Iran says will go ahead with nuclear suspension Monday

TEHRAN : Iran said it was still committed to suspending its sensitive uranium enrichment activities as of Monday and that alarm over its ongoing nuclear activities is merely  quot;propaganda quot;.


Steaming mad at Valve

In Half-Life 2, players take up arms against an Orwellian society where unseen masters lord over oppressed humans who have no choice but to submit and comply.


MATCH VIEWS FROM THE BROADSHEETS

Paul Scholes has never been comfortable when the spotlight has swung in his direction, and you can imagine him squirming when he was being described as one of the best midfield players in the world last summer.


Iran says to fulfill uranium suspension as scheduled: spokesman

Iran said on Sunday that it would fulfill its commitment of suspending uranium enrichment activities on Monday, denying the allegation that it was still producing uranium feedstuff for enrichment.


France acted illegally in Ivory Coast attack

The government of France illegally attacked Ivory Coast and the UN Security Council sanctioned the illegal action with the adoption of Resolution 1572 on Monday, in what appears to be an imperial


Israel, Palestinians Await Powell Visit

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said ahead of a visit by  Secretary of State Colin Powell Sunday that it would consider  any formal request to pull troops away from West Bank cities to  facilitate a Palestinian presidential election.


Darfur Fighting, Troops Block Food Delivery

EL FASHER, Sudan (Reuters) - Tribal clashes, banditry and  troop movements are blocking crucial deliveries of food aid in  North Darfur state despite recent peace agreements, African  Union and United Nations officials said Sunday.


UConn ousts Marist

Sophomore Steve Sealy netted his third winning goal in the last four games, giving Connecticut a 2-1 overtime victory over Marist yesterday in an NCAA Division 1 first-round men's soccer playoff game at Morrone Stadium in Storrs, Conn.


This Cowboy will ride it out

All the Bill Parcells bashers coming out of the woodwork with the Cowboys struggling will not get their wish. Parcells is not going to step down before he completes the task he went to Dallas to perform.


Indiana falls a little short

Using a makeshift roster a night after brawling with fans, the host Indiana Pacers pressed the Orlando Magic until the very end. Limited to just six players because of suspensions and injuries, the Pacers stayed close before dropping an 86-83 decision to Orlando last night.


Price's Miners secure unlikely bowl berth

EL PASO -- Jordan Palmer threw for 339 yards and five touchdowns and No. 24 Texas-El Paso beat Southern Methodist, 57-27, last night to clinch a bowl berth in coach Mike Price's first season running the formerly downtrodden program.


Cardinals lift off in Houston

HOUSTON -- Stefan LeFors threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns, and Eric Shelton rushed for three more scores, keeping No. 8 Louisville in the hunt for a BCS berth with a 65-27 win over Houston last night.


Arrington gives Bears a big game

BERKELEY, Calif. -- J.J. Arrington ran for 169 yards to set California's single-season rushing record, and the fourth-ranked Golden Bears beat Stanford, 41-6, yesterday for their biggest victory in the Big Game since 1930.


Auburn is still perfect -- barely

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Auburn's stars rescued the Tigers' national championship hopes with a stellar second half.


Triple threat powers Eagles

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Jessalyn Deveny, Clare Droesch, and Brooke Queenan combined for 55 points as No. 18 Boston College beat Western Michigan, 71-50, yesterday in the Spartan Classic.


River Hawks beat the clock, Pace

Tammy Haulcy drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer, lifting UMass-Lowell to a 68-65 victory over Pace last night at Costello Gym in the River Hawks' Northeast-10 Conference opener. UMass-Lowell (2-0) sank eight 3-pointers in all, including four by Mariette Guillaume, who was one of three River Hawks in double figures. Sacha Simms led the way with 15 points, and Enjoli ...


Broncos run win streak to 21

BOISE, Idaho -- Jon Helmandollar rushed for a school-record five touchdowns, and No. 13 Boise State clinched at least a share of its third straight Western Athletic Conference title with a 55-14 win over Louisiana Tech yesterday.


Peterson carries perfect Sooners

WACO, Texas -- Adrian Peterson ran for 240 yards, including three second-half touchdowns, and No. 2 Oklahoma got the lopsided win it needed for the BCS standings by beating Baylor, 35-0, yesterday.


No keeping low profile

SALT LAKE CITY -- The University of Utah football team still must wait another few weeks, but the time will be marked by anticipation rather than apprehension.


Miami maintains BCS hope

MIAMI -- Brock Berlin threw for a career-best 361 yards and four touchdowns in just over a half, and No. 12 Miami stayed in contention for an Atlantic Coast Conference title yesterday by routing Wake Forest, 52-7.


Tennessee wraps up SEC title game date

NASHVILLE -- Cedric Houston ran for three touchdowns and No. 15 Tennessee clinched the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division title yesterday with its 22d straight victory over Vanderbilt, 38-33.


Tech turnovers fuel runaway for Cavaliers

ATLANTA -- Alvin Pearman scored two touchdowns and Virginia came up with four key turnovers, leading the 18th-ranked Cavaliers to a 30-10 victory over Georgia Tech yesterday.


It's back up and running

PHILADELPHIA -- The burst was back. Displaying some of the giddy-up he showed against Ball State -- before suffering a left knee injury on his 21st carry of a 129-yard performance -- L.V. Whitworth returned to his season-opening form yesterday. The redshirt freshman tailback rushed 17 times for a career-high 151 yards and touchdowns of 29 and 39 yards to ...


Kicked into high gear

Marc Thomas returned the opening kickoff of the second half 93 yards for a touchdown, igniting Northeastern to a run of 28 straight points in just over eight minutes as the Huskies crushed the University of Rhode Island, 42-14, at Parsons Field yesterday.


Crimson defense shows off its good side

The best offense in the first half of yesterday's Harvard-Yale game was the Crimson defense.


Big Red can't complete the job

Defensive lineman Bobby Fallon intercepted a tipped pass and ran 17 yards for a touchdown to start Penn on its way to a 20-14 win over Cornell yesterday in Ithaca, N.Y.


Rare win for Gators at FSU

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Chris Leak threw for a touchdown, Ciatrick Fason ran for a score, and Florida upset No. 10 Florida State, 20-13, last night to win in Tallahassee for the first time since 1986. It also gave fired coach Ron Zook a victory in his final regular-season game.


LSU rushing record up Broussard's alley

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Alley Broussard ran for a school-record 250 yards with three touchdowns, and No. 14 LSU rallied to beat Mississippi, 27-24, last night.


Lynnfield and Sutton share title

WORCESTER -- Sutton couldn't snap Lynnfield's unbeaten streak, but it did force the defending Division 3 champion to share its crown, forging a soggy 1-1 tie last night at John F. Coughlin Field at Worcester State. After 100 minutes of soccer -- 80 minutes of regulation play and two 10-minute extra sessions -- the teams were still deadlocked and by ...


Barnstable nets second straight

SHREWSBURY -- Barnstable cruised to its second consecutive MIAA Division 1 state volleyball championship, and its eighth in 10 years, with a 3-0 win over Quincy last night.


Ricker goal enough for Nashoba

WORCESTER -- Despite graduating 11 seniors from last year's two-time defending Central Mass. champion squad, Nashoba girls' soccer coach Pam Vaughan was confident of her team's chances to succeed in 2004. And boasting players like sophomore Kylie Ricker and junior Jill Camilleri on her roster, why wouldn't she be? Ricker, who netted the winner in a victory over Longmeadow in ...


GDA falls short against Brunswick

Even all-world runner Brian Morrissey couldn't stop this one. ISL champion Governor Dummer, which came into the NEPSAC Congleton-Stokinger championship game riding a 23-game unbeaten streak, fell to Connecticut's Brunswick Academy, 20-19, at Trinity College yesterday.


Upstart Somerset gives Horton fitting finale

The Somerset boys' soccer team started the state tournament as an 18th seed and an afterthought in the race for the Division 2 state title. The Blue Raiders knew their coach, Whit Horton, would be retiring after their final game. Yesterday, they gave Horton the best retirement gift possible, the MIAA Division 2 state title, taking a 1-0 win over ...


Hewitt, Federer to clash for Cup

HOUSTON -- Roger Federer dangled, Andy Roddick got mangled, and the nerves of 6,510 devotees were tangled and jangled during a breezy, bleak afternoon as the four best tennis players of the universe jammed with each other to see who would remain standing for the Masters Cup final.


Cup within reach for Busch

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Kurt Busch has been doing everything right in his bid for his first Nextel Cup championship. He now has one big hurdle to clear entering today's Ford 400.


De La Hoya firm adds some punch

LAS VEGAS -- Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya announced a unique partnership yesterday, joining forces to create a nationwide promotional company boasting each other as the top attraction.


Mosley is on short end again

LAS VEGAS -- Too big. That's what it came down to last night for Shane Mosley.


Informant's Fire Brings Shadowy Tale

The attempted suicide in front of the White House by a Yemeni national put the secretive world of FBI informants under a rare spotlight.


Bush to Meet With Leaders of Mexico, Chile

President Bush aims to dispel the perception of U.S. neglect of Latin America and burnish an American reputation damaged by the Iraq war, undertaking a second-term diplomatic offensive in the region akin to his recent courting of Europe.


Multi-purpose TV aids India

A combined PC, telephone and television is being used in aid projects in India.


Pushing the UN to act when it must

CONVENED in the wake of the crisis over Iraq, a UN high level panel appointed by Secretary General Kofi Annan Thursday delivered a historic report that leaves


Panel Says Iraq to Hold Elections Jan. 30 (AP)

AP - Iraq's Electoral Commission on Sunday said that national elections will be held Jan. 30.


Win friends, influence voters on public #39;s dime

The other day, while announcing the results of her audit of the city #39;s contract with PR giant Fleishman-Hillard, Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick touched on a bigger issue than the firm #39;s alleged \$4.2 million in overbilling.


Manning promotion no sign of surrender

his third of the week dominated by Eli-mania - someone at last asked Tom Coughlin about a matter largely lost in the hysteria: the standings.


Iran vows to freeze uranium enrichment

Iran has promised to meet Monday #39;s deadline for suspending a uranium enrichment process that could be used for making nuclear weapons -- a freeze that could spare it UN Security Council sanctions.


Woods Ends Drought with Japan Breakthrough

MIYAZAKI, Japan (Reuters) - Tiger Woods collected his first  strokeplay title of a difficult year when he stormed to an  eight-shot victory at the Dunlop Phoenix tournament on Sunday.


Ukrainians Voting in Presidential Run-Off (AP)

AP - Ukrainians on Sunday cast ballots in a presidential run-off pitting a Western-leaning reformer against the Kremlin-praised prime minister, a vote many fear will erupt into violence.


