Egypt. It will weather diplomatically difficult periods, Minister of Industry, Trade


Top Sunni Party Among 79 Blocs to Contest Iraq Poll (Reuters)

Reuters - Iraq's main Sunni Muslim party, which\had threatened to boycott Iraq's first free election on Jan.\30, is among 79 parties and blocs that have registered lists\for the poll, election officials said.


US raises interest rates to 2.25

The US Federal Reserve raises interest rates to 2.25, the fifth increase this year.


Fed Raises Interest Rates for 5th Time This Year

While making the expected move, the Federal Reserve suggested that more rate increases are in order in the months ahead.


Blockbuster to eliminate late fees

TORONTO (CP) -- Blockbuster Inc., the world #39;s biggest video rental company, has presented a promise to eliminate late fees on movies and games in the new year.


Desktop Search Is the New Search Engine Battlefield

Yesterday, in a teleconference planned for the same day as the Chicago Search Engine Strategies conference, Microsoft announced their new Toolbar Suite, a Desktop Search tool which is loosely based on the Look Out technology purchased by Microsoft last


Mateschitz wants Coulthard

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has thrown his support behind David Coulthard gaining a seat in his team in 2005. The former McLaren driver has impressed in testing and while Mateschitz, the man behind


Marshall Linebacker Wilson Suspended (AP)

AP - Marshall linebacker Dionte Wilson has been suspended for the Fort Worth Bowl for an unspecified violation of team rules.


Oracle-PeopleSoft Buyout May Push Middleware Vendors Into A Corner

The combination of PeopleSoft applications with Oracle #39;s database and middleware products could lead to a closer relationship between IBM and SAP.


Fed Raises US Rates for Fifth Time This Year

The Federal Reserve raised US interest rates on December 14, 2004 by a quarter-percentage point for the fifth time this year and said it will keep gradually lifting them from rock-bottom levels as the economy grows.


World Airline Losses Near \$5 Billion in 2004

The global airlines body IATA said on Tuesday the industry was heading for a near \$5 billion deficit on international operations this year, pushing its total losses since 2001 to a massive \$35 billion.


Brin: Google Turns Libraries Into Latest Weapon Vs. Search Rivals

Such electronic instant-gratification devices as television and videogames are cited for boosting obesity among America #39;s youth.


MPAA targets core BitTorrent, eDonkey users

com December 14, 2004, 11:46 AM PT. The Motion Picture Association of America launched a new legal campaign Tuesday targeting the BitTorrent and eDonkey file-swapping networks, two technologies widely used to trade movies online.


Zafi Worm Hides Behind Christmas Cheer

A new version of the Zafi e-mail worm is spreading Christmas wishes along with its malicious code, according to antivirus software companies.


Falcons RB Duckett Sidelined with Knee Injury

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (Sports Network) - Atlanta Falcons  running back T.J. Duckett is expected to undergo minor  arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and will miss  this Saturday's home game against Carolina.


Afghan Forces Catch Mullah Omar's Security Chief

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Afghan security forces  have captured Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar's personal  security chief as he traveled in a van to the southern city of  Kandahar, provincial officials told Reuters on Tuesday.


Abbas Calls on Palestinians to Drop Armed Struggle

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said his  people should drop their weapons in the struggle for a state,  marking out a clear change of strategy for peace with Israel  after Yasser Arafat's death last month.


Miller Grows Up to Become the Hero Skiing Needs

SESTRIERE, Italy (Reuters) - With six victories already  this season, including a record-equalling triumph in every  discipline, Bode Miller is dominating the World Cup circuit and  rival Kalle Palander believes the American's emergence at the  top is just what the sport needs.


Gunmen Kill 4, Seize Weapons in Russia's Caucasus

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Islamic militants killed four anti-drugs  unit members and seized more than 170 submachine guns and  pistols on Tuesday in an attack on the unit's offices in  Russia's volatile Caucasus region.


Mercosur Leaders Meet, Assess Trade Bloc

A decade after Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay sealed a trade deal amid grandiose visions of transforming South America into a single economic bloc, officials representing the Mercosur nations are returning amid mounting criticism to the same colonial Brazilian town where the historic agreement was signed.


Trade Gap Widens, White House Blames Oil

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade gap widened nearly 9  percent in October to a record \$55.5 billion as sky-high oil  prices helped propel imports into new territory, while  industrial output rose as expected in November.


Maxwell House Price Perks Up 14 Percent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coffee lovers are digging deeper into  their pockets for their daily fix of the black brew.


Verizon: No Imminent Plan for Sprint Bid

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc. has  eyed a potential acquisition of Sprint Corp. FON.N, but has  no imminent plans to make a bid, people familiar with the  situation said on Tuesday.


Stocks Rise After Fed Hikes Rates

NEW YORK (Reuters) -  U.S. stocks extended their gains  slightly before stabilizing on Tuesday, after the Federal  Reserve hiked interest rates by an expected quarter-point,  while technology stocks were sparked by a report that Veritas  Software Corp. VRTS.O would be taken over.


Dollar Trims Gains After Fed Hikes Rates

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar pared gains on Tuesday  after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the fifth  time this year, as expected, but quashed hopes for more  aggressive rate tightening.


Veritas Rises on Symantec Merger Report

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Veritas Software Corp. VRTS.O  shares jumped 9 percent on Tuesday on a report that security  software company Symantec Corp. SYMC.O would acquire it for  \$13 billion.


Microsoft launches desktop search tool

US software company Microsoft has launched a beta version of its MSN Toolbar Suite, with desktop search functionality that can help users find documents, media files or e-mail messages on their PCs.


