Favre has big game, but defense pitches in to beat Rams 45-17

The defense that couldnt seem to get a turnover finally got a couple on Monday night. First-round draft pick Ahmad Carroll, facing the stiffest test of his rookie season, scored a touchdown on a fumble


Pinsent set for Role with IOC

Matthew Pinsent has already been guaranteed an influential position in the International Olympic Committee following his expected retirement from rowing, Standard Sport can reveal today.


Leeds Utd reject new takeover bid from Sainsbury

His initial takeover was thwarted by Leeds after a failure to provide promised monies two weeks ago. Yesterday, Mr Sainsbury - the great-grandson of the founder of the supermarket chain -evealed he had


Lawyer IDs fan accused of throwing Palace chair

whose face has become famous as police have sought for more than a week to identify him -- finally has a name. Auburn Hills police said Monday that


Off to a strong start

Before lineup introductions, NC State men #39;s basketball coach Herb Sendek pulls each one of his starters aside and offers a word.


U.S. Soldier Killed in Iraq (AP)

AP - A U.S. Army soldier died from injuries sustained after a roadside bomb exploded next to his patrol north of Baghdad, the military said Tuesday.


Rison Can Leave Jail With  #36;10K Payment (AP)

AP - Former Pro Bowl receiver Andre Rison was given the option of paying  #36;10,000 to get out of jail after spending almost a month locked up for failing to pay child support for more than two years.


Expulsion near for aid officials inside Sudan

The government of Sudan is delaying the expulsion of country directors of two British-based aid agencies it has accused of making statements that suggest support for rebels.


Dalai Lama Leads Prayers at Russian Monastery

Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims trekked to a temple in the southern republic of Kalmykia today to join prayers led by the Dalai Lama, on his first visit to Russia after years of being denied entry.


Fresh Philippine Flooding Kills at Least 26

GAPAN, Philippines (Reuters) - Floods and landslides caused  by heavy rains killed at least 26 people in the northern  Philippines, disaster officials said Tuesday, a week after  storms left about 160 dead or missing.


Iran Says Nuclear Freeze Talks Must Not Last Long

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran reiterated Tuesday it was only  prepared to keep its uranium enrichment activities frozen for a  few months and would not, as the EU and Washington want,  permanently mothball facilities which could make atomic bombs.


Burma crackdown on Indian rebels

The Indian army says Burmese troops have begun an offensive to flush out Indian rebel bases in their territory.


Retailers have modest start to holiday shopping season

The holiday shopping season began with a surge in spending, but consumers faded by the long Thanksgiving weekends close and many retailers were facing decent but hardly impressive sales.


Oil Prices Hover Just Below \$50 a Barrel

US oil prices hovered just below \$50 a barrel on Tuesday, holding recent gains on a rash of crude supply outages and fears over thin heating oil tanks.


Wal-Mart asks for reversal of ruling in workers #39; suit

Wal-Mart asked an appeals court to overturn a ruling allowing 1.6 million female workers seeking billions of dollars in back pay to sue the company for discrimination as a group.


Univision drops suit against Nielsen

LOS ANGELES - Univision Communications Inc. said Monday it dropped a lawsuit against Nielsen Media Research Inc. over the firm #39;s new TV rating system, which the Spanish-language broadcaster claimed miscounts its viewers.


Lots of eyes on Disney trial

The courtroom drama of shareholders vs. Disney #39;s battling Mikes - Michael Ovitz and Michael Eisner -as become a can #39;t-miss reality show for entertainment industry executives.


Alleged fake trades lead to indictments

Federal indictments were unsealed yesterday accusing five former natural-gas traders at three Houston energy companies of reporting fake trades to industry publications.


Hyperion offers employees \$5,000 if they buy hybrid car

Business software maker Hyperion Solutions Corp., of Sunnyvale, says it will give \$5,000 to every employee who buys a car that gets at least 45 miles per gallon.


BellSouth Picks a COO

BellSouth Corp. (NYSE: BLS - message board) today named Mark Feidler as its new chief operating officer, along with a host of other executive changes.


4 studios support HD DVD

Shades of VHS versus Betamax: The war over the next-generation DVD format was launched Monday. Warner Bros., Paramount and Universal studios, as well as minimajor New Line Cinema


Time to move beyond Explorer

So quit fighting. Switch to Firefox, in a newly released 1.0 version. If you already are using Mozilla, a Web browser built using the same architecture as Firefox, then you know most of those benefits of switching.


Favre sets record in Packers #39; rout

GREEN BAY, Wis.  Brett Favre threw three touchdown passes in his 200th consecutive start, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 45-17 win over the St.


Cal coming up Roses

Texas came up just short and California appears headed to the Rose Bowl, or maybe better, as the Bowl Championship Series #39; second-to-last rankings showed little movement at the top.


Turnovers, early run seal victory for Kansas

At first glance, the statistics sheet from last nights basketball game against Nevada indicates that Kansas played exceptionally well defensively.


UN agency backs nuclear deal for Iran

The UN nuclear agency agreed yesterday on a European-negotiated plan for policing Iran #39;s nuclear programs. The United States, which claims Iran is trying to build a nuclear


Twenty years on: Bhopal victims still waiting for compensation

ELEANOR HALL: It was one of the world #39;s worst industrial accidents but nearly 20 years after a gas leak devastated a shanty town on the outskirts of Bhopal in central India, many of the tens of thousands of people affected are yet to receive compensation.


KOFI: I #39;M SON-BURNED

WASHINGTON - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday he was  quot;disappointed quot; to learn his son Kojo was getting secret payments from a company under investigation for its role in the Iraq oil-for-food scandal.


European Shares Open Modestly Firmer

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares opened modestly firmer  on Tuesday, helped by a reprieve for the battered dollar but  mixed company updates kept a lid on gains.


Kellogg #39;s Cuban-born CEO to lead Commerce

Carlos Gutierrez, whose family fled Castro, will head administration efforts to revive the manufacturing sector. By Associated Press.


Shoppers fast out of gate

Excitement on Friday as the holiday shopping season got underway cooled before the weekend #39;s close as cautious shoppers browsed and let many deals pass.


Software Firm To Subsidize Employees #39; Hybrid Cars

Hyperion said it hopes to encourage other firms to join its clean-driving campaign and has launched a group called the Companies for Clean Air Consortium.


Iraq Oil Infrastructure Losing Billions (AP)

AP - When Saddam Hussein's lieutenant heard that an oil pipeline had been sabotaged in Qushqia, his order was swift: blow up the village. Under Saddam, nobody messed with oil.


HP iPaq hx2000 Series Will Be Three Devices

On HP #39;s UK site the upcoming hx2000 series is now broken out into three different Pocket PC devices, the HP iPaq hx2750, HP iPaq 2410, and HP iPaq 2110.


Death toll in Philippines storm tops 100 (AFP)

AFP - Rescuers were desperately searching for survivors after floods and landslides unleashed by a tropical storm in the Philippines killed more than 100 people, most buried alive under tonnes of debris, officials said.


Packers 45, Rams 17

Green Bay #39;s indomitable quarterback celebrated his 200th straight regular-season start by throwing three touchdown passes and leading the Packers to their sixth straight win Monday night, 45-17 over St.


Soccer spitter accused again

English soccer #39;s ruling body charged Bolton forward El-Hadji Diouf with improper conduct for spitting at defender Arjan De Zeeuw during Saturday #39;s 1-0 home loss to Portsmouth.


FLEMING PRAISE FOR AUSSIES

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was quick to praise Ricky Ponting #39;s Australia side after the Black Caps were beaten by 213 runs in the second Test in Adelaide.


Hawks rout Pack

Kansas had one primary goal defensively Monday night and that was to limit the touches of Nevada sharpshooter Nick Fazekas. Before the first half even ended, the Jayhawks knew if


Doc Rivers wins in return to Orlando

Doc Rivers was cheered by his old fans, then his new team gave him a small measure of revenge. Rivers #39; Boston Celtics snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Orlando Magic 117


Anthony misses victory

The Nuggets needed a record-breaking defensive night to make up for a rim- breaking offensive one Monday night in their 76-67 win over the down and depleted New Orleans Hornets at the Pepsi Center.


Stanford coach #39;s last loss is job

Three years ago, Ted Leland thought he had found the right offensive mind for Stanford in coach Buddy Teevens. The results eventually told the athletic director otherwise, and Teevens was


Iran won #39;t abandon nuclear program

Iran #39;s top nuclear negotiator says Tehran will never completely abandon its uranium enrichment activities. At a news conference on Tuesday, Hasan Rohani said the current suspension will last only as long as negotiations continue with Europe.


Whale beachings stump officials

Scientists and wildlife officials are continuing to search for what may have caused a series of mass strandings which have left 169 whales and dolphins dead on Australian and New Zealand beaches in the past three days.


The Hague Fouls up the Atmosphere

Maybe the most unpleasant Ankara-Brussels meeting since the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002 was held in The Hague last week.


About 100 Dead in Floods in Philippine Town -- Mayor

MANILA (Reuters) - About 100 people have died in a northern  Philippine town following floods and landslides caused by heavy  rain, a local official said on Tuesday.


West has broken hand

Just two games into his return from a fractured right thumb, Delonte West suffered a broken right hand that will keep the rookie point guard out indefinitely. West broke his hand on an innocuous-looking fall early in the second quarter against Miami Sunday night. He iced the hand at halftime and came back to play in the ...


Smoother sailing for Brand, Clippers

Elton Brand had a season-high 30 points and and Bobby Simmons scored 9 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Clippers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 94-82, in Los Angeles last night to complete the second-best November in franchise history.


Dollar Wins Reprieve, Data Weighs on Yen

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar won a reprieve against other  major currencies on Tuesday, bouncing off last week's record  low versus the euro as markets grew cautious ahead of words  from the European Central Bank chief and U.S. data.


German offer sets bar at Stelco

A GERMAN BANK #39;S \$900-million offer to refinance Stelco Inc. was approved yesterday as the benchmark bid for the restructuring Hamilton steelmaker by a judge, who challenged others to step up and prove


Iran Says Nuclear Freeze Won't Last Long

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran reiterated Tuesday it was only  prepared to freeze its uranium enrichment activities for a few  months and would not, as the EU and Washington want,  permanently mothball facilities which could make atomic bombs.


Ukraine Faces Split, Bloodshed, Putin Ally Says

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian parliamentary speaker Boris  Gryzlov said Tuesday Ukraine was headed for breakup or  bloodshed over its deadlocked presidential election.


Car Bomb North of Baghdad Kills 7, Wounds 19

BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb exploded near a U.S.  military patrol in the town of Baiji, north of Baghdad, on  Tuesday, killing at least seven Iraqis and wounding 20 people,  including two U.S. soldiers, doctors and the military said.


