Brokerage to Lay Off 3,000

Marsh  amp; McLennan, a subject of New York state Attorney General Eliot L. Spitzer #39;s investigation of insurance bid-rigging, said it will lay off 3,000 employees, about 5 percent of its workforce.


Peak Downloads For Firefox Slows Mozilla Site

Firefox 1.0- Mozilla Foundation #39;s first product aimed at users looking for an alternate browser, has met with an overwhelming response from users worldwide.


Northrop, Boeing plan joint bid for spaceship

Northrop Grumman Corp. and The Boeing Co. are teaming up to design a replacement for the space shuttles, leaving NASA two lead competitors for the contract on a spaceship that could carry astronauts to the moon and Mars.


Minardi boss says British and French GPs saved

A deal has been agreed to ensure next year #39;s British and French Formula One Grands Prix take place, according to Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.


FANS FALL IN LOVE WITH ARIZA

It is crystal clear there is no single player in blue and orange who fills the Garden with more energy than the youngest player on the team.


New York Mets hire two more special assistants in front office

The New York Mets hired two special assistants Tuesday, getting former major leaguer Tony Bernazard from the players #39; union and grabbing Sandy Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks.


US rules out deals with Afghan kidnappers

A senior US official said on Wednesday deals should not be done with hostage-takers ahead of the latest deadline set by Afghan Islamic militants who have threatened to kill three kidnapped UN workers.


Fed Seen Likely to Raise Interest Rates

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With the U.S. economy picking up  steam, the year's fourth straight interest-rate hike looked  like a certainty at Wednesday's meeting of the Federal  Reserve's Open Market Committee, economists said.


S.Africa Says to Host Ivory Coast Peace Talks

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African President Thabo  Mbeki has invited warring parties in the conflict in Ivory  Coast to peace talks and the meeting could take place this  week, Mbeki's spokesman said on Wednesday.


Time isn't in his corner

NEW YORK -- Evander Holyfield knows that life, like boxing, is about adjustments. On Saturday night, we will see whether he has made the biggest adjustment of his career -- the adjustment to a boxing life of diminished skills.


Patriots shift Nov. 28 start

Sunday at 1 o'clock. Time for football. That's the way it was for Patriots fans pretty much every fall weekend for four decades. Then Bill Belichick  amp; Co. had to go and win two of the last three Super Bowls, and now they're TV stars.


Wannstedt steps down

Dave Wannstedt resigned yesterday as Miami Dolphins coach, forced from the job by lousy luck, relentless speculation about his future, and eight losses in nine games.


AHL's IceCats will be leaving Worcester for Peoria, Ill.

St. Louis Blues president Mark Sauer said the team will sell its American Hockey League Worcester IceCats to Bruce Saurs and Anne Griffith of Peoria, Ill., and move the team to Peoria for the 2005-06 season. The team will continue to operate as the Blues' AHL affiliate and be renamed the Rivermen. The sale and relocation are subject to approval ...


Jefferson is getting crash course in NBA

The coach already has a nickname for his teenage hoop hunk: Moses. It has nothing to do with tablets and everything to do with talent. In this case, we're not talking about the biblical Moses, but the basketball player who is in the Hall of Fame and who, like the teenager in question, went into pro basketball directly ...


O'Neal is turning up the Heat

Shaquille O'Neal has the Heat off to their best start ever after scoring 20 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots in a 103-93 victory over the Washington Wizards last night in Miami.


Harvard and Penn's Ivy tale a familiar story

Something has to give -- either 15th-ranked Harvard's status as the nation's only undefeated Division 1-AA team or 17th-ranked Penn's 20-game Ivy League winning streak -- when the teams square off Saturday in Philadelphia.


Clarett accuses Ohio St.

Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett accused coach Jim Tressel, his staff, and school boosters of arranging for him to get passing grades, cars, bogus summer jobs, and thousands of dollars in cash. The school denied the claims yesterday.


