Sprewell Suspended Over Fan-Directed Obscenities

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Minnesota Timberwolves guard  Latrell Sprewell has been suspended one game without pay for  directing obscenities toward fans.


Honda Gets the 'Greenest' Award (Reuters)

Reuters - Japanese automakers produce the\cleanest-burning vehicles and they were led in the 2003 model\year by Honda Motor Co., while General Motors Corp. placed dead\last, a U.S. environmental group said on Tuesday.


Groups Seek to Address Voting Troubles (AP)

AP - Despite President Bush's clear margin of victory in the 2004 presidential race, voting and civil rights advocates say the election did not go as smoothly as Americans might think.


Houston to Host 2006 NBA All-Star Game

HOUSTON (Sports Network) - The NBA announced on Tuesday  that the 55th annual All-Star Game will be played in Houston's  Toyota Center during the 2006 season.


Details of Congress'  #36;388B Bill to Bush (AP)

AP - Congress sent President Bush a  #36;388 billion legislative package Tuesday that covers the spending of every federal agency but the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.


U.S. Defends Global Warming Strategy (AP)

AP - The United States, facing international criticism for its rejection of the Kyoto Protocol, argued Tuesday it spends billions of dollars seeking new technologies to cut emissions of the greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.


US rules out joining Kyoto treaty

The US tells a UN conference on climate change it has no intention of joining the Kyoto Protocol in the near future.


Niger president wins second term

Niger's president is elected for a second term after comfortably winning a run-off vote, officials say.


Sri Lankan opposition MP jailed

A leading Sri Lankan opposition politician is given a prison sentence for defaming the supreme court.


Sprewell Suspended

Latrell Sprewell was suspended for one game by the NBA on Tuesday for yelling a sexual vulgarity at a female fan during a game.


Two Churches Bombed as Violence Persists in Iraq

Major attacks have continued in recent days, including several apparent efforts to sow divisions between groups.


Mideast Initiatives Follow Arafat's Death

The death of Yasser Arafat has brought a flurry of diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East by Arab, Palestinian and Israeli leaders aiming to revive long-stalled peace negotiations on several fronts.


Embratel Shares Plunge in Brazil, N.Y.

Shares in Embratel Particapoes SA, Brazil's largest long-distance carrier, plunged more than 10 percent in Sao Paulo and almost 14 percent on Wall Street Tuesday after the company announced it would issue \$704 million in new shares but divulged few details about the plan.


LATEST FUTURES NEWS

Oil prices fell 3.5 percent to a three-month low on Tuesday as mild winter weather sapped heating oil demand in the US Northeast. US light crude settled down \$1.52 at \$41.46 a barrel


High court weighs direct wine shipment

WASHINGTON - State laws barring people from buying wine directly from out-of-state suppliers should be struck down as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court was told Tuesday, as it heard arguments in a case that could lead to sweeping changes on how


HP Board Pondered Breaking Up the Company

The board of Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) discussed breaking up the No. 2 computer maker three times in the past, yet each time decided


Europe Stocks Start 2005 at 30-Month High (Reuters)

Reuters - European shares got off to a sparkling\start of the New Year, rallying to a 30-month high on Monday\after a broad rebound of the dollar lifted exporters such as\car giant DaimlerChrysler.


Mozilla #39;s Thunderbird 1.0 Shows Promise

Mozilla appears to have another winner on its hands. Its free Thunderbird e-mail client reads e-mail from Web and POP accounts, accesses RSS feeds, and offers significant flexibility.


Report: Baseball and Union discuss steroid policy

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Officials from Major League Baseball and the players #39; union have reportedly discussed a new drug testing policy that could go into effect for the 2005 season.


Garrison Gets New Contract; King Retires

WHITE PLAINS, NY Dec 7, 2004 - Zina Garrison was given a one-year contract to stay on as US Fed Cup captain, while Billie Jean King retired Tuesday as a coach for the team.


Karzai thanks India for aid in reconstruction

Kabul, Dec 7 (UNI) Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, sworn-in today as the first democratically elected head of his state, praised India #39;s role in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.


UN chief rejects calls for resignation over alleged corruption <b>...</b>

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan rejected on Tuesday calls by some US congressmen for his resignation over an alleged corruption scandal surrounding the UN-run Iraqi oil-for-food program.


Former Foes Russia, Turkey Eye Era of Warmer Ties

Russia and Turkey, putting to rest lingering Cold War tensions, said Monday it was time their political ties caught up with their booming economic links.


Toyota Vehicles to Offer Both XM, Sirius Satellite Radio

Toyota Motor Corp. will offer XM Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option in Toyota and Lexus vehicles beginning in 2006, but customers also will be able to order rival Sirius Satellite Radio at Toyota dealerships starting next year.


'GM cocaine grown in Colombia'

Drug growers in Colombia are using genetically modified plants to dramatically boost cocaine yields, officials say.


Dollar Off, But Climbs vs Canadian Dollar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar edged lower on Tuesday,  although it rose against the Canadian dollar after Canada's  central bank signaled its strong currency would eventually  affect domestic demand and prevent rate hikes.


Macheads alive and reading

Mac fans, known for their devotion to buying the latest and greatest from Apple Computer, are also apparently interested in themselves as well.


Commerce One patents auctioned for \$15.5 million

About 40 patents owned by bankrupt software vendor Commerce Onewere auctioned for \$15.5 million in a San Francisco bankruptcy court Monday.


Dell slams expected IBM-Lenovo deal

IBMexecutives looking for a buyer for their company's PC business most likely did not spend time in Round Rock, Texas. Speaking at a press conference at OpenWorld on Tuesday, Dell founder and Chief Executive Officer Michael Dell said that his company's U.S. facilities give them an edge against other North American vendors.


Is an Internet Phone Right for You?

VoIP services are cropping up all over the place. We answer your questions about this new breed of phone services.


Ex-Vivendi Boss Is Fined 1 Million Euros

French regulators fined Vivendi Universal (EAUG.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) and its former CEO Jean-Marie Messier one million euros each on Tuesday for


UPDATE 8-Telecom Italia approves 21 bln euro TIM buyout

Telecom Italia (TLIT.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday offered to buy out minority shareholders in its mobile arm TIM in a 21 billion


Houston to host 2006 NBA All-Star Game

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The NBA announced on Tuesday that the 55th annual All-Star Game will be played in Houston #39;s Toyota Center during the 2006 season.


Strong to Coach Gators in the Peach Bowl (AP)

AP - Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will coach the Gators in the Peach Bowl, taking a spot left vacant because Ron Zook is leaving for Illinois and Urban Meyer wants to coach Utah through its postseason game.


Link Popularity and Search Engine Ranking Pitfalls\\As we all know Google uses their PageRank technology to measure link popularity by counting the number of inbound links to your web pages, and it is one of the many factors influencing your ranking. Most website owners do not utilize properly what PageRank ...


Whats in a Name - More Google? Lost Goggles!

What's in a Name - More Google? Lost Goggles!\\Remember MoreGoogle, the Google IE add on which wasn't not related to Google in any way other than it merged into the Google results when searched from Internet Explorer? Well, recently they had to drop their Google oriented name and have come ...


Filter Corporate Email Through Gmail

Filter Corporate Email Through Gmail\\Shawn Hogan from DigitalPoint actually started filtering his various corporate email accounts through the gmail mail server. Shawn used many types of spam detection and filtering systems, including Spam Assassin, which I am happy with, to block unwanted email. But for some reason 2,000 spam emails ...


Google Now Indexing Up to Six Url Variables\\Some great news for those stressing over whether Google will be able to spider their very long dynamic urls. Appears in the last couple weeks Google has been pushing the envelope in terms of spidering urls that contain more than 5 variables and ...


Athletics: IOC Disciplinary Commission To Investigate Allegations <b>...</b>

A disciplinary Commission has been set up to investigate recent allegations of doping against Marion Jones, Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced today.


Champions League: Arsenal through

Arsenal eased into the knock-out stages of the Champions League after beating Rosenborg of Norway 5-1. The Gunners scored four times before half-time to take complete control of the game, although they won #39;t be happy with the goal they conceded.


Boise State Coach Hawkins Signs Extension

BOISE, Idaho - Boise State coach Dan Hawkins signed a five-year, \$2.6 million contract extension on Tuesday that could keep him with the Broncos through the 2009 season.


Karzai promises new era for Afghanistan

KABUL, DECEMBER 7: Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistans first popularly elected President on Tuesday, promising to bring peace to the war-torn nation and end the economys dependence on narcotics.


Oil Prices Tumble to a Three-Month Low

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 3.5 percent to a  three-month low on Tuesday as mild winter weather sapped demand  in the U.S. Northeast, the world's largest heating oil market.


EU backs Lamy for trade position

The European Commission is to back former EU trade commissioner Pascal Lamy to become the next head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).


BC company kills deal to export flu shots

VANCOUVER - Vancouver-based ID Biomedical has decided not to sell 1.2 million flu shots to the US after all - and will keep the vaccine in Canada, at the request of the federal government.


Intel bullish on technology direction at Fall analysts #39; meeting

NEW YORK - Sounding anything other than a company that has had its share of missteps in recent months, outgoing Intel chief executive Craig Barrett expressed confidence and even a bit of cockiness at the company #39;s Fall analysts #39; conference in New York


Group accuses Honeywell of planning to export jobs

update An alliance of technology workers on Tuesday accused conglomerate Honeywell International of planning to move thousands of jobs to low-cost regions over the next five years--a charge that Honeywell denies.


Media General expects fourth, full-year earns to top expectations

Media General Inc. said Tuesday it expects fourth-quarter and full-year earnings to exceed Wall Street estimates, primarily due to the robust performance of its broadcast division.


BEA readies  quot;Diablo quot; server

BEA Systems said it will release a test version of its latest WebLogic Server software later this month and detailed product delivery plans for next year.


IM Threat Center Formed

IMlogic has joined with leaders in the instant messaging and security community to create a new IM Threat Center. The center claims to be the first broad-based initiative to help IM users protect themselves against malware threats.


IBM Perks Up Memory, Transistors

IBM is tweaking its semiconductor technology to help extend the performance of its servers and enterprise PCs, the company said Monday.


Oracle readies major app server upgrade

Oracle on Wednesday will introduce Oracle Application Server 10g Release 2, which is being characterized as a significant upgrade to the product with improvements in Java, Web services, and identity management and the addition of RFID backing.


Dell Cuts Prices On Corporate Hardware

Dell on Monday dropped prices on select servers, workstations, desktops, and laptops aimed at corporate customers, saying it was passing along lower component costs to buyers.


Arsenal cruise into knockout stage

Arsenal have cruised into the knockout stage of the Champions League with an effortless 5-1 win over shambolic Norwegian champions Rosenborg Trondheim to win Group E at Highbury.