Rebels Again Say Rwanda Troops Enter Congo

KINSHASA (Reuters) - Congo-based Rwandan rebels, under  threat of imminent attack by Rwanda, repeated an allegation  Tuesday that Rwandan troops had crossed the border in recent  days to seize the vast country's mineral-rich east.


Iran hails UN nuclear 'victory'

A top Iranian cleric hails a "victory" over the US after the UN said it would not punish Iran with sanctions.


Intense talks on NI power-sharing

Two key meetings are set to take place as efforts intensify to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland.


Africa 'makes excuses on climate'

African governments are failing to act to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Kenya's Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai says.


A boost to his base

President George W. Bush #39;s nomination of Cuban-born Carlos M. Gutierrez for Commerce secretary fits neatly into a long-term strategy of boosting Republican prospects for national


Merck adopts compensation plan for top offiicals

NEW YORK, November 30 (newratings.com) - Merck  amp; Co (MRK.NYS) has adopted a new compensation plan aimed at retaining its senior management officials in case of a possible takeover.


Editor to head CUNY school

The City University of New York tapped BusinessWeek editor Stephen B. Shepard late yesterday to lead its new graduate school of journalism, set to open in 2006.


Mmo2 to launch i-mode in UK

MOBILE group mmO2 and giant Japanese telcom NTT DoCoMo today signed a deal allowing mmO2 to launch the i-mode internet service in Britain, Germany and Ireland.


Sun Micro Agrees to Buy Closely Held SevenSpace

Sun Microsystems Inc. SUNW.O has agreed to acquire closely held SevenSpace Inc., adding to Sun #39;s managed services offerings, the network computer maker said on Monday.


Rams not in Pack #39;s league

The governor of Wisconsin proclaimed it Brett Favre Day yesterday and the night belonged to the Green Bay Packers quarterback, too.


Challenger finds his roots

He has moved his training camp back to the Catskills, where he had most of his professional success. He is on a three-fight win streak after nearly falling off the boxing map.


Death toll rises to 63 in Shaanxi coalmine explosion

At least 63 miners have been killed in the Chenjiashan coal mine gas explosion in Northwest China #39;s Shaanxi Province and more than 100 miners remained trapped underground.


Sharon Seeks Labour Help to Bail Him Out

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approached the opposition Labour Party with a tentative offer to join his shaky coalition, in hopes of avoiding early elections and saving his Gaza withdrawal plan.


SEC begins formal investigation of Newton biotech company

The Securities and Exchange Commission has upgraded its investigation of Pro-Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Newton from an informal inquiry to a formal probe, according to the firm's most recent quarterly report to investors. The federal securities watchdog is looking at whether false or misleading statements were made about Pro-Pharmaceuticals, possibly by the company itself.


Record labels sue Kazaa firm

Major record labels are suing the firm behind Kazaa, the internet #39;s most-used file-swapping software. Sharman Networks, a firm based in Australia but registered in the Pacific island state of Vanuatu, is being


NVIDIA SLI on two GeForce 6800 Ultras

quot;NVIDIA #39;s SLI tech is about as cool as it gets, and I wanted to see what happens when you pair up a couple of GeForce 6800 Ultra cards for a PC graphics solution


VIENTIANE, Laos (AP)

Japan and South Korea joined the rush to court Southeast Asia, agreeing Tuesday to launch free trade talks with the region #39;s leaders hours after they clinched a momentous market-opening deal with booming China.


Whale beachings stump officials

have left 169 whales and dolphins dead on Australian and New Zealand beaches in the past three days. By Tuesday, 96 long-finned pilot whales and bottle-nosed dolphins had died after the first beaching on Sunday at King Island, midway.


Kellogg chooses experience for CEO

President Bush #39;s choice of Kellogg chief executive Carlos Gutierrez as commerce secretary leaves the cereal and snack giant without the dynamic leader who has guided its remarkable turnaround.


ECB #39;S Trichet calls on US to reduce budget deficit

FRANKFURT (AFX) - European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet has called on the US to reduce its budget deficit, saying this will help facilitate a  quot;gradual and smooth correction quot; of the ballooning US current account deficit.


Hong Kong Shares Close Marginally Lower

The blue-chip Hang Seng Index slipped 6.86 points, or 0.04 percent, to 14,060.05. On Monday, the index had gained 171.88 points, or 1.22 percent.


Royal Group dismisses founder Vic De Zen as chairman, fires two <b>...</b>

A special committee of independent directors at building products manufacturer Royal Group Technologies Ltd. (Woodbridge, ON) has fired president and CEO Douglas Dunsmuir and senior vice-president and CFO


Diouf set for ban following spit fury

ON-LOAN Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf is facing a three-match ban after his latest spitting controversy drew widespread disgust from the football world.


** For the latest news, please refresh this page regularly **

Jesus Chavez:  quot;I am getting ready to vamp up for this coming year. I #39;m going to take a fight in February. Not sure when in February but sometime in February and then I #39;m looking to get my title back.


Gold Drops From 16-Year High in London as Dollar Climbs vs Euro

Gold fell from a 16-year closing high in London, the first drop in five days, as the dollar rose against the euro, decreasing the appeal of the dollar-denominated metal as an alternative investment to US assets.


Walgreen Profit Rises 30.5 Pct, Shares Up

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Walgreen Co. WAG.N on Monday posted a  30.5 percent rise in quarterly profit, boosted by sales of  generic drugs and digital photo processing, sending its shares  to a nearly three-year high.


4 studios back new DVD format

A new high-definition DVD format aimed at replacing current DVDs got a huge boost Monday when NBC Universal and three other heavyweight Hollywood studios endorsed electronics giant Toshiba #39;s new HD DVD.


The power behind PlayStation 3?

Some details of the highly-anticipated advanced microprocessor, code-named Cell, which is expected to power the PlayStation 3, have been released by the three firms responsible for the chip #39;s development - IBM, Sony and Toshiba.


In Brief: Product Pipeline

The speedy GeForce Go 6800 mobile graphics chip from NVidia helps power high-end, wide-screen notebooks. Plus: new Microsoft accounting software.


SMITH #39;S SCOT IT IN THE BAG NOW

WALTER SMITH will be unveiled as the new Scotland manager on Thursday after being offered the job last night. The former Rangers and Everton boss will sign a deal that will see him take charge until the 2008 European Championship.


Russian gas giant plans Yukos bid

Gazprom, Russia's gas monopoly, says it will bid in the \$8.65bn government sale of the main production arm of embattled oil firm Yukos.


Spam Law Test

A year after Congress enacted the CAN-SPAM legislation, our tests show that unsubscribing from marketing e-mail can still be hard.


News In Brief


Bush taps top Latino exec

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday nominated Carlos Gutierrez, among the most prominent Hispanic business executives in the United States, to be his new Commerce secretary, as the president continued with what Republicans said would be a broad overhaul


Russias Gas Monopoly Gazprom to Take Part in Yuganskneftegaz <b>...</b>

On Tuesday, November 30, the Board of Directors of Russias natural gas monopoly Gazprom has approved the decision to take part in the auction for the sale of 76.8 percent of shares of Yuganskneftegaz, the main production asset of embattled Yukos Oil


Dalai Lama Arrives in Southern Russia (AP)

AP - The Dalai Lama arrived Monday for his first visit to Russia in 10 years after Moscow abruptly reversed its refusal to grant the Tibetan spiritual leader entry.


Summary: Cuba Frees Three Dissidents (AP)

AP - THE FREED: Cuba unexpectedly releases for health reasons three political dissidents: economics writer Oscar Espinosa Chepe, who has a liver ailment, Marcelo Lopez, who has a neurological disorder, and Margarito Broche, who suffered a heart attack in prison.


US moves closer to harnessing hydrogen power

US scientists say they have made a breakthrough in their quest to make low-cost hydrogen, possibly a step toward finding new sources of energy to end US dependence on foreign oil.


Sharon contacts Labor on govt coalition

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approached the opposition Labor party with a tentative offer to join his coalition in hopes of avoiding early elections and saving his Gaza withdrawal plan.


Dalai Lama Visits Russia Despite Chinese Objections

The Russian government has allowed the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to visit the country despite longstanding opposition from China.


Congo-based Rwandan rebels, under threat of imminent attack by Rwanda, repeated an allegation Tuesday that Rwandan troops had crossed the border in recent days to seize the vast country #39;s mineral-rich east.


ANC seeks to calm war of words

South Africa's ruling party tries to soothe the tempers of President Thabo Mbeki and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.


Dow, GM to take fuel cell project to next stage

A hydrogen fuel cell being tested since February at Dow Chemical Co. #39;s complex in Freeport has successfully generated electricity using hydrogen that is less than 100 percent pure, which is prompting an expanded test.


Sharman begins defense in Kazaa case

Sharman Networks, the company behind the Kazaa peer-to-peer file sharing software, began its defence in a Sydney court room on Tuesday against charges by members of the music industry that the company aided music piracy and copyright infringement.


Sun to extend Multi-Platform Managed Services

Sun Microsystems Inc. announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a small IT outsourcing company - SevenSpace.


Arsenal striker on shortlist for FIFA award

Arsenal Football Club forward Thierry Henry is one of three players nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year Award. The Frenchman enjoyed another successful year with the Highbury club, his goals leading them to the Premiership title last season.


OECD sees Japanese growth slower at just above 2.0 pct in 2005 (AFP)

AFP - The Japanese economy is expected to grow just above 2.0 percent in 2005 and 2006, losing some steam on slower exports after an estimated robust 4.0-percent expansion this year, according to the OECD.


Govt  quot;may need to raise taxes quot;

Public borrowing is set to rise and the government will need to raise taxes or reduce spending to decisively cut the deficit, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development says.


Rentokil warns of lower earnings

Services firm Rentokil Initial has warned of a likely deterioration in trading into the first-half of 2005 and earmarked some asset sales, as it continues to suffer from shrinking margins.


Computer makers face slowdown, firm predicts

Three of the nation #39;s top 10 personal computer manufacturers will likely leave the market by 2007 because of slower growth and reduced profits in the industry, a research firm predicted Monday.


Putin to Respect New Ukraine Election -- Germany (Reuters)

Reuters - Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed\in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Gerhard\Schroeder to respect the results of any new election in\Ukraine, the German government said on Tuesday in a statement.


Hollywood backs HD DVD

Hollywood film studios have pledged support for one of the competing formats battling for primacy in the DVD market. The group supporting the HD DVD optical disc format for high-definition video is vying with the rival Blu-ray Disc format .


Screensaver hits back at spammers

INTERNET users fed up with spam can go on the offensive by downloading a screensaver aimed at hitting junkmailers in the pocket, net portal Lycos said.


Smith expected to be unveiled by Scotland

The SFA have tried to play down speculation Smith (right) had been offered the job on Monday but his appointment would come as little surprise.