Palestinian Donors Show Some Optimism (AP)

AP - For the first time in four years, the donor nations that sustain the Palestinian economy have reason for optimism. For now, however, that optimism won't mean more money for the Palestinians.


Bucks unleash their potential

COLUMBUS - Sometimes the best way to deal with bad news is to run from it. Strap on your dancing cleats and fly a little. Maurice Clarett left Buckeye Nation backpedaling and scarlet-faced for more than a week, but Saturday came soon enough.


Dhaka fire destroys 1,800 shops

A fire at a market in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka,  kills one and destroys about 1,800 shops.


Don't stand for racism - football chief

Fifa boss Sepp Blatter says he would have backed England's players if they had walked off against Spain.


Comments from readers about Vioxx

More than 35 Enquirer readers have called or e-mailed comments about the five drugs that were criticized Thursday by an expert with the US Food and Drug Administration.


Powell to Focus on Evaluation, Inspiration

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, on the first leg of a hastily-arranged tour of countries devastated by the tsunami, said Monday he would focus on assessing the progress of the relief effort and trying to inspire aid workers and survivors. Powell also said he did not anticipate announcing an increase in the \$350 million in reconstruction assistance pledged by the United States.


G20 opposes  quot;abrupt changes quot; in forex, oil; sees 2005 slowdown

BERLIN, Nov 20 (AFP) - The finance chiefs of the Group of 20 countries oppose  quot;abrupt changes quot; in foreign exchange rates and oil prices and see a slight slowdown in economic growth next year, German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said Saturday.


Quake May Have Permanently Shifted Islands

The tsunami triggered by a massive undersea earthquake Dec. 26 not only washed away thousands of people living on India's coastlines, it may have also permanently altered its geography.


Baghdad Governor Assassinated

Gunmen killed the governor of the Baghdad province, Ali al-Haidari, and six of his bodyguards on Tuesday, officials said. Earlier Tuesday, several Iraqis were killed when a suicide bomber rammed a fuel truck into a checkpoint near the fortified Green Zone.


The Lowdown on High-End PDAs

With BlackBerry pagers and Treo smartphones all the rage, why would anyone need -- or even want -- a pedestrian personal digital assistant?


Stern response needed from Stern

FROM RAPPERS and rockers glorifying violence, to babies taking guns to school, to parents punching coaches and refs, to the unapologetic belligerence of the presidency, we are becoming a meaner and angrier nation.


UK to Seek Debt Relief for Tsunami Nations

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain, with United States backing,  called on Tuesday for a freeze on foreign debts owed by the  countries hit by the Asian tsunami disaster.


O #39;Neill hits out at Novo

Celtic manager Martin O #39;Neill lost no time in re-igniting the flames of an explosive Old Firm derby by condemning the actions of Rangers striker Nacho Novo during his side #39;s 2-0 defeat.


Dungy entitled to be offended by MNF intro

Before putting Towelgate to rest, it #39;s important to revisit some of the specifics of what Colts coach Tony Dungy said about the Terrell Owens-Nicollette Sheridan skit at the beginning of Monday Night Football.


Winky sees off Mosley again

Ronald  #39;Winky #39; Wright edged  #39;Sugar #39; Shane Mosley for the second time in eight months in Las Vegas - but only just as he won a majority decision by the closest of margins to retain his WBA and WBC light-middleweight titles.


Game at Clemson marred by brawls

Clemson #39;s college football game with rival South Carolina was interrupted in the second half when a fight involving several players erupted, spreading nearly the entire length of the field at Clemson #39;s Memorial Stadium and coming close to spilling into


Howard unveils election platform

The Tories will stand up for the "forgotten majority", says Michael Howard as he unveils the Tory election manifesto.


US State Department: Iranian Intelligence is Strong

While US President George W. Bush repeated his concerns over the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran, the US Department of State backed Secretary of State Colin Powell #39;s remarks that  quot;Iran has been developing rocket systems capable of carrying


Cricket: Australia tighten grip

Skipper Ricky Ponting makes a double century as Australia continue to dominate the third Test against Pakistan.


Manmohan arrives on two-day visit to Assam

Guwahati, Nov. 21 (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, arrived here today from Manipur on a two-day visit to Assam amidst tight security.


Directors rebuff Oracle #39;s \$24 bid

PeopleSoft Inc. #39;s board of directors said Saturday it will not accept Oracle Corp. #39;s bid to buy the company for \$24 per share, even after 61 percent of the Pleasanton firm #39;s investors endorsed the offer.


Huge US deficit emphasizes fragile world view of the American <b>...</b>

International Forecaster Allyn Hunt writes: Bush #39;s re-election in contrast signals a period of increased efforts by Brazil #39;s widely popular President of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Argentina #39;s Nestor Kirchner, Venezuela #39;s vigorously anti-Bush President


Clash of retail giants could benefit small toy stores

With only 34 shopping days until Christmas - and a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter to shop for - Lisa Smalley knows where she #39;ll be doing her toy shopping.


Nintendo #39;s new portable DS a big change from Game Boy

Nintendo believes that when it comes to video games, your fingers want to touch as much as twitch and that two really is better than one.


Recording giants file copyright suit against city music collector

Brett Bojrab likes music. He owns hundreds of compact discs that he listens to while driving. To avoid hauling CDs back and forth into his house, Bojrab copied much of his music collection onto


Chase for the Cup

To NASCAR fans, a pocket calculator is going to be as valuable today as an air gun for a tire changer. Depending on where they finish in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the 18


Wright #39;s jab still too much for Mosley

Firing his father led to a better performance for Shane Mosley against Winky Wright in their fight for the undisputed super welterweight championship Saturday at Mandalay Bay.


ENGLAND v SOUTH AFRICA RATINGS

JASON ROBINSON: The England captain boycotted the media all week but did his talking on the pitch as South Africa were comfortably dispatched.


Palestinians want Powell to help release Barghouthi

RAMALLAH: Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei called on Saturday for the United States to pressure Israel to release jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouthi and other imprisoned Palestinian leaders.


Detainee release lends dignity to Myanmar

YANGON: The release of thousands of prisoners including top dissidents in military-run Myanmar lends dignity to the nation, the main opposition party said on Saturday as it praised those freed for their struggle for democracy.


Afghan sentenced for killing four journalists

KABUL: An Afghan man was found guilty on Saturday of killing four journalists in 2001, including two from Reuters, and sentenced to death.


Minister Tries to End Royal Memo Row

Education Secretary Charles Clarke today tried to end the row over the Prince of Waless controversial memo by praising his commitment to developing peoples ambition.


New anti-terror plans

The Government is considering tough new anti-terrorism laws amid fears of an al-Qaida attack on Britain. Home Secretary David Blunkett will unveil the new proposals in an interview to be aired today on ITV1 #39;s Jonathan Dimbleby programme.


Sri Lanka steps up security

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka stepped up security in the capital Colombo on Saturday as police launched an investigation into the slaying of a judge and his bodyguard, officials said.


Israel Kills 7 Palestinians in North Gaza -- Medics

BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot  dead seven Palestinians in a strawberry field in north Gaza on  Tuesday after mortar fire from Palestinian militants there  wounded two Jewish settlers.


Bush warns Iran and North Korea

US President George W Bush is stepping up pressure on North Korea and Iran to abandon their nuclear weapons programmes. At the Apec summit of Pacific-rim countries in Chilean capital Santiago Mr Bush has been


Russia to supply energy resources to India

RBC, 19.11.2004, Moscow 17:06:44.Gazprom will cooperate with India-based Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) focusing on energy supplies to this country.


Racism: FIFA should hit Spain hard

It seems that England simply cannot escape controversy. But on Wednesday night in Madrid it was their opponents, rather than themselves, that were dragged through the mire as racist chants directed at England


Prime time, slime time

I know you don #39;t care about people like me. Actually, you and the rest of the entertainment history don #39;t care about people, period.


Tsunami toll hits 15,485 dead or missing in India: official (AFP)

AFP - The official toll in southern India from tsunamis has reached at least 9,571 people confirmed dead and 5,914 missing, many of them presumed dead, the government said.


Humane law in offing in Manipur: PM

Imphal, November 21: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday expressed the hope that a  quot;humane quot; law that protects national security and human rights of the people of Manipur would be in place as early as possible once the controversial Armed Forces


Barcelona coach urges caution despite victory over Madrid

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard urged caution following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Real Madrid, maintaining the Spanish league title race is still far from decided.


Lockheed Martin allegations focus on Boeing #39;s chief executive

Nov. 18--Lockheed Martin has introduced evidence in a civil lawsuit that allegedly demonstrates Boeing Chief Executive Harry Stonecipher knew former Air Force acquisitions officer Darleen Druyun gave Boeing


Insurers may drop thousands of homeowners as moratorium ends

Come Dec. 1, many Floridians may find an unwelcome piece of mail interspersed between bills, holiday catalogs and greeting cards: a non-renewal or cancellation letter from their insurers.


Nintendo prepares weekend launch of new handheld

Los Angeles  Reuters News Service, 19 November 2004 - A generation of children grew up playing Nintendo #39;s Game Boy handheld video game system, and now that they have grown up, Nintendo has a new toy for them.


Hostage freed, husband grieves

POLISH hostage Teresa Borcz-Halifa emerged over the weekend saying her captors in Iraq had treated her well, but refusing to explain how she came to be free.


8 Dead, 79 Wounded in Chinese Mine Fire

Reportedly a fire in an iron mine in Northern China has killed eight miners and 79 miners are still unable to be reached. According to the news from New Chinese News Agency, five miners managed to escape from


SWAPO Declared Winner in Namibia Election

Namibia #39;s ruling SWAPO party scored an overwhelming victory in official election results on Sunday, bolstering the former guerrilla movement as it grapples with sensitive issues such as land reform.


Five missing German tourists found

FIVE German tourists who went missing in Algeria #39;s Sahara desert have been found safe and well in the southern Djanet region of the north African country, local police said today.


China Plane Crashes Into Frozen Lake, Killing 54 (Reuters)

Reuters - A China Eastern commuter plane crashed\into a frozen lake seconds after takeoff in Inner Mongolia on\Sunday, killing 53 people on board and one on the ground, the\airline and state media said.


Fox hunting ban is about 'class war': Labour MP (AFP)

AFP - The ban on fox hunting is driven by the Labour Party's desire to stamp out "the old order" dominated by the country's landowning upper classes, a Labour MP wrote in The Sunday Telegraph.


Expos #39; move given conditional approval

Baseball owners took another step toward moving the Montreal Expos to Washington next year, giving conditional approval Friday but hinging their decision on the September agreement that did not cap the cost of a new stadium.


Taser Execs Selling Heavily on the News

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Taser International Inc.  TASR.O have jumped 20 percent since early last week as the  stun gun maker issued a slew of announcements painting a  positive picture of its business prospects.