Defense steps up for Oliver Ames

The top-seeded Oliver Ames girls' soccer team has outscored opponents, 11-0, in the first two rounds of the Division 1 South Sectional tournament, and its all-star forwards have not scored most of those goals.


Transactions

BASEBALL Anaheim (AL): Signed bench coach Joe Maddon, third base coach Ron Roenicke, first base coach Alfredo Griffin, hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, bullpen coach Orlando Mercado, pitching coach Bud Black, and bullpen catcher Steve Soliz. Colorado (NL): Removed vice chairman Jerry McMorris from board of directors. Florida (NL): Named Mark Wiley pitching coach and Harry Dunlop bullpen coach. Los Angeles ...


As Arafat worsens, leaders prepare funeral

PARIS -- Yasser Arafat's coma deepened and his condition deteriorated dramatically yesterday according to the Palestinian leadership, who visited him at a Paris hospital and then returned to the West Bank to declare that his life was now ''in the hand of God. quot;


Advancing forces meet sporadic resistance

FALLUJAH, Iraq -- US and Iraqi forces, facing sporadic but stiff resistance, advanced into the heart of Fallujah yesterday on the second day of a major offensive to wrest control of the insurgent stronghold.


Ivory Coast snapshot

Rebels have been in control of the northern regions since a failed coup in 2002. Recent unrest has unraveled a 2003 cease-fire between the government and rebels.


Dutch call for end to violence amid memorial for slain filmmaker

AMSTERDAM -- Suspected arsonists set an Islamic elementary school on fire yesterday amid a string of attacks following the killing of a Dutch filmmaker by an alleged Islamic extremist.


Chirac belatedly calls Bush over win

PARIS -- France's president, Jacques Chirac, finally phoned George W. Bush yesterday to congratulate him a week after his reelection as US president, and Chirac's foreign minister, Michel Barnier, called for better trans-Atlantic ties.


Netanyahu backs off threat to quit

JERUSALEM -- Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday took back his threat to withdraw from the governing Likud party, but a minority religious party quit Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's coalition, protesting the plan to remove Israeli settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip and a portion of the West Bank.


Russia warns about elections; UN fears for civilians

MOSCOW -- The intense US-led assault on Fallujah could undermine Iraq's upcoming elections, the Russian Foreign Ministry warned yesterday, and the UN refugee agency expressed concern about the tens of thousands of civilians who have fled the besieged city.


No direct vote in Hong Kong, China tells legislators

BEIJING -- China warned Hong Kong legislators yesterday to forget the idea of holding a referendum on whether residents should be able to directly elect their leaders.


Shaq Helps Heat to Team's Best Ever Start (AP)

AP - Shaquille O'Neal promised to bring a championship to Miami. And although it's way too early to be thinking about titles, he can't wait to show off his new team to his old Western Conference rivals.


Selling lifestyle and TVs

Tweeter is caught in the Wal-Mart pickle. Known for top-of-the-line electronics and custom installations, the Canton retailer has been squeezed ever since Wal-Mart began selling televisions en masse.


Why Karp backed out

Once upon a time, not so long ago, great local families built great local buildings. Exhibit A in Boston, of course, was Norman Leventhal and his family, developers of Rowes Wharf, 75 State St., and South Station to name just three.


Flaherty blasts BRA over Fan Pier

Boston City Council President Michael F. Flaherty yesterday lambasted the Menino administration's suggestion of a compromise on public amenities on Fan Pier in an effort to speed up development of the languishing land.


Putnam to pay \$40m to settle SEC probe

Putnam Investments will pay \$40 million to settle yet another regulatory probe, while corporate parent Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. yesterday said it would cut 3,000 jobs in the fallout from the price-fixing and bid-rigging scandal enveloping its insurance brokerage unit.


Gamers get a crack at Halo 2 Long-awaited sequel debuts

There's a new media king, only he isn't on the radio or in the movies. His name? Master Chief. His role: Interstellar soldier and star of Halo 2, one of the most anticipated video games ever.