Button admits to Williams mistake

Jenson Button has admitted he was  quot;misguided quot; in his attempts to switch to Williams for next season. The 24-year-old declared his intention to leave BAR in August but team boss David Richards prevented the move on legal grounds.


Celts give Rivers victory vs. Magic

Paul Pierce scored 24 points and Marcus Banks a season-high 20, and the visiting Boston Celtics put seven players in double figures en route to a 117-101 victory Monday against the Orlando Magic.


Stanford cans classy Teevens

#39; #39;It was an extremely difficult decision, but I simply felt that the program was in need of new direction and leadership, #39; #39; athletic director Ted Leland said Monday.


Kazaa Launches Defense in Copyright Case (AP)

AP - The owners of file-swapping giant Kazaa claimed Tuesday their software, which allows users to exchange copyrighted music and movies online, doesn't differ from video recorders, as they launched their defense in a landmark music piracy case in Australia.


Secretary-General Voices Hope for Access to Safe Drinking Water <b>...</b>

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today voiced his hope to an international meeting on water, sanitation and hygiene that one day the world will no longer have to face the dire consequences of inadequate access to safe drinking water and basic


Putin to Respect New Ukraine Election -- Germany

BERLIN (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed  in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Gerhard  Schroeder to respect the results of any new election in  Ukraine, the German government said on Tuesday in a statement.


Kagame: Army Will Deal With Congo Rebels (AP)

AP - Rwanda's president on Tuesday warned that his forces will deal with rebels based in Congo and suggested they may already be doing so, a day after reports emerged that Rwandan troops had crossed in neighboring Congo.


U.S. President Bush aims to avoid missteps on official visit to Canada (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - WASHINGTON (AP) - President George W. Bush's trip north of the border will be akin to a polite dance where he'll try to avoid missteps that could create more anti-Americanism in Canada. For his part, Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin will want to avoid looking as if he's bending to U.S. will on trade and security issues.


OECD cuts growth outlook for US, Japan, Europe on oil

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development cut its 2005 economic growth forecasts for the US, Japan and the eurozone, citing a period of sustained high oil prices.


Nationwide predicts house price freeze

House prices across the UK will come to a virtual standstill in 2005, the Nationwide Building Society predicted today. The lender said that property prices in Britain look set to rise by just 2 across the year, compared to a rise of 13 in 2004.


Chairman says weak dollar, one-off costs have hit group

HONG KONG (CBS.MW) -- British pest control and office services group Rentokil warned investors Tuesday to expect weaker results next year and said 2004 profit would be hurt by the soft US dollar and one-off costs.


Hardware slump predicted

MORE TIN makers are going to crash and burn with three of the top 10 PC makers being squeezed out of the market by 2007, Gartner has repeated for the third time so far this month.


Screenscraper here to fight spam

AN ISP CALLED Lycos has come up with a way of fighting spam that attacks the spammers servers. All you have to do is load a screensaver -  quot;Make Love Not Spam quot; - available from Lycos Europe and it will requests


BAR #39;s Button regrets bid to join Williams

British Formula One driver Jenson Button has admitted he was  quot;misguided quot; in seeking to move from BAR to Williams. The 24-year-old announced his intention in August to drive for Williams


Iran #39;s top nuclear official says Tehran has not abandoned uranium <b>...</b>

Iran has not abandoned its right to enrich uranium, as the suspension it agreed to with the UN nuclear agency is for several months, Iran #39;s top nuclear official, Hassan Rowhani, said Tuesday.


Annan Disappointed in Son #39;s Link to Corruption Probe Company

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans son was paid more than 16,000 a year for five years by a company under investigation in the UNs Iraq oil-for-food programme corruption probe.


Shopping Search Update 2004, Part 1

Here's a look at new and interesting developments at the major shopping search and comparision sites during 2004. Today: BizRate/Shopzilla, Froogle, and MSN Shopping.


Global economy to hit headwinds next year: OECD

PARIS (AFP) - China, Japan and North America will pull the global economy forward over the next two years despite headwinds thrown up by high oil prices and tenacious deficits, the OECD predicted.


Rentokil warns of tough outlook

Hygiene-to-security group Rentokil Initial has warned of further tough trading next year and announced plans to sell part of its hygiene division.


Sun buys IT services company to help HP/IBM fight

Sun Microsystems is buying IT services company SevenSpace for an undisclosed amount of cash, helping to expand its support for operating systems outside of Solaris.


The Firefox Surge

NEW YORK - A sudden, measurable decline in market share in any product over the course of a few months says something, even if that product is one whose producer still holds about 90 of the market in question.


FIFA Player of Year finalists announced

Zurich, Switzerland (Sports Network) - Arsenal #39;s Thierry Henry, AC Milan #39;s Andriy Shevchenko, and Barcelona #39;s Ronaldinho are the three finalists for FIFA #39;s 2004 World Player of the Year award.


Oil Prices Briefly Climb Back Over \$50

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices briefly climbed back over \$50  on Tuesday, pushed higher by supply outages in the North Sea  and fears about low stocks of winter heating fuels.


Battling the Copyright Big Boys

A new political action committee supports candidates who speak for the consumer when it comes to copyright law. The group doesn't have the big bucks of the entertainment companies, but it's just getting started. By Katie Dean.


Sleep Disorders Traced to Genes

Can't wake up before lunchtime? Blame your ancestors. Researchers now suspect that night owls inherit their sleeping patterns and are launching a study that could lead to new gene therapy for sleep disorders. By Randy Dotinga.


Searching Smarter, Not Harder

When it comes to searching, more is not always better. Data experts are honing topic maps to better classify the information that's out there. By John Gartner.


To Hell and Back

Bill Stone has invented diving gear and roving robots to explore the deepest -- and deadliest -- caves on Earth. In the icy water 4,500 feet below Mexico, he had to figure out how to bring his dead friend home. By Jeffrey M. O'Brien from Wired magazine.


Trial to Unmask Kazaa Owners

In a copyright-infringement trial under way this week in an Australian federal court, music industry representatives say they plan to make public the secretive ownership structure of the Kazaa file-trading network. By Patrick Gray.


Lying Makes Brain Work Harder

Researchers expose differences in brain activity between people who fib and those who don't. Brain scans reveal that it really is easier to tell the truth.


Hundreds die in Philippines storm

More than 300 people are feared dead after a storm triggers flash floods in the Philippines, officials say.


A New Push to Loosen New York's Divorce Law

Lawyers and judges are pushing to have New York's divorce law changed, saying it is archaic and heightens hostilities between spouses.


TSA Reconsiders Technology Contract

The Transportation Security Administration yesterday said it would resume plans to seek bids for a large technology maintenance contract, ending consideration of a proposal to give the work to an Alaska Native Corporation without competition.


Maryland's Technology Future

Julie Coons, the president of the Technology Council of Maryland, discusses the organization and the region's technology community.


Gazprom board may discuss YUKOS bid

The executive board of Russian gas monopoly Gazprom may discuss making a bid for the main production unit of oil major YUKOS at a meeting today, a Gazprom source says.


Citibank Japan CEO, TSE chief summoned to appear at Diet

TOKYO - The House of Councillors Financial Affairs Committee said Monday it has summoned Citibank Japan CEO Douglas Peterson and Tokyo Stock Exchange Inc President Takuo Tsurushima to give unsworn testimony at its meeting Tuesday.


Harmony seeks leave to appeal competition ruling

Harmony said today it would seek leave from the Competition Appeal Court to appeal the ruling allowing it to acquire Gold Fields #39; shares, but not to exercise the shares #39; voting rights.


FIs set to discuss RIL board representation

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 28: Admitting that the Reliance boardroom feud involving the Ambani brothers was totally unexpected and had caught them off-guard, domestic financial institutions (FIs) are now expected to discuss the crucial issue of


London seen higher but bourses unchanged

London is seen starting slightly higher on Tuesday after a late recovery on Wall Street, but the continents bourses are seen opening flat.


Novartis withdraws application for EU approval of new arthritis <b>...</b>

The Swiss pharmaceutical group Novartis withdrew on Tuesday an application for EU approval of a new arthritis drug called Prexige to await a review of such treatments next year.


Market Report

A flurry of corporate updates failed to inspire investors today as the FTSE 100 Index slipped back towards the 4700 barrier. Catering group Compass and Rentokil


Song-swap service hits back in piracy case

The company behind the internet song-swapping service Kazaa today claimed it was merely the musical equivalent of a video recorder as it began its defence in a landmark court case in Australia.


O2 AND NTT DoCoMo ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT for i-mode in the UK

O2 plc, a leading European mobile operator, and NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Japan #39;s largest mobile communications provider, today signed a long-term strategic agreement under which O2 will launch the i-mode mobile internet service in the UK, Germany and Ireland.


Sun Microsystems to acquire technology services firm

NEW YORK, November 30 (newratings.com) - Sun Microsystems (SUNW.NAS) has agreed to acquire SevenSpace Inc, a closely held technology services company, for an undisclosed amount.


Beijing cancels purchase of Microsoft software

The Beijing municipal government has canceled an order for Microsoft computer software following official complaints that local governments are not buying enough software developed domestically.


Apple #39;s iPod is a hot item on holiday wish lists this year

One of the hottest holiday gifts this year is the Apple iPod, the digital-age equivalent of the Sony Walkman. The iPod, which stores music files downloaded


Nokia to Further Expand Henan GSM Network

Nokia Corp. will further expand a digital GSM mobile network for Chinese Henan Mobile Communications Corporation Ltd., in a deal valued at \$200 million (euro150 million).


New phone Trojan surfaces

Johannesburg, 30 November 2004 - A variant of the Skulls Trojan horse has surfaced and now carries the Cabir.B cellphone worm. Once a user is infected with the Skulls.


Half-life shoots up Sierra

VALVE, the makers of Half-Life, have won a court battle against their distributors Sierra Studios over the rights for pay as you play games.


SCO website defaced by hacker

Unix vendor SCO Group Inc became the victim of a hacker over the Thanksgiving weekend, in an apparent response to the company #39;s claims against the Linux operating system.


IBM sets up hands-on user test centre

IBM has established a new technology centre in the Washingon DC to help IT departments to better define their Tivoli-based infrastructure management strategies.


Moon dance on Saturn #39;s canvas

The Cassini space probe has captured an incredible image of Saturn #39;s tiny moon Mimas, suspended against the grey-blue backdrop of Saturn #39;s rings.


Tedford is Coach of the Year Eight Bears receive All-Pac-10 honors

Cal coach Jeff Tedford, who has his team ranked No. 4 in the nation and close to claiming a berth in the Rose Bowl, has been named Pac-10 Coach of the Year.


Cycling Union rejects Phonak licence appeal

Doping scandals have cost the Swiss cycling team, Phonak, a place on next years ProTour circuit, which includes the world #39;s biggest cycling events.