Be Happy, Put Retirement Fears to Rest

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - If retirement fears were  color-coded, they would be somewhere between orange and red  right now.


Ukrainians Choose New President in Landmark Vote

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainians voted for a new president on  Sunday, choosing between their Russian-backed prime minister  and a West-leaning liberal in a tight contest many fear could  degenerate into turmoil.


Fans  #39;disgusted #39; by Tigers #39; fate

ATLANTA -- After watching Auburn University #39;s football team finish a perfect regular season yet remain on the outside of the national championship picture, Doyle King is experiencing a familiar and not-so-welcome feeling these days.


Israel, Palestinians Await Powell Visit

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said before a visit by  Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday that it would  consider calls to pull its troops away from West Bank cities to  facilitate a Palestinian presidential election.


Death in Custody of Afghan Kidnap Suspect Probed

KABUL (Reuters) - A man suspected of involvement in the  abduction of three U.N. workers in Afghanistan died in custody  last week and authorities are investigating whether he was  tortured to death, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.


Quadruple on the cards for wealthy Chelsea

a 2-1 defeat to Benfica in the 2004 Portuguese Cup Final. That aside, his Porto team won everything they entered: two


Iraq debts write-off 'approved'

Key creditor nations reportedly approve a plan to slash Iraq's debts, as an election date is announced.


Focus Shifts to Dollar and Rates

The post-election stock market rally has been rudely interrupted by the implications of a sliding US dollar, higher interest rates, the US current account deficit and Friday #39;s rebound in oil prices.


Baghdad Governor Assassinated; Bombing Kills 10 (Reuters)

Reuters - Gunmen killed the Baghdad governor in\Iraq's highest-profile assassination in eight months and a\suicide bomber killed 10 people near the Green Zone on Tuesday\in an escalating campaign to wreck a Jan. 30 election.


Taser insiders sold \$68 million of stock in a week

Taser International Inc. #39;s chairman, two co-founders and five other insiders sold more than \$68 million of their stock between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11, regulatory filings show.


A trade-rule gamble

Did you know the United States has no right to ban cross-border gambling on the Internet? That #39;s what the World Trade Organization decreed after the two-island nation of Antiqua and Barbuda complained about


Tennis: Marathon tie-breaker triumph puts Federer into Masters Cup <b>...</b>

HOUSTON, United States : World number one Roger Federer outlasted Marat Safin in a tie-breaker that matched the longest in tennis history to book a date against Lleyton Hewitt in the ATP Masters Cup final.


World #39;s oldest man dies at age 113

Fred Hale Sr., believed to have been the oldest man on Earth, has died less than a month before his 114th birthday at a DeWitt, NY, nursing home.


England could have walked - Fifa

Fifa boss Sepp Blatter has admitted he would have supported England #39;s players if they had walked off in the face of racial abuse against Spain this week.


Dramatic appearance in Poland of kidnap victim

Teresa Borcz Khalifa, a Polish woman kidnapped last month in Iraq, dramatically appeared at a press conference in Warsaw yesterday, but gave few details of her captivity or how she had been freed.


PM departs for four-day S. Asian tour

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz left on Sunday for a four-day official visit to three South Asian member countries for talks on regional and bilateral matters.


Palestinians want the Americans to ensure smooth elections

JERUSALEM Palestinian leaders have outlined plans to persuade visiting American envoys to help ensure smooth elections to replace Yasser Arafat.


US experts to examine filtering Web songs: Court

Sydney, December 4: US technical experts will fly to Australia to examine whether song files swapped by users of Kazaa, the world #39;s most popular Internet file-swapping system, can be filtered, a judge hearing a copyright case has ruled.


Focus Shifts to Dollar and Rates (Reuters)

Reuters - The post-election stock market rally\has been rudely interrupted by the implications of a sliding\U.S. dollar, higher interest rates, the U.S. current account\deficit and Friday's rebound in oil prices.


Taser Execs Selling Heavily on the News (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of Taser International Inc.\ have jumped 20 percent since early last week as the\stun gun maker issued a slew of announcements painting a\positive picture of its business prospects.


Be Happy, Put Retirement Fears to Rest (Reuters)

Reuters - If retirement fears were\color-coded, they would be somewhere between orange and red\right now.


When Executives Speak, Hotels Listen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When corporate guests ask for  something, smart hotel managers get it.


BAE turns its sights on US

BAE Systems has launched a search for a senior American businessman to become a non-executive director. The high-profile appointment is designed to strengthen the board at a time when the defence giant is


WTO negotiators finish week of farm talks

Negotiators at the World Trade Organization completed weeklong farm talks Friday, part of discussions on ways to reach a wider-ranging liberalization accord by the end of 2005.


Hewitt bids to derail Federer express

THE odds are stacked heavily against Lleyton Hewitt but the Australian has incentives aplenty when he faces world No. 1 Roger Federer in the Masters Cup final in Houston today.


Down and out

A GIANT roared, a nation was crushed and debate over the ethics of an ancient game flared at the Gabba yesterday. After a sluggish start to the first Test Australia flexed their


Afghans Investigate Death of Suspect (AP)

AP - Authorities are investigating whether a suspect in the kidnapping of three U.N. workers was tortured before he died in police custody, an official said Sunday.


Humans May Double the Risk of Heat Waves

Human activity has at least doubled the risk of heat waves like the one in 2003 that killed thousands in Europe, researchers conclude in a study being published today in the scientific journal Nature.


PM in Assam for a two-day visit

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in on Sunday from Manipur on a two-day visit to Assam amidst tight security. The Prime Minister drove straight to the Raj Bhavan, where he is scheduled to meet


Jail term for Bahraini activist

A Bahrain court sentences a human rights activist to one year in jail for inciting hatred against the state.


MacCentral week in review

Apple opens its first European Apple Store on Saturday, on Regent Street in London #39;s West End. In a special press tour of the store earlier this week, Apple #39;s vice president of retail Ron


Barcelona 3-0 Real Madrid

Cameroon #39;s Samuel Eto #39;o Fils helped Barcelona trounce Real Madrid 3-0 to move seven points clear of their great rivals in Spain #39;s La Liga.


Tailbacks take back seat in Iron Bowl

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - The Iron Bowl didn #39;t come close to providing the anticipated showcase of top tailbacks. Instead, the quarterbacks and two of the nation #39;s best defenses dominated No.


Bears #39; trail drawing closer to Pasadena

BERKELEY, Calif. -- Push led to shove all afternoon, but when it was over, the California students owned the field. They flowed out of the Memorial Stadium bleachers Saturday in a riotous celebration of the


Russia blocking Paris Club debt relief for Iraq: G20 source

BERLIN (AFP) - Russia is blocking a Paris Club agreement to wipe out 80 percent of Iraqi debt, a source said on the sidelines of a Group of 20 meeting of finance chiefs.


Afghan gets death penalty for killing four

A Kabul, Afghanistan, court has sentenced 29-year-old Reza Khan to death for killing four journalists in 2001. Khan was convicted of killing Australian television cameraman


How to avoid viruses, remotely access home PC Scripps Howard News <b>...</b>

We have more and more letters to answer. Let #39;s get right to the mailbag. Q: In a recent column you said that 95 percent of all viruses and spyware are aimed at Internet Explorer, so I decided to do away with IE.


Australia vs New Zealand

Australia #39;s Jason Gillespie celebrates after reaching his first Test half-century against New Zealand during day four of the first Test in Brisbane, on Sunday.


SA #39;s Hall seeks to pin down win

South Africa all-rounder Andrew Hall warned India they should be under no illusions that the tourists are fully focused on a positive result in Kanpur.


Russia holds out on Iraq debt plan

Russia has not agreed to a German-US proposal that would forgive up to 80 percent of Iraq #39;s foreign debt, according to German Finance Minister Hans Eichel.


Prince Charles Hits Back at  #39;Out of Touch #39; Jibe

Prince Charles will hit back on Monday at government accusations that he is old-fashioned and out of touch in his views on ordinary people #39;s aspirations.


Britain considering tough new anti-terror laws

London: Britain is considering sweeping new anti-terrorism laws including special courts to try terror suspects without a jury, Home Secretary David Blunkett said in an interview Sunday.


GM, Ford Sales Sagged in November

The Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG was the only domestic car company that gained ground during November, marking its eighth straight month of US vehicle sales increases.


VIOXX HEARINGS: GET A TASTE OF YOUR OWN MEDICINE

When pharmaceutical giant Merck  amp; Co. abruptly pulled its arthritis pain medication Vioxx from the marketplace on Sept. 30, more than 2 million patients were taking the drug.


Costello to steer Group of 20

TREASURER Peter Costello will chair the 2006 meeting of the Group of 20, which brings together the finance ministers and central bankers from the leading industrial and developing nations.


Report: Officials search Yukos managers #39; homes

Russian authorities have searched the homes of dozens of managers working for the embattled Yukos oil company in what one board member described as a massive campaign reminiscent of the Stalinist purges, a news agency reported Sunday.


Busch the Man to Beat for Nextel Cup (AP)

AP - Kurt Busch has been doing everything right in his bid for his first Nextel Cup championship. He now has one big hurdle to clear entering Sunday's Ford 400. He needs to protect a vulnerable 18-point lead over Jimmie Johnson, with Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin also within reach.


Report: Officials search Yukos managers' homes (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MOSCOW (AP) - Russian authorities have searched the homes of dozens of managers working for the embattled Yukos oil company in what one board member described as a massive campaign reminiscent of the Stalinist purges, a news agency reported Sunday.


Hole-hearted attempt

THE fastest-swivelling space science observatory rocketed into orbit yesterday to scan the universe for violent celestial explosions, which astronomers believe represent the birth screams of black holes.


Reeling Kiwis try to get back on the wagon

IF, as New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming suggested in the wake of yesterday #39;s embarrassing capitulation, his team began the day with a  quot;mental hangover quot; then he faces a devil #39;s own job getting them back on the wagon in time for the next Test, starting


Hodgson homes in on number 10

Charlie Hodgson hopes to give England coach Andy Robinson a selection headache when World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson returns to fitness.


Cal #39;s Arrington passes the torch to Lynch, and future looks bright

BERKELEY - Someone asked Marshawn Lynch, Cal #39;s precocious true freshman, how far he could throw a football. His tone is matter-of-fact, a  quot;how #39;s the weather quot; voice.


Profits Fading in Digital Camera Industry (Reuters)

Reuters - Bloated with inventory and mired in the\red, the digital camera business of Japan's Olympus Corp.\underscores how making money in the cut-throat market is\getting tougher.


Small Plane Crashes in China, Killing 54

Rescuers search for the bodies of air crash victims at the site of an air crash in Baotou, north China #39;s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Sunday November 21, 2004.