Oil prices hit lowest level in 7 weeks

Crude oil futures tumbled below \$48 a barrel yesterday, closing at their lowest level in seven weeks, on rising expectations that the US supply of transport and home-heating fuels will be adequate this winter.


China's boom comes off the boil

Chinese industrial output slows in October, the latest evidence that its booming economy is being reined in.


Analogic, partner reach agreement

L-3 Communications Corp., which sells equipment to detect bombs in airport luggage, settled a lawsuit in which it claimed business partner Analogic Corp. violated a contract by submitting independent proposals to the Transportation Security Administration. Peabody-based Analogic said terms of the settlement were kept confidential and that the agreement didn't entail a payment by either side.  quot;We look forward to ...


No. 8 Georgia Starts Freshman in Key Game (AP)

AP - Mark Richt knows he'll have to get a little creative when he divvies up playing time for Georgia's running backs next season. Not so on Saturday. Thomas Brown is the undisputed starter for the biggest game of the season.


Verizon's dim-dad ad for DSL ignites a protest

A TV ad showing a computer-illiterate father being chided for trying to help his Internet-savvy daughter with her homework has roused the anger of fatherhood activists, who are calling on Verizon Communications Inc. to take it off the air.


Dell to build plant in N.C.

Dell Inc. said yesterday that it would build its third US manufacturing plant in North Carolina, employing at least 1,500 people within five years. The new facility, scheduled to open in the fall of 2005 at a site to be determined, will produce desktop computers.


'Me-too' prescription drugs win support in Tufts study

An independent academic center at Tufts University said yesterday that critics who blast the American pharmaceutical industry for developing  quot;me-too quot; prescription drugs are wrong.


Fed seen pushing rates up

The Federal Reserve is expected to nudge interest rates up for a fourth time this year today, acting on the belief the economy has finally emerged from an extended  quot;soft patch. quot;


Magic Wins With Hill; Pacers Making Do (AP)

AP - The Orlando Magic are seeing just what they missed when Grant Hill was sidelined by injury year after year. Without Ron Artest and a slew of injured players, the Indiana Pacers haven't missed a beat.


Cable   Wireless to cut 600 jobs

Telecoms group Cable   Wireless is to shed 600 jobs in the UK and Europe as part of an ongoing restructuring.


North Carolina holds on

NO. 9 NORTH CAROLINA 91, NO. 8 KENTUCKY 78: At Chapel Hill, NC - Rashad McCants scored 28 points, Sean May had 14 points and 19 rebounds and Jawad Williams tipped in a miss to thwart a second-half rally by


Japan Navy Mobilized After Mystery Submarine Spotted

TOKYO (Reuters) - The Japanese navy was mobilized on  Wednesday for the first time in five years after an  unidentified submarine was spotted in waters off Japan.


When invention turns to innovation

Technological "inventions" are not going to have the same kind of transformative value that they did in the past.


Meyer says he #39;s headed for Florida

SALT LAKE CITY Urban Meyer confirms he #39;s leaving undefeated Utah to become the head football coach at Florida. Meyer said that at Florida everything is in place to make a run at the whole thing, and that was a factor in his decision.


Fed Seen Likely to Raise Interest Rates

With the US economy picking up steam, the year #39;s fourth straight interest-rate hike looked like a certainty at Wednesday #39;s meeting of the Federal Reserve #39;s Open Market Committee, economists said.


Oil Prices Continue to Plummet

Crude oil futures continued to plummet today on the belief that fuel supplies in the United States will be adequate to deal with its coming winter.


AXE  amp; SPENCER

MARKS  amp; Spencer sacked six executives yesterday as the troubled giant announced profits were down by 128million. New boss Stuart Rose halved the board and is likely to continue price cuts in stores.


FCC: States can #39;t regulate Net phones

Washington - Phone calls made over the Internet cannot be regulated by states, the Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday.


Rivals Boeing, Northrop find common ground in space

Northrop Grumman and Boeing said yesterday they will bid as a team to compete for NASA #39;s planned manned and robotic space-exploration program.