Rivers Has No Regrets In Return to Orlando

Doc Rivers plays the part an unfortunate victim in The Grant Hill Story. But it #39;s still a good story, according to the former Magic coach.


quot;My Body Was Done quot;, Says Retiring Pinsent

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent this morning announced his retirement from rowing three months after his final triumph in Athens in the coxless fours.


Gough lands top job at Livingston

Gough emerged as the leading candidate for the post after captaining Rangers, Scotland and Everton, though this will be his first managerial appointment.


Kmart Shows Operational Progress

The same-store sales decline slows in November and December, and net income increases.


Walgreen Seeing Green

Rivals CVS and Rite Aid have a bitter pill to swallow as Walgreen stays strong.


Intel Brings N.Mexico Pollution Concerns

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A 15-year tax break that secured  Intel Corp.'s ongoing investment in the state of New Mexico has  rekindled a heated debate over the ability of a poor U.S. state  to regulate the world's largest chip maker.


Car Bomb Kills Seven, Wounds 20 in Iraq

A car bomb exploded in a crowded market in a town north of Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least seven people and wounding 20, underlining Iraq #39;s severe security problems with elections just two months away.


France to clear its land mines from Djibouti

NAIROBI, Nov 30 (AFP) - The French army will clear landmines that were buried deep underground by landslides around its military base in Djibouti, starting in 2006, officials said in Nairobi on Tuesday.


Stock Futures Soft Ahead of GDP Data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a flat  open  on Tuesday before a slew of economic data, with a  steadier dollar helping to mute firmer crude oil prices.


Hundreds die in Filipino storm

More than 200 people are feared dead as a result of flash floods and landslides triggered by a storm in the Philippines, officials say.


Sharon government faces crisis after double blow in Israeli <b>...</b>

JERUSALEM : Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon faced a fresh political crisis after the secular Shinui party threatened to quit the ruling coalition and he suffered two symbolic defeats at the hands of parliament.


Dollar Claws Back Some Ground Against Yen

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar clawed back some ground  against the yen on Tuesday after data suggested that Japanese  economic growth had slowed, but remained within sight of record  lows against the euro.


Kellogg names Jenness as chief executive; share price declines

LONDON, November 30 (newratings.com) - Kellogg Company (K.NYS) named James Jenness yesterday to take over as the companys Chairman and Chief Executive, if Carlos Gutierrez is appointed by the US administration as the next Commerce Secretary.


Retailers view mixed holiday forecasts

Retail sales during the important Thanksgiving weekend showed some strength, with sales measures released Monday reflecting year-over-year growth.


French economy set for growth: OECD

PARIS, Nov 30 (AFP) - The French economy is set for growth in the next two years and unemployment should begin to fall once oil prices ease, the OECD said here Tuesday.


Citibank Japan Chief Apologizes

The new chief executive of Citibank Japan apologized at a parliament committee Tuesday and promised that customers who were misled about financial investment risks will be compensated.


In Blow to Blu-Ray, Universal Backs HD DVD

The HD DVD format has won a battle in its ongoing war with rival optical format Blu-ray with the announcement that Universal Pictures is backing the technology.


Now, a screensaver to shield against spam

A screen saver may now be your shield against spam websites, all thanks to a screen saver dveloped by Internet portal Lycos ,which is capable of making spam servers go flat by overloading them with continuous spam requests.


49ERS NOTEBOOK Erickson longs for the simple life

Immediately following the 49ers #39; 24-17 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, disgusted 49ers coach Dennis Erickson said he would make changes on offense.


Doc Rivers Wins in Return to Orlando

Orlando Magic coach Johnny Davis, right, and Boston Celtics #39; coach Doc Rivers get together prior to their game in Orlando, Fla.


Annan  #39;disappointed #39; his son received 30-thousand a year from <b>...</b>

UNITED NATIONS UN chief Kofi Annan says he #39;s  quot;disappointed quot; to learn his son was getting 30-thousand dollars a year from a company with an oil-for-food contract in Iraq.


Japan, Philippines Reach Free Trade Deal

Japan and the Philippines have agreed on key parts of a free trade pact but need a few more months to put finishing touches on the landmark accord between the World War II foes, officials said Tuesday.


Slow Thanksgiving Weekend for US Shopping

The US holiday shopping season got off to a ho-hum start as shoppers lined up for the early-bird specials after Thanksgiving, then stayed home all weekend.


ADV: Earn Your College Degree Today

Receive an accredited college degree based on your work and life experience. Almeda University can help you take charge of your career.  Our evaluation process is free.


Update 1: Sony to Sell New Music Players in Japan

Sony Corp. said Tuesday it will begin selling in Japan two new models of digital portable music players that support the MP3 format, which is used by its rival iPod.


Mobilizing Against Wireless Viruses

As cell phones turn into mobile handheld data devices, companies are exploring ways to protect them from being hacked by a growing number of sophisticated viruses designed specifically to attack the wireless world.


Sun acquisition to boost IT services portfolio

Sun is moving from its traditional focus on supporting only its Solaris operating system platform and beefing up its support for competing operating systems such as Windows, HP-UX and AIX, with the purchase of IT services company SevenSpace.


Gatlin, Hayes win Jesse Owens Awards

Olympic champions Justin Gatlin and Joanna Hayes were announced as recipients of the 2004 Jesse Owens Awards by USA Track  amp; Field (USATF) on Monday.


Gough: Knox Is Key Livi Signing

New Livingston manager Richard Gough insists he has already made his best-ever signing for the club by convincing former Rangers and Manchester United coach Archie Knox to be his number two at Almondvale.


US to eliminate non-detectable landmines by end of year

The United States announced here Monday that it will eliminate its non-detectable landmines by the end of this year. In a statement issued at the ongoing Nairobi Summit on a


Sharon challenged over poverty

PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon has narrowly survived three parliamentary no-confidence votes sponsored by opposition parties over deepening poverty in Israel.


S. Arabia: Oil Prices will Drop \$10-15

Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali El-Naimi has said that the \$10-15  quot;fear premium quot; that has been present in oil prices will disappear as the problems of  quot;supply quot; and  quot;geographic tension quot; diminish.


Reliance Energy Asks Six Directors to Reconsider Resignations

Reliance Energy Ltd., India #39;s second- biggest utility by market value, said it asked six directors who quit last week to withdraw their resignations.


Ryanair in 240m Shannon investment

Low-cost carrier Ryanair is to invest 240 million to create its 12th major European base at Shannon Airport, Ireland, it emerged today.


Ukraine's Isolated PM Repeats Offer to Opposition (Reuters)

Reuters - Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, looking\increasingly isolated in Ukraine's deepening political crisis,\offered again on Tuesday to make his opposition rival premier\if allowed to take up the presidency.


Patriots Win in All Conditions (AP)

AP - The Patriots can be healthy or hurting. The field can be drenched or dry. The opponent might have a stingy defense or a high-scoring offense. New England just keeps winning.


NBA Today (AP)

AP - Seattle at Portland (10 p.m. EST). The SuperSonics (13-2) have the NBA's top record and are off to their best start since going 14-1 in the 1993-94 season.


Mm02 dials up Japanese group to net deal for i-mode services

MOBILE phone operator mmO2 has signed a deal with Japanese group NTT DoCoMo to provide i-mode internet phone services in the UK, Germany and Ireland.


MmO2, NTT DoCoMo agree i-mode Internet deal (AFP)

AFP - British mobile telephone operator mmO2 announced the signing of a deal with NTT DoCoMo, Japan's leading mobile phone operator, to launch i-mode mobile Internet services in Britain, Germany and Ireland.


Scotland set to make Smith manager

GLASGOW (AFP) - Former Everton and Rangers manager Walter Smith will be confirmed as the new manager of Scotland on Thursday, according to the BBC.


Ukraine's Isolated PM Repeats Offer to Opposition

KIEV (Reuters) - Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, looking  increasingly isolated in Ukraine's deepening political crisis,  offered again on Tuesday to make his opposition rival premier  if allowed to take up the presidency.


Car Bomb Kills Seven, Wounds 20 in Iraq

BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb exploded in a crowded  market in a town north of Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least  seven people and wounding 20, underlining Iraq's severe  security problems with elections just two months away.


Israeli Coalition Crisis May Force Early Election

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's  shaky coalition Tuesday faced collapse in a row over the 2005  budget, raising the prospect of early elections that would  endanger his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.


Singapore's Economy Grows in 2004 (AP)

AP - Singapore's economy expanded 5.4 percent in the fourth quarter from a year ago and grew by 8.1 percent for the full year in 2004, the city-state's Ministry of Trade said Monday.


UK ; Dollar Wins Reprieve, Data Weighs on Yen

UK News, LONDON - The dollar won a reprieve against other major currencies on Tuesday, bouncing off last week #39;s record low versus the euro as markets grew cautious ahead of words from the European Central Bank chief and US data.


Federer Wins Easily to Begin 2005 Season (AP)

AP - Roger Federer began his Australian Open preparation by beating David Ferrer of Spain 6-1, 6-1 Monday in the first round of the Qatar Open.


Lou Henson Will Resume Coaching Saturday (AP)

AP - Lou Henson will return to coaching but will be in a wheelchair when New Mexico State plays North Texas on Saturday.


Bills RB Travis Henry Looking to Leave (AP)

AP - Travis Henry wants out of Buffalo because he's unhappy with the prospect of spending another season as Willis McGahee's backup.


Piracy accusations fly as Kazaa trial begins

THE firm behind leading file-swapping network Kazaa is being sued by the record industry in the latest round of a fight over copyright.


Services buy broadens Sun #39;s software support

Sun Microsystems has acquired enterprise applications management company SevenSpace, allowing its managed services arm to support HP-UX and IBM #39;s AIX systems for the first time.


Gonzales Is Likely to Face Criticism in Hearings

Alberto Gonzales, nominee for attorney general, may face vigorous interrogation during confirmation hearings about his role in the treatment of detainees.


Pinsent calls time on golden career

Matthew Pinsent, the four-time Olympic gold medallist, confirmed today that he is to retire from the sport - as reported in The Times yesterday.


Leland task: find bright coach cheap

STANFORD -- What they #39;re looking for again at Stanford is a football coach who #39;s worth keeping but also a football coach who isn #39;t worth more to someone else.


Philips Unveils DVD Burner That Plays CDs

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Philips Electronics unveiled an  optical disk drive on Monday for use in computers that can burn  and play CDs and DVDs in three formats, including the new  Blu-ray standard.


Pedro is a big mistake

The more you hear about the Mets, their offer to Pedro Martinez and their curious pursuit of players like him this offseason, the more you should think about Tom Glavine.


Oil Off 4 Percent as U.S. Winter Stays Mild

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices slid 4 percent on Monday on  expectations that more mild U.S. weather at the start of the  New Year will limit heating oil demand.


Stocks to Watch Tuesday

The Web search company said it will commence its share  buyback offer today for the 23.4 million common shares it may  have issued improperly to previous and current employees and  consultants.