Hollywood Steps Up Fight Against Online Piracy

The major Hollywood studios today said they are escalating their fight against online piracy by pursuing civil and criminal legal actions against the operators of computer servers that help


Cuts in Carbon Dioxide Emissions Urged

The world #39;s chief climate scientist on Tuesday disputed the US government contention that cutbacks in carbon dioxide emissions are not yet warranted to check global warming.


Stocks Rise, Dollar Slips After Fed Move

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rallied, bonds erased  losses and the dollar pared gains on Tuesday after the Federal  Reserve raised U.S. interest rates for the fifth time this year  and left its policy and inflation stance unchanged.


Verizon Unlikely to Bid Now for Sprint

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc. VZ.N  has no imminent plans to bid for Sprint Corp. FON.N, people  familiar with the situation said on Tuesday, lifting a  potential obstacle to Sprint's bid for Nextel Communications  Inc. NXTL.O.


Trade Gap Widens to Record \$55.5 Billion

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade gap widened nearly 9  percent in October to a record \$55.5 billion as sky-high oil  prices helped propel imports into new territory, the government  said on Tuesday, while a second report showed industrial output  rose in November, as expected.


GE Sees 2005 EPS Growth of 10-15 Percent

BOSTON (Reuters) - Diversified manufacturer General  Electric Co. GE.N said on Tuesday it expects earnings to grow  between 10 percent and 15 percent in 2005, boosted by strong     growth from its financial and energy units.


BlackBerry Maker's Patent Suit Upheld

TORONTO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court upheld  a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device  maker Research In Motion Ltd. RIM.TO on Tuesday, but struck  down part of the ruling and sent it back to a lower court for  further proceedings.


Verizon Considering Bid For Sprint

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Vodafone has given Verizon Wireless the green-light to make a bid to buy Sprint.  quot;Verizon Communications Inc.


Appeals court: RIM violated patents

update A federal appeals court affirmed that Research In Motion has infringed on holding company NTP #39;s patents but can continue selling its products in the United States pending a district court #39;s decision.


Veritas Shares Jump on Report of Talks With Symantec (Update5)

Veritas Software Corp. shares rose as much as 13 percent after the New York Times said Symantec Corp. is in talks to buy the company for more than \$13 billion, in what would be the second-biggest deal ever in the software industry.


MPAA taking aim at server operators in war on piracy

The major motion picture studios launched an international offensive against online piracy on Tuesday as the MPAA announced scores of lawsuits on four continents and criminal


Fujifilm FinePix F450 Attracts Praise from Outside Camera Circle

The Fujifilm FinePix F450 attracted the attention of some popular magazines this month. Fortune named the digital camera one of the Top 25 Best Products of the Year


US has no contact with Hamas, spokesman says

The United States on Tuesday rejected the saying that it had held contacts with Hamas as a leader of the radical Palestinian group has claimed.


London court backs probe into Iraqi civilian death

A London court on Tuesday backed anindependent inquiry into an Iraqi civilian allegedly killed by British soldiers but ruled out judicial reviews into five other civilian deaths in southern Iraq.


P.E.I. nudist resort gets nod to add campground in Green Gables country (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - CAVENDISH, P.E.I. (CP) - A stark transformation is underway in the land of pinafores and gingham, thanks to Prince Edward Island's only nudist resort.


AP: Air Pollution a Top Priority for Bush (AP)

AP - President Bush will make air pollution a top priority in Congress early next year, starting with "an aggressive push" to build support for his pollution-cutting plan, senior administration officials said Saturday.


Ex-Nazi's Fate Uncertain After Ruling (AP)

AP - A former Nazi concentration camp guard whose appeal of a deportation order was turned down by the U.S. Supreme Court is not in good health and doesn't fully comprehend the legal issues, his lawyer said Tuesday.


BlackBerry Maker #39;s Patent Suit Upheld

A US appeals court upheld a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device maker Research In Motion Ltd. on Tuesday, but struck down part of the ruling and


Stocks End Higher After Fed Rate Hike

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks ended higher on Tuesday,  after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates as expected and  said inflation was in check and the economy is growing at a  moderate pace despite a rise in energy prices.


RIM Patent Suit Partly Upheld

TORONTO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court upheld  a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device  maker Research In Motion Ltd. RIM.TO on Tuesday, but said  part of an earlier court ruling was flawed and sent the case  back to a lower court.


CORRECTED: Veritas Capital to Buy DynCorp Units

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Private equity firm Veritas said  on Sunday it agreed to acquired DynCorp International LLC,  which provides aviation maintenance, personal security and  training for law enforcement agencies and the U.S. government,  for \$850 million.


US Fed boosts key interest rate to 2.25 percent

US Federal Reserve decided Tuesday to raise the federal funds rate, which commercial banks charge each other on overnight loans, by one-quarter percentage point to 2.25 percent from 2 percent.


Sprint-Nextel Deal Could Impact Kirkland, Wash.-Based Nextel <b>...</b>

Dec. 11--A marriage of Nextel Communications and Sprint could mean significant change for Kirkland-based Nextel Partners as well. Sprint and Nextel Communications are reportedly close to a deal that would create the third-largest US wireless carrier.


Zafi worm purports to be Christmas greeting

com December 14, 2004, 12:26 PM PT. A new variant of the so-called Zafi worm surfaced Tuesday, disguised to appear as a Christmas greeting.


Saudi Beheaded for Shooting Countryman (AP)

AP - A Saudi man was beheaded Tuesday for fatally shooting a countryman, the Interior Ministry said.


Mashal to BBC: US, EU in touch with Hamas

Hamas representatives are in touch with leaders from the United States and the European Union, even though Hamas appears on the countries #39; lists of terror organization, according to Hamas political leader Khaled Mashal.


Alberta says no to public inquiry into Calgary voting scandal (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - EDMONTON (CP) - Alberta will not hold a public inquiry into allegations that voting fraud took place during Calgary's civic election in October.