Top brass warns of Iraqi civil war

LISBON: US army chief General Richard Myers said in an interview that civil war could erupt in Iraq after forthcoming elections. However, General Myers, the chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, told the


Arafat #39;s nephew arrives in Paris for Arafat #39;s medical records

Nasser al-Qidwa, nephew of the deceased Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, arrived Sunday in Parisfrom Cairo to pick up Arafat #39;s medical records, French TF1 television reported.


Prince Charles defends his views on education

Prince Charles, who was lambasted by the media and a government lawmaker for a memo in which he derided people who aspire to lofty goals beyond their natural talent, said on Sunday that he had been misinterpreted.


Costa Rica: Earthquake kills eight

A strong earthquake rocked Costa Rica during the weekend, killing eight people and shaking the Central American nation during the Ibero-American summit.


Iraqis push ahead with elections

Iraq has set a date of 30 January 2005 for its first nationwide election since the toppling of Saddam Hussein. The announcement came from the independent Iraqi electoral commission in Baghdad.


No Confidence Vote Passes Against UN Top Leadership

Already embattled with his ties to the Iraqi Oil for Food scandal, and what some term as the 'Food for Sex' scandal, Kofi Annan has dodged the latest bullet. Well, dodged only in the sense that specific allegations against him was removed at the last minute before passing.    The UN staff union passed a resolution sharply critical of the world body's senior management but expressed support for beleaguered Secretary General Kofi Annan.    An earlier draft of the resolution had strongly worded language about no confidence in senior staff of the United Nations, which has been buffeted by scandals over the past few months.


Friday night brawl a disgrace

Indeed, after Friday night #39;s mayhem in Motown, Detroit Pistons fans can now clearly lay claim to be the biggest idiots in the sporting world, no easy achievment these days, and while many of them were apparently too dumb to realize they were being caught


Microsoft Targets Older People for Web Via TV

SEATTLE (Reuters) - For people trying to get their aging  parents on the Web so they can read e-mail and get digital  photos of the family, Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O has a message:  Don't give up.


Profits Fading in Digital Camera Industry

TOKYO (Reuters) - Bloated with inventory and mired in the  red, the digital camera business of Japan's Olympus Corp.  underscores how making money in the cut-throat market is  getting tougher.


U.S. Heartland Is Bursting with Corn, Soy

ROCHELLE, Ill. (Reuters) - Golden mountains are rising out  of the fertile farmlands of the U.S. Midwest, a changing  landscape formed by huge piles of corn from the most bountiful  harvest in U.S. history.


NBA players suspended for big brawl

National Basketball Association Commissioner David Stern issued indefinite suspensions Saturday to four of the main protagonists in Friday night #39;s brawl among the Indiana Pacers, the Detroit


WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

NEWS OF THE WORLD: Ashley Cole last night called on the Spanish FA to axe their shamed coach Luis Aragones and branded him evil #39; #39;.


Violence erupts in Baghdad

Baghdad was again rocked by violence on Saturday as rebels launched an assault on a police station and four civil servants were assassinated, while US and Iraqi troops took the battle against insurgents from Fallujah to Mosul.


Achievements on Humanitarian Access in Darfur  #39;fast falling apart #39;

Renewed insecurity stops Oxfam delivering vital aid to 200,000 people in Darfur - Security in Darfur has deteriorated over the past two weeks leaving nearly 200,000 people in Darfur cut off from vital aid supplies.


Korea Puzzled by US Currency Game

Over the weekend, the US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan hinted at the maintenance of weak dollar policy (in Germany) while President Bush said he is committed to a strong dollar (in Chile).


Fears of split in Reliance group premature:

Business India: Mumbai, Nov 21 : As millions of Indians are held in thrall by reports of a family feud in Reliance Industries, the country #39;s largest company, experts say it would be premature to talk about a split as yet.


MG Rover on brink of China deal

MG Rover is on the brink of a 1bn deal with a Chinese company that will help secure the future of its giant Longbridge plant. Under the joint venture with the Shanghai Automotive Corporation, a new company


Israel urged to clear way for Palestinian vote

Palestinians called crucial to the success of a ballot to choose a successor to the late Yasser Arafat. Middle East envoy William Burns told reporters on Sunday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.


We will meet India half way, vibes not encouraging: Musharraf

Lahore, Nov 21 (UNI) Dismayed by India #39;s outright rejection of his recent dramatic proposals, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said vibes coming from the neighbouring country are not encouraging but expressed Islamabad #39;s readiness to leave its


Sears-Kmart Deal Highlights Future Retail Trend

The planned acquisition of Sears, Roebuck and Co. by Kmart Holding Corp. highlights a changing retail environment that could soon eliminate the department store as we know it, analysts and consultants said on Friday.


US Pledges to Cut Deficit as G-20 Sees Growth Risks (Update1)

Treasury Secretary John Snow pledged to reduce the US budget deficit, blamed by Europeans for the euro #39;s gains against the dollar and cited as a risk to global growth by ministers from 20 industrial and emerging economies.


Bears Will Try to Disrupt Colts' Offense (AP)

AP - As the new man in the middle of the Chicago Bears' defense, Hunter Hillenmeyer will be calling the signals, trying to disrupt the NFL's most potent offense while matching football wits with Peyton Manning.


Malice at the Palace - the last thing the NBA needed for their <b>...</b>

Take your pick of culprits in the stunning melee Friday night at The Palace of Auburn Hills, in a heated game between Central Division rivals: the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers.


Centurion Hall puts South Africa in driver #39;s seat:

Sports India, Cricket: Kanpur, Nov 21 : Stopgap opener Andrew Hall scored his maiden Test century and debutant Zander de Bruyn made 83 Sunday to give South Africa a vice-like grip on the second day of the first Test against India at the Green Park


Study: Humans Were Born to Run

More than by brain size or tool-making ability, the human species was set apart from its ancestors by the ability to jog mile after lung-stabbing mile with greater endurance than any other primate, according to research published today in the journal


It #39;s been emotional says proud coach

GRAHAM HENRY admitted he was mentally shattered after coming through an emotional return to Cardiff with his pride intact - but only just.


World Briefs Column

A family tug-of-war over whether to reveal Yasser Arafat #39;s cause of death bubbled over in public yesterday, with a brother of the late leader insisting the Palestinian people are entitled to know.


British Labor government to step up anti-terror laws if wins next

British Home Secretary David Blunkett on Sunday unveiled proposals for more far-reaching laws to tackle terrorism if the Labor government wins the next election widely expected in May next year.


Iraq Delays Elections to Jan. 30

Iraqi officials say Jan. 30 has been set as the new date for the war-torn country #39;s first national elections since a US-led military coalition toppled Saddam Hussein #39;s regime.


Three More Bodies Found in Iraq #39;s Restive Mosul

The bodies of three men killed by insurgents were found on a street in the Iraqi city of Mosul on Sunday, a day after US troops in the city discovered the bodies of nine Iraqi soldiers who had been shot in the head.


Ambanis seek to resolve ownership issue

A family meeting of Ambanis to resolve differences over the ownership issue in India #39;s largest corporate house - Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is likely to take place tomorrow in Mumbai.


SEC revises standards for securities brokers

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is giving securities brokers up to November 2005 to shift to the use of risk-based capital adequacy standards from the current net capital standards.


Power restored to portions of Bay Area

Power is returning to many residents in the Bay Area this morning with all outages expected to end by 1 pm today, a Pacific Gas and Electric Co.


Artest To Get 30-Day Suspension For Brawl, Station Reports

The National Basketball Association suspended four players involved in Friday night #39;s fight at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The NBA is expected to formally announce the suspensions as early as today for their


Alabama Notebook

TUSCALOOSA - Alabama head coach Mike Shula received a heavy dose of criticism earlier this season for choosing to punt on fourth-and-short in a loss to Arkansas.


US birdie assault seizes UBS Cup lead

The United States team wasn #39;t able to stop the juggernaut that is the partnership of Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, but little else slowed it down in a record-setting


Dollar Forecast Most Bearish in 18 Months, Trader Survey Says

Currency traders, investors and strategists are more bearish on the dollar than at any time in the past 18 months, a Bloomberg News survey indicates.


Iraq Sets Election Date But Unrest Threatens Poll

Iraq chose Jan. 30 for its first democratic election in decades on Sunday, but violence in Sunni Muslim areas underlined the challenge of holding polls on time.


U.S. Urges Israel to Smooth Way for Palestinian Vote

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - A U.S. envoy said before a  visit by Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday that Israel  should take steps to smooth the way for a Palestinian  presidential election scheduled for January.


Blair Puts Security at Heart of Pre-Election Plans

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Tony Blair will spell out this  week his legislative plans for the next session of parliament  -- tantamount to an election manifesto, with the prime minister  expected to go to the polls in May next year.


Blunkett moots 'proof-lite' Internet and banking banning orders

Curfews for those thought to be thinking about terror


Snow: U.S. Deficits to Fall

BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said  on Sunday he assured members of the Group of 20 nations that  Washington will slash deficits they blame for a falling dollar  and repeated his call for stronger European growth.


Senate Confirms Treasury's Bitsberger (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. Senate on Sunday confirmed\Timothy Bitsberger as assistant secretary for financial\markets, the key debt market post in the Treasury Department.


San Francisco hotel lockout ends; talks to continue

SAN FRANCISCO - Employers agreed to end their lockout of workers at 14 San Francisco hotels and resume negotiations with UNITE HERE!


SEC inks deal for online posting of financial statements

THE SECURITIES Exchange Commission (SEC) has signed a 128-million-peso contract with several information technology firms to help develop the agency #39;s online reporting system for Philippine companies.


Yuan peg to ease  #39;in stability #39;

CHINESE President Hu Jintao told his US counterpart George W. Bush that Beijing planned to loosen the yuan #39;s decade-old peg to the dollar, but only under stable economic conditions, an official said.


Mine fire kills 33 in north China province

Thirty-three are dead and 61 missing after a mine fire in north China #39;s Hebei Province, Sunday. The fire began at 10:30 am Saturday in the Baita Township of Shahe, trapping 106 miners underground.


Peoplesoft rejects new Oracle bid

Peoplesoft rejects a takeover bid from rival Oracle for the sixth time in the last 18 months calling the offer "inadequate".


Peoplesoft rejects new Oracle bid

Software company Peoplesoft has formally rejected a takeover bid from rival Oracle for a sixth time. The rejection came after about 61 of shareholders in the California-based business software firm backed Oracle #39;s \$9.2bn (4.9bn) approach.