European Shares Drop, Weighed by Compass

LONDON (Reuters) - European equities retreated on Tuesday  as oil prices climbed to near \$50 a barrel and renewed fears of  a hit on earnings, while British services firm Rentokil  fell 6  percent after a disappointing update.


Chain Store Sales Slipped Latest Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. chain store retail sales slipped  during the Thanksgiving holiday week, as consumers took  advantage of discounted merchandise, a retail report said on  Tuesday.


Gazprom to bid for Yukos facility

Russia #39;s state-controlled gas monopoly, Gazprom, announced today that it is planning to bid for the main production facility of troubled oil company Yukos.


Sony to pay \$40m to end patent dispute

Sony and Ampex have agreed to end their dispute over a patent covering thumbnail images in digital image storage and retrieval devices.


Unprotected PCs can be hijacked in minutes (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Surfing the Web has never been more risky. Simply connecting to the Internet - and doing nothing else - exposes your PC to non-stop, automated break-in attempts by intruders looking to take control of your machine surreptitiously.


Fighting for file-swapping on Capitol Hill

Philip Corwin has one of the least enviable jobs in Washington, DC: He defends file-swapping networks. That #39;s not a trivial task for Corwin, the lobbyist for Kazaa #39;s parent company.


3G rival i-Mode finally hits the UK

Mobile network operator O2 has completed a deal with Japan #39;s NTT DoCoMo which will allow it to market 3G rival i-Mode services in the UK, Germany and Ireland.


Lycos #39; Make Love Not Spam gives chance for revenge

LONDON - People hacked off with spammers who clog up their inbox with junk email can now get revenge in a new campaign by Lycos, urging the world to  #39;Make Love, Not Spam #39;.


Half-Life 2 maker wins legal case

The creator of Half-Life 2, Valve, has won a legal fight to stop Vivendi distributing its titles to cyber cafes. The ruling bars Vivendi distributing games such as Half-Life 2 and Counter-Strike to these pay-for-play venues.


Sony to launch its first MP3 hard-disk music player

Sony is broadening support for the MP3 file format in its portable music player range. It will introduce a new hard disk-based MP3 player in December, and will produce


SP2 does not fully protect IE6

A variant of a bug that uses an Internet Explorer 6 vulnerability exposes Microsoft Windows systems patched with Service Pack 2. A security researcher claims to have crafted a simpler version of a bug first identified in late October.


Speedy computer chip for PlayStation near (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - A long-awaited microprocessor developed by IBM, Sony and Toshiba will go into early production next year and start appearing in video game consoles, high-definition TVs and home servers in 2006, the companies said Monday.


Last chance saloon for Diouf

El Hadji Diouf has always enjoyed courting controversy. Be it spitting, diving or being a general nuisance to all and sundry the Senegal international has a penchant for getting involved in the more unsavoury side of the game.


Mandaric and Redknapp Clear the Air

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric met former boss Harry Redknapp today to publicly clarify the transfer policy at Fratton Park. Redknapp stood down last week after weeks of uncertainty over his future at the Barclays Premiership club.


BCS sets table for crucial games

College footballs 3 1/2-month regular season has come down to this: Three critical games. And a couple of critical votes. Unbeaten USC, Oklahoma and Auburn remain 1-2-3 in Mondays Bowl Championship Series


Chain Store Sales Slipped Latest Week (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. chain store retail sales slipped\during the Thanksgiving holiday week, as consumers took\advantage of discounted merchandise, a retail report said on\Tuesday.


CoTherix, Google Rise Before the Bell (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of CoTherix Inc.  rose\2.7 percent  before the bell on Tuesday after Piper Jaffray\initiated coverage of the biopharmaceutical company with an\"outperform" rating and a  #36;10 price target.


Iraq's Allawi to Meet With Jordan Exiles (AP)

AP - Prime Minister Ayad Allawi will travel to Jordan on Tuesday to meet with Iraqis outside the country as part of attempts to get as many Iraqis as possible to participate in upcoming elections, diplomats and Iraqi officials said.


Red Cross Sees Problems at Guantanamo (AP)

AP - The international Red Cross said Tuesday that U.S. officials have failed to address concerns about some significant problems in the treatment of terror suspects detained at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.


CoTherix, Google Rise Before the Bell

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of CoTherix Inc. CTRX.O rose  2.7 percent  before the bell on Tuesday after Piper Jaffray  initiated coverage of the biopharmaceutical company with an  "outperform" rating and a \$10 price target.


Oil Back at \$50 on Outages, Winter Fears

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed back to \$50 on  Tuesday, pushed higher by supply outages in the North Sea and  fears about low stocks of winter heating fuels.


Smithfield Foods Reports Higher Profit

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Smithfield Foods Inc. SFD.N, the  largest U.S. hog and pork producer, on Tuesday reported  higher  fiscal second-quarter profit due to strong hog prices and the  acquisition last year of Farmland Foods.


Arsenal 'may seek full listing'

Arsenal may seek a full stock market listing as a means of funding itself after moving to its new stadium, its vice-chairman says.


Web Holiday Sales Off to Strong Start

\

 By Lisa Baertlein and Emily Chasan

 SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. online shoppers,\who set spending and traffic records on Thanksgiving Day and\the "Black Friday" that followed, were expected to break new\ground again as they returned to work on what some are calling\"Blue Monday."


Overstock.com Shares Hit All-Time High

Shares of Overstock.com hit an all-time high Monday after the online retailer said it posted the largest sales in its history on the day after Thanksgiving.


Kazaa Launches Defense in Copyright Case

The owners of file-swapping giant Kazaa claimed Tuesday their software, which allows users to exchange copyrighted music and movies online, doesn't differ from video recorders, as they launched their defense in a landmark music piracy case in Australia.


Canadian Inventor Lets Everyone Be an Armchair Spy

\

 By Larissa Liepins

 TORONTO (Reuters) - New Internet-based technology could\soon turn regular computer users into armchair spies, a\Canadian inventor said on Monday.


Renault to invest \$573 million in Korea

SEOUL The chairman of the French automaker Renault announced on Tuesday that it would invest 600 billion won in its South Korean operation, Renault Samsung Motors, to develop a sports utility vehicle and engine production facilities.


Charleston tourism brisk after busy hurricane season

The busiest hurricane season in years chased tourists from the South Carolina coast last summer. But in recent weeks, as hurricane season passes, tourists are again returning.


South Korea expected to gain from Singapore service sectors

Korea will have a lot to gain from closer ties with Singapore #39;s advanced service and financial sectors, while Singapore can capitalize on Korea #39;s efficient logistics system following the inking of the bilateral free-trade agreement, a Singaporean business


Health insurer grows as industry changes

UnitedHealth Group, the largest US health insurance company, has said that it will spend \$300 million in cash to buy Definity Health, a smaller health technology company specializing in plans that allow consumers leeway in directing their medical spending


Rentokil shares drop on profit warning

Rentokil warned investors to expect lower profits for 2005 after reported a fall in profits for most of the 2004 and revealed it was finally washing its hands of parts of its UK hygiene business.


Injured McNair Thinking of NFL Future (AP)

AP - To be clear, Steve McNair never used the word retirement.


Utah Company to Develop Better Fuel

(Nov 30, 2004) -- SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Ceramatec of Salt Lake City and the Idaho Natioal Engineering and Environmental Laboraty today announced they they have been selected to lead a \$2.5 million project to develop hydrogen by high temperature


Anti-virus firm warns of new mobile phone virus

ANTI-VIRUS firm F-Secure has found a new variant of the Skulls Trojan horse that attacks mobile phones with the Symbian operating system and is warning phone owners not to


Athlete Milton Bradley has run-in with police

Copley Township - Former Indians centerfielder Milton Bradley has run afoul of the law once again. Bradley, traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in April, was charged with disorderly conduct Thursday after he allegedly interfered with police Sgt.


Tsunami Victims Prey to Crime from Asia to Europe

By Patrick Lannin and Stephen Brown  STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Thieves, rapists, kidnappers and hoaxers  are preying on tsunami survivors and families of victims in  Asian refugee camps and hospitals and in the home countries of  European tourists hit by the wave.


'Atom School' Stars in First Israeli Reactor Video (Reuters)

Reuters - Israel has released the first video\footage of its Dimona nuclear plant, a television station said\on Monday, in an apparent attempt to promote a positive image\of what experts believe to be an atomic bomb factory.


At least 300 dead in Philippines #39; floods and landslides

At least 300 people have died, and another 150 are missing, in floods and landslides unleashed by a storm which struck the northern Philippines.


US troops targeted in Iraq attacks

A car bomb has exploded near a US military patrol in the town of Baiji, north of Baghdad, killing four Iraqi civilians and wounding 19 people, including two US soldiers.


115 whales, dolphins die after beaching on Australian islands

Carcasses of dead dolphins and pilot whales strewn on a beach on Australia #39;s King Island, off Tasmania state on Sunday. A total of 80 whales and dolphins died after swimming onto a beach on the island where


Wal-Mart, Retailers #39; November Sales Slow as Gas Prices Rise

Sales at US retailers including Wal- Mart Stores Inc. probably slowed in November, the start of the holiday shopping season, as rising energy prices curbed consumer spending.


Renault to invest \$573 million in South Korea, chairman says

SEOUL - French carmaker Renault plans to invest 600 billion won (\$573.1 million) in South Korea over the next three years, its chairman said on Tuesday.


RUSSIA * ECONOMY * OIL * AUCTION

MOSCOW, November 30 (RIA Novosti) - Gazprom will bid in the Yuganskneftegaz auction, Gazpromneft chief executive officer (CEO) Sergei Bogdanchikov told the Russian Gas-2004 second international forum Tuesday.


Smithfield Foods Reports Higher Profit

Smithfield Foods Inc. (SFD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US hog and pork producer, on Tuesday reported higher fiscal second-quarter profit due to strong hog prices and the acquisition last year of Farmland Foods.


Report: Bank of NY Seeks to Avert Charges

NEW YORK - Bank of New York reportedly is negotiating with federal prosecutors to avert a potential criminal indictment. The Wall Street Journal reports that the bank is facing charges it failed to report suspicious activity at one of its branches.


Harmony hopes dented by low tender of Gold Fields shares

The chance of Harmony succeeding in its hostile bid for Gold Fields was starting to fade, analysts said yesterday after Harmony received about a third of the shares it had hoped


Powerful chip to rev up home entertainment

A long-awaited microprocessor developed by IBM Corp., Sony Corp. and Toshiba Corp. will go into early production next year and start appearing in video game consoles, high


Revenge of the spammed

Lycos claims to have come up with a novel solution to spam by letting the public get their revenge on the spammers. The company has developed a downloadable screensaver which generates traffic on the websites of known spammers.


Valve wins case against Vivendi

Half-Life 2 creator Valve Games has announced that a legal complaint filed against publisher Vivendi Universal Games in August 2002 has been upheld by a US court, but several other cases remain outstanding.