Boise State #39;s Hawkins latest off the market

BOISE, Idho - Boise State coach Dan Hawkins signed a five-year, \$2.6 million contract extension on Tuesday that could keep him with the Broncos through the 2009 season.


Steelers place Riemersma on IR

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Steelers placed tight end Jay Riemersma on injured reserve on Tuesday. Riemersma has a ruptured Achilles which he suffered in Sunday #39;s game against Jacksonville.


Karzai vows to bring Afghan peace

Cheney and Rumsfeld are two of the most hawkish members of President George W. Bush #39;s cabinet and key architects of the. Washington-backed war that overthrew the Taliban in the wake of the


Soldier, 4 Militants Die in Renewed Gaza Fighting

Four Palestinian militants and an Israeli soldier were killed Tuesday in the heaviest Gaza fighting since Yasser Arafat #39;s death, raising the prospect that renewed violence could complicate a vote for his successor.


Musharraf sees 15 options for Kashmir solution

LONDON, December 08 (Online): President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday said that 15 options could be discussed between India-Pakistan to settle the Kashmir dispute, however no solution will be acceptable against the will of the people of the valley.


Memo: Workers Threatened Over Prison Abuse (AP)

AP - U.S. special forces accused of abusing prisoners in Iraq threatened Defense Intelligence Agency personnel who saw the mistreatment, according to U.S. government memos released Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union.


Government changes rules that restricted help for spouses of some veterans (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Gloria McKenna had given up on the home she'd shared with her husband for decades and was looking for a smaller, more affordable place to live before the government changed a key program Tuesday.


Many Ask if Intel Bill Will Prevent Attack (AP)

AP - For all the changes in the intelligence bill, many question whether it will help prevent another terrorist attack and make the major improvements promised by ardent supporters.


Colombia's poor inherit drug estates

President Alvaro Uribe has accelerated a program that redistributes land confiscated from narcotraffickers.


Ukraine shifts focus to polling booth

Parliament failed Tuesday to agree on constitutional changes and election reforms.


Football: Arsenal 5-1 Rosenborg

Arsenal ease into the knockout stages of the Champions League with a comfortable win over Rosenborg.


Colgate Plans to Cut Work Force by 4,400 and Close Plants

Colgate-Palmolive said today that it would close about a third of its 81 factories and cut more than 4,400 jobs over the next four years in a major effort to increase profit margins pressured by global competition.


Oracle and Friends To Work on Data Center Plan

Oracle president Charles claimed that PeopleSoft customers would be able to take advantage of Oracle #39;s global reach for better support and development prospects if its controversial hostile takeover bid succeeds.


Intel Firms Up Dual-Core Plans

Intel Corp. updated its 2005 product plans at its analyst meeting in New York Tuesday, including a timetable for its so-called  quot;Ts, quot; the processor technologies that are beginning to take precedence over clock-speed increases.


Stocks Close Lower as Energy, J amp;J Weigh

US stocks fell on Tuesday as a drop in oil prices pulled down shares of energy companies and health-care giant Johnson  amp; Johnson (JNJ.


Gilbert Reaches Deal to Buy Cavaliers (AP)

AP - Detroit mortgage magnate Dan Gilbert has reached agreement with owner Gordon Gund to buy the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have risen from the NBA's depths to unprecedented popularity since the arrival of star LeBron James.


mmO2 Plans Europe #39;s Fastest 3G Wireless Network

British mobile telecom operator mm02 will launch a high-speed mobile broadband service in 2005. Users will be able to download videos and music, and send large e-mail attachments at speeds


NFL: Dallas 43, Seattle 39

Julius Jones scored on a 17-yard run with just 32 seconds left Monday night as Dallas beat Seattle, 43-39. It was the first time in the history of Monday Night Football a team


UPDATE 1-Martins double secures top spot for Inter

Inter Milan made sure of top spot in Group G of the Champions League on Tuesday, two goals from Nigerian Obafemi Martins helping them to a comfortable 3-0 win over Anderlecht.


Russia #39;s Putin Skeptical About Iraq Election

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he cannot imagine how Iraq could hold its elections (planned for next month) as long as the country remains under what he called foreign occupation.


Egypt heralds Mideast peace  #39;breakthrough #39;, eyes return of <b>...</b>

CAIRO (AFP) - Egypt raised the prospect of a framework for a Middle East peace deal and said it could soon return an ambassador to Israel, a move that would revive full diplomatic ties after a four-year break.


Cisco: Wall St. Revenue View Reasonable (Reuters)

Reuters - Cisco Systems Inc. , the\biggest maker of gear to direct traffic over the Internet, on\Tuesday said it was on track to meet Wall Street's fiscal 2005\revenue growth estimates, but signaled that profit margins were\under pressure.


Best Buy Co. Retail President Steps Down (AP)

AP - Best Buy Co. has lost another executive closely involved with its effort to focus on its most profitable customers.


Treasuries Take Breather from Big Rally

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury debt prices were stuck  in neutral on Tuesday as momentum from a red-hot two-day rally  waned ahead of a pair of debt auctions this week.


Rocky Shoes' Knockout Punch

Rocky Shoes and Boots makes an accretive acquisition -- and gets Dickies and John Deere as part of the deal.


Update 1: Texas Instruments Narrows 4Q Guidance

Semiconductor manufacturer Texas Instruments sharpened its forecast for fourth-quarter sales and profits Tuesday while staying within the boundaries of its previous forecasts.


Chipmaker says tech transitions on track for 2005, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Following a year of execution missteps, Intel #39;s two top executives sought to reassure analysts on Tuesday that the world #39;s largest chipmaker can successfully navigate the tricky and costly processes of making smaller, faster


Tech CEOs Issue Cyber-Security Recommendations

A group representing technology industry chief executives on Tuesday warned that the Bush administration has failed to follow through on its two-year-old strategy for protecting the nation #39;s


Mmo2, Lucent to deploy converged fixed-mobile network on Isle of <b>...</b>

UK mobile operator Mmo2 and US telecoms equipment maker Lucent Technologies are to deploy a converged fixed-mobile network for Mmo2 #39;s subsidiary, Manx Telecom, on the Isle of Man.


Group: Robotic Rescue Mission Uncertain

Trying to save the famed Hubble Space Telescope (news - web sites) with a robot would cost \$2 billion with just a 50-50 chance of success, an aerospace


IOC probe Jones drug allegations

quot;The allegations made by Mr Conte are extremely serious and the IOC is fully committed to bringing to light any elements that will help the truth prevail, quot; the IOC said on its website on Tuesday.


Champions League: Arsenal reaches last 16 with 5-1 victory

Arsenal qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with a 5-1 beating of Rosenborg on Tuesday. Support your favorite team with official Champions League gear from the FOX Soccer Shop!


Experts Push for More U.S. Computer Security Efforts (Reuters)

Reuters - Computer-security experts, including\former government officials, urged the George W. Bush\administration on Tuesday to devote more effort to\strengthening defenses against viruses, hackers and other\online threats.


Italian Police Make Arrests in Mob Raids (AP)

AP - Italian police raided scores of homes in the Naples area Tuesday and arrested 52 suspected mobsters, the largest single offensive in the state's bid to end a bloody organized crime war that has terrified this southern Italian city.


Texas Instruments Narrows Forecast (Reuters)

Reuters - Texas Instruments Inc. , the\world's largest maker of chips for cell phones, on Tuesday said\it expects fourth-quarter revenue and earnings per share at the\mid range of its previous estimates, as order trends remain\soft.


Italian Police Make Arrests in Mob Raids

Italian police raided scores of homes in the Naples area Tuesday and arrested 52 suspected mobsters, the largest single offensive in the state #39;s bid to end a bloody organized crime war that has terrified this southern Italian city.


Arm Injury Pushed Leinart Into Football (AP)

AP - Matt Leinart was quite a baseball prospect growing up, showing so much promise as a left-handed pitcher that scouts took notice before high school.


Mexico Steps Up Battle Against Illegal Logging (Reuters)

Reuters - Mexico is cracking down harder on\the illegal loggers who are razing the nation's forests,\including a prized butterfly reserve that draws thousands of\tourists each year.


Cubs Agree to Terms with Garciaparra

CHICAGO (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs Tuesday agreed  to a contract with shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. As per team  policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Boise State Extends Contract of Football Coach Hawkins

BOISE, Idaho (Sports Network) - Boise State coach Dan  Hawkins signed a five-year, \$2.6 million contract extension  Tuesday. The deal keeps Hawkins under contract through the 2009  season.


Punxsutawney Phil at Center of Pork Debate (AP)

AP - The world's most famous groundhog was drawn into a Capitol Hill fight Tuesday over political pork as officials defended  #36;100,000 in funding for a Pennsylvania weather museum.


Group: Robotic Rescue Mission Uncertain (AP)

AP - Trying to save the famed Hubble Space Telescope with a robot would cost  #36;2 billion with just a 50-50 chance of success, an aerospace research group is advising NASA in the coming days.


House Nears Vote on Bill Overhauling Intelligence

After more than two weeks of delay, the G.O.P.-controlled House planned a final vote on the package late today.


Tentative Deal Is Reached on Easing N.Y. Drug Sentences

Negotiators reached a tentative deal today to ease some of the mandatory prison sentences under former Gov. Nelson Rockefeller's name.


Experts Push for More U.S. Computer Security Efforts

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Computer-security experts, including  former government officials, urged the George W. Bush  administration on Tuesday to devote more effort to  strengthening defenses against viruses, hackers and other  online threats.


Tech Execs Outline 'Net Security Agenda

Hoping to guide policy in President Bush's second term, the Cyber Security Industry Alliance today called for higher-profile leadership within the Dept. of Homeland Security. -washingtonpost.com


Dollar gets no help from talk, sinks to fresh low (AFP)

AFP - The dollar got little relief from strongly worded expressions from European Union finance chiefs, falling to another low against the euro.


Stocks Drop as J J, Energy Shares Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks tumbled on Tuesday as oil  prices hit a 3-month low, hurting energy companies, and   Johnson   Johnson JNJ.N slipped on a report it may be  planning a major acquisition of a medical device maker.


Top U.S. drug-addiction research warns against decriminalizing marijuana (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - A top American clinical researcher in the field of drug addiction warned Tuesday that decriminalizing marijuana could lead to increased abuse of the drug.


Texas Instruments Narrows Forecast

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Texas Instruments Inc. TXN.N, the  world's largest maker of chips for cell phones, on Tuesday said  it expects fourth-quarter revenue and earnings per share at the  mid range of its previous estimates, as order trends remain  soft.


Phone-bound film

At a time when most Americans can't get local movie listings on their cell phone screens, an Indian carrier is putting an entire film onto wireless phones. Missing Links


Justices Hear Arguments on Laws Limiting Interstate Wine Sales

The justices appeared unmoved by arguments in defense of laws that prohibit the direct shipment of wine from other states.