Diamondbacks Sign Shortstop Clayton

PHOENIX (Sports Network) - The Arizona Diamondbacks signed  free agent shortstop Royce Clayton to a one-year contract on  Tuesday. Financial terms were not released.


Blue Jays Sign Third Baseman Koskie

TORONTO (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays signed  free agent third baseman Corey Koskie to a three-year contract  on Tuesday with an option for 2008.


Abbas Calls on Palestinians to Drop Armed Struggle

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas called on  Tuesday for his people to pursue negotiations instead of  violence in the struggle for a state, marking out a change of  strategy for peace with Israel after Yasser Arafat's death.


GE Sees 2005 EPS Growth of 10-15 Percent

BOSTON (Reuters) - General Electric Co. expects earnings  per share to grow between 10 percent and 15 percent in 2005,  boosted by strong energy and financial businesses, the  diversified manufacturing and services company said on Tuesday.


Googles library project makes books available online

Google Inc., a web-search services leader, will offer books and documents online from four universities and the New York Public Library.


Sony and Samsung to share basic technology patents

Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics have announced that the companies have agreed to share patents on basic technologies to speed up product development and avoid adding to a growing number of cross-border patent disputes.


Bonds Stroll Higher as Fed Stays Measured

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury prices climbed on  Tuesday after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a  quarter percentage point as expected and its post-meeting  statement offered few surprises.


Female Suicide Bombers: Dying to Kill

As a spate of suicide bombings around the world in recent years has shown, the face of terror is increasingly female.


Blockbuster Cancels Late Fees

You have to give Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI) credit for trying. The company has not sat idly by while a changing competitive landscape slowly chips away at its core movie rental business.


Merck plans further cost cuts

By Christopher Bowe and Andrew Jack in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Merck has quickened the pace of its restructuring with plans to cut a further 700 jobs, targeting about \$3bn in savings by the end of 2008


Google plans giant online library stack

Well, boot up, bibliophile. That vision took a big step toward becoming reality this week, as Internet search-engine firm Google and five big libraries announced plans to create a giant online reading room.


MSN vs. Apple  #39;Spotlight #39;

For purposes of comparison, many people are sizing up MSN #39;s new desktop search program and toolbar suite against Google #39;s previously released desktop search program.


Bills Place Euhus on Injured Reserve (AP)

AP - The Buffalo Bills placed rookie Tim Euhus on injured reserve with a right knee injury Tuesday, the second tight end the team has lost this season.


World's Tallest Bridge Inaugurated (AP)

AP - Thundering fighter jets streamed the blue, white and red of the French tricolor as President Jacques Chirac on Tuesday dedicated the world's tallest bridge, a skyway span dwarfing the Eiffel Tower by more than 50 feet.


Hawks Waive McCoy; Activate Ivey (Reuters)

Reuters - The Atlanta Hawks waived center\Jelani McCoy Tuesday and activated guard Royal Ivey from the\injured list.


Iran May Negotiate With U.S. Over Nukes (AP)

AP - Iran is willing to talk with the United States about a nuclear program that Washington alleges is aimed at secretly acquiring the bomb, Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said Monday. The White House, however, rejected the idea.


Syria: Bomb shows Israel does not want peace

DAMASCUS: Syrian Information Minister Mehdi Dakhlallah said Tuesday that the bombing of a car belonging to a member of the Palestinian movement Hamas in Damascus showed Israel continued to reject peace.


Cognos launches financial consolidation applications

In response to the latest external reporting requirements from the Feds, Cognos announced this week three additions to its suite of financial applications targeted at the enterprise office of finance.


Hawks Waive McCoy; Activate Ivey

ATLANTA (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks waived center  Jelani McCoy Tuesday and activated guard Royal Ivey from the  injured list.


Group seeks calendar, scheduling app interoperability

The new Calendaring and Scheduling Consortium has unveiled plans to create standards to make it easier for computer users to share calendars and related information with people outside their companies.


Toshiba to use perpendicular recording in new drives

Toshiba said today that it is close to commercializing a new data storage technology, called perpendicular recording, that could significantly increase the capacity of hard-disk drives.


Gaudi's cathedral gets help from Dassault, IBM

The Sagrada Familia Foundation, which has been working on the cathedral since Gaudi's death in 1926, is using software to make virtual replicas of the models and plan the work needed to finish the structure.


Zafi worm variant hides behind Christmas cheer

Zafi.D, a new version of the Zafi e-mail worm, is spreading Christmas wishes along with its malicious code, and has been rated a medium threat by antivirus software companies.


Report: Symantec eyes \$13B Veritas acquisition

Symantec's reported interest in purchasing Veritas for \$13 billion is in keeping with the company's expansion plans, analysts say.


Oracle faces daunting challenges integrating PeopleSoft

As Oracle embarks on one of the software industry's largest acquisitions in history with its \$10.3 billion purchase of PeopleSoft, it needs to show it can chew what it has bitten off.


Europe uses grid to create new megacomputer

If the new grid computer were considered a single supercomputer, it would rank behind supercomputers BlueGene/L and Columbia in the U.S. and the Earth Simulator in Japan.


ICANN enters negotiations on .mobi, .jobs domains

ICANN has begun commercial and technical negotiations with the applicant registries, bringing the number of domains in this second stage of evaluations to four. The other two are the .post and .travel domains.


Ask a Premier 100 IT Leader: Shelley McIntyre

Shelley McIntyre, vice president of business technology services, IT at The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, answers readers' questions about developing new skills and leveraging legacy experience in today's job market.