Gough takes helms of Livingston

Former Scotland captain Richard Gough was named as Livingston coach on Tuesday. Gough, 42, who also captained Rangers and Everton and played for Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham


Nuggets win without Carmelo

DENVER -- Earl Boykins scored 22 points to help the Denver Nuggets overcome the absence of Carmelo Anthony and defeat the New Orleans Hornets 76-67 on Monday.


Second storm in a week hits eastern Philippines; more than 300 dead (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The death toll from landslides and flash floods in the eastern Philippines jumped to at least 348 with 150 others missing Tuesday, most in a region still reeling from a deadly typhoon.


Philips Unveils DVD Burner That Plays CDs (Reuters)

Reuters - Philips Electronics unveiled an\optical disk drive on Monday for use in computers that can burn\and play CDs and DVDs in three formats, including the new\Blu-ray standard.


4 Iraqis killed, 2 US soldiers wounded in car bomb attack

Four Iraqis were killed and 19 others wounded, including two US soldiers, Tuesday when a car bombhit a US military convoy in the Iraqi town of Baiji, 200 km north of Baghdad, the US military said.


Chilean groups condemn torture payout plan

Human rights groups said the proposed compensation for those tortured under Chile #39;s former military regime isn #39;t enough, La Tercera reported Tuesday.


Dalai Lama hails Russian pilgrims

Russian Buddhists brave snow and rain to see the Dalai Lama, who is visiting the republic of Kalmykia.


US ; Cuban-born Gutierrez transformed Kellogg

US News, LOS ANGELES - Carlos Gutierrez, named as US secretary of commerce on Monday, left Cuba as a child when communists seized power and rose through the ranks of Kellogg Co.


Australian Record Industry action against operators of Kazaa

quot;We are very pleased to see the Australian music industry bringing the operators of Kazaa to court. The Australian case claims that Kazaa is violating copyright on a massive scale, misleading its users and


Olympic champion Pinsent retires

Rower Matthew Pinsent, who has won four Olympic gold medals, has announced he is retiring from the sport. That means Pinsent won #39;t equal the five gold medals won in successive Olympics by another rower, Sir Steven Redgrave.


Harry fury at agent claim

FURIOUS Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric joined forces today in an astonishing bid to end slurs over Pompey #39;s transfer policy.


Linebacker Davis is latest Brown lost for year

Andra Davis, second on the team with 89 tackles, will need more than five weeks to heal from the torn left medial collateral ligament he suffered in Cincinnati.


Button: I was wrong to seek Williams move

Jenson Button has admitted he made a mistake in his attempts to leave BAR and engineer a move to drive for BMW Williams next year.


Paisley: It #39;s now or never

The Democratic Unionist party leader, Ian Paisley, emerged from Downing Street talks today and said that republicans had a  quot;now or never quot; chance to disarm and do a deal with him on power sharing.


Diana tapes broadcast

Recordings of the Princess of Wales containing intimate details of her sex life with Prince Charles have been aired in the US. The tapes were made by Diana #39;s voice coach Peter Settelen between 1992 and 1993


Soaring oil 'hits world economy'

The soaring cost of oil hits global economic growth, although recovery is not a distant prospect, according to the OECD.


Kellogg chief to drive US commerce

GEORGE W.Bush began supercharging his economic team yesterday, nominating as commerce secretary a Cuban refugee who worked his way up the corporate ladder to the top of cereal giant Kellogg.


Soaring oil  #39;hits world economy #39;

The soaring cost of oil has hit global economic growth, although world #39;s major economies should weather the storm of price rises, according to the OECD.


Renault to invest \$573 million in South Korea

LONDON, November 30 (newratings.com) - Renault SA (RNL.FSE) announced its plans today of investing \$573.1 million (600 billion won) over the next three years in Renault Samsung Motors, the companys South Korean affiliate.


Smithfield Profit Lifted by Hog Prices

Smithfield Foods Inc. (SFD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the largest US pork producer, on Tuesday posted a 61 percent rise in quarterly earnings due to strong hog prices and the purchase of Farmland Foods last year.


US Treasuries skid again, yields hit fresh highs

US Treasury debt slid for a second session on Tuesday as data showed the US economy expanded at a slightly faster pace than first thought in the third quarter, though inflation remained subdued.


MMO2 signs Japanese internet deal

Mobile phone giant MMO2 teams up with Japan's NTT DoCoMo to launch i-mode internet services in the UK, Germany and Ireland.


Lycos fights spam with screensaver

Lycos is offering its customers a screensaver that helps to launch denial-of-service attacks on spammers #39; websites. The controversial move is designed to use the idle processing power of a computer to slow down the response times from spammers #39; websites.


MMO2 signs Japanese internet deal

Mobile phone giant MMO2 is teaming up with Japanese group NTT DoCoMo to launch i-mode internet services in the UK, Germany and Ireland.


Japanese copyright violator is sentenced

A Japanese man accused of using file-sharing software to release movies over the Internet received a suspended prison sentence Tuesday.


Microsoft files first authenticity certificate lawsuits

(SEATTLE) - A Raleigh-based company is named in a lawsuit filed by Microsoft on claims of counterfeit and illicit certificates of authenticity, the labels on software and computers that are supposed to show the products are legitimate.


Browns Head Coach Butch Davis Resigns

Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis watches from the sidelines with quarterback Kelly Holcomb (10) in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, in Cincinnati.


Australia clinches series sweep

Australia completed an emphatic Test series sweep over New Zealand with a 213-run win Tuesday, prompting a caution from Black Caps skipper Stephen Fleming for other cricket captains around the globe.


Star British rower Matthew Pinsent retires after four Olympic gold

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England (CP) - British rower Matthew Pinsent is passing up a chance for a record-equalling fifth Olympic gold medal.


Gatlin and Hayes Win Jesse Owens Award

Last summer, Justin Gatlin and Joanna Hayes thrilled us with their gold medal performances at the Olympics. Yesterday, these two American athletes were honored when the Olympic committee awarded them both the prestigious Jesse Owens award.


Pakistan coach looks to top batsmen

Coach Bob Woolmer is looking to Pakistan #39;s top batsmen to play the tour-opening match against a Western Australia 2nd XI in Perth starting Wednesday in a bid to acclimatize quickly to Australian conditions.


Favre Leads Pack to Victory in 200th Straight Start

For Brett Favre it was just another day at the office. In celebration of his record 200th straight start at quarterback, Favre threw three touchdown passes to help lead the Packers to a 45-17 win over the St.


UCI refuses license for Tyler Hamilton #39;s Phonak team

Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton #39;s pro cycling team was refused a racing license Tuesday by the sport #39;s world governing body, prohibiting it from competing in the Tour de France and other elite events.


Portsmouth back Redknapp over agents #39; fees claim

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric said on Tuesday that Harry Redknapp, who resigned as manager last week, was innocent of any wrong-doing over agent or transfer fees.


Russia hails IAEA resolution not to refer Iran nuke dispute to UN

Russia welcomed Tuesday the International Atomic Energy Agency #39;s (IAEA) resolution not to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council for a decision on Iran #39;s nuclear program


ASEAN sign free trade agreement

The Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) and China have signed an agreement to create the world #39;s biggest free trade area by removing tariffs for their two billion people by the end of the decade.


Volunteers struggle to save whales

SYDNEY A series of mass strandings left 168 whales and dolphins dead on Australian and New Zealand beaches, leaving scientists and wildlife officials searching for the cause Tuesday.


Paisley says now or never for Northern Ireland

Northern Irish Protestant leader Ian Paisley has challenged his IRA foes to give up their weapons, saying it is  quot;now or never quot; for Catholic republicans to agree a lasting political settlement with his party.


Cosatu calls on ANC to end spat

Johannesburg - The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) on Tuesday called on the African National Congress to organise an urgent meeting to discuss the tensions between the two organisations.


Israeli Coalition Crisis May Force Early Election

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s shaky coalition Tuesday faced collapse in a row over the 2005 budget, raising the prospect of early elections that would endanger his plan to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.


Dalai #39;s admission to Russia  quot;incomprehensible quot;: FM

A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tuesday described Russia #39;s allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the country as something  quot;incomprehensible, quot; and hoped Russia would strictly follow


Hopes fade for trapped miners

THE death toll in a coal mine explosion in central China has risen to 63, with 103 miners still missing. The Government said yesterday an underground fire and toxic fumes from the blast hampered rescue work.


What #39;s The Biggest Challenge Carlos Gutierrez Would Face As US <b>...</b>

President George W. Bush has tapped Kellogg Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Gutierrez to become secretary of the US Commerce Department.


Two Halliburton Units Exit Bankruptcy (Reuters)

Reuters - Oilfield services company Halliburton\Co.  on Monday said its subsidiaries Kellogg Brown  \Root and DII Industries have emerged from the year-long\bankruptcy proceedings it instigated to facilitate a  #36;4.2\billion asbestos settlement.


DVD format war heats up

Three Hollywood studios have announced their support for the high definition DVD (HD DVD) standard, raising the likelihood of a tough standards war with Sony #39;s rival Blu-ray technology.


Australia in class of own, says Fleming

VANQUISHED New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming fears that Australia #39;s domination of the world could continue unabated beyond this generation of champions.


Formation of East Asian Community Modeled After EU Comes One Step <b>...</b>

The creation of an East Asian union has gained more support after the leaders of 13 countries in East Asia agreed to hold an East Asian Summit conference next year at the 8th Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Korea, China, Japan


UN chief reacts to son #39;s payments

UN secretary-general Kofi Annan said he was  quot;disappointed quot; at news his son was receiving payment from a firm involved in Iraq #39;s oil-for-food programme.


Consumers Fuel Faster Economic Growth (Reuters)

Reuters - Robust consumer spending on cars,\furniture and food helped the U.S. economy advance faster than\first thought in the third quarter, a government report showed,\while underlying inflation was the tamest in decades.


Treasuries Skid, Yields Hit Fresh Highs (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. Treasury debt slid for a second\session on Tuesday as data showed the U.S. economy expanded at\a slightly faster pace than first thought in the third quarter,\though inflation remained subdued.


German Recovery to Grow at Slower Pace (AP)

AP - Germany's economic recovery will continue at a slower pace than expected, an economics institute said Tuesday as it lowered its 2005 growth forecast to 1.4 percent from 2.1 percent.


Japanese Internet Company Acquires Team (AP)

AP - Japanese Internet service provider Softbank Corp. agreed Tuesday to pay troubled retailer Daiei Inc. 5 billion yen ( #36;48.5 million) for its baseball team, becoming the second Net company to snap up a Japanese baseball club this year.


Lawmakers Grill Citigroup Over Scandal

TOKYO (Reuters) - Citigroup's top executive in Japan  endured unprecedented questioning by lawmakers on Tuesday over  a scandal at the firm's private bank in the country, the latest  turn in a high-profile case that has embarrassed the world's  biggest financial company.