BEA hails app server upgrade

BEA Systems yesterday unveiled Version 9.0 of its WebLogic Server application server, code-named Diablo, with the promise of simplified development of service-oriented applications.


Intel sheds light on 2005 desktop strategy

Company says that instead of just performance, customers now want manageability features and lower power consumption.


Experts want more government focus on cybersecurity

The Bush administration should spend more on cybersecurity research, share threat information with private-sector security vendors and set up an emergency computer network that would continue working during Internet blackouts, a computer security trade group said today.


Oracle pushes on apps business again

Oracle is taking the wraps off the next generation of its database and business application products at the Oracle OpenWorld 2004 user conference this week, even as it continues its quest to buy out rival PeopleSoft.


IBM expands virtual resources for business partners

IBM has unveiled virtual resources to help business partners more quickly build and deploy on-demand business applications tailored to customer requirements across all vertical industries.


Oracle readies major app server upgrade

Oracle plans tomorrow to introduce Oracle Application Server 10g Release 2, a significant upgrade with improvements in Java, Web services and identity management, as well as support for RFID technology.


IMlogic unveils IM, P2P threat-detection network

IMlogic and several partners today unveiled a threat center network to provide a central place for detecting and analyzing IM and peer-to-peer threats, including IM-borne viruses, worms, spam over IM and malicious code.


Lenovo, IBM may soon reveal PC unit deal

China's largest PC maker could announce as early as today that it is buying control of IBM's PC-making business for up to \$2 billion.


Oracle pushes on BI

Oracle unveiled Business Intelligence 10g at OracleWorld this week, surprising some of its customers with its entry into the BI market.


Thunderbird 1.0 takes on Outlook Express, Eudora

The Mozilla Foundation today is set to release Version 1.0 of its Thunderbird e-mail client, an open-source application aimed at competitors, including Microsoft's Outlook Express and Qualcomm's Eudora.


Pixar, Disney delay release of  #39;Cars #39;

Companies say they are postponing release of the new animated film to June 2006 from November 2005. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Walt Disney Co.


IOC Sets Up Probe Into Marion Jones Allegations

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge announced December 7, 2004 he had set up a disciplinary commission to investigate allegations made against US sprinter Marion Jones by BALCO chief Victor Conte.


Champions League: AC Milan tops its group after 0-0 draw at Celtic

AC Milan held host Celtic to a 0-0 draw in its final Champions League group match on Tuesday and finished at the top of the Group F standings.


Cubs agree to terms with Garciaparra

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs Tuesday agreed to a contract with shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. As per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.


Classy Arsenal progress with big win

Arsenal cruised into the knockout stage of the Champions League with a comfortable 5-1 win over a shell-shocked Rosenborg side at Highbury.


Salmans century guides Pakistan to tour victory

PERTH: A dashing century by opening batsman Salman Butt thrust him into pole position for a Test opening berth as Pakistan notched up their first tour win with a 43-run victory over a Cricket Australia Chairmans XI at the Lilac Hill ground here Tuesday


Psychology professor gets key athletics job

LONDON: Britains track  amp; field association is turning to a psychology professor to help prepare elite athletes for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.


Empty stadium won #39;t affect Real, says Samuel

Walter Samuel says Real Madrid will not be affected by playing their decisive Champions League match against AS Roma behind closed doors at Rome #39;s Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.


Texans Safety Marcus Coleman Out for Year (AP)

AP - Texans safety Marcus Coleman will miss the rest of the season with a right shoulder injury,


MAFIA ARRESTS AFTER NAPLES RAIDS

More than 50 Mafia suspects have been arrested in the southern Italian port-city of Naples after dawn raids carried out by hundreds of police and paramilitary Carabinieri forces.


Pasqualoni Stays On

Syracuse football coach Paul Pasqualoni has received a vote of confidence from athletic director Jake Crouthamel, and Chancellor Nancy Cantor announced Monday night that Pasqualoni would return in 2005 for his 15th season as head coach.


Cubs sign shortstop

CHICAGO The Chicago Cubs have come to terms on a one-year contract with shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. He joined the Cubs in a mid-season trade from Boston; it was part of a four-team deal.


Middlesbrough hold on for vital win

Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink found their touch in front of goal to fire Middlesbrough to victory over Manchester City. The Australian produced two exquisite finishes nine minutes into either half


Comment was picked up by courtside microphone

MINNEAPOLIS -- The NBA suspended Timberwolves swingman Latrell Sprewell on Tuesday for one game without pay after reviewing comments he made to a female heckler during Minnesota #39;s overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.


Miami Dolphins player pleads innocent to airport assault

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Miami Dolphins wide receiver David Boston pleaded innocent Tuesday to striking a ticket agent at the Burlington International Airport.


House Expected to Pass Intelligence Bill This Evening

The vote would send the intelligence overhaul bill to the Senate, which is expected to pass it on Wednesday.


Kanye West Leads Grammy Nominations

Alicia Keys and Usher received eight Grammy nominations each on Monday and Ray Charles, who died in June, received seven.


Colgate to cut about 4,400 jobs

NEW YORK - Colgate-Palmolive Co, which makes consumer products like Colgate toothpaste and Ajax detergent, plans to cut its work force by about 4,400 jobs as part of a restructuring plan aimed at boosting its sales and profits around the world.


IBM to Sell PC Business to Lenovo?

Lenovo Computers, Chinas largest computer maker, said it is in acquisition talks with a major technology company - at the same time that IBM says it is in talks with a major Chinese player to sell its PC making business.


China Aviation May Face Liquidation Suit in Singapore Court

China Aviation Oil (Singapore) Corp. faces a liquidation application as early as tomorrow unless it pays debt owed to Standard Bank London Ltd.


Intel CEO: Company recovered from product missteps

SANTA CLARA, Calif. Intel chief executive Craig Barrett says his company has  quot;recovered quot; from product missteps that plagued the chip maker during the first half of the year.


Sprint and Lucent sign 3G network agreement

Lucent Technologies and Sprint announced a contract renewal agreement - expected to exceed \$1.5 billion over three years - to enhance Sprint #39;s nationwide PCS wireless network and support the deployment of 3G CDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology.


Group will fight IM threats with honeypots

IMlogic and other security vendors announced a consortium Tuesday to fight IM and P-to-P (peer-to-peer) viruses, worms and unwanted spam.


Summary Box: Saving Hubble will be costly

OUTLOOK FOR HUBBLE: The newest report on a plan to save the popular, aging space telescope by repairing it with a robot says it would cost \$2 billion and have just a 50-50 chance of working.


Nintendo DS Sells Well in Japan

Nintendo announced today that it has sold roughly half a million units in Japan, bringing global sales of its new handheld over its goal of one million units.


Microsoft Nears Release of 64-bit Windows

December 07, 2004 - CNet reports that Microsoft is almost ready with the final release candidate of Windows 64. Here #39;s a clip: The company said it has reached the  quot;release candidate quot; stage for Service Pack 1 of Windows Server 2003.


Filtering still flawed, expert says

NO filtering system could ever completely stop the trade in pirated music on the Kazaa file sharing system, an expert witness for the recording industry has admitted.


Jones maintains innocence as IOC begins BALCO probe

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Marion Jones again denied taking banned drugs to help win five gold medals at the 2000 Olympics, her latest statement coming hours after the International Olympic Committee announced a steroid probe.


Werder #39;s Valdez Victorious In Valencia

German champions Werder Bremen squeezed Spanish counterparts Valencia out of the Champions League after an absorbing and sometimes fractious clash at the Mestalla on Tuesday evening.


Ronaldo told to make friends

Cristiano Ronaldo might be the world #39;s second-most expensive teenage footballer - after team-mate Wayne Rooney - but the Portugal international was also reminded that if he wants


Red Sox offer arbitration to Martinez, Varitek, six others

The Red Sox are offering arbitration to pitcher Pedro Martinez and seven other free agents, General Manager Theo Epstein said Tuesday, meaning the club would receive draft choices if they sign with another team.


Petrino tries to end rumors, says he #39;s staying at U of L

Trying to put rumors about his candidacy for other coaching jobs to rest and quiet speculation among recruits that he wouldn #39;t be at U of L much longer, Petrino Tuesday afternoon issued his most definitive statement yet about the situation.


Veteran signs one-year deal to remain in Seattle

com. The last link to the Mariners #39; first playoff team is returning for at least one more season. Catcher Dan Wilson agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday, several hours before the Mariners


Texas Instruments Cuts Forecast

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Texas Instruments Inc. TXN.N, the  world's largest maker of chips for cell phones, on Tuesday said  it expects fourth-quarter revenue and earnings per share at the  mid range of its previous estimates, as order trends remain  soft and an inventory correction continues.


Cheney:  #39;We #39;re going to get it done #39; in Iraq

With a low-profile, tightly secured arrival at Bagram Air Base, Vice President Dick Cheney became the highest-ranking United States official to visit Kabul since the Taliban #39;s overthrow.


Hamas attack kills Israeli soldier, ends lull in Gaza violence

Egypt has brokered an understanding to halt Israeli-Palestinian violence and move toward a peace accord, the official Egyptian news agency said Tuesday.


Charles Jenkins arrives in Japan, says last chapter in his life is <b>...</b>

SADO, Japan The American who deserted the Army and spent four decades in North Korea says today marks the next and last chapter in his life.


Unit killed Iraqi civilians: marine

A FORMER US Marine said today his unit killed more than 30 innocent Iraqi civilians in just two days, in graphic testimony to a Canadian tribunal probing an asylum claim by a US Army deserter.


The suicidal left

In late 1991, then-prime minister Yitzhak Shamir appeared to be drifting a bit to the left. After many years in which the Labor Party had called for an international conference to be held, Shamir gave his consent.


Traumatised tsunami survivors to take years to heal (Reuters)

Reuters - Millions of people may have survived the deadliest tsunami in living memory, but many are so deeply traumatised it will take years for them to heal, if ever, medical experts said on Monday.


Seagate Hikes Profit, Sales Outlook

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Seagate Technology STX.N on Tuesday  raised its quarterly revenue and profit forecasts for the  December quarter on strong seasonal demand for newer products,  surpassing analysts' forecasts and sending its shares up more  than 12 percent.


Baseball Puts Bonds Homer Campaign on Hold (AP)

AP - Baseball's plans to market Barry Bonds' pursuit of the home run record have been put on hold, fallout from the release of his grand jury testimony about steroids.


Garciaparra Re-Signs With Chicago Cubs (AP)

AP - Nomar Garciaparra enjoyed his brief stay with the Chicago Cubs so much he's coming back.


Soccer: Ugly scenes overshadow Bremen triumph in Spain

VALENCIA : German champions Werder Bremen booked their place in the last sixteen of the Champions League with a 2-0 triumph over Valencia on Tuesday but the match was overshadowed by a series of ugly scenes in the final minute.