Court lifts RIM injunction, but finds infringement

A U.S. appeals court issued a mixed ruling Tuesday in a patent dispute between Research in Motion(RIM) and NTP, upholding a decision that RIM infringed upon patents held by NTP, but vacating an injunction ordered by a lower court and sending the case back for further deliberations.


Oracle user group to welcome PeopleSoft users

OAUG (Oracle Applications Users Group) president Patricia Dues said today that the organization is in the midst of plans to support PeopleSoft users and the PeopleSoft user group.


Microsoft testing new e-mail subscription service

Microsoftis testing a new subscription Hotmail service that includes 2GB of e-mail storage and a copy of Outlook 2003 to access the service from the desktop.


Ask Jeeves to unveil desktop search tool

Ask Jeeveswill launch a test version of its desktop search tool on Wednesday, following the launch of similar tools by rivals Microsofton Monday and Google in October, and ahead of expected entries from America Online(AOL) and Yahoo.


Zafi variant hides behind Christmas cheer

A new version of the Zafi e-mail worm is spreading Christmas wishes along with its malicious code, according to antivirus software companies.


Cisco branches out with WAF services

Cisco Systems on Tuesday introduced the Cisco File Engine Series, a line of appliance-based solutions utilizing WAFS (wide area file services) technology designed for branch office consolidation.


Zafi Worm Hides Behind Christmas Cheer

New variant offers holiday greetings before infecting your PC with a virus.


Ask Jeeves Previews Desktop Search Tool

Company joins heavyweights Google, MSN, and others in desktop search fray.


US trade gap widens further in October

WASHINGTON: The US trade gap widened nearly 9 per cent in October to a record \$US55.5 billion (\$NZ79.13b) as sky-high oil prices helped propel imports into new territory, while industrial output rose as expected in November.


DECEMBER 14, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - Toshiba Corp. said today that it is close to commercializing a new data storage technology that could significantly increase the capacity of hard disk drives.


Intel Still Straining

To judge by the shift in the headlines, the processor war is nearly over. Who #39;s in? Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD). Out? Intel (Nasdaq: INTC).


ICANN Gives the Nod to Two New Domains

One domain,  quot;.mobi, quot; will be set up for websites trying to work with the restrictions of Internet surfing on cell phones.


Grid Pioneers To Launch Company

The creators of the widely-used Globus Toolkit have formed a company to provide commercial software, services and support for the open source software that has become the de facto standard for grid computing.


Microsoft, Fujifilm team on digital prints

Fujifilm #39;s Get The Picture Online service will be available starting this week through Windows XP #39;s updated Online Print Wizard, MSN Photos and Microsoft Digital Image Suite.


Iraqi PM says trials of Saddam #39;s top lieutenants to begin next <b>...</b>

The trials of top figures in Saddam Hussein #39;s ousted administration will begin next week, interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said Tuesday, but Saddam will not be among them.


Vikings' Tice on Bubble After Latest Loss (AP)

AP - The Minnesota Vikings were convinced they wouldn't end this season like they did the last, when a 6-0 start was wiped out by a 3-7 finish. Well, they could be right  #151; this season might be worse.


IRAQ: 2nd Car Bomb in 2 Days Kills 7, Elections in Jeopardy

BAGHDAD, Iraq - For the second time in two days, a suicide bomber attacked Baghdad #39;s Green Zone early this morning killing seven Iraqis.


Philippine movie legend who ran for President, dies

DEADLY floods, a bomb blast - reports on these were no match for news of this movie legend #39;s illness and death in the Philippines.


Pinochet stalls arrest with request to drop charges

SANTIAGO (AFP) - Lawyers for Augusto Pinochet stepped up efforts to stop the former Chilean dictator from appearing in court to face charges of murder and kidnapping during his 1973-90 rule.


Fed Raises Interest Rate to 2.25 Percent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve pushed U.S.  interest rates up by a modest quarter-percentage point on  Tuesday and expressed confidence that inflation could be kept  at bay by slowly lifting credit costs from rock-bottom levels.


Trade Gap Widens, Industrial Output Up

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade gap widened nearly 9  percent in October to a record \$55.5 billion as sky-high oil  prices helped propel imports into new territory, the government  said on Tuesday, while a second report showed industrial output  rose in November, as expected.


Verizon Unlikely to Bid Now for Sprint

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Verizon Communications Inc. VZ.N  has no imminent plans to bid for Sprint Corp. FON.N, people  familiar with the situation said on Tuesday, toppling a  potential obstacle to Sprint's \$37.8 billion bid for Nextel  Communications Inc. NXTL.O.


Court Rules RIM Infringed on NTP Patent

TORONTO - A US appeals court ruled Tuesday that Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry e-mail device, infringed on another company #39;s patent - but sent the case back to a lower court for some of the claims to be reconsidered.


Report: Symantec in talks to acquire Veritas Software

Symantec Corp. #39;s reported interest in acquiring Veritas Software Corp. for more than \$13 billion would represent the computer security giant #39;s biggest step yet beyond its core


Akron Odd Team Out As Bowl Season Begins (AP)

AP - There's the GMAC Bowl, the Emerald Bowl and the Champs Sports Bowl. And there's the Continental Tire Bowl and the Insight Bowl and the MPC Computers Bowl.


Companies step up monitoring of internal networks (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Companies that have spent billions on cyberdefenses to thwart intruders are now addressing an even bigger threat: employees. Many are investing in software that monitors sensitive content inside corporate networks, say security analysts and venture capitalists.


Google borrows books from leading libraries

Books from some of the world #39;s largest academic libraries are to be scanned and made instantly searchable by Google. The internet search engine has revealed plans to scan the whole of Michigan and Stanford


New Internet worm disguised e-Christmas card

Internet security experts have warned of a new virulent email worm particularly successful in infecting computers as it is disguised as a multilingual electronic Christmas card.