Stocks Open Lower; Oil Near \$50 a Barrel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Tuesday  with oil prices holding near \$50 a barrel, while news that U.S.  gross domestic product grew at a stronger-than-expected pace in  the third quarter failed to create excitement on Wall Street.


Average Price of U.S. House Rises 8.5 Pct

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The October average U.S. house price  jumped 8.5 percent from a year ago, setting the stage for  mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to raise the limit  on mortgages they can buy, a Federal Housing Finance Board  survey showed on Tuesday.


Treasuries Skid, Yields Hit Fresh Highs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt slid for a second  session on Tuesday as data showed the U.S. economy expanded at  a slightly faster pace than first thought in the third quarter,  though inflation remained subdued.


Glaxo Defends Testing AIDS Drugs in Children

LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc Tuesday defended  trials of AIDS/HIV drugs in children in care homes, saying  clinical studies involving children were legal and not unusual.


Taser Hits Back at Amnesty International

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stun gun maker Taser International  Inc. TASR.O on Tuesday accused human rights group Amnesty  International of ignoring independent reports showing the  company's weapons to be safe and effective.


Market activity continues to slow, but  #39;soft landing #39; seen

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Activity in the UK housing market is continuing to slow, according to data from two major market participants, though a surprise 1 percent rise in house prices in November helped to offset immediate fears of a market crash.


Citigroup #39;s Peterson Tells Japan Lawmakers He #39;ll Fix Breaches

Citigroup Inc. #39;s top Japan executive Douglas Peterson told lawmakers he will improve employee training to help fix compliance breaches that cost the company its private banking license in the country.


Lycos Screensaver Battles Spam Websites

Internet portal Lycos has designed a new type of screensaver, one which constantly requests data from sites that sell items featured in spam emails.


Protect Your Personal Computer

Redmond, Wash., /PRNewswire/ - As gifts for loved ones or tools for getting organized in the new year, personal computers (PCs) are always popular items during the holiday gift-giving season.


Accused Net File-Swapper Is Found Guilty

TOKYO - A man arrested last year on copyright charges for disseminating films on the Internet was given a three-year suspended sentence Tuesday - averting a jail term in one of the first crackdowns on file-sharing in Japan.


Sources: Cleveland to fire head coach Butch Davis on Tuesday

After spending most of Monday negotiating the terms of his departure after nearly four seasons with the team, the Cleveland Browns will fire head coach Butch Davis on Tuesday, league sources told SI.


Dravid labours hard to get India valuable lead against South <b>...</b>

CALCUTTA, India (AFP) - Rahul Dravid #39;s patient knock of 80 helped India take a useful first innings lead against South Africa in the second and final Test at Eden Gardens.


Two-day ASEAN summit opens in Laos

Leaders of 10 South East Asian nations have started a two-day summit in the Laos capital, Vientiane. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting will focus on deepening economic integration


Philippines storm kills 350

At least 350 people have died after a tropical storm triggered landslides and flash floods in the eastern Philippines, still reeling from last week #39;s typhoon, report agencies.


US Plane Presumed Crashed in Afghanistan

An aircraft carrying three US military passengers and three American civilian crew is presumed to have crashed in mountains in central Afghanistan at the weekend, military and security sources said on Tuesday.


Sharon to tap Labor if Shinui quits govt

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said if senior coalition partner Shinui makes good on its threat to quit the government, he will immediately start negotiating with the


Airport Investment  #39;Two Fingers to Doom-Mongers #39;

A 240 million US dollars (126.75 million) investment by budget airline Ryanair in the west of Ireland sticks two fingers up to the doom-mongers who said Shannon Airport would not work, it was claimed tonight.


U.S. Soccer Qualifying Schedule Set (AP)

AP - The United States opens the final round of 2006 World Cup qualifying with games at Trinidad and Tobago in February and at Mexico in March.


Sony Unveils New MP3 Hard Disk Walkman

Sony Corp. announced Tuesday a new 20 gigabyte digital music player with MP3 support that will be available in Great Britain and Japan before Christmas and elsewhere in Europe in early 2005.


Cleveland Browns fire their head coach

Some say your college days are the best years of your life. Butch Davis isn #39;t likely to dissent. Davis #39; inglorious tenure as coach of the Cleveland Browns came to an end on Monday, one day after his team gave up 58 points to the Cincinnati Bengals.


AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BETTING ODDS NEWS

Queenslander Adam Scott is VC Bet #39;s heaviest liability ahead of this week #39;s Australian PGA Championship. Scott #39;s opening quote of 7/1 was quickly gobbled up by punters who fancy the golden boy of Aussie golf #39;s


Now or Never for N.Irish Deal, Says Paisley (Reuters)

Reuters - Northern Irish Protestant leader Ian\Paisley challenged his IRA foes Tuesday to give up their\weapons, saying it was "now or never" for Catholic republicans\to agree a lasting political settlement with his party.


Iraq's Neighbors Prepare to Meet in Iran (AP)

AP - Iran's capital is an unlikely place for Iraq's neighbors and Egypt to discuss the infiltration of terrorists into Iraq. Not only does the Persian country have a long history of conflict with Arabs, it is also accused by the United States of supporting the insurgency across the border.


Last-gasp defence as Air India terror trial winds down (AFP)

AFP - Two men charged in the world's most lethal terror strike prior to September 11, 2001 get a last chance to defend themselves this week, in the trial over the 1985 bombing of an Air India jet.


Wal-Mart to Cut Prices After Poor Sales (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the No.\1 U.S. retailer, on Tuesday signaled it will cut prices in the\weeks before Christmas after a strategy against deep discounts\backfired on the first weekend of the holiday shopping season.


Bush leaves for overnight trip to Canada in effort to force closer ties (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - WASHINGTON (CP) - President George W. Bush left early Tuesday for his first official visit to Canada since he was re-elected in an effort to forge friendlier ties.


Frost Said to Be Making Calls About DNC (AP)

AP - Defeated Texas Congressman Martin Frost is among potential candidates for chairman of the Democratic National Committee who are telephoning members about the situation, a leading Democrat said Monday.


Stock Futures Rise After GDP Data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures rose on Tuesday,  pointing to a flat market open, after preliminary third-quarter  gross domestic product data showed higher-than-expected growth.


Price of Average U.S. House Rises 8.5 Pct

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The October average U.S. house price  jumped 8.5 percent from a year ago, setting the stage for  mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to raise the limit  on mortgages they can buy, a Federal Housing Finance Board  survey showed on Tuesday.


Nearly a Month Later, Ohio Fight Goes On (AP)

AP - Nearly a month after John Kerry conceded Ohio to President Bush, complaints and challenges about the balloting are mounting as activists including the Rev. Jesse Jackson demand closer scrutiny to ensure the votes are being counted on the up-and-up.


High Court Considers Medical Marijuana Case (Reuters)

Reuters - Several U.S. Supreme Court justices\expressed reservations on Monday about allowing medical\marijuana for sick patients whose doctors have recommended they\smoke it for pain.


Car Bomb Kills Seven, Wounds 20 in Iraq

BAIJI, Iraq (Reuters) - A car bomb in a crowded market  north of Baghdad killed at least seven civilians and wounded 18  Tuesday as a U.S. military patrol passed by.


Lebanon march for Syrians to stay

Large numbers of people are in the Lebanese capital Beirut for a march in support of Syria's role in the country.


Stress 'may speed up cell ageing'

Scientists suggest stress is linked to faster cell ageing - which could lead to the early onset of age-related diseases.


Car Bomb Targets U.S. Convoy in Iraq

A car bomb in a crowded market north of Baghdad killed at least seven civilians and wounded 18 on Tuesday as a U.S. military patrol passed by.


Brazil's Economy Expands 6.1 Percent in 3Q

Brazil's economy expanded 6.1 percent in the third quarter compared to same period a year ago, lifted by exports and rising domestic consumer demand, the government said Tuesday.


OECD: Oil Prices Set Back Global Recovery

The OECD cut its 2005 economic growth forecast for the euro zone and other major economies on Tuesday, blaming a  quot;surge in oil prices quot; and the slide in the dollar.


Japanese Internet Co. Acquires Daiei Hawks

Japanese Internet service provider Softbank Corp. agreed Tuesday to pay troubled retailer Daiei Inc. 5 billion yen (US\$48.5 million; euro36.61 million) for its baseball team, the Daiei Hawks, becoming the


GMAC to sell \$2.7 bln ABS on Wednesday - source

General Motors Acceptance Corp. plans to sell \$2.7 billion of securities backed by auto loans on Wednesday, a person familiar with the deal said on Tuesday.


Rentokil plummets on profits warning

Shares in Rentokil Initial slumped today as the services company warned that profits had fallen and would suffer next year as it it continues to be hit by increased competition and shrinking margins.


Microsoft Cans Windows 2000 SP5

It plans instead to produce an  quot;update rollup quot; in the middle of next year as its last security patch for the operating system.


China Blocking Access to Google News Site - Watchdog

China is blocking access to the Web site Google News, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said on Tuesday, and accused the US-based company of being complicit by filtering its Chinese-language site.


Olympic great Matthew has no regrets

Matthew Pinsent today insisted he felt neither sadness nor regret as he brought the curtain down on one of the most illustrious sporting careers British sport has witnessed.


Burma #39;s Military Leaders Tell ASEAN Leaders They Will Move Toward <b>...</b>

Thailand #39;s Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says Burma #39;s government intends to carry out democratic reforms, despite a leadership shakeup that strengthened the power of hard-line generals.


Winnie deaths hit 300

A tropical storm triggered landslides and flash floods in the Central and Southern Luzon, killing as many as 300 people in a region still reeling from last weeks deadly typhoon.


Now or never, Paisley tells IRA

The IRA have been warned by Democratic Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley that  quot;it #39;s now or never quot; to do a deal on power sharing with his party.


Winn-Dixie: Paper or Drastic?

The Southeastern grocer sinks to a new low as it bows out of the S P 500.


Global economy to hit headwinds next year: OECD (AFP)

AFP - China, Japan and North America will pull the global economy forward over the next two years despite headwinds thrown up by high oil prices and tenacious deficits, the OECD predicted.


Wal-Mart to Cut Prices After Poor Sales

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the No.  1 U.S. retailer, on Tuesday signaled it will cut prices in the  weeks before Christmas after a strategy against deep discounts  backfired on the first weekend of the holiday shopping season.


Wal-Mart to Cut Prices After Poor Sales

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), the No. 1 US retailer, on Tuesday signaled it will cut prices in the weeks before Christmas after a strategy against deep discounts backfired on the first weekend of the holiday shopping season.


Smithfield 2nd-Qtr Net Soars 61 on Higher Hog Prices (Update3)

Smithfield Foods Inc., the world #39;s largest pork producer, said profit in the fiscal second quarter rose 61 percent as the company sold more hogs at higher prices.