Celtic exit Europe after Milan draw

GLASGOW (AFP) - Celtic crashed out of European competition for another season with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan leaving them bottom of Group F in the Champions League.


Psychologist to step up at UK Athletics

British athletics is set to spring a major surprise today by naming a virtually unknown psychologist as its new performance director.


M #39;s sign Dan Wilson to one-year deal

Only hours before Dan Wilson might have become an ex-Mariner today, Seattle re-signed the veteran catcher to a one-year contract. Financial figures were not released, nor was any word about the status of ongoing


AWOL US soldier seeks refugee status in Canada

TORONTO - A US soldier who walked out on the 82nd Airborne Division and fled to Canada rather than fight in Iraq is seeking refugee status.


Barghouti: A High Profile Expression of Rift in Fatah

As if the Palestinian Authority was the pinnacle of good governance, with a shining proud record of the all-encompassing democracy, fiscal transparency and national unity, until Marwan Barghouti, the spoiler emerged from his prison cell and wickedly


Chemicals exporter faces genocide charges

AMSTERDAM A Dutch businessman will face genocide charges for allegedly supplying Saddam Hussein #39;s government with chemicals used to make poison gas that killed thousands of Iraqi Kurds in the 1980s, prosecutors said Tuesday.


African Union Forces to Deploy Fully in Darfur by Yearend

KHARTOUM, 5 December 2004 - African forces should be fully deployed to Sudans troubled Darfur region by the end of the year despite some delays in building the infrastructure to house them, the new head of the African Union mission said yesterday.


Vancouver man is victim of shoddy FBI investigation: lawyer (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - A Vancouver man wanted by the U.S. for the 30-year-old murder of an American Indian Movement activist is being persecuted based on a faulty FBI investigation and the word of a troubled drug addict, says the lawyer defending his so-called partner in crime.


Candidates Officially Request Ohio Recount (AP)

AP - With support from John Kerry's campaign, two third-party candidates for president officially asked on Tuesday for a recount in Ohio, the state that put President Bush over the top in November.


Giambi's Agent Breaks Silence

In the days after the report that the Yankees' Jason Giambi admitted to using steroids in testimony before a federal grand jury, Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, was silent.


Ukraine in election law deadlock

Ukrainian MPs will make a new attempt on Wednesday to agree reforms ahead of the election re-run.


Former EU Trade Chief Lamy Wins Backing for WTO Job

Under WTO rules, candidates for the organization #39;s top job must formally submit their bids before January, with the 148-nation WTO expected to select Supachai Panitchpakdi #39;s replacement by the end of June.


Hub spoke at OracleWorld

com December 6, 2004, 2:13 PM PT. This priority jumped up two spots into second place as CRM returns into the spotlight among top software initiatives alongside directory services and open source.


Johnson  amp; Johnson May Buy Guidant for \$24 Billion, People Say

Johnson  amp; Johnson, the world #39;s biggest maker of medical devices, may buy defibrillator maker Guidant Corp. for \$24 billion, people familiar with the situation said today.


Sprint unveils \$3bn plan to roll out 3G

Sprint, the third largest US mobile phone network operator, has announced details of its plan to spend \$3bn over the next three years to upgrade its network infrastructure and roll out third-generation services.


Texas Instruments Narrows Its 4th-Qtr Sales Forecast (Update2)

Texas Instruments Inc., the world #39;s biggest maker of mobile-phone processors, narrowed its fourth- quarter sales forecast because industrial customers for its chips continue to reduce inventory.


Zook Not Going to Bowl

Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will coach the Gators in the Peach Bowl, taking a spot left vacant because Ron Zook is leaving for Illinois and Urban Meyer wants to coach Utah through its postseason game.


How a safe haven could help save Hubble

An out-of-the-box plan to put a new space habitat in orbit could be a leading contender for saving the Hubble Space Telescope, private-sector analysts say in a proposal being prepared for NASA.


Mozilla Releases Thunderbird 1.0

Mozilla has released Thunderbird 1.0, an open-source e-mail client that complements its Firefox Web browser. Mozilla says the e-mail program will help users avoid spam and viruses, and


BEA Systems Dances At Oracle #39;s Party

BEA Systems Inc. chose the opening day of competitor Oracle #39;s annual user conference in San Francisco to talk about its next version of the BEA WebLogic Application Server platform.


IBM Extends Chip Performance with Germanium Layering Technique

IBM today said it has demonstrated a technique that triples the performance of a standard semiconductor transistor with a process that is compatible with conventional CMOS technology.


Dell cuts prices on many corporate products

While taking a back seat to software and security efforts, hardware is still a big time concern according to our survey. Organizations are taking the opportunity to consolidate their environments as they replace


Man held over Iraq gas deaths

A businessman wanted by the US for allegedly shipping thousands of tonnes of chemicals to Saddam Hussein has been detained by police in Holland and accused of complicity in the poison gas attacks that killed thousands of Kurds in the late 1980s.


Tuesday #39;s Sports Transactions

Dec 7, 2004 - ATLANTA BRAVES Named Tim Conroy special assistant to the general manager-major league scout. CHICAGO CUBS-Agreed to terms with SS Nomar Garciaparra on a one-year contract.


REVIEW: 'EverQuest', 'Warcraft' Polished (AP)

AP - If my experiences with two new massively multiplayer online role-playing games have taught me one thing, it's that if I really wanted, I'd never have to interact face-to-face with another person again. I have all the friends and enemies I can handle thanks to "EverQuest II" and "World of Warcraft."


Sprint upgrades mobile network

NEW YORK - Sprint Corp. said on Tuesday it would spend \$US3 billion (\$NZ4.2 billion) over the next three years to upgrade its mobile network including the development of high-speed Internet services.


Crude slumps below \$42

OIL prices fell more than a dollar to a three-month low yesterday as mild winter weather sapped demand in the heavy energy consuming north-east of the United States.


Dating Site Seeks Lasting Impression (AdWeek.com)

AdWeek.com - Euro RSCG 4D executive creative director Arthur Ceria is joining OgilvyOne's San Francisco office, which opened last Tuesday to service the Yahoo! online advertising account, a new assignment, the agency said.


Update: OpenWorld Notebook -- database, grid control, integration improved (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Oracle at the OpenWorld conference on Tuesday is making several product rollouts, including a new version of its database and grid computing enhancements.


Dell Touts Grid Computing Over Proprietary Systems

Michael Dell has seen the future and it #39;s a 128-node  quot;MegaGrid quot; running the Linux operating system on Dell servers at Dell #39;s lab in Austin, Texas.


Two NCSSM Students Win National Team Science Competition

DURHAM, NC -- Two students from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics will split \$100,000 in scholarship money. The award is a prize for their cancer research.


Trend Micro Offers Virus Scanning for Smart Phones

Amid reports of Trojans and worms squirming through mobile devices, Trend Micro Inc. says it will roll out anti-virus and anti-spam protection for users of data-centric smart phones.


Euro's Kemp Sees 'Challenge' At BBDO (AdWeek.com)

AdWeek.com - Marcus Kemp said his new job as vice chairman and chief creative officer at BBDO in Atlanta "has all the challenges in our industry"--including building a brand with the shop's largest account (Cingular) following a major acquisition (AT T Wireless).


Preparing athletes for Beijing 2008 is academic

DAVE Collins, a professor at Edinburgh University, has been charged with the task of preparing Britains elite athletes for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.


Durham provides Dark Blues masterclass

Oxford, the pre-match favourites, reclaimed the MMC Trophy in one of the better Varsity matches for some time here yesterday. But this, the 123rd staging of the annual amateur


Garciaparra stays with Cubs

short time I was there, #39; #39; he said. I just felt Chicago is the best place for. me. I #39;m looking forward to going out there and, hopefully, turning this into a. 182 home runs and 710 RBIs.


A Pair of Linux Stocking Stuffers (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Opinion: Want a quick and easy introduction to Linux? Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols offers two reading suggestions that will help get you started.


Oracle Vows 'Oversupport' for PeopleSoft Customers (Reuters)

Reuters - Business software maker Oracle\Corp.  on Tuesday promised to do everything it can to\keep PeopleSoft Inc.'s  giant customer base, whose\departure could threaten the financial success of its proposed\ #36;9.2 billion takeover of PeopleSoft.


Summary Box: Saving Hubble Will Be Costly (AP)

AP - OUTLOOK FOR HUBBLE: The newest report on a plan to save the popular, aging space telescope by repairing it with a robot says it would cost  #36;2 billion and have just a 50-50 chance of working.


An Apple rumor a day

Now that Apple Computer has its shitake mushrooms together, it apparently is being coveted by IBM. Missing Links


Chairwoman of Civil Rights Panel Resigns (AP)

AP - Mary Frances Berry, blunt-spoken chairwoman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, resigned Tuesday after more than two decades of criticizing the governments, both Democratic and Republican, that she served.


San Diego's Incumbent Mayor to Be Sworn In (AP)

AP - A state appeals court on Tuesday lifted an order that had stopped San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy from being sworn in for a second term.


Mid-East peace claims 'premature'

Israel dismisses reports from Egypt that a peace plan has been agreed with the Palestinians as premature.


Lead exposure link to cataracts

Accumulated lead exposure may increase the risk of developing a cataract, research suggests.


Nortel makes security push

Nortel Networks is pushing its security features to the forefront with a series of updated products and a new relationship with security vendor Symantec.


Tech Firms Urge Bush to Focus on Cybersecurity

Security alliance asks for more funding for cybersecurity research and development.


First Look: Affordable TiVo With DVD Burning

Humax offers solid box with built-in DVD recorder and 80 hours of storage.


Colgate rejig has a brush with layoffs

: Consumer goods maker Colgate-Palmolive Co said on Tuesday it would cut about 12 per cent of its 37,000-person work force and close one-third of its factories worldwide as part of a four-year restructuring.


Fiorina: HP #39;s Future All About Execution

Hewlett-Packard Chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina said Tuesday that the company is finally where it wants to be in terms of its organizational model.


Sprewell Suspended for Remarks Made to Fan (AP)

AP - Latrell Sprewell was suspended for one game by the NBA on Tuesday for yelling a sexual vulgarity at a female fan during a game, the latest episode of a player clashing with spectators.


Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2003

mithridate writes  quot;Microsoft has posted the Windows 2003 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate. eWeek has a short review of the service pack.


Valencia 0-2 Werder Bremen: FT Report

VALENCIA, December 7 (Champions League) - Werder Bremen saw off Valencia to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League and condemn their hosts to UEFA Cup football.


Viduka ends drought

MARK Viduka was back among the goals yesterday after going through his longest spell without scoring in England. Viduka scored twice to inspire Middlesbrough to a 3-2 Premier League home win over Manchester City, ending a 12-match goal drought.