Kmart #39;s man of mystery

Eddie Lampert, engineer of the Kmart-Sears merger, is as secretive as he is successful. Even Aylwin Lewis, the executive hired by Lampert last month to run Kmart, had no idea that his new


NZ  #39;friends #39; to push for free trade with US

New Zealand #39;s  quot;friends quot; in Washington will soon make another push to have the administration consider a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and NZ, Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday.


Roubles on the trade agenda

New Zealand and Russia are on the verge of forming a stronger trading relationship, but moves are likely to stop short of a full free trade deal until Russia becomes a member of the World Trade Organisation.


Nintendo DS goes on sale in America

Nintendo starts its campaign to stop Sony taking over the handheld gaming market with the launch of its new handheld console the Nintendo DS today in the US.


Google introduces new research tool

(AP) - Online search engine leader Google is setting out make better sense of all the scholarly work stored on the Web. The company #39;s new service, unveiled late Wednesday at scholar


Casey shines in England golf win

Paul Casey, with another inspired putting display, and Luke Donald have earned England a one-shot victory over home favourites Spain in the WGC-World Cup of Golf.


Boxing: Ronald Wright retains titles

Ronald Wright used an effective right jab to retain his World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council junior middleweight titles when posting a majority decision over former champion Shane Mosley in Las Vegas yesterday.


NZ withstands Welsh passion

The All Blacks coach was also correct when he said Wales were a team worthy of respect. Whether he showed enough with his team selection is debatable but what is beyond dispute is that


55 killed in China plane crash:

World News: Hohhot (China), Nov 21 : A total of 55 people, including two men on the ground, were killed when a commuter plane crashed into a frozen lake in China soon after take-off in Inner Mongolia Sunday, Xinhua reports.


India pulls 3000 troops from Kashmir

India had pulled about 3000 troops out of Kashmir in a planned withdrawal, officials said yesterday, as the peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad came under strain.


Swapo party wins Namibia elections

Namibian President Sam Nujoma #39;s chosen successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba, has won a landslide victory with 75 of the vote in the country #39;s third elections since independence, according to official results.


BLUSHES IN BLUE

FLOWING football it was not. Neither did the expected goal glut at Stamford Bridge materialise. Instead, Chelsea came crashing down to earth on home ground, of all places, as Bolton caused one of the biggest surprises of the season so far.


Five killed in Brazil land clash

Five rural workers are shot dead in the most violent incident in Brazil's land row since the president took power.


Sinn Fein leader 'regrets' bombs

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams says he "regrets" the Birmingham pub bombings on the 30th anniversary of the attacks.


Moscow sets date to auction Yukos unit

The Russian government plans to sell a majority stake in the main production unit of oil giant OAO Yukos at an auction on December 19.


Big 6 banks poised for profit slowdown, but still expect double <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Canada #39;s big banks, reporting year-end results over the next two weeks, will show a definite deceleration in growth, but analysts say they are still poised to ring up double-digit profit increases.


Google #39;s Caution

Google #39;s (Nasdaq: GOOG) shares slid 3 Thursday as investors worried that the search-engine outfit may not be invincible after all.


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

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


Beer-swilling idiots should bear most of the blame

There #39;s a common misconception in the world of sports often voiced by beer-toting fans as if it were defensible in a court of law.


Boy becomes a Manning

ANOTHER LOSS meant another sleepless night for New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin. It was 3 am Monday morning, less than 12 hours after his team had lost to the Arizona Cardinals


Britain to Tighten Anti-Terror Laws

LONDON, November 21 (IslamOnline.net  amp; News Agencies) - Britain will adopt a set of tightened anti-terror laws in case Prime Minister Tony Blair #39;s Labor Party wins the general elections, due next year, the home secretary said on Sunday, November 21.


India PM courts north-east rebels

India #39;s prime minister has urged militant separatists in the north-east to join negotiations with the federal government and end decades of strife.


Bofra exploit hits our ad serving supplier

Important notice Some Reg readers may be infected


Stelco #39;s bankruptcy restructuring looks more like an auction 10 <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - The steel market has been hotter than a blast furnace lately. So, too, are critics of Stelco Inc., who question whether the company should have been declared insolvent ahead of such strong market conditions.


McNair In, Brown Out at QB for Titans (AP)

AP - Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair returned to the starting lineup Sunday, but running back Chris Brown was inactive against the Jacksonville Jaguars.


Bahrain Activist Pardoned by King

Bahrain #39;s king pardoned a human rights activist who convicted of inciting hatred of the government and sentenced to one year in prison Sunday in a case linked to criticism of the prime minister.


Report Says Congress Must Fix Amtrak (AP)

AP - Though Congress approved a  #36;1.2 billion subsidy for Amtrak, the money-losing passenger railroad still is careening toward a major disruption in service.


China Builds Trade Ties With South America

BUENOS AIRES -- Chinese President Hu Jintao ended a two-day visit to Argentina with the prize he had sought -- the coveted status of  quot;market economy quot; -- and pledges of investment and trade, in a regional tour that highlights China #39;s new outward-looking


Debt relief for Iraq

Paris - The Paris Club of creditor nations, with the exception of Russia, has reached an agreement in principle to slash debts Iraq owes to the group by up to 80, a well-placed official said on Sunday.


ANALYSIS: Dollar Fall Will Come at a Price for All

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is set to turn a  blind eye to the sliding dollar and a deaf ear to protests  about its fall, but experts smell trouble for all in what looks  like an effective devaluation of the world's reserve currency.


Three ministers face the boot amid fears of a Zanu PF rift

As the Zanu PF story takes new twists and political intrigue continues, three Cabinet ministers and a provincial governor face the sack for their role in the much-publicised Tsholotsho Declaration.


Amtrak in Another Hole with \$1.3 Bln Loss

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Amtrak is in another financial hole  after posting a \$1.3 billion operating loss last fiscal year  and again receiving far less than it requested in federal  subsidies, an influential transportation watchdog said on  Sunday.


The fizz could go out of Sears merger euphoria

New York -- Few things stir the heart of stock investors like a huge merger deal. And last week #39;s shotgun wedding between Kmart and Sears, two limping retailers, was no exception.


G-20 skirts sliding dollar

Finance ministers from the Group of 20 rich or emerging countries have wrapped up a two-day summit in Berlin without making explicit reference to the sagging value of the US dollar against the euro.


Investors may see more put on trial

GREENVILLE, SC - After nearly two years and two trials, Attorney General Henry McMaster said the investigation is continuing into the collapse of Carolina Investors Inc.


Community Tries to Revive Cuba's Chinatown (AP)

AP - At first glance, Havana's Chinatown seems a misnomer. Restaurants serve pizza, and actual Chinese are vastly outnumbered by tourists and Hispanics.


Space-flight pioneer predicts 3,000  quot;astronauts quot; in 5 years

Burt Rutan, a maverick aviator with Elvis-like sideburns, spread his futuristic vision last week of space travel no longer dominated by the government but by daring engineers such as himself.


Virus protection for cell phones on the way

Anti-virus protection will ship later this month with some new phones in Japan, a harbinger of cellular threats to come. Security products are already available for handheld


Consumers could be the losers in battle for next-generation DVD standard (AFP)

AFP - As videocassettes fade into history, a full-fledged battle is on to establish the next standard of DVDs which could open up a new realm of possibilities in interactive home entertainment.


TOP UK MINISTER GOES... NUTS OVER HER

BORN blind, Mr David Blunkett had to work harder than most to become Home Secretary, which makes him one of the most powerful men in Britain.


NBA smackdown

The NBA suspended four players indefinitely yesterday for their involvement in one of the worst fights in professional sports history Friday, in which players stormed into the stands and exchanged blows with fans.


Wales finish by making right sort of splash

WELSHMEN Phillip Price and Bradley Dredge had to birdie the final three holes to remain in contention at the World Cup in Spain. The Wales duo had slipped way off the hot foursomes pace being set by England #39;s


Nou or never for samba stars

STRIKERS Ronaldinho and Ronaldo face each other for the first time in tonight #39;s eagerly anticipated league clash of Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.


McNair to start; Titans without Brown against Jags

Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Tennessee Titans will have Steve McNair back at quarterback for Sunday #39;s game against Jacksonville, but running back Chris Brown was inactive because of a turf toe injury.


Iran to go ahead with nuke act suspension

Iran said yesterday it was still committed to suspending its sensitive uranium enrichment activities as of today and that alarm over its nuclear activities was merely  quot;propaganda quot;.


Thirty-three dead, 61 missing after fire in five Chinese mines

BEIJING : Thirty-three miners were confirmed dead and 61 others were missing after a fire at five iron ore mines in northern China.


Israel Hit by Worst Locust Plague Since 1950s (Reuters)

Reuters - Millions of locusts swarmed through\Israel's Red Sea resort town of Eilat on Sunday, devouring\crops and flowers in the country's south.


Bush Has a Plan to Create Jobs (AP)

AP - Hiring is picking up and President Bush is on track to preside over job growth in his second term, shedding the Herbert Hoover label of being the first president since the Great Depression to lose jobs under his watch.


Rehnquist's Status Still a Mystery (AP)

AP - Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's health is shrouded in mystery, the extent of his thyroid cancer a closely guarded secret. Several coming events could give the public an idea about the seriousness of his condition.


Lawmaker: White House Key to U.S. Intelligence Reform (Reuters)

Reuters - The Republican chairman of the\Senate Intelligence Committee on Sunday blamed the White House\and Pentagon for resisting intelligence reform and gave the\U.S. Congress a failing grade for not passing legislation.


U.S. Urges Israel to Smooth Way for Palestinian Vote

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - A U.S. envoy said before a  visit by Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday that Israel  should take steps to smooth the way for a Palestinian  presidential election set for Jan. 9.


Ukrainians Vote for New President in Landmark Poll

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainians voted for a new president on  Sunday, choosing between their Russian-backed prime minister  and a West-leaning liberal in a tight contest many fear could  degenerate into turmoil.


Bush Pledges Immigration Reform at Asia-Pacific Summit

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - President Bush reached out to Latin  America on Sunday with a pledge to pursue immigration reform  but a security scuffle that he inserted himself into created a  lasting image for this year's summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.


Iran Bars National Geographic Over Map Dispute

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran banned National Geographic  reporters and sales of the magazine until it corrects an atlas  it published using a disputed name for waters off the Islamic  Republic's south coast.


New clashes erupt in west Nepal

At least 10 Nepalese troops are killed in  clashes with rebels who lost 16 of their men, the army says.


Plane Crash in China Kills All 53 People Aboard

A passenger plane crashed in an ice-covered lake in northern China seconds after takeoff Sunday, killing all 53 people aboard and one person on the ground after an apparent midair explosion, the government said.


Bush to Renew Intelligence Reform Pressure on Congress

 By David Morgan

 SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - President Bush will renewpressure on Congress to reach agreement on intelligence reformsthis year, after a weekend deal collapsed in the face ofRepublican opposition, the White House said on Sunday.