Microsoft patches spell happy holidays

com December 14, 2004, 2:32 PM PT. Microsoft managed to give a small holiday gift to network administrators this month: No critical patches.


Study: Linux the Safest Out There

Linux is more secure than most commercial software, which confirms what its proponents already knew. A four-year study released today by Coverity, reports Linux has a low bug count, making the code more stable and secure.


Google, Others Strive to Enrich Web with Books (Reuters)

Reuters - Google Inc. wants to save you a trip\to the library. The search engine that revolutionized how\people use the Internet has teamed up with some of the world's\greatest libraries to put their books in your living room.


Senor Moment?

The Mets are close to signing Red Sox free agent Pedro Martinez to a long-term deal. All that #39;s left for Pedro is passing the physical and being fitted for a batting helmet that can cover his entire body.


Compiled by Page 3

With real life news reading funnier than made-up comedy bits, the Late Night kings are loving every minute of it. Page 3 #39;s top shelf team (OK, it #39;s one dude out on the west coast, but he #39;s still top shelf) compiled


Blue Jays sign third baseman Koskie

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Toronto Blue Jays signed free agent third baseman Corey Koskie to a three-year contract on Tuesday with an option for 2008.


Farrior gets Steelers #39; vote as top defensive player

James Farrior has already gotten one teammate #39;s vote as the NFL #39;s top defensive player this season. Make that a lot of votes.


Roda will not extend Vloet

Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Sports Network) - Dutch club Roda JC announced Tuesday that coach Wiljan Vloet will not be back next season.


Case of Fumbles Afflicts Giants' Barber (AP)

AP - Not only are the New York Giants in a tailspin that mirrors last season, Tiki Barber once again is finding it tough holding onto the football.


Desktop Search Tool Ups the Ante, Says Microsoft (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) launched its beta version of a new tool that allows users to search from many places on the desktop -- such as Windows, Outlook and Explorer. The MSN Toolbar Suite takes advantage of Microsoft's dominant Windows operating system to provide an ever present search tool to mine for data on a computer's hard drive or information from the Web.


Nokia's Back on Top (The Motley Fool)

The Motley Fool - After a dismal start to 2004, Nokia (NYSE: NOK - News) is finally reasserting its dominance in the cell-phone market, proving, once again, why it's good to be the top dog in your industry.


Iraq War Crime Trials Could Begin Next Week

Iraq #39;s interim government says war crime trials of members of the former regime of Saddam Hussein could begin as early as next week.


Iraq War Crimes Trials to Begin Next Week

Iraq will bring top figures of Saddam Hussein  #39;s ousted regime to court next week for the first time since they appeared before a judge five months


Turkey Movie Theater Fire Injures Dozens

ISTANBUL, Turkey - A fire broke out at a movie theater during a gala premiere Tuesday night, injuring dozens of people - none seriously, officials said.


Indian train crash kills 35

At least 35 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a train crash in India. Many of the injured are in a critical condition in an army hospital and the death toll is expected to rise.


France Unveils World #39;s Tallest Bridge

MILLAU, France -- French citizens and officials are celebrating a roadway bridge considered to be the world #39;s tallest. The Millau bridge -- the world #39;s tallest traffic bridge -- in Millau, France.


Study: Linux Is Still Cheaper Than Windows (PC World)

PC World - Cost of ownership savings range from 19 percent to 36 percent over three years.


Report: Symantec in Talks With Veritas (AP)

AP - Symantec Corp.'s reported interest in acquiring Veritas Software Corp. for more than  #36;13 billion would represent the computer security giant's biggest step yet beyond its core businesses of defending against viruses and thwarting hackers. Investors weren't impressed, though, and Symantec's shares plunged 16 percent.


NCAA Grants Waiver to Oklahoma's Dvoracek (AP)

AP - Oklahoma's Dusty Dvoracek had been granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA, which will allow the defensive tackle who was kicked off the team in September to play a fifth season with the Sooners.


Studios Step Up Fight Against Online Piracy (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The major Hollywood studios today said they are escalating their fight against online piracy by pursuing civil and criminal legal actions against the operators of computer servers that help transmit illegally copied movie files across the Internet.


Climate Change Impact? Look in Your Backyard (Reuters)

Reuters - To witness the impact\of a warming planet, one need not make a costly trip to the\melting Arctic ice cap. Proof of climate change is right there\in most people's backyards, scientists said on Tuesday.


Christians Aiming to Boost Religion (AP)

AP - Emboldened by their Election Day successes, some Christian conservatives around the country are trying to put more Christ into Christmas this season.


Rich Need to Do More on Environment -World Bank (Reuters)

Reuters - The World Bank on Tuesday chastised\rich countries for not giving enough to fund global\environmental protection and warned that overall progress in\meeting global environmental targets was "alarmingly slow."


Bush Detractors Plan Quiet Rejection (AP)

AP - No buttons, signs or unusual dress will distinguish the protesters from the thousands who will line the inaugural parade route next month, but at a set time, they say they will demonstrate against President Bush  #151; by turning their backs on the chief executive.


Inauguration Gives GOP Fund-Raising Chance (AP)

AP - The GOP is hoping to capitalize on President Bush's swearing-in ceremony next month, offering donors special inaugural packages that include access to lawmakers, a parade and galas.


What Next for NASA? O'Keefe Leaves in Good Stead, But Agency Remains Troubled (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - The resignation Monday of NASA Administrator Sean \O'Keefe comes at a time when the agency has a budgetary window of opportunity to \flex its space exploration muscle, but must still deal with an agenda of thorny \issues.


Cuts in Carbon Dioxide Emissions Urged (AP)

AP - The world's chief climate scientist on Tuesday disputed the U.S. government contention that cutbacks in carbon dioxide emissions are not yet warranted to check global warming.