Signed, Sealed, Delivered

CHICAGO - The Cubs and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth \$8 million. No option years were added to the contract.


No rthern Trust Bank of Florida has full

Major League Baseball player Rick Helling, right, talks with an unidentified Player #39;s Association representative as he arrives to attend meetings Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix.


Alberta teens excel in international testing

In recent testing by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Alberta teens placed in the top three for their scores in math, reading and science.


Automakers Sue To Block State #39;s Tough Emissions Standards

FRESNO, Calif. -- Automobile manufacturers sued Tuesday to block California regulators from adopting the world #39;s toughest vehicle-emissions standards, arguing in a lawsuit that the standards are the federal government #39;s responsibility.


Valencia #39;s Ranieri rails against Swedish referee Frisk

Valencia coach Claudio Ranieri railed against referee Anders Frisk after his side went out of the Champions League with a 2-0 defeat by Werder Bremen on Tuesday.


Oracle Vows  #39;Oversupport #39; for PeopleSoft Customers

Business software maker Oracle Corp. (ORCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Tuesday promised to do everything it can to keep PeopleSoft Inc.


Ukraine President, Assembly Deadlocked Over Poll (Reuters)

Reuters - Ukraine's outgoing president and\opposition appeared deadlocked on Tuesday after the collapse of\a tentative deal intended to smooth a rerun of elections\annulled because of fraud and defuse weeks of turmoil.


Bryant Comments Sour Malone on Lakers (AP)

AP - Karl Malone has ruled out a return to the Los Angeles Lakers because of comments made by Kobe Bryant in a radio interview, Malone's agent said Tuesday.


Mariners re-sign longtime C Wilson

Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The Seattle Mariners Tuesday agreed to terms with backstop Dan Wilson on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration with the franchise #39;s all-time leader in games caught.


Seattle Catcher Dan Wilson OKs Contract (AP)

AP - The Mariners agreed Tuesday to a  #36;1.75 million, one-year contract with catcher Dan Wilson, bringing back a fan favorite who represents a link to the team's historic 1995 breakthrough.


Meyer Begins New Era in Florida Football (AP)

AP - Urban Meyer's eyes widened as he looked around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He saw references to the school's six Southeastern Conference titles, two Heisman Trophy winners and the 1996 national championship. It wasn't his first trip to The Swamp, but it sure felt different. This was home now.


Ukraine President, Assembly Deadlocked Over Poll

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's outgoing president and  opposition appeared deadlocked on Tuesday after the collapse of  a tentative deal intended to smooth a rerun of elections  annulled because of fraud and defuse weeks of turmoil.


IRA Arms Photo Row Set to Break New N.Irish Deal

BELFAST (Reuters) - A standoff over how the scrapping of  IRA arms is proved looks set to dash hopes of a landmark deal  in Northern Ireland on Wednesday, when Britain and Ireland plan  to unveil their blueprint for a lasting political settlement.


Credit Suisse brings bank back into fold

Credit Suisse yesterday announced a radical shake-up of its businesses including an overhaul of its investment bank and the planned flotation of insurer Winterthur.


San Francisco Rules Could Bar Elephants from Zoo

Elephants must receive hundreds of times more space to live at San Francisco #39;s zoo or not be kept at the facility, city legislators said on Tuesday in legislation that could effectively bar pachyderms for good.


Royals decline to offer arbitration to Gonzalez, Randa

Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals declined to offer arbitration to veteran outfielder Juan Gonzalez and three others on Tuesday, effectively cutting them loose.


Meyer Begins New Era in Florida Football

GAINESVILLE, Fla. Dec 7, 2004 - Urban Meyer #39;s eyes widened as he looked around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He saw references to the school #39;s six Southeastern Conference titles, two Heisman Trophy winners and the 1996 national championship.


General warns his troops

Israel #39;s chief of staff has called for the army to examine its conduct following allegations that soldiers carried out an execution-style killing of an unarmed Palestinian militant in the West Bank.


UHL Hockey Team Owner Faces Assault Charge (AP)

AP - A minor league hockey referee wants assault charges dropped against a team owner who he claimed punched him last week, but prosecutors won't drop the case.


Dollar Stalls Vs Yen

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar paused from recent heavy  selling on Wednesday, holding near overnight levels against the  euro and the yen as investors brushed aside revised data that  confirmed sluggish growth in Japan's economy.


Europe piles pressure on US as the greenback dips to new low

The Dollar hit fresh lows against the euro and the pound yesterday after European finance ministers launched a direct challenge to the US to tackle its financial deficits.


Court Hears Interstate Wine Sales Case

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court considered Tuesday whether state alcoholic beverage regulations put in place 70 years ago, after Prohibition was lifted, should remain the law of the land in the Internet age.


Merck appoints committee to review company actions on Vioxx

Beleaguered pharmaceutical giant Merck  amp; Co. Inc. has appointed a special committee of board members and a retired federal judge to review the company #39;s actions before it


Sony and Nvidia Develop

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and NVIDIA Corporation today announced that the companies have been collaborating to develop the graphics processing unit for the Playstation 3. In the future, the experience


Mozilla Thunderbirs 1.0 e-mail client launched

The Mozilla Foundation today announced the worldwide availability of the Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0 e-mail client. Thunderbird follows last month #39;s highly successful release of the open-source browser, Mozilla Firefox 1.0.


Lycos withdraws vigilante anti-spam screensaver

Lycos UK has withdrawn its anti-spam screensaver download from its portal following criticism that the vigilante-style programme had been too successful against spammers websites, shutting down a range of sites.


McCarthy #39;s late header sends Porto through

DEFENDING champions Porto sneaked through to the knockout phase of the Champions League with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea last night.


Ranieri feels heat as Valencia fall

Claudio Ranieri #39;s future as manager of Valencia was thrown in doubt last night when they failed to progress from Group G following a 2-0 home defeat by Werder Bremen.


Cricket-Pakistan get first crack at Aussie Test bat

PERTH, Australia (AFP) - The Pakistan pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami will get their first crack at an Australian Test batsman so far on this tour when they take on a Chairman #39;s XI captained by Justin Langer in a limited overs match here.


Seattle catcher Dan Wilson agrees to one-year contract

The Seattle Mariners signed catcher Dan Wilson to a one-year contract Tuesday, bringing back a fan favorite who represents a link to the team #39;s historic 1995 breakthrough.


Its Flexible Circuits Keep Our Gadgets Tiny (Investor's Business Daily)

Investor's Business Daily - Ever wonder how they squeeze so much electronic wizardry into those tiny cellular flip phones?


Amnesty: Rapes in War Zones Not Punished (AP)

AP - Women and girls in war zones suffer rape and violent abuse while offenders escape punishment, Amnesty International said a report released Wednesday.


Report: Egypt brokers Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire, peace <b>...</b>

The official news agency of Egypt says leaders there have reached an understanding with Israel, the Palestinians, the United States and Europe.


Palestinian leaders urge Syria to stay out of elections

During a two-day visit to Damascus by Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and official candidate of the Fatah movement in the elections, the Palestinians


Nomar Re-Signs, Pedro Offered Arbitration (AP)

AP - Nomar Garciaparra stayed with the Chicago Cubs, and the Boston Red Sox made arbitration offers to Pedro Martinez and several other World Series stars Tuesday, the first big deadline of the offseason for teams and free agents.


Siebel unveils SMB go-to-market strategy (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - After a year of pilots and trials, Siebel Systems jumped with both feet into the SMB market Tuesday, announcing a new approach to offer Siebel Professional CRM applications to SMBs (small and midsize businesses) -- companies with revenues up to about  #36;500 million.


San Francisco Rules Could Bar Elephants from Zoo (Reuters)

Reuters - Elephants must receive hundreds\of times more space to live at San Francisco's zoo or not be\kept at the facility, city legislators said on Tuesday in\legislation that could effectively bar pachyderms for good.


Spitzer to Run for Governor in New York (AP)

AP - New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, whose white-collar crime investigations have sent a shudder through Wall Street, announced Tuesday he is running for governor in 2006.


House Passes Sweeping Intelligence Reforms (Reuters)

Reuters - The House of Representatives on\Tuesday approved a sweeping overhaul of U.S. intelligence\agencies, ending weeks of wrangling over the Pentagon's power\under the reforms demanded after the Sept. 11 attacks.


Automakers Sue to Block Emissions Law in California

Toyota, General Motors and seven other automakers filed suit to block California's new greenhouse gas regulation, which was approved by the state in September.


IBM Sells PC Unit to China #39;s Lenovo

China #39;s largest personal computer maker, Lenovo Group Ltd. (0992.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) , said on Wednesday it is buying control of IBM #39;s PC-making business for \$1.25


Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Internet Wine Sales

WASHINGTON -- The US Supreme Court Tuesday heard a case about the sale of wine over the Internet. The court heard arguments on whether it #39;s fair for states to ban out-of-state growers from shipping their products


Branson promises travellers new price war on London to Sydney air <b>...</b>

Virgin Atlantic is to launch a price war on the  quot;Kangaroo route quot; between London and Sydney, pledging to cut fares by up to one-third.


Arizona bell-ringers taking plastic this year

No problem. Salvation Army bell ringers will swipe your debit or credit card for an on-the-spot donation. Starting Wednesday in Arizona, the agency is using hand-held debit/credit machines at select Valley locations.


Business Analysis: Turner  amp; Newall pensions crisis leaves <b>...</b>

The crisis in the UK occupational pensions sector seemingly scaled new heights this week as Federal Mogul, the insolvent American car parts manufacturer, finally pulled the plug on the pension fund of its UK subsidiary Turner  amp; Newall.


Players OK Reaching Deal on Steroid Tests (AP)

AP - Baseball players gave their lawyers the go-ahead Tuesday to reach an agreement with owners on tougher testing for steroids.


Nvidia to be Sony game supplier

Nvidia Corp. will supply graphics technology for Sony Corp. #39;s next-generation PlayStation video game console, the companies said Tuesday.


NASA seeks methods to repair shuttles in flight

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA is hoping to develop techniques to allow a crew to repair damages to Space Shuttle in flight.


Air Force says shuttle spectators at high risk

Space shuttle launches are 100 times more dangerous to people on the ground than any other US missiles or rockets, and NASA fails to meet


Does the  #39;Halo 2 #39; effect threaten broadband?

The rapid growth in online game playing will put pressure on broadband networks to evolve, according to research published this week by Sandvine.


IOC Joins Steroid Inquiry Involving Marion Jones

The International Olympic Committee joined the investigation yesterday into allegations that Marion Jones, the American gold-medal sprinter, had used anabolic steroids and other illegal bodybuilding drugs.