Winn-Dixie: Paper or Drastic?

In a humiliating move that may only equal being tossed out of a supermarket express checkout line for trying to sneak through 11 items instead of 10 or less, Winn-Dixie (NYSE: WIN) is being heaved out of the popular Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 index.


Hurricane Season Comes to an End

Nov. 30 - In under 24-hours one of the nation #39;s worst hurricane seasons will come to an end. The end of Tuesday day marks the end of the 2004 hurricane season.


New N.Ireland talks as leaders push for swift peace deal (AFP)

AFP - British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern were meeting Northern Ireland's main Protestant and Catholic leaders as efforts intensified to seal a comprehensive power-sharing deal in the province.


Leading Cuban Dissident Writer Freed

Cuba #39;s communist government freed dissident writer Raul Rivero from prison Tuesday, the latest in a series of releases apparently aimed at cleaning up the island #39;s human rights record.


Ukraine Protesters Rush to Parliament

KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) - Ukrainian opposition protesters  rushed to parliament and massed at its main door Tuesday after  the assembly failed to take any decision over a disputed  presidential election the opposition says was rigged.


Romania Opposition Demands Election Rerun, Alleges Fraud

BUCHAREST, Romania (Reuters) - Romania's centrist  opposition Tuesday demanded a rerun of Sunday's general  elections, alleging fraud in the electronic vote counting had  helped the ruling ex-communists, who held a slim lead.


Euro Rises to Record High Above \$1.3329

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The euro hit a fresh record high  against the dollar above \$1.3329 on Tuesday following the  release of weaker-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence data.


The euro hit a fresh record high against the dollar above \$1.3329 on Tuesday following the release of weaker-than-expected US consumer confidence data.


Browns Head Coach Butch Davis Resigns (Reuters)

Reuters - Cleveland Browns head\coach Butch Davis resigned Tuesday.


MmO2 teams up with Japan #39;s DoCoMo

European cell phone group mmO2 has agreed to adopt the i-mode mobile Internet technology pioneered by Japan #39;s NTT DoCoMo and plans to bring


Beijing Backs Out Of Microsoft Contract

An order for Microsoft software was cancelled by Beijing #39;s municipal government after complaints that local governments do not support software developed domestically.


HP ditches data centre service for new automation module

HP is replacing its over-ambitious HP/UX utility data centre (UDC) service with a business automation module for OpenView, which it says will let companies be more flexible.


Philippines Landslides, Flash Floods Kill Hundreds

In this photo released by the Philippine Air Force, shows uprooted trees littered near a swollen river after it was hit by a storm in Infanta town, Quezon province, eastern Philippines on Tuesday Nov. 30, 2004.


Indonesian plane skids off runway, 10 die

An Indonesian airplane with 146 people aboard skidded off the runway on landing at central Java #39;s Solo airport, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens.


Italy #39;s General Strike Underway

Much of Italy has been shut down Tuesday by a general strike called by unions to protest Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi #39;s economic policy.


Iraqi police, troops under insurgent fire

Iraqi insurgents are targeting fellow Iraqis serving as police or national guardsmen and their families, the New York Times reported Tuesday.


Browns Head Coach Butch Davis Resigns

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Sports Network) - Cleveland Browns head  coach Butch Davis resigned Tuesday.


Hamilton Fired by Team

Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton's pro cycling team fired him after he failed doping tests, the sport's world governing body said Tuesday.


US economy expands 3.9 percent in third quarter (AFP)

AFP - The US economy grew at a faster-than-expected 3.9 percent annual pace in the third quarter of 2004, powered by robust consumer and business spending, the government revealed.


Brazil's Economy Expands in 3Q on Exports (AP)

AP - Brazil's economy expanded 6.1 percent in the third quarter compared to same period a year ago, lifted by exports and rising domestic consumer demand, the government said Tuesday.


Ryanair Launches New Irish Hub, Eyes Italy

Europe #39;s biggest budget airline Ryanair launched another European hub on Tuesday at Shannon Airport in the west of Ireland, and said it was also looking to expand in Italy.


Hollywood Steps Into DVD Format Fight (AP)

AP - Three top Hollywood studios are throwing their considerable weight behind one of two competing formats for the next generation of DVDs, citing in part the need to stem piracy.


Priceline to Stop Offering Northwest Air (Reuters)

Reuters - Online travel agency Priceline.com Inc.\ said on Tuesday it will no longer offer Northwest\Airlines Corp.  tickets due to a disagreement over the\terms of distribution.


Norwegian Rats Invade North Sweden Mining Town (Reuters)

Reuters - Kiruna, a mining town in north\Sweden, has been invaded by thousands of rats thought to have\crossed the border from Norway with garbage shipments for the\local recycling center, officials said Tuesday.


Sony to launch its first MP3 hard-disk music player (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Sony Corp. is broadening support for the MP3 file format in its portable music player range. It will introduce a new hard disk-based MP3 player in December, and will offer software upgrades for earlier players with hard disk storage so they can play MP3s too.


#39;Rollup #39; replaces SP5 for Windows 2000

Microsoft said it will deliver an  quot;update rollup quot; for Windows 2000 in mid-2005, rather than a final service pack for the operating system.


Play it differently, Sam: Jussi Jskelinen at Bolton

Already last season Bolton Wanderers, a modern-day minnow even if they were one of the founder-members of the Football League in 1888, managed to cause a measure of astonishment in the English Premiership.


Browns Coach Butch Davis Resigns After Fifth Straight Loss

Butch Davis resigned as coach of the Cleveland Browns after a five-game losing streak dropped the team into last place. Davis, 53, compiled a 24-36 record in almost four seasons with the Browns.


Baseball America

As you may have heard, the Red Sox won the first World Series championship for the franchise since 1918. Making that championship even sweeter, they pulled off an unprecedented comeback against the team they and their fans love to hate, the Yankees.


At least 13 die as Indonesian jet crashes

At least 13 people have been killed and the toll is expected to rise after a jet carrying 153 passengers and crew skidded off the runway while landing in heavy rain in Indonesia #39;s central Java, an airport official says.


Rwandan President Warns Forces Will Deal with Rebels in <b>...</b>

Rwanda #39;s president on Tuesday warned he would send forces after rebels that have launched attacks from neighboring Congo -- and suggested he may already have -- if Congo and the United Nations don #39;t do more to disarm the fighters.


Bush arrives in Canada for first stage of world charm offensive (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - U.S. President George W. Bush swooped into town Tuesday for a whirlwind visit designed to begin mending international fences in the wake of the Iraq war.


Ukrainian Opposition Reportedly Pulls Out of Talks

KIEV, Ukraine (Reuters) - A top Ukrainian opposition  leader, quoted by Interfax-Ukraine news agency, said supporters  of presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko had withdrawn from  talks on last week's disputed election.


Sony Cyber-shot DSC P150

Review Fast, inexpensive and highly pocketable


Pupils to get anti-piracy lessons

Songwriter Guy Chambers helps schools introduce lessons on music piracy and copyright.


MMO2 signs Japanese net deal

MMO2 gears up to launch i-mode internet services in the UK, Germany and Ireland.


Where to Look When You Need a Stand-In Sitter

When parents need a babysitter this holiday season, they may find  their usual choices -- a local high school or college student, a relative or nearby friend -- are on vacation or unavailable. When those options don't work, an increasing number will turn to a different source: the Internet.


Consumer confidence falls

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The confidence of US consumers worsened in November, a research firm said Tuesday, with the number falling below Wall Street #39;s expectations.


FDA Reviewers Mixed Over Two New Cancer Drugs

US Food and Drug Administration staff reviewers on Tuesday questioned clinical data for non-Hodgkin #39;s lymphoma drug Marqibo, made by Inex Pharmaceuticals Corp.


Hurricane Season Ends

Good riddance! Tuesday #39;s the last day of the 2004 hurricane season -- a day of relief for millions of Florida residents battered by four punishing hurricanes.


Ukraine Unrest Worries Barcelona Soccer (AP)

AP - FC Barcelona asked the European soccer body, UEFA, whether it will be safe for the team to play in a Champions League game in Ukraine next week.


Siemens to extend mobile network for Chinese province of Anhui

Anhui Mobile Communications, a subsidiary of China Mobile, has commissioned the Siemens Communications Group to expand the GSM and GPRS mobile network in the province of Anhui.


Microsoft Sting Targets Resellers For Alleged Hard-Disk Loading

Microsoft filed lawsuits late last week against eight resellers nationwide for allegedly buying and selling counterfeit and used Certificate of Authenticity labels.


Winny user #39;s 3-year sentence

p2pnet.net News:- A man accused of using Japan #39;s Winny p2p file sharing application to release movies online has received a suspended sentence in Japan.


England can match Aussies - Fleming

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming says England will have to play extremely well to beat Australia in next year #39;s Ashes series, but they have the players to do it.


Gough gets Livi job

Troubled Bank of Scotland Premier League side Livingston today appointed Richard Gough as their new manager. Gough emerged as the leading candidate for the post after captaining Rangers, Scotland and Everton


Alonso wants further improvement

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso wants his side to build on Sunday #39;s confidence-boosting win over Arsenal. The Spaniard, who scored his first goal at Anfield to open the scoring, said:  quot;The result was very good for our morale and to score was even better.


We #39;d like to set a 250-run target: Jennings

Kolkata: Having managed to  quot;take the momentum away from India quot;, South Africa are now looking to set a target of 250 runs for the hosts in the fourth innings of the second and deciding cricket Test here.


PM Lee hopes ASEAN will be an Economic Community before 2020

VIENTIENE, Laos: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hopes ASEAN will be able to bring forward the deadline to become an Economic Community before 2020.


Weather Blamed for Whale, Dolphin Beachings

Nov. 30, 2004 - Rescuers succeeded Tuesday in saving most of the whales stranded on beaches in Australia and New Zealand in the past days as scientists pinpointed cyclical weather patterns as a likely cause of the increased beachings.


LG Unveils Big, Pricey Plasma TV

71-inch HDTV comes with a home stereo system and components painted in 24-karat gold.


Dollar Crumbles Before Euro, New Low Hit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar sagged to a record low  against the euro on Tuesday after remarks on monetary policy by  European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet did not  detract from bullish euro sentiment.


United v Arsenal: Head to head

WEDNESDAY #39;S Carling Cup clash between Manchester United and Arsenal pits together two of the fiercest rivals in the English game.


Blogs  Diamond in the Rough for your Marketing?

Blogs  #8211; Diamond in the Rough for your Marketing?\\Blogs are a potential diamond in the rough for your website's marketing campaign.  They offer readers a goldmine of insights, provided by business leaders, market leaders, innovators, philosophers, marketers, political commentators, and many other opinion makers who never before have enjoyed ...