Lunar Ice: 'Cold Traps' Eyed for Exploration (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - BOULDER, COLORADO -- Think \  of it as some sort of extraterrestrial axiom: Look for places on a celestial \  body where the Sun doesn't shine.


Scientists Warn of Global Warming Results (AP)

AP - Scientists warned Tuesday that a long-term increase in global temperature of 3.5 degrees could threaten Latin American water supplies, reduce food yields in Asia and result in a rise in extreme weather conditions in the Caribbean.


New bridge raises French pride higher than Eiffel

The Tarn River valley road bridge, the world's tallest, creates a direct route between Paris and the coast.


Love and money reshape family in China

From arranged matches to the 8-minute date in the span of one generation. Part 1of three in the series 'The Family Revolution.'


Why Brazil is reluctant to air its 'dirty' past

After two decades of civilian government, Brazil is unwilling to take former officers of the dictatorship to task.


U.S. Cuts Risky Ground Convoys in Iraq by Expanding Airlifts

The Air Force is sharply expanding its airlifts of equipment and supplies to bases inside Iraq to reduce the amount of military cargo normally hauled in ground convoys.


NYSE Traders Go Wireless with Help of IBM

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Stock Exchange and  International Business Machines Corp. IBM.N on Tuesday  introduced a new wireless system that will ensure more  efficient processing and tracking of stock trades.


Google, Others Strive to Enrich Web with Books

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Google Inc. wants to save you a trip  to the library. The search engine that revolutionized how  people use the Internet has teamed up with some of the world's  greatest libraries to put their books in your living room.


RIM Patent Suit Partly Upheld

TORONTO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court upheld  a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device  maker Research In Motion Ltd. RIM.TO on Tuesday, but said  part of an earlier court ruling was flawed and sent the case  back to a lower court.


Gaudi's Cathedral Gets Help from Dassault, IBM

PARIS (Reuters) - Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's  unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral is nearing completion  faster with the help of software from France's Dassault  Systemes and IBM, Dassault said on Tuesday.


Studios Step Up Fight Against Online Piracy

The major Hollywood studios today said they are escalating their fight against online piracy by pursuing civil and criminal legal actions against the operators of computer servers that help transmit illegally copied movie files across the Internet. -washingtonpost.com


Court Finds RIM  Violated Patent; Case Continues

A U.S. appeals court ruled Tuesday that Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry e-mail device, infringed on another company's patent  --  but sent the case back to a lower court for some of the claims to be reconsidered.


Europe's heatwaves 'soon routine'

The heatwave which killed thousands in Europe in 2003 could soon seem cool, UK climate scientists say.


LuaLua spoils Liverpool's Christmas cheer (AFP)

AFP - Portsmouth's Lomana LuaLua scored an injury time equaliser to earn a point against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw at Anfield which will hamper the home side's attempts to get in touch with the leading clubs during the Christmas programme.


UN Envoy Says 10,000 Peacekeepers Needed for Sudan

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations will  recommend up to 10,000 peacekeepers for Sudan if Khartoum and  southern rebels sign a landmark peace agreement to end a  21-year-old civil war, a senior U.N. envoy said on Tuesday.


Verizon to enter wireless consolidation fray?

Verizon Communications Inc. may be getting into the wireless consolidation game with published reports indicating that the telecommunications provider, which controls 55 percent of No.


Court Upholds RIM Patent Infringement, Sends Case Back for Further <b>...</b>

The three-year patent dispute between BlackBerry device maker Research In Motion Ltd. and patent holding company NTP Inc. isn #39;t over yet.


NO MORE LATE FEES!

If you #39;re tired of paying late fees forDVD and video rentals, Blockbuster says you don #39;t have to do that anymore. As of January first, Blockbuster says it will change its policy on late fees.


United, Pilots Reach Tentative Contract Deal

The pilots union at United Airlines on Tuesday said its negotiators have reached a tentative contract deal with the bankrupt No. 2 US airline.


Hollywood to sue P2P servers

The US film industry is preparing to sue server operators in the United States and Europe that help relay movie files across file-sharing networks, a source familiar with the movie studios #39; plans said.


Researchers Find Fewer Bugs In Linux

The newest version of Linux sports far fewer bugs than the average commercial code, a group of former Stanford University researchers said Tuesday.


Last-gasp LuaLua denies Reds

Liverpool were left stunned as Lomana LuaLua grabbed a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn Portsmouth a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, back in the side with Chris Kirkland injured, looked


Angulo #39;s lenghty ban

UEFA have banned Valencia midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo for seven games after he was sent off during a Champions League match against Werder Bremen.


Simeone loaned to Racing Club

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Argentine midfielder Diego Simeone is leaving Atletico Madrid for his native Racing Club Avellaneda.


Cleveland signs infielder Hernandez for 1-year

Cleveland Indians: Preparing for their first season in 11 years without perennial gold glove winner Omar Vizquel, the Indians added some defensive insurance for their infield Tuesday.


HERM TIPS HIS CAP TO FARRIOR

PITTSBURGH - Few members of the Jets are surprised to see their former linebacker and first-round draft pick James Farrior excel with the Steelers, least of all Herman Edwards.


Fire in movie theatre, 130 injured

MORE than 100 people were hospitalised with smoke inhalation after a major fire today during the premiere of a horror film at a movie complex in an Istanbul shopping mall.


25 dead in India rail accident

NEW DELHI - At least 25 people are feared killed and more than 50 hurt after two Indian Railway trains collided head-on in the Hoshiarpur District of Punjab State about 350 kilometers north of New Delhi on Tuesday.


PLO chief calls again for end to armed intifada

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas reiterated calls for his people to drop their weapons in the struggle for a state. a clear change of strategy for peace with Israel after Yasser Arafat #39;s death.