NBA to review Sprewell #39;s comments against female

Minnesota Timberwolves Latrell Sprewell #39;s profane comments, made to a female heckler, are being reviewed by NBA officials. The Star Tribune reported Tuesday that Sprewell #39;s


Garciaparra stays with Cubs on big deadline night

Nomar Garciaparra stayed with the Chicago Cubs, and the Boston Red Sox made arbitration offers to Pedro Martinez and several other World Series stars Tuesday, the first big deadline of the offseason for teams and free agents.


Astros re-sign Palmeiro

The Houston Astros and free-agent outfielder Orlando Palmeiro agreed to an \$800,000, one-year contract Tuesday. The Astros also signed right-handed reliever Russ Springer to a minor league contract.


#39;The blood is running #39;: Mafia wars erupt again

It #39;s the mildest of mild winters down here in the south of Italy and, last weekend at Bcoli, a pretty suburb by the seaside west of Naples, the customers of Pizzeria  quot;Da Enrico quot; were making the most of it.


I.O.C. Joins Steroid Inquiry Involving Marion Jones

The International Olympic Committee joined the investigation into allegations that Marion Jones had used anabolic steroids and other illegal bodybuilding drugs.


IBM Sells PC Unit to China's Lenovo (Reuters)

Reuters - China's largest personal\computer maker, Lenovo Group Ltd. (0992.HK), said on Wednesday\it is buying control of IBM's PC-making business for  #36;1.25\billion, capping the U.S. tech giant's gradual withdrawal from\the business it helped pioneer in 1981.


Retailers Looking to Move Plasma TV's (AP)

AP - Hanging stockings by the chimney with care? Retailers hope that St. Nicholas soon will be there  #151; to hang a 42-inch plasma-screen TV. As prices drop for high-end televisions, sales are leaping. Retailers expect to sell twice as many plasma-screen televisions and three times as many LCD televisions this year, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.


Saudi Arabia moves to cut production ahead of Opec meeting

Saudi Arabia has begun to reduce oil output ahead of this week #39;s Opec meeting, industry officials said yesterday. The reduction, expected to continue over the coming months


Thunderbird 1.0 Takes Aim At Microsoft #39;s Outlook Express

Following the launch of its Firefox browser, Mozilla delivers an E-mail client. A calendaring application may be next. By John Foley.


Project shows business side of grid

Hoping to prove that grid computing can work in the business world, Dell, EMC, Intel and Oracle on Tuesday announced a joint effort designed to show business users how to use the distributed computing technology.


Security software protects data-centric mobile phones and PDAs

Trend Micro has debuted a software package said to provide antivirus and anti-spam protection for SMS messaging on  quot;data-centric quot; mobile phones and PDAs.


British attack Klitschko drug past

Danny Williams #39; trainer Jim McDonnell claimed last night that Vitali Klitschko #39;s steroid-using past would count against him when he defends his WBC heavyweight title against the British challenger here on Saturday night.


Son #39;s birth convinced war dodger, hearing told

TORONTO -- An American war dodger who willingly joined the US army because it would pay for his university education testified yesterday the birth of his son was the final step in his realization that he didn #39;t want to be a killer.


Colgate to slash 10pc of workforce

Colgate-Palmolive, the toothpaste-to-bleach consumer goods giant, is cutting more than one in 10 of its workforce across the world.


Half the world #39;s workers earn less than \$2 a day

Half the world #39;s 2.8bn workers are trapped in jobs that leave them and their families struggling to survive on less than \$2 a day, with little prospect of escape from grinding


Automakers Sue to Block Emissions Law in California

DETROIT, Dec. 7- Toyota, General Motors and seven other automakers filed suit on Tuesday to block California #39;s new greenhouse gas regulation, which was approved by the state in its final form in September.


Weldon: Reports Say JNJ, Guidant Merger Seen Within Week

Johnson  amp; Johnson (nyse: JNJ - news - people ) is said to be in advanced talks to buy medical device maker Guidant (nyse: GDT - news - people ) for more than \$24 billion.


Update 5: EU Official Concerned About Italy Figures

The European Union #39;s top monetary official said Tuesday he was concerned over Italian budget deficit figures, only a week after Greece was challenged over alleged sloppy bookkeeping and possible underreporting of its deficit to present a rosy economic


IRA Says It Has Resumed Disarmament Talks (AP)

AP - The Irish Republican Army has reopened negotiations with Northern Ireland's disarmament chief, the outlawed group said Tuesday, signaling its readiness to put more weapons out of commission for the first time in over a year.


Rogge steps up pressure over Jones drugs claims

Marion Jones was under growing pressure last night after the International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge set up an investigation into allegations she used banned performance-enhancing drugs.


Dozens arrested in Mafia swoop

ITALIAN anti-Mafia magistrates ordered the arrest of 65 people as part of a massive police swoop in Naples early today in a bid to staunch the bloodletting in a turf war which has killed more than 120 people, Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said.


EU to give China  #39;signal #39; on lifting arms ban at summit

The EU is preparing to send a  quot;positive signal quot; to China at a summit with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao Wednesday over his call to lift a 15-year-old EU arms embargo, but no immediate decision is expected.


China Computer Maker Acquires IBM PC Biz (AP)

AP - China's biggest computer maker, Lenovo Group, said Wednesday it has acquired a majority stake in International Business Machines Corp.'s personal computer business for  #36;1.75 billion, one of the biggest Chinese overseas acquisitions ever.


PMs to publish devolution plan

The British and Irish prime ministers are due in Northern Ireland as hopes fade of a deal to restore devolution.


Oracle Vows 'Oversupport' for PeopleSoft Customers

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Business software maker Oracle  Corp. ORCL.O on Tuesday promised to do everything it can to  keep PeopleSoft Inc.'s PSFT.O giant customer base, whose  departure could threaten the financial success of its proposed  \$9.2 billion takeover of PeopleSoft.


IBM to Sell PC Sector to Chinese Firm

Lenovo Group said Wednesday it has acquired a majority stake in International Business Machines Corp.'s personal computer business for \$1.25 billion, one of the biggest Chinese overseas acquisitions ever.
-Associated Press


Colgate to Cut Jobs and Use Savings to Spur Sales

Colgate-Palmolive said that it would close about a third of its factories and cut more than 4,400 jobs over the next four years.


Veritas' India lab to become its largest R D center

BANGALORE, INDIA - Veritas Software's research and development (R D) center in Pune, India, will soon be the company's largest worldwide, according to a company executive.


Israel to collaborate with India in IT

BANGALORE, INDIA - Israeli companies want to collaborate with Indian companies on research and development (R D) to create IT products and services for the global market, according to Ehud Olmert, Israel's deputy prime minister and minister for industry, trade, labor and communications.


Cisco guns for data centers

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - Cisco Systemstook dead aim at data centers Tuesday at its annual Worldwide Analyst Conference, with company executives claiming many communications functions in servers would be better off moved into the network.


Tech firms urge Bush to focus on cybersecurity

WASHINGTON - A cybersecurity advocacy group on Tuesday called on U.S. President George Bush to focus more resources on computer issues and elevate the top IT security position at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the assistant secretary level.


Siebel unveils SMB go-to-market strategy

After a year of pilots and trials, Siebel Systems jumped with both feet into the SMB market Tuesday, announcing a new approach to offer Siebel Professional CRM applications to SMBs (small and midsize businesses) -- companies with revenues up to about \$500 million.


Intel Sheds Light on 2005 Desktop Strategy

Road map promises 64-bit capabilities for desktop processors by first half of 2005.


Justices hear arguments about Internet wine sales

Supreme Court justices on Tuesday uncorked tough questions for states that ban direct shipments of wine. With eager winemakers looking on, the court confronted two competing constitutional mandates.


Brussels likely to put deficit disputes on ice

France and Germany #39;s bruising dispute with Brussels over their big budget deficits is expected to be suspended next week after both countries claimed they would comply with EU rules in 2005.


Clippers forward Brand suspended one game

Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand was suspended one game without pay by the National Basketball Association (NBA) on Tuesday.


No. 11 Pittsburgh Outguns Memphis 70-51 (AP)

AP - Carl Krauser scored all but two of his 17 points at the free throw line to lead No. 11 Pittsburgh to a 70-51 victory over Memphis on Tuesday night in the Jimmy V Classic.


No. 11 Pittsburgh Beats Memphis

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Carl Krauser scored 17 points,  grabbed seven rebounds and handed out four assists to lead No.  11 Pittsburgh over Memphis, 70-51, in the Jimmy V Classic from  New York's famed Madison Square Garden.


Mac OS X Tip of the Week: Application Switching

When you want to switch from one open application to another, you don #146;t have to move your cursor down to the Dock. Your hands don #146;t even have to leave the keyboard. Read this week #146;s tip to learn how you can use simple keystrokes to switch quickly between open apps. Dec 07


Lenovo to acquire IBM Personal Computing Division

Lenovo Group Limited, a Personal Computer brand in China and across Asia has announced a definitive agreement under which Lenovo will acquire IBM #39;s Personal Computing Division to form the world #39;s third-largest PC business, bringing IBM #39;s enterprise-class


Oil prices fall to four-month low

NEW YORK Oil prices have dropped again, going down to the lowest level in four months. In New York, crude for January delivery fell one dollar and 52 cents to settle at 41 dollars, 46 cents a barrel.


European Governments Back Lamy for WTO Job

Former European Union trade commissioner Pascal Lamy won wide backing from EU governments Tuesday in his bid to become the next head of the World Trade Organization, a spokeswoman said.


J amp;J in Guidant merger talks

Johnson  amp; Johnson, the US medical and consumer goods group, is in advanced discussions to buy Guidant, a maker of medical devices, in a deal that could be worth about \$24bn (12bn).


Medics' training applies lessons of battle

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Fake blood spewed, smoke billowed, strobe lights flashed, and two high-tech dummies with limbs blown off lay on the ground.


Can Klitschko Establish Himself as the Best against Williams?

December 8, 2004. Vitali Klitschko is recognized by Ring Magazine as the Heavyweight Champion of the World. HBO Sports would also like you to believe it.


CL Preview: Three teams still in the hunt in Group B

LEVERKUSEN/ROME, Dec 7 (SW) - Dynamo Kiev, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid all have a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16 if they can get the right results in Group F on Wednesday night.


Signings roundup: Cormier signs two-year deal with Phillies

PHILADELPHIA -- Left-handed reliever Rheal Cormier is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies, agreeing to a \$5.75 million, two-year contract.


Coach to clash with former point guard

Geno Auriemma has coached many great players while turning Connecticut into a five-time national champion. He will coach against one of them for the first time Tuesday night.


Philippine officials appeal for international assistance

Relief workers battled rain and choppy seas yesterday to deliver food and medicine to the country #39;s northeast following devastating back-to-back storms that killed at least 568 people and left hundreds more missing.


Credit Suisse to Overhaul First Boston Operations

Credit Suisse Group announced yesterday that it would integrate its Credit Suisse First Boston investment banking arm into the parent company over the next two years in an effort to create a  quot;more focused franchise.