Some 20,000 protest in Cologne against violence in the name of Islam (AFP)

AFP - Some 20,000 people took to the streets in the western German city of Cologne, waving German and Turkish flags, to protest against the use of violence in the name of Islam.


Paris Club Agrees on Iraq Debt Reduction (AP)

AP - A French Finance ministry spokesman said the Paris Club of creditor nations had reached deal Sunday to write off 80 percent of the debts Iraq owes them.


Congress Passes Satellite Transmission Measure

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Satellite companies would be able to  retransmit broadcasters' television signals for another five  years but would have to offer those signals on a single dish,  under legislation approved by Congress on Saturday.


PeopleSoft's Board Rejects Oracle Bid

PeopleSoft Inc.'s board of directors said it rejected Oracle Corp.'s \$9.2 billion takeover bid Saturday, continuing its staunch resistance a day after the company's own shareholders tendered more than 60 percent of stock to Oracle.


US, Europe play blame game over sliding dollar

Europe and the United States kept up a war of words over the sliding US dollar at a G20 meeting of rich and developing nations, blaming each other for the currency #39;s fall and avoiding new steps or rhetoric to halt it.


England wins World Cup with final-round 64

Seville, Spain (Sports Network) - Paul Casey and Luke Donald of England fired an eight-under 64 in the alternate-shot format Sunday to win the World Golf Championships - World Cup.


New clashes erupt in west Nepal

Fresh clashes in western Nepal have left at least 10 government soldiers and 16 rebels dead, the army says. There is no word so far from the rebels on the fighting that started late Saturday in Pandaun, Kailali district.


EU needs rebalance of power to be fully democratic body

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


BCS Bound; Utah Remains Undefeated

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Sports Network) - Steve Savoy scored  three times and Alex Smith accounted for two more touchdowns as  No. 5 Utah did its best toward becoming the first non-BCS  program to claim a spot in a BCS bowl game by pounding Mountain  West rival Brigham Young, 52-21, at Rice-Eccles Stadium.


Casey Shines as England Wins World Cup in Seville

SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Paul Casey, with another  inspired putting display, and Luke Donald earned England a  one-shot victory over home favorites Spain in the WGC-World Cup  of Golf on Sunday.


Shaky Gunners blow it

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger launched a scathing attack on his team after the English champions threw away the chance to leapfrog Chelsea at the top of the table with a haphazard display against West Bromwich Albion yesterday.


United May Offer Malcolm Glazer Seat on Board, Observer Says

Manchester United Plc may offer US billionaire Malcolm Glazer a seat on its board if he agrees to drop a takeover bid for a year, the Observer said, citing an unidentified person in the soccer industry.


Stage set for Ambani family meeting

Mumbai/New Delhi: Four days after Reliance Group Chairman Mukesh Ambani went public about differences with his younger brother Anil over the company ownership issue, a meeting of the family is likely here on Monday to sort out the problem.


NBA Melee Another Black Eye for Detroit (AP)

AP - The sight of Detroit fans scuffling with NBA stars at the end of a game and showering players with beer, ice and popcorn gives the city another black eye as it struggles to overcome a well-worn reputation for violence and unrest.


Michigan Headed to Rose Bowl Despite Loss (AP)

AP - With former high school teammates Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. leading the way, Ohio State pushed its troubles into the background for at least a day with a stunning 37-21 upset of No. 7 Michigan on Saturday. But the Wolverines are still headed to the Rose Bowl, thanks to Iowa's 30-7 win over Wisconsin.


Time to defund NASA?

The most important news story of this fall, ultimately more important than the re-election of the president, was the awarding of the X Prize to Burt Rutan for his SpaceShipOne flights.


Casey and Donald seal World Cup win

Casey sank the winning putt to beat Spain #39;s Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez by one stroke as England finished with a 31-under-par total of 257.


Hall and de Bruyn grind down India

KANPUR, India -- Opener Andrew Hall and debutant Zander de Bruyn defied India #39;s spin attack on Sunday to put South Africa in command of the first Test match in Kanpur.


Cricket-Queensland fight back in Sheffield Shield cricket

Cricket-Ponting hails mighty Aussie turnaround for huge win over Kiwis 11-21-2004, 08:14 BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) - Ricky Ponting hailed two outstanding days of pressure cricket for delivering one of Australia #39;s biggest Test victories over New


England produce new star

England have a huge problem: what on Earth are they going to do with Jonny Wilkinson? Their injured World Cup golden boy is expected to return for the Six Nations #39; Championship


Powell Arrives for Middle East Talks

Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived on Sunday for his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in 18 months, signaling a new push for Middle East peace following the death of Yasser Arafat.


US forces find two more bodies near Mosul; militant group claims <b>...</b>

BAGHDAD, Iraq US soldiers have found two more bodies in the Iraqi city of Mosul. The military says at least one of the bodies is that of an Iraqi Army soldier.


Iraq sets election day

quot;The Electoral Commission set the date of January 30 as the date of the election, quot; spokesman Farid Ayar told Reuters on Sunday.


Changing Tenors of Govt. Regulation

Description: Senior news analyst NPR #39;s Daniel Schorr contrasts the regulation-happy Federal Communications Commission with the less-active Food and Drug Administration.


#39;Scramjet #39; Hits Almost Mach 10

A tiny unmanned NASA  quot;scramjet quot; soared above the Pacific Ocean Tuesday at nearly 10 times the speed of sound, or almost 7,000 mph, in a record-breaking demonstration of a radical new engine technology.


Cardinals Start Shaun King, Bench McCown (AP)

AP - The Arizona Cardinals benched quarterback Josh McCown and started Shaun King against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.


Iran insists N-deal still on

IRAN said today it was still committed to suspending parts of its sensitive nuclear program and alarm over its last-minute uranium conversion activities was merely US  quot;propaganda quot;.


Manmohan hopeful of resolving issues with Pak through negotiations

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today said that he was hoping to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through negotiations.


U.S. Forces Find Houses Where Hostages Kept

The U.S. military has found nearly 20 houses where intelligence officers believe hostages were tortured or killed in this city, including the house with the cage that held a British contractor who was beheaded last month.


Russia okays forced sale of Yukos arm

Govt sets minimum price at \$8.6 bn, against Dresdner Kleinwort Wassersteins lowest fair value of \$15.7 bn. The Russian government on Friday approved the forced sale of the main subsidiary of Yukos, the


Disney trial often gets personal as Ovitz, Eisner testify

LOS ANGELES - The lawsuit shareholders have brought against Disney has come to resemble a Hollywood potboiler of betrayed friendships, secret meetings and wounded egos.


Jets' Martin Ties Sanders' NFL Mark (AP)

AP - New York Jets running back Curtis Martin on Sunday became the second player in NFL history to begin his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons.


Forest Service learns to enjoy its trees

The US Forest Service, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, is shifting its focus from timber-cutting to recreation and ecological restoration


Nintendo DS Launches in the US

300-plus people lineup at the EB Games in Universal City. And then the PictoChatting begins. November 21, 2004 - Who says Nintendo doesn #39;t know how to throw a party?


Brawlers suspended

THE National Basketball Association suspended four players yesterday in the wake of one of the worst brawls in North American pro sports history.


Jets #39; Martin ties NFL rushing mark

New York Jets running back Curtis Martin on Sunday became the second player in NFL history to begin his career with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons.


Bush Spends Last Day At Pacific Rim Summit In Chile

President Bush was holding one-on-one talks Sunday with leaders of Chile and Mexico. He leaves Santiago Monday to return to Central Texas, where he will spend the remainder of the week.


Iraqi PM #39;s cousin released by kidnappers: TV

Kidnappers have released Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi #39;s cousin after taking him hostage for 12days, the Arabic-language al-Arabiya TV channel reported Sunday.


British govt cash called for to bolster peace

The British government is facing demands to pump funds into Northern Ireland in a bid to bolster a talks deal if it is struck, Sinn Fin leader Gerry Adams said tonight.


UN envoy says peace in south Sudan inevitable

Sudan #39;s government and southern rebels have crossed the last bridge in efforts to end 21 years of war and peace is now inevitable, UN envoy for Sudan Jan Pronk said on Sunday.


UN to deploy thousands of troops in south Sudan after peace deal (AFP)

AFP - The United Nations will deploy thousands of troops in southern Sudan after an expected signing of a final peace accord by the Khartoum government and the southern rebel movement, a UN official said.


Federal Liberals were ahead in recent national poll with 40 per cent support (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - The governing federal Liberals recently had the support of 40 per cent of Canadians, a shade above the popular vote they scored in last June's election, suggests a recent opinion poll.


McCain Not Ruling Out Run for President (AP)

AP - Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Sunday he is not ruling out a run for the 2008 presidential nomination, but that he is not a candidate now.


Iran Using Lasers to Enrich Uranium - Exile Group (Reuters)

Reuters - An Iranian exile group accused Tehran on\Friday of using advanced laser technology to secretly enrich\uranium and of lying to the United Nations nuclear watchdog\body about the covert program.


Exit Poll Shows Liberal Winner in Ukraine Election

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainians voted for a new president on  Sunday and an exit poll issued after polls closed said a  West-leaning liberal had beaten the ex-Soviet state's  Russian-backed prime minister.


A year later, Tuberville all smiles

ATLANTA - Who could have imagined Tommy Tuberville in this position? Yet there he was Friday, standing alongside the SEC championship trophy, posing for pictures and undoubtedly chuckling a bit on the inside.


Chiefs agree on oil prices

THE Group of 20 finance chiefs agreed yesterday that  quot;abrupt changes quot; in foreign exchange rates and oil prices were unwelcome but showed no appetite for intervention to strengthen the US currency.


Winky Wright Now Looking to Cash In (AP)

AP - Shane Mosley gave Winky Wright his big chance. After beating Mosley a second time, Wright is now ready to cash in on it. Wright pronounced himself one of boxing's elite contenders Saturday night after beating Mosley in a rematch and holding onto his 154-pound titles. It was a narrow win not decided until the final round, but Wright immediately began campaigning for even bigger fights.


Ravens' Lewis, Smith Injured Vs. Cowboys (AP)

AP - Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis hurt his left ankle in the first quarter Sunday, and backup Musa Smith broke his leg later in the period.


Report: Artest suspended for 30 games

Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - According to a broadcast report, the NBA has suspended Indiana #39;s Ron Artest for 30 games and teammates Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O #39;Neal 20 games apiece for their part in a brawl between the Pacers and the Pistons on


Leader of IRA #39;s political wing  quot;regrets quot; 1974 pub bombings

Leader of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), said Sunday he  quot;regrets quot; the Birmingham pub bombings which killed 21 people 30 years ago.