Hamas claims EU and US in contact with group

LONDON: The United States and the European Union are in contact with Palestinian militant group Hamas despite having listed it as a terrorist organisation, a Hamas leader said in an interview broadcast on Monday.


Job Search Service Finds Careers for Bloggers\\Well, I knew all of this blogging, typing, reading and sitting at home for a year learning about blogging would pay off one day! Blogger-Jobs.com, a Web site launched last month by veteran weblogger Jeremy Wright and www.recruiting.com, provides a recruitment service that matches ...


News: Source: Hollywood to sue server operators behind BitTorrent, eDonkey

The Associated Press By Alex Veiga


Infocus: WEP:Dead Again, Part 1

This article is the first of a two-part series that looks at the new generation of WEP cracking tools for WiFi networks, which offer dramatically faster speeds for penetration testers over the previous generation of tools. In many cases, a WEP key can be determined in seconds or minutes.


Verizon #39;s Sprint Bid Faces Hurdles

If the deal were completed, it would vault Verizon Wireless -- currently the No. 2 wireless company in the US -- into the top position with more than 65 million customers.


Survey: Employers looking to hire in 2005

Beloit area employers expect to hire at a healthy pace during the first quarter of 2005, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.


Movie industry sues more than 100 people for helping with online <b>...</b>

LOS ANGELES Hollywood is trying to stamp out computer networks that let people swap movies online. Movie studios filed copyright infringement lawsuits today against more than 100 operators of computer servers


Nextel To Offer Yahoo Services On Handsets

Nextel Communications Inc. on Wednesday said it plans to offer Yahoo Inc. products and services over the Nextel wireless network. Under the deal, Nextel subscribers will be able to log into


Affordable Gifts

In a round-up of affordable holiday gifts, Julio Ojeda-Zapata writes in the St. Paul Pioneer Press,  #147;The iTunes cards, in \$15 and \$25 denominations, are good for the purchase and download of individual tracks. Get the cards at local Apple retail stores and at Target, Best Buy, Circuit City and CompUSA stores, or snag them online at store.apple.com or Amazon.com. The online Apple store offers paper or electronic gift certificates good for iTunes purchases, too. #148; Dec 14


Bears Place Tucker on Injured Reserve (AP)

AP - The Chicago Bears placed guard Rex Tucker on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Tuesday and signed safety Jason Shivers from the St. Louis Rams practice squad.


Dudek #39;s last minute mistake costs Liverpool

Liverpool, England (Sports Network) - Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua took advantage of a last minute mistake by Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek to salvage a 1-1 draw at Anfield Tuesday.


French president inaugurates world #39;s tallest bridge

French President Jacques Chirac inaugurated Tuesday the world #39;s tallest bridge, the viaductof Millau of 270 meters above ground.


In Chile, pace of justice quickens

By Danna Harman  Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor. First a Chilean court stripped immunity from leaders of the country #39;s 17-year  quot;dirty war quot; last month.


14 executed bodies found in Mosul

MOSUL: The bodies of six young men, all shot in the head as if executed, were discovered in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Tuesday, bringing the total of such corpses found to 14 in two days.


Can the European Stability Pact survive?

The European Commission is giving up on its attempts to hold France and Germany to account for repeatedly breaching the financial rules governing the 12 countries that use the euro, effectively


RIM Patent Suit Partly Upheld

A US appeals court upheld a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device maker Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM.TO: Quote, Profile


Google to put books from great libraries on internet

More than a million books at Oxford University #39;s expansive Bodleian Library, including rare first editions, are to be scanned by the search engine Google and posted online for readers around the world.


Hollywood steps up battles to squash web piracy

Hollywood movie studios on Tuesday stepped up their fight against internet piracy by pursuing lawsuits against people in the US and Europe who operate servers that relay


SuperSonics Activate Kutluay (AP)

AP - The Seattle SuperSonics activated guard Ibrahim Kutluay before Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, and placed guard Mateen Cleaves on the injured list with a strained left shoulder.


Reds make a move: Prospect for veteran Ortiz

The Reds big trade came on Tuesday, one day after the Winter Meetings ended, when the club obtained starting pitcher Ramon Ortiz from the Anaheim Angels in exchange for pitching prospect Dustin Moseley.


Allawi accused of rushing trials for Saddam #39;s aides

War crimes trials against senior lieutenants of Saddam Hussein will start in Baghdad next week, the interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said yesterday.


World #39;s tallest bridge will let drivers fly to the Med

FRANCE ran out of superlatives as it joined in rare unison to praise the spectacular new - British-designed -otorway bridge across the Tarn valley at Millau, which was opened by President Chirac yesterday.


Report: Symantec in Talks With Veritas

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Symantec Corp. #39;s reported interest in acquiring Veritas Software Corp. for more than \$13 billion would represent the computer security giant #39;s biggest step yet beyond its core businesses


Time Warner Raising Broadband Speeds (AP)

AP - As part of an ongoing race in the cable industry, Time Warner Cable is raising the speed of its broadband Internet offerings to 5 and 8 million bits per second without increasing prices.


Google Bets Big on Bringing Libraries to Web

Google Inc. said on Tuesday it would digitize some of the world #39;s most important libraries in a bold effort that could profit the company by attracting more viewers to its site -- and its ads.


A Quarter of Bird Species in Danger of Extinction

The Stanford study involved analysis of all 9,787 species of birds alive today, and of the 129 species that have gone extinct recently, to produce one of the most comprehensive databases ever compiled on the state of one class of animals.