No. 18 Alabama Holds Off Alabama St. 72-54 (AP)

AP - Kennedy Winston scored 21 points and Chuck Davis had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 18 Alabama to a 72-54 victory over Alabama State on Tuesday night.


Switched on?

Will Juniper Networks, Ciscos chief rival in the router market, make an entry into ethernet switching, and try to take yet another bite out of Ciscos business?


Microsoft nears release of 64-bit Windows

com December 7, 2004, 10:51 AM PT. Microsoft said Tuesday that it has released a near-final test version of updates to its Windows and Windows Server operating systems.


Almunia feeling pressure

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger frankly admitted his goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia is feeling the pressure to perform after a nervous display in the Gunners Champions League win overnight.


Red Sox to meet with Pedro in Dominican

BOSTON -- The Red Sox offered arbitration to nine players Tuesday, including three key players who helped the club win its first World Series since 1918.


Tuesday #39;s Sports Transactions

Dec 7, 2004 - KANSAS CITY ROYALS Agreed to terms with RHP Kevin Appier on a minor league contract. OAKLAND ATHLETICS Named Von Hayes manager and Javier Alvidrez trainer of Midland of the Texas League, Todd


Arizona State Upsets No. 11 Georgia 67-57 (AP)

AP - Kylan Loney had five 3s among her 23 points, and Arizona State used 24 turnovers by 11th-ranked Georgia to win 67-57 Tuesday night.


Wall St. Turns to the Time Out as Punishment

Regulators are wielding a new weapon against Wall Street firms instead of multimillion-dollar fines: temporarily shutting down certain business lines.


US presses Syrians on border security

DAMASCUS, Syria -- The State Department's second in command said yesterday that Syria had improved security along its border with Iraq but needed to do more to keep armed supporters of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein from sneaking across.


EU backs Lamy to head World Trade Organisation

Pascal Lamy, the former EU trade commissioner, could become the World Trade Organisation #39;s new director general, replacing Supachai Panitchpakdi when his three-year term runs out in August.


Half of all workers on \$2 a day or less

A record number people are working in the global economy but half of them make \$2 a day or less, according to a report published yesterday.


Messier fined 1m for hiding debts

France #39;s market regulator fined Jean-Marie Messier, the disgraced chairman of Vivendi Universal, 1m (700,000) last night for misleading investors with over-optimistic corporate bravado over a two-year period that ended in the collapse of his


Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0 e-mail Client available.

Mozilla, after taking on the Internet browser market which is  quot;owned quot; by microsoft now decided to take on the Email Client Market, which is also controlled by microsoft.


Toshiba #39;s DVD has it both ways

Toshiba claimed yesterday to have developed the first DVD that is capable of playing both conventional and high-definition content, in the latest move in the race for the next generation of optical discs.


Flash iPod rumours lift Apple stock

Apple shares rose 4.9 percent on Monday after analysts said they expected the company to introduce a smaller, cheaper iPod in January.


Pitt erupts in second half, routs Duquesne, 87-57

The annual  quot;City Game, quot; matching Pittsburgh against cross-town rival Duquesne, has not been much of a game in recent years with the Panthers dominating


Red Sox offer arbitration to Martinez, Lowe, Varitek

Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek were offered salary arbitration Tuesday by the Boston Red Sox, giving them until Jan. 8 to re-sign three key players who helped the team win its first World Series since 1918.


Clippers #39; Brand suspended one game

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand was suspended Tuesday for one game by the NBA for shoving Charlotte #39;s Emeka Okafor during the fourth quarter of Monday night #39;s game.


Cavaliers 103, Nets 97

LeBron James scored 27 points and assisted on Lucious Harris #39; clinching 3-pointer with 6 seconds left as the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers won their eighth straight at home, 103-97 over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.


No. 24 Wisconsin Tops Wisconsin-Green Bay (AP)

AP - Mike Wilkinson scored 18 points and No. 24 Wisconsin beat Wisconsin-Green Bay 65-55 on Tuesday night, extending the longest home winning streak in Division I to 32 games.


Blair petitioned to set up inquiry into Iraqi war dead

Dozens of establishment figures, including five former ambassadors and leading military officers, signed an open letter to Tony Blair today calling for an inquiry into the deaths of Iraqis after the war.


Goalie Gets Long Workout

Providence goaltender David Cacciola expected to face a lot of shots when the Friars visited Boston College on Saturday. But he did not expect about three games' worth.


Pierce Thrives in Middle

The Redskins may have a tough time retaining improving linebacker Antonio Pierce when he becomes a free agent after the season.


Cowboys Ride J. Jones

Other running backs were ranked higher than Julius Jones in last April's draft and the Cowboys took heat for trading down and taking him. Now, minds are changing.


Pittsburgh Pounds Memphis

Carl Krauser scores all but two of his 17 points at the free throw line to lead No. 11 Pittsburgh to a 70-51 victory over Memphis.


No 'Lake' Show for Malone

Public and private comments from Kobe Bryant have ended any possibility that Karl Malone would rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Malone's agent.


Losing Takes Its Toll

Hometown boy Jim O'Brien has found that returning to Philadelphia as head coach is as tough as a week-old cheesesteak. With three new starters, the 76ers are scuffling at 6-10.


Merck #39;s Board Appoints Panel to Investigate Handling of Vioxx

The directors of Merck, the giant drug maker, have opened an independent investigation into whether the company acted properly regarding Vioxx, the arthritis treatment that it withdrew from the market in September.


Football: Real prepare for crucial tie

Real Madrid held their final training session in Rome on Tuesday evening ahead of their must-win Champions League match against Roma on Wednesday night.


No. 11 Pittsburgh 70, Memphis 51

Krauser, one of seven New York City area players on No. 11 Pittsburgh #39;s roster, scored all but two of his 17 points at the free throw line in a 70-51 victory over Memphis on Tuesday night in the Jimmy V Classic.


51 held over deadly feud in Naples

Police have detained more than 50 people in a swoop on the local mafia, known as the Camorra, in the southern Italian city of Naples, which has been the scene of an escalating turf war.


Australia to Spend A\$591 Million Increasing Embassy Security

Australia #39;s government will spend A\$591 million (\$455 million) to upgrade security at its overseas missions and embassies over the next five years, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.


Clippers' Brand Suspended One Game

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Clippers forward  Elton Brand was suspended Tuesday for one game by the NBA for  shoving Charlotte's Emeka Okafor during the fourth quarter of  Monday night's game.


Terps Blast Bonnies

No. 19 Maryland overcomes poor first-half shooting to earn a 91-42 victory over St. Bonaventure.


Nowitzki Burns Wolves

With Latrell Sprewell suspended and Don Nelson tossed two minutes into the game, Dirk Nowitzki becomes the story by scoring 34 points to lift the Mavs over the Wolves, 97-87.


U.S. Blasts All Parties in Darfur Conflict (AP)

AP - The United States on Tuesday accused all parties in the 22-month conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region of complicity in a growing humanitarian disaster and demanded that those responsible be held accountable for atrocities and attacks on civilians.


US marines in Philippines on storm relief mission, health fears grow (AFP)

AFP - US marines have begun arriving in the Philippines to help the relief effort from storms that have left over 1,500 people dead or missing, a US military spokesman said.


Farmers Being Moved Aside by China's Real Estate Boom

A two-tiered property system favors city dwellers while handicapping the farmers once at the core of Chinese society.


U.S.: Rebels Aided by Sources in Syria

Based on information gathered during the recent fighting in Fallujah, Baghdad and elsewhere in the Sunni Triangle, officials said that a handful of senior Iraqi Baathists operating in Syria are collecting money and turning it over to the insurgency.


Europe #39;s Frustration Grows as Dollar Hits Another Low

Europe #39;s financial policy makers issued their strongest warnings yet about the dangers of a swooning dollar, and the dollar promptly sank to a new low against the euro.


Justices Question Ban on Wine Sales From Out of State

If the Supreme Court argument Tuesday on interstate wine sales proves to be a reliable roadmap to the eventual decision, consumers who want to order wine directly from


Bipartisan Panel Seeks Greenhouse Gas Limits

A bipartisan commission that includes energy industry executives, environmentalists and academics will issue a report today that calls on the nation to adopt mandatory limits


Gold Fields Shareholders Reject a Merger

Shareholders of the South African mining company Gold Fields rejected a bid to merge with Iamgold of Toronto Tuesday, a development that shifted investors #39; focus back to Harmony Gold Mining #39;s hostile bid for Gold Fields.


Rookie J. Jones, Cowboys Up and Running

NFL scouts and front-office executives were less than enamored of the top tailbacks available in the draft in April. The first didn #39;t come off the board until the St.


Dutchman suspected of aiding Saddam

Police in Holland have arrested a Dutch national suspected of supplying thousands of tonnes of nerve gas to former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.


College Basketball: Pitt, Texas Roll to Easy Wins

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Carl Krauser scored 17 points,  grabbed seven rebounds and handed out four assists to lead No.  11 Pittsburgh over Memphis, 70-51, in the Jimmy V Classic from  New York's famed Madison Square Garden.


The Windup, the Spin as Bonds Gets Advice

Many marketing experts say that Barry Bonds needs to issue an apology, but those closest to Bonds indicate that he will remain the same strong and stoic superstar.


Play of Some Linemen Carries a Lot of Weight

Some massive defensive linemen are the antithesis of the slimmer, more mobile linemen made famous by the Tampa Bay defense and personified by Warren Sapp.


French market watchdog fines Vivendi, former CEO

PARIS - France #39;s stock market regulator on Tuesday fined Jean-Marie Messier euro1 million (US\$1.35 million) for misleading financial information issued by Vivendi Universal SA when he was its chairman and CEO, Messier #39;s lawyer said.


Grieving parents return to sea's edge

NAVALADY BEACH, Sri Lanka -- As dawn breaks over Sri Lanka's coast, dozens of parents come to the beach where huge waves seized their children a week ago.


Maryland Women #39;s Basketball Returns Home on Tuesday

Maryland has scored at least 72 points in its five wins this season and is 23-6 when scoring at least 70 points under head coach Brenda Frese.


Lady Bulldogs Host Sun Devils

When asked if he was concerned with losing to arch-rival Georgia Tech for the second time in three years last Friday night - that after the Lady Bulldogs won the first 24 meetings in the series by an average of more than 26 points per game -ndy


Knicks injured guard Houston activated in Memphis

Allan Houston was activated by the New York Knicks in Memphis of Tennessee Tuesday after missing 16 games with a sore left knee and should make his National Basketball Association season debut this week.


EU-China summit to give Beijing signal on arms ban

THE HAGUE : The EU is set to give a  quot;positive signal quot; to China at a summit with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao over his call to lift a 15-year-old EU arms embargo, but no immediate decision is expected.