England: Chelsea shock Newcastle, French forces inspire Arsenal

LONDON, Dec 4 (SW) - While Chelsea crushed Newcastle United to maintain their first position, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United made no mistakes, leaving the top four in England unchanced.


Google Muscles Into Microsoft's Turf (AP)

AP - Not too long ago, Google Inc. seemed little more than a pesky insect to Microsoft Corp.'s 800-pound gorilla. No more. As Google rapidly rolls out new products, the company best known for its wildly popular search engine is muscling into the software giant's turf, including its stronghold: the computer desktop.


Retail predictions for 2004 shopping season

n Overall fourth-quarter retail sales this year are expected to be 6.5 percent higher than last year #39;s -- the biggest increase since 1999.


Electronic Passports Might Not Measure Up (AP)

AP - The United States hasn't issued any microchip-equipped passports yet, but as the Department of State tests different prototypes, the international standards for the passports are under fire from privacy advocates who worry the technology won't protect travelers from identity thieves.


Swift Probe Successfully Launched

Image: NASA #39;s Swift spacecraft lifts off from Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in sunny Florida, on Nov. 20 at 12:16:00.611 pm EST aboard a Boeing Delta II expendable launch vehicle.


Raid on Mosque Sparks Battles in Baghdad (AP)

AP - A U.S.-Iraqi raid on the Abu Hanifa mosque  #151; one of the most revered sites for Sunni Muslims  #151; spawned a weekend of street battles, assassinations and a rash of bombings that changed Baghdad. The capital, for months a city of unrelenting but sporadic violence, has taken on the look of a battlefield.


New Video Game Recreates Kennedy Assassination (Reuters)

Reuters - A new video game to be released on\Monday allows players to simulate the assassination of U.S.\President John F. Kennedy.


Pacers Hang Tough Minus Suspended Players (AP)

AP - Using a makeshift roster a night after brawling with fans, the Indiana Pacers pressed the Orlando Magic until the very end. Limited to just six players because of suspensions and injuries, the Pacers stayed close before dropping an 86-83 decision to Orlando on Saturday night.


Powell begins visit to Mideast

The US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has arrived in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv as part of an attempt to revive the Middle East peace process.


PeopleSoft spurns latest Oracle offer, says shareholders unmoved (AFP)

AFP - Senior executives at business software group PeopleSoft have once again spurned a takeover bid from Oracle Corp, even after the latter announced it had control of more than 60 percent of PeopleSoft's shares.


Lee Westwood leads Nedbank Challenge

Englishman Lee Westwood is leading after the third round of the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City. Westwood holds a slender one shot lead over South African Retief Goosen after shooting one under par 71 for a three round total of 5 under par.


IAAF to Consider Investigating Sprinter Jones

Responding to new allegations of drug use by sprint star Marion Jones, the world governing body of track and field (IAAF) will consider today whether to conduct a formal investigation of Jones, an IAAF official said yesterday.


#39;Falling dollar to hit Germany, Japan most #39;

BERLIN: A communique from the G20 group of rich and developing countries made no explicit reference to currency swings on Sunday, despite mounting concern in Europe and Japan over a slide in the US dollar to multi-year lows.


Poverty Still Mars Chile #39;s Success Story

Chile is using a Pacific Rim summit to showcase itself as a Latin American model for free trade, democracy and modernity. But grinding poverty just outside the convention


Kiwis Aussiehilated

BRISBANE, November 21: Australia crushed New Zealand by an innings and 156 runs in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday to retain the Trans-Tasman Trophy.


Nascar to Crown a Champion

GENTLEMEN, LOAD your weapons. It is being billed as the shootout at the Homestead-Miami corral today as the five top NASCAR drivers load up every bit of horsepower they can handle


With Illini #39;s season over, attention turns to Turner #39;s future

Illinois coach Ron Turner said repeatedly he hopes to stay. His players all want him to come back. Now it #39;s Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther #39;s turn to have his say.


US PUSHES FORWARD ON PALESTINIAN VOTE

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has arrived in Israel determined to press both Israeli and Palestinian leaders for a process to enable Palestinians to elect a successor to Yasser Arafat.


Google Treads on Microsoft's Turf

Best known for its popular search engine, Google is rapidly rolling out new products and muscling into Microsoft's stronghold: the computer desktop. The competition means consumers get more choices and better products.


Firefox surfers ignore ads

Users of the Internet Explorer click on ad banners four to five times as often as Firefox surfers, Adtech AG, a service provider for Internet ads, has determined (PDF).


Ambani sisters in Mumbai for family meeting

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a family meeting of the Ambanis in Mumbai on Monday on the ownership issue in the Rs 80,000 crore Reliance group as Mukesh Ambani has returned from the US while Anil is understood to have authorised his mother to


Sudanese cabinet welcomes UN resolution on Sudan

The Sudanese government welcomed Sunday the UN Security Council #39;s resolution on Sudan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail said the Sudanese cabinet  quot;considered the resolution


Report: Artest Suspended for 30 Games (Reuters)

Reuters - According to a broadcast\report, the NBA has suspended Indiana's Ron Artest for 30 games\and teammates Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal 20 games\apiece for their part in a brawl between the Pacers and the\Pistons on Friday night.


Yemen president starts Europe tour (AFP)

AFP - Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh left for visits to Germany and Italy, two of the impoverished country's key development donors, the official SABA news agency reported.


Beasley Leads PSV to Another Shutout Win (AP)

AP - U.S. midfielder DaMarcus Beasley scored a goal Sunday to help lead PSV Eindhoven past Vitesse Arnhem 2-0 in the Dutch league  #151; the 10th straight shutout for unbeaten PSV.


African leaders gather Tuesday to assess NEPAD development program (AFP)

AFP - African leaders are to gather in Algiers to review the progress of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), a wide-ranging strategy for ensuring good governance and building the economies of the world's poorest continent.


Windows NT 4 support to come at price in  #39;05

com December 3, 2004, 4:08 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.


Pacers-Pistons melee another black eye for Detroit #39;s image

The sight of Detroit fans scuffling with NBA stars and showering them with beer, ice and popcorn gives the city another black eye as it struggles to improve its image and overcome a well-worn reputation for violence and urban unrest.


England clinches World Cup

England has held out Spain by one stroke for only its second World Cup victory thanks to magnificent putting from Paul Casey. Casey and partner Luke Donald survived a challenge from Spanish duo Sergio Garcia


Wolfsburg falls out of Bundesliga lead despite early goal

Wolfsburg fell out of the Bundesliga lead for the first time in a month Sunday, losing 3-1 to Hamburg SV despite a goal by Thomas Brdaric after only 19 seconds - the fastest goal this season.


I-AA Playoff Bracket Announced

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Sports Network) - The NCAA announced  the field of 16 teams competing for the 2004 Division I-AA  Football Championship on Sunday.


Meshiai in Tie for the Lead at Q-School

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Sports Network) - Hajime Meshiai, who  held the lead the previous two rounds, shot a three-under 69 on  Sunday to share first with Don Reese after five rounds of the  Champions Tour National Qualifying Tournament.


Gas Prices Dip to Average  #36;1.96 a Gallon (Reuters)

Reuters - The price of a gallon of gasoline in\the United States fell over the last two weeks during a\seasonally slow consumption period, according to an industry\analyst.


Google creators in share sell-off

Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin stand to pocket over \$1bn each by selling shares in their web search firm.


Gas Prices Dip to Average \$1.96 a Gallon

The price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States fell over the last two weeks during a seasonally slow consumption period, according to an industry analyst.


ACCESS Announces NetFront Mobile Content Viewer Previewing and <b>...</b>

/PRNewswire/ -- ACCESS Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 4813), a global provider of mobile content delivery and Internet access technologies announced the release of NetFront(R) Mobile Content Viewer a comprehensive


Tigers trail Sooners by just four points

McLEAN, Va. -- Auburn picked up two more first-place votes but remained third in the latest ESPN/USA Today coaches #39; poll, released Sunday.


Reese, Meshiai Lead Champions Tour Quals

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Hajime Meshiai, an 11-time winner on the Japanese PGA Tour, shot 69 Sunday to retain a share of the lead after five rounds of the Champions Tour national qualifying tournament.


British sec. to reveal terror proposals

British Home Secretary David Blunkett was expected Sunday to reveal proposals for strict anti-terror measures, the BBC reported. The proposals were said to include anti-terror


Bahrain activist freed

Bahrain #39;s King Hamad has pardoned an activist sentenced to one year in jail for inciting hatred against the government, the BBC reported Sunday.


Ravens Slug Cowboys

Kyle Boller throws two touchdown passes in the third quarter to lead the Ravens past the sliding Cowboys, 30-10, on Sunday.


Merck steps up PR campagin after recall

Merck  amp; Co. #39;s campaign to defend itself in the wake of the recall of the pain reliever Vioxx intensified as it placed a package of three full-page ads in seven prominent newspapers beginning last Friday.


Inflation fears, oil swings to keep sentiment low

MUMBAI: The market is expected to remain volatile ahead of the expiry of futures contract on Thursday. The mood will remain subdued amid worries over a fresh rise in global crude oil prices and inflation in the country, say brokers.


DoCoMo 3G phones add wireless VoIP

JAPAN #39;S top mobile carrier has begun marketing a mobile phone for corporate customers that works over both the local wireless and cellular networks.


Reese, Meshiai share Champions Tour qualifying lead

Hajime Meshiai, an 11-time winner on the Japanese PGA Tour, shot 69 Sunday to retain a share of the lead after five rounds of the Champions Tour national qualifying tournament.


The Politics of Time and Dispossession

Make a commitment to subscribe, donate and/or place all of your book and other product orders from Amazon.com and others through MMN Shopping web-site by clicking here.


54 dead as plane falls into lake

BEIJING - Fifty-four people were killed yesterday when a plane crashed into a lake shortly after take-off, apparently after a blast, in Chinas deadliest aviation disaster in two years, witnesses and state media said.


Tide Staff Shifts Modes

With the end to a grueling regular season in Saturday nights 21-13 loss to Auburn, there is finally some time for Alabamas players to rest and recover, but that time has not yet begun for the Tide coaching staff.


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The price of a gallon of gasoline in  the United States fell over the last two weeks during a  seasonally slow consumption period, according to an industry  analyst.


Apec pushes for free trade boost

Leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific states pledge to bolster anti-terrorism measures and efforts to lower trade barriers.


A Stock Party, Then a Retail Hangover

FEW things stir the heart of stock investors like a huge merger deal. And last week #39;s shotgun wedding between Kmart and Sears, two limping retailers, was no exception.