Samsung, Sony Sign Sweeping Patent Deal

Some key technologies will not be included in the deal. Sony and Samsung will not share patented technology related to Sony #39;s Digital Reality Creation (DRC) and PlayStation architecture or to


Worm alert rises

Security specialists at both McAfee Inc. and Trend Micro have raised their risk assessment on the recently discovered W32/Zafi.dMM, also known as Zafi.


ICANN Clears Way for Mobile, Job Domain Extensions

Because of speed restrictions, mobile devices often have trouble downloading Web pages that are designed to provide the optimum experience for high-speed Internet users.


Microsoft Patches WINS Vulnerability, Plugs Three Holes In SP2

Microsoft on Tuesday laid out five new security bulletins, including three that address problems in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the massive security update rolled out in October, and one that fixes a vulnerability made public several weeks ago.


Banks Warned Against On-Line Fraud Dangers (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. banks should use more than a\single password to identify on-line customers to prevent fraud,\bank regulators said on Tuesday in recommendations that\underscore growing concern about theft over the Internet.


Angels agree to deal with Byrd, trade Ramon Ortiz to Reds

ANAHEIM - The Anaheim Angels agreed to a \$4.5 million, one-year contract with right-hander Paul Byrd on Tuesday, and traded pitcher Ramon Ortiz to the Cincinnati Reds for a minor league pitcher.


World Cup remains Ukrainian star striker Shevchenko #39;s ambition

Andriy Shevchenko has won almost every major honour in soccer. Yet there #39;s still one major gap in his resume - playing in the World Cup.


Indians, Hernandez finalize 1-year deal

The Indians have added an infielder and brought back their closer, but their pursuit of a starting pitcher has not gone according to plan.


Bears place Tucker on injured reserve

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears placed guard Rex Tucker on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Tuesday and signed safety Jason Shivers from the St.


Iraq War Crimes Trials to Begin Next Week

A suicide car bomber killed seven people at a Green Zone checkpoint early Tuesday. Meanwhile, trials against the top figures in Saddam Hussein #39;s ousted regime will begin


UK far-right party leader arrested on charge of inciting racial

British police have arrested the leader of the far-right British National Party (BNP) Tuesday, accusing him of inciting racial hatred.


Iraqi wins court battle over death in British jail

THE family of an Iraqi civilian who was beaten to death allegedly by British soldiers while in their custody won a landmark case in the High Court yesterday that will have


U.N. Troops Fight Way Into Gang-Held Haitian Slum

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Reuters) - U.N. troops, backed by  armored vehicles and helicopters, fought their way into a  lawless slum in the Haitian capital on Tuesday in their first  attempt to end a killing spree by warring street gangs.


Bush honours controversial trio

US President George W Bush awards medals to three men closely involved in the invasion and occupation of Iraq.


Blunkett denies fresh visa claims

The home secretary denies new claims he fast-tracked a second visa for his former lover Kimberly Quinn's nanny.


After His Star Turn, Martnez Exits Stage Left

The current tales of the Red Sox have them winning the World Series, then doing weird things to reconfigure their championship team. Hello, David; bye bye, Pedro.


Chiefs Overtake Titans in Wild Finish

A phantom penalty, followed by a 9-yard touchdown catch by Eddie Kennison, lifted the Kansas City Chiefs past the undermanned Tennessee Titans, 49-38.


Jets Try to Keep Faith and Control Their Fate

Coach Herman Edwards is concerned about what his players' dismal showing against one of the N.F.L.'s elite portends for the Jets' hopes of making the playoffs.


RIM Patent Suit Partly Upheld

TORONTO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court upheld  a patent infringement finding against BlackBerry e-mail device  maker Research In Motion Ltd. RIM.TO on Tuesday, but said  part of the earlier court ruling was flawed and sent the case  back to a lower court.


Blockbuster Ends Late Fees, Sees Flat '05

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. BBI.N on Tuesday  said it would eliminate late fees on movies and games in the  latest attempt to jump-start a rental business being hammered  by competition ranging from online companies to discount  retailer Wal-Mart.


Verizon unlikely to bid now for Sprint, sources say

Verizon Communications has no imminent plans to bid for Sprint, people familiar with the situation said Tuesday, lifting a potential obstacle to Sprint #39;s bid for Nextel Communications.


Manpower survey: Moderate hiring early next year

Tampa Bay area employers expect to hire at a moderate pace during the first three months of 2005, based on the results of a quarterly survey by Manpower Inc.


Update 6: Cold Weather Raises Oil Prices 2 Percent

Oil prices rose 2 percent Tuesday on the back of a rally in heating oil and natural gas futures that was supported by colder weather in the Western Hemisphere.


Martin Says Canada Certainly #39; Would Fund New Bombardier Plane

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin pledged to help Bombardier Inc., the world #39;s No. 3 aircraft maker, develop its largest-ever plane should the company go ahead with the \$2 billion project next year.


Bill Gates elected to Berkshire Hathaway board

Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate run by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, on Tuesday said it elected Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, to be a director.


Nortel posts loss of 6 cents per share

NEW YORK -- Nortel Networks Corp. reported a loss of 6 cents per share in the third quarter and predicted lower sales for 2004 than in 2003 on Tuesday, providing some of its first concrete figures for the


Icahn Supports Blockbuster-Hollywood Deal

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn on Tuesday weighed into the bidding fray for Hollywood Entertainment Corp. (HLYW.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , saying he supports a merger between the No.


United reaches tentative deal with pilots

United Airlines, the bankrupt carrier, on Tuesday made its first progress in efforts to achieve a second round of labour cost cuts when it said it had reached a tentative agreement


Repco Buys Alesco #39;s Auto Business for A\$89.5 Million (Update2)

Repco Corp., the largest retailer of car parts and accessories in Australia and New Zealand, agreed to buy Alesco Corp. #39;s automotive division for A\$89.5 million (\$68 million).