FTC warns news media on diet ads

As part of a crackdown on false and deceptive diet claims, the Federal Trade Commission sent letters to nine media companies yesterday, reminding them to stop publishing ads for bogus weight-loss products.


Trading scandal haunts NAB earnings

Sydney - National Australia Bank on Wednesday reported a near 20 percent drop in its net profit for the year to September in the aftermath of a foreign exchange trading scandal that rocked Australia #39;s biggest lender early this year.


States may rethink terms

Though California regulators have signed off on the merger between WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and Anthem Inc., states that had approved the deal months ago may raise new concerns based on the settlement terms here.


GM offers car now, 2nd later, same rate

So badly, in fact, that it is willing to offer you what could amount to a deal of the decade: a chance to lock in a low interest rate on a new GM car or truck, as well as your next vehicle, for as long as 10 years.


Vodafone begins 3G mobile service

Vodafone launches its third-generation services for mobile phones, offering video calls, music downloads and games.


Arctic ice melting twice as fast as expected

In a new study commissioned by eight countries of the Arctic region, scientists point to an accelerated ice thaw with far-reaching consequences for global climate change and human activity.


Is Microsoft rolling out its search engine?

Microsoft #39;s MSN division is planning to make an announcement today related to online-search technology, giving rise to expectations that the company will begin offering its own Internet search engine tomorrow.


ISA Flaw Shows Way In To Phishing Attacks

Microsoft ISA and Proxy Server are prone to an Internet domain name spoofing vulnerability that could allow an attacker to spoof Internet sites.


Mission to surf sun #39;s rays

Within a converted barn on the Planetary Society #39;s campus Tuesday, a group of scientists, engineers and volunteers began the countdown for a March launch of the


Vodafone begins 3G mobile service

Vodafone has launched its UK third-generation (3G) services for mobile phones, offering video calls, music downloads and games. The 3G technology enables users to download data at a faster rate than before


Shaq keeps Heat perfect

Shaquille O #39;Neal helped Miami improved to 4-0 for the first time in team history, but he was concerned about the Heat #39;s defensive effort in Tuesday night #39;s 103-93 win over the Washington Wizards in Miami.


Clemens earns Cy Young No. 7

Ordinarily, the overriding question for Roger Clemens would have been how, in a season when he turned 42, could he have pitched well enough to become the first pitcher in baseball history to win a seventh Cy Young Award.


Teams agree test cut

The money saved will go towards an eighteenth and nineteenth grand prix next year -- in Britain and France.  quot;A commercial deal with Bernie Ecclestone is done, quot; Australian Stoddart revealed at the Hilton.


Charlton, Spurs linked with sacked Chelsea striker Mutu

The Telegraph says Mutu is in rehabilitation and if he comes through that successfully, the Romanian international will be free to join another club next year.


Kobe, Los Angeles are getting adjusted to NBA life without Shaq in <b>...</b>

The Lakers were in town. So, automatically, the first thing you did was look around for the big guy. You kept searching for a guy named Shaquille O #39;Neal, who once played for LSU.


Wenger still considering options

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed that he is still weighing up whether to defend his outspoken attack on Ruud van Nistelrooy as he looked to a bright future with his Carling Cup youngsters.


Toledo frustrates Huskies

DEKALB -- Toledo doesn #39;t just beat Northern Illinois University. It torments the Huskies. Teases their defense. NIU gets the Rockets right where it wants them.


No doubt they got message

Who knew that 71-year-old assistant coach Dick Helm was the Knicks #39; problem? One day after his head rolled, so did the Knicks.


UN backs sanctions against Ivory Coast

The UN Security Council yesterday gave wide support to a resolution that would impose sanctions against Ivory Coast if the government and rebels dont return to a peace process by the beginning of December, diplomats said.


Terrorism isnt just US, Israeli problem

When the controversial Dutch artist and filmmaker Theo van Gogh was slain in an Amsterdam street last week by a Muslim suspect, it was more than a murder story.