US Blasts All Parties in Darfur Conflict

UNITED NATIONS - The United States on Tuesday accused all parties in the 22-month conflict in Sudan #39;s western Darfur region of complicity in a growing humanitarian disaster and demanded that those responsible be held accountable for atrocities and attacks


\$591m boost to embassy security

THE Federal Government will spend \$591 million on boosting security at Australian missions overseas, providing better protection for staff and visitors.


NBA Wrap: Nowitzki Leads Dallas Past Minnesota

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dirk Nowitzki scored 34 points as the  Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-87 in  National Basketball Association play Tuesday night.


Porto Stays Alive, Arsenal and Bremen Progress

LONDON (Reuters) - Defending champion Porto produced a  thrilling fightback to beat Chelsea 2-1 and grab a Champions  League lifeline as Arsenal and Werder Bremen booked their  places in the next round Tuesday.


The Rockies Waste No Time Taking Action on Neagle

While the Yankees tear out their hair trying to decide what to do about Jason Giambi, the Rockies fired Denny Neagle, who was arrested for soliciting a woman for prostitution.


Egypt Sees Move Towards Israel-Palestinian Peace (Reuters)

Reuters - Egypt's official news agency said\Tuesday significant progress had been made in international\efforts to end Israeli-Palestinian violence, but both sides to\the conflict termed talk of a deal premature.


Australia to boost security measures at overseas missions (AFP)

AFP - Australia will spend 591 million dollars (460 million US) boosting security at its overseas missions in the aftermath of the Jakarta embassy bombing in September, the government said.


IBM Selling PC Unit to China's Lenovo

BEIJING/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM is selling its  PC-making business to China's largest personal computer maker,  Lenovo Group Ltd., for \$1.25 billion, marking the U.S. giant's  retreat from an industry it helped pioneer in 1981.


OPEC Hawks Want to Keep Prices High

Raise prices. Ease production. For weeks ahead of this week's OPEC meeting, hawks in the organization have been talking tough about the need to keep oil revenues high - and lowering output.


Retirees Return to the Grind, but This Time It's on Their Own Terms

Some companies are trying to rework policies in order to rehire retired professionals who want to return to work on a limited basis.


Local IBM PC employees gear up for Lenovo move

Lenovo #39;s planned acquisition of IBM #39;s personal computing division is expected to see 180 employees in Australia and 10 in New Zealand transition to the Chinese company, IBM Australia officials said today.


Canada reverses its flu vaccine policy

ID Biomedical of Vancouver, Canada #39;s main supplier of flu vaccines, said Tuesday it will not sell 1.2 million doses of flu vaccine to the United States.


Metcash soars on expectations that Australian prey will turn <b>...</b>

Shares in the Australian subsidiary of Metoz, formerly Metro Cash  amp; Carry, yesterday jumped 15 percent as investors anticipated its takeover target, Foodland


Harmony Gold Stakes a Bold Claim

The upstart miner has won a huge round as part of its hostile takeover bid for Gold Fields. It #39;s not money in the bank yet, though.


Private aid groups pressing New Delhi for access to islands

NEW DELHI -- India's government again put aside private aid groups' urgent requests yesterday to help tsunami survivors on the devastated Andaman and Nicobar Islands, saying a decision would be made after five days.


Astronaut #39;s Long Career Ends

The longest serving astronaut in history, John W. Young, announced his retirement on Tuesday. Mr. Young, who has spent 42 years at the National Aeronautics and Space


A Phony PC Price War?

Dell rarely misses an opportunity to remind chief rival Hewlett-Packard (HPQ ) which outfit is king of low-cost PCs. On Dec. 6, one day before HP #39;s semiannual meeting with analysts and investors, Dell (DELL


Kazaa Trial Won #39;t Fix Music Industry Blues

As an Australian court considers whether Kazaa #39;s parent company should be forced to pay damages for the file sharing that goes on over its peer-to-peer (P2P) network, questions persist about


IOC opens investigation into allegations against Jones

LONDON (Ticker) - The International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday it has begun its investigation of doping allegations against American gold medal-winning sprinter Marion Jones.


Gerrard makes Liverpool quit ultimatum

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has admitted he could quit Anfield at the end of the season. Skipper Gerrard, who almost joined Chelsea last summer, said:  quot;If the club is moving forward and doing well, I won #39;t have to be looking anywhere else.


Hamm, Foudy and Fawcett take final bows tonight

Another page in the saga of American soccer is turned tonight when the US women #39;s team plays Mexico at Home Depot Center (11 pm ET, ESPN Classic) in


Dirk Nowitzki scored 34 points as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 97-87 in National Basketball Association play Tuesday night.


Maryland Is a Bit Off, But Still Wins in Rout

No. 19 Maryland is a potent offensive team this season, one with several players who are capable scoring threats. But occasionally, even the best shooters fail to get their shots to fall.


NBA: Sprewell suspended over fan-directed obscenities

NEW YORK - Minnesota Timberwolves guard Latrell Sprewell has been suspended one game without pay for directing obscenities toward fans, the NBA announced Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).


Bears #39; Krenzel sidelined for season

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Chicago Bears quarterback Craig Krenzel landed on injured reserve Tuesday, effectively ending his season. Krenzel injured an ankle as he scrambled for two yards in the second quarter of a 21-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 25.


No. 14 Texas Overwhelms North Texas 86-57 (AP)

AP - Brad Buckman scored 18 points and blocked seven shots to lead No. 14 Texas to an 86-57 victory over North Texas on Tuesday night.


Annan Rejects Calls For His Resignation

UNITED NATIONS -- Kofi Annan is rejecting calls for his resignation, vowing to  quot;carry on quot; at the helm of the United Nations for the next two years.


US accuses all parties in Darfur conflict of complicity in <b>...</b>

UNITED NATIONS The US ambassador to the UN has accused all parties involved in western Sudan #39;s violence of being responsible for a growing humanitarian disaster.


Epson developing e-paper, giant flexible screens

Seiko Epson is developing flexible display technologies that could lead to "e-paper" that can be rolled up and folded as a replacement for paper-based newspapers or magazines.


Sanders Nears Return

Ravens defensive back Deion Sanders appears close to returning for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.


Official death toll seen underestimated

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- The tsunamis last week probably killed more people in the southernmost area of Burma than were reported dead by the country's ruling military junta, but the region has not been independently surveyed because of tightly restricted access, specialists say.


Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0 Email Client Launched\\Dumped IE for the Firefox Browser? Why not trash Outlook and download Mozilla Thunderbird for the full Mozilla online experience. Moziilla Thunderbird, the second major offering from the Mozilla Foundation was released today in a 1.0 ready for distribution version. The Mozilla Foundation is a ...


News: Sprint sued over alleged vice hacks

A Las Vegas adult entertainment operator sues his local telephone company in federal court for \$30 million, ressurecting charges that phone hackers crippled his business.\


Hewlett Chief Says a Breakup Was Discussed

Hewlett-Packard acknowledged that on three occasions it considered breaking up, but each time the board unanimously decided to keep the company together.


Cisco Expects to Hit Estimate for Revenue

Cisco Systems, the maker of Internet networking equipment, said that it was on track to meet Wall Street's estimates for 13 percent growth in revenue for fiscal 2005.


Telecom Italia Outlines Plan to Purchase Mobile Unit

Italia released details of its offer to buy the 44 percent it does not own of its mobile phone unit, Telecom Italia Mobile.


Culturally Worlds Apart, Children Touch Musically

A simulcast music exchange at Carnegie Hall on Saturday showed how technology can transform social studies and musical collaboration.


Insurance Companies Subpoenaed in Probe

New York and Connecticut officials say they are investigating whether improper behavior by insurance firms has been a factor in the rapidly rising cost of malpractice insurance for lawyers and doctors.


Carmakers Fight Calif. Anti-Pollution Law

Major automakers are challenging a state law requiring cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next 12 years, a requirement companies say is prohibitively expensive.


County Refocuses on Retail

Prince George's County officials Tuesday renewed their push to persuade retailers to locate in the county by releasing a 70-page report that said it is home to more high-income households than Anne Arundel, Howard counties.


Chinese Firm To Buy IBM #39;s PC Business For \$1.75 Billion

BEIJING -- China #39;s biggest computer maker said it has acquired a majority stake in IBM #39;s personal computer business for \$1.75 billion dollars in one of the biggest Chinese overseas acquisitions ever.


Slate #39;s Jurisprudence: Court Mulls Wine by Mail

Description: NPR #39;s Alex Chadwick talks with Slate legal analyst Dahlia Lithwick about Tuesday #39;s arguments before the US Supreme Court concerning interstate wine sales.


Technology, Energy Lead Decline

US stocks dropped as comments from technology companies such as Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard and Intel failed to revive a rally that stalled after the Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500-stock index set a three-year high last week.


No.5 Oklahoma St. Tops No.4 Syracuse 74-60 (AP)

AP - Stephen Graham scored 16 points, including two three-point plays in the final 4 1/2 minutes, and No. 5 Oklahoma State beat No. 4 Syracuse 74-60 on Tuesday night in the Jimmy V Classic.


Werder Bremen and Porto get it done late

Porto, Portugal (Sports Network) - Champions League holder FC Porto and defending Bundesliga champion Werder Bremen each produced late goals Tuesday to secure advancement into the knockout stage of this season #39;s Champions League competition.


It #39;s fun  #39;n #39; games again at Florida

The Florida Gators have charisma again and chutzpah. And presence and prestige. And eloquence and arrogance. The Gators introduced Urban Meyer as their new football coach Tuesday, and the man who is named


James Leads Cleveland to Top of Eastern Conference Cavaliers 103 <b>...</b>

CLEVELAND -- LeBron James scored 27 points and assisted on Lucious Harris #39; clinching three-pointer with 6 seconds left as the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers won their eighth straight at home, 103-97 over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.


US soldier, ex-Afghan militia leader killed in clash

KABUL, Afghanistan -- A US soldier and a former Afghan militia leader were killed yesterday when American troops clashed with gunmen while searching the leader's compound in western Afghanistan, US and Afghan officials said.


Rumsfeld to continue as defence secretary

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had  quot;enthusiastically quot; accepted President George W Bush #39;s suggestion to stay on in the post.


UN: Chaos Looms in Darfur

The United Nations is warning of impending chaos in Sudan #39;s western Darfur region, with increasing violence and a breakdown of order.


French Universities to Enroll Imams

PARIS (Reuters) - France will start enrolling future Muslim  prayer leaders into secular universities next autumn to teach  them the law, civics and history they need to integrate,  Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said in an interview.


US Marines Dispatched to Storm-Ravaged Philippines

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Tuesday  dispatched about 600 Marines and Navy personnel from Okinawa to  help residents in the flood-ravaged Philippines. The Pentagon  said tents, water and medical supplies also were being sent.