PSU telescopes rocket into orbit

There were cheers, applause and even a bottle or two of champagne at Penn State #39;s Mission Operations Center on Saturday. A group of university engineers and scientists


NTT DoCoMo - the biggest Japanese cell phone operator says BIG NO <b>...</b>

NTT DoCoMo says:  quot;Symbian - yes, mobile Linux - yes, Microsoft - BIG NO quot;. Well, previously NTT DoCoMo was very promoting wireless Java in its handsets and J2EE Java in its servers (to power i-mode services


Company Launches JFK Assassination Game (AP)

AP - A British company said Sunday it was releasing a video game recreating the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy.


Manning punishes Bears with 4 TD #39;s

CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Peyton Manning against Craig Krenzel turned out to be the mismatch that it was expected to be. Manning continued his record pace, passing for four touchdowns as the Colts rolled to 41-10


NFL Game Summary - Dallas at Baltimore

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Kyle Boller completed 23-of-34 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns to lead Baltimore over Dallas, 30-10, at M amp;amp;T Bank Stadium.


Jets Bounce Back From Loss to Ravens (AP)

AP - Quincy Carter threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Justin McCareins with 5:32 remaining as the New York Jets bounced back from an embarrassing loss with an ugly 10-7 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.


Vikings Make Rally Count Against Lions (AP)

AP - The Minnesota Vikings shut out Detroit in the second half and overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the sliding Lions 22-19 Sunday, ending their three-game losing streak.


Arafat widow contests right of nephew to receive medical file (AFP)

AFP - The widow of Yasser Arafat has questioned the right of his nephew to receive a copy of the medical file of the late Palestinian leader, Suha Arafat's lawyers said in a statement.


Raptors Rally From 20 Down to Beat Spurs (AP)

AP - Lamond Murray scored all 13 of his points in the fourth quarter, helping the Toronto Raptors overcome a 20-point deficit in the second half to beat the San Antonio Spurs 96-91 Sunday.


McEnroe to Captain Davis Cup Through 2006 (AP)

AP - Patrick McEnroe will remain the U.S. Davis Cup captain through 2006.


Former Groupaction executive arrested for allegedly breaking bail conditions (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - Alain Richard, a former vice-president of a controversial Quebec ad agency implicated in the sponsorship scandal, has been arrested for breaking his bail conditions, city police said.


Senate Confirms Adelstein for FCC Term (AP)

AP - Jonathan Adelstein, a former staffer for outgoing Senate minority leader Tom Daschle, was approved for a full term on the Federal Communications Commission in a Senate vote early Sunday.


New Video Game Recreates Kennedy Assassination

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A new video game to be released on  Monday allows players to simulate the assassination of U.S.  President John F. Kennedy.


What a Week: Greenspan Trips Dollar

quot;Seems like that guy singing this song has been doing it for a long time -- is there anything he knows that he ain #39;t said?


HAMMER OF THE SPAMMERS

He has a department at the company devoted to ensuring the four million-plus emails sent to him each day don #39;t make it to his personal inbox.


Artest gets 30-game suspension, Wallace five

The NBA reportedly has come down hard on the Indiana Pacers for their involvement in a brawl that broke out in the final minute of Friday #39;s win at Detroit.


Martin joins Sanders, hurts knee

Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - New York Jets running back Curtis Martin became the second player in NFL history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in his first 10 seasons before bruising his right knee in the second quarter.


Major points of Iraqi debt reduction plan

The deal will reduce Iraq #39;s debt owed to the 19 Paris Club creditor nations by 80 percent, from a current \$38.9 billion to \$7.8 billion in 2008.


Slovene Center Is Feeling Like a Rookie Again

In his fourth N.B.A. season, 7-foot-1 center Primoz Brezec is getting a fresh start and a chance to start in Charlotte.


Spam  #39;under control #39; in two years: Gates

SPAM could become a thing of the past in around two years #39; time, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said on a visit to Madrid.  quot;Spam is a major security problem, quot; Mr Gates said, noting that progress had been made in the fight against unsolicited mail.


England: Balckburn still in last

Blackburn recovered from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Birmingham in the English Premier League on Sunday, but stayed bottom of the standings.


Jets 10, Browns 7

Quincy Carter threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Justin McCareins with 5:32 remaining as the Jets bounced back from an embarrassing loss with an ugly 10-7 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.


Alternative bonfire takes a while to light

COLLEGE STATION -- For the third year in a row, a group of current and former students continued the suspended Texas A amp;M University bonfire tradition off-campus.


Powell attempts to revive Mideast peace process

JERUSALEM - US Secretary of State Colin Powell embarked Sunday on a mission to revive the Middle East peace process after Yasser Arafat #39;s death.


Prince to defend himself in speech

Prince Charles is expected to publicly deny that he believes Britain #39;s  quot;learning culture quot; gives people false hope of success, the BBC reported Sunday.


US Average Gasoline Pump Price Falls to \$1.96, Lundberg Says

US gasoline pump prices fell about five cents in the past two weeks to an average of \$1.96 a gallon, Trilby Lundberg said, citing a survey of about 7,000 filling stations by her Camarillo, California, research firm.


Cracks in the first family of business

That there are problems between the Ambani brothers is not news, but Mukesh Ambanis admission that there could be a change in the equity pattern of the Reliance group caused the share prices of Reliance companies to drift downwards.


Gold Fields plans \$3.5 bn asset sale

Gold Fields will be expected to sell its international assets valued at up to \$3.5 billion and return the cash to shareholders as part of its defence against a hostile all-share bid from rival gold producer Harmony.


Online bidding firms seek bounce from insurance industry scandal

Customers in search of a cheap airfare, antiques or a stock trade can scan the Web for good deals. But when it comes time for companies to buy group insurance policies, they #39;ve largely


Pacers Scared, Shocked by Detroit Fans (AP)

AP - The Indiana Pacers were frightened when spectators began hurling chairs, drinks, and ice at them in one of the most violent exchanges between players and fans in U.S. sports history.


RIAA sues more music downloaders

THE US recording industry has filed copyright infringement lawsuits against 761 computer users in the latest round of its effort to stamp out unauthorised trading of music online.


#39;Mr. Bill Gates, you #39;re no Google #39;

Microsoft Corp. isnt often an underdog in anything, so when the software powerhouse released its new search engine, I was anxious to give it a whirl.


Scientists Create Electronic Eye for the Blind

Japanese scientists say they have created an electronic eye that would help blind people cross the street safely. The device, a tiny camera mounted to a pair of eyeglasses, can detect the existence and location


Droughns Helps Broncos Stay Atop AFC West (AP)

AP - Reuben Droughns had another 100-yard game to help the Denver Broncos stay atop the AFC West for another week.


Rovers, Blues draw

Blackburn has come back from two goals down to draw with Birmingham in a 3-3 thriller. With first-half goals to Darren Anderton, Robbie Savage and David Dunn, Birmingham had forgotten Matt Jansens early


Resistance Support from Arab World

It has been reported that in American military operations against insurgents in Mosul in the north of Iraq this week four decapitated corpses were found.


APEC Leaders Want to Revive World Trade Talks

SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - Asia-Pacific leaders promised  on Sunday to try to revive world trade talks and fight  terrorism after a summit marred at the end by spats over the  security of President Bush.


Hamas signals it wants a role in Palestinian vote

The militant group is poised to sponsor candidates in legislative and municipal elections expected later next year.


Bush Seeks to Mend Ties With Latin America

President Bush tried to mend relations in Latin America with fresh promises of immigration reform Sunday while a new security spat surfaced with Chile after an embarrassing fracas in which Bush intervened.


Peru Wants Intl Court to Take on Fujimori Case

LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Peru should call in theInternational Court of Justice to rule on its request for theextradition of former President Alberto Fujimori from Japan,state attorney Nelly Calderon said on Sunday, expressingfrustration at Japan's failure to act so far.


Oracle wins PeopleSoft shareholder vote

Oracle chalked up a key victory Friday in its battle to acquire PeopleSoft, with investors agreeing to sell the suitor 60 percent of PeopleSoft #39;s outstanding shares.


Barcelona beats Real Madrid in Spanish league

Barcelona moved further ahead in the Spanish league by beating rival Real Madrid 3-0 Saturday in the country #39;s biggest match. Samuel Eto #39;o and Giovanni van Bronckhorst scored in the first half and Ronaldinho


Asia-Pacific summit ends with anti-terror pledge

SANTIAGO (AFP) - Asia-Pacific leaders, overpowered by the US-led  quot;war on terror quot; agenda, closed an annual summit vowing to shore up anti-terrorist defenses and target weapons of mass destruction.


Iraqi PM #39;s Cousin Freed

Kidnappers have released Sunday the cousin of Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Sky News reported. Ghazi Allawi, 75, was seized by gunmen from his Baghdad home on November 9, along with his wife and his pregnant daughter-in-law.


Palestinian struggle for statehood

He might have been able to throw dust in the eye of Mossad, out to cut short his life, and survived fairly long but being mortal Arafat had to finally embrace death.


Manmohan arrives in Manipur

Imphal: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today arrived in Manipur on a two-day visit to the state. Singh #39;s special Indian Air Force helicopter from Silchar in Assam landed at Jiribam, a border town, at 10.25 am.


Manning Tames Bears

Peyton Manning tosses four touchdown passes and Edgerrin James punishes the Bears' defense with 204 yards as the Colts roll to a 41-10 victory Sunday.


Oracle poised to pounce on PeopleSoft

BOLSTERED by investors, Oracle appears set to complete its long-sought takeover of PeopleSoft, unless its rival proves it is worth more than the \$US9.2 billion (\$11.7 billion) bid currently on the table.


Fund chief busted for embezzlement

The former head of a Chicago non-profit that delivered holiday meals to senior citizens and the disabled has been charged with embezzlement.


SpaceShipOne named Time #39;s  quot;Invention of the Year quot;

The first privately financed manned rocket to fly into space has been named Time magazine #39;s  quot;Invention of the Year. quot;.


Let human diversity color the cosmos

ROBERT ZUBRIN: First for the science, second for the challenge, and third for the future. First, for science. Mars is the key to letting us know if life is a general phenomenon in the universe.


Reid striker not enough as Rovers stay rooted

Ireland International Steven Reid scored for Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon in their 3-3 draw with Birmingham at Ewood Park, although his side remain in serious trouble and they remain rooted to the foot of the Premiership table.


Psv Power on at Summit

PSV Eindhoven re-established their five-point lead at the top of the Dutch Eredivisie today with a 2-0 win at Vitesse Arnhem. Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Gerald Sibon put PSV ahead in the 56th minute


Buffs still cling to North title hopes

Another piece fell in place Saturday for the Colorado football team in what began weeks ago as a complicated and unlikely route to the Big 12 Conference North Division title.


Bush encourages more debt reduction for Iraq

US President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed an agreement by the Paris Club of creditor nations to cancel 80 percent of Iraq #39;s debt and called on other nations to join in as well.