ECU professors: Arafat #39;s death unlikely to bring major change

While Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat lingers in a coma, the world contemplates what his death will mean to the Middle East #39;s future.


Germans grumpy 15 years after wall #39;s fall

Germans marked a subdued 15th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Tuesday, with high unemployment in the formerly communist east and a sense in people #39;s


Big 12 notes

Blame Bret Culbertson. Just don #39;t let Iowa State coach Dan McCarney hear you do it. In case you don #39;t remember, Culbertson is the freshman kicker whose missed 24-yard field


High profile BJP leader suspended

India's main opposition party takes action against senior party member Uma Bharti after a public row.


Australia's Lonard Wins Third in a Row (AP)

AP - Australia's Peter Lonard won for the third straight week, shooting a 7-under 65 on Sunday in the Australian PGA for a two-shot victory over third-round leader James Nitties.


Confusion Over Arafat, Palestinians Prepare Burial (Reuters)

Reuters - Palestinians looked to their leadership\to lift confusion over Yasser Arafat's fate in a French\hospital on Wednesday as preparations gathered pace to bury the\icon of their fight for statehood. Arafat, 75, suffered a brain\hemorrhage on Tuesday at the hospital where he was flown from\the West Bank on Oct. 29 and had lain in a coma. Officials\insisted in public that he was alive, though aides said\privately that he was dead.


FCC Asserts Role as Internet Phone Regulator (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The Federal Communications Commission said yesterday that the federal government, not states, has the authority to regulate phone service provided over the Internet.


AP: Iliescu Hopes Romania Will Join EU (AP)

AP - Outgoing President Ion Iliescu, Romania's leader for most of the last 25 years, defended his record as leader, saying concerns about press freedoms are exaggerated and efforts to stamp out corruption are progressing.


Arafat to Be Buried at His West Bank HQ (AP)

AP - Yasser Arafat will be buried at the battered West Bank headquarters that had been his virtual prison for the last three years, his aides decided after the Palestinian leader sank deeper into a coma.


Researchers Show Supercomputer Projects (AP)

AP - They help predict the path of weather halfway around the world or in space, shed light on the death of dinosaurs and train pilots to fly in Alaska. They're supercomputers, capable of high-speed calculations that would take people trillions of years to do.


Japan on alert as suspected Chinese sub detected in territorial waters (AFP)

AFP - Japan was on alert after a suspected Chinese nuclear submarine entered its territorial waters, setting off a chase on the high sea amid mounting disputes between the Asian powers.


Iraqi PM Allawi's Family Targeted by Kidnappers

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Three members of Iraqi Prime Minister  Iyad Allawi's family have been kidnapped by gunmen, a spokesman  for the Iraqi interim government said on Wednesday.


So much for the  #39;soft patch #39;

Satisfied that the economy is back on track, the Federal Reserve is likely to increase interest rates today, and in December as well.


Liberty declares  #39;no hostile #39; intent

Liberty Media Corp., addressing industry speculation that it might launch a takeover bid for Rupert Murdoch #39;s News Corp., said Tuesday it has  quot;no hostile intentions quot; toward the media giant.


Australian shares back in record territory on NAB strength

SYDNEY : Australian share prices returned to record territory, adding 0.28 percent as investors shrugged off disappointing results from National Australia Bank to send the market higher, dealers said.


GM offers to lock rates for 2 automobile purchases

General Motors Corp. is offering customers the chance to lock in low-interest financing on their next two vehicle purchases as it seeks to boost US sales this month after a 5 percent decline in October.


Hacker flogged Microsoft source code

THE FEDS have fingered the collar of a Connecticut computer hacker. He #39;s been charged with flogging copies of Microsoft Windows proprietary source code.


#39;Only hollow victories in store for Ferrari #39;

Ferrari #39;s rivals have warned them that only  quot;hollow quot; victories await them if they don #39;t agree to reduce the number of days they will spend testing during next year #39;s Championship.


O #39;Neal is turning up the Heat

Shaquille O #39;Neal has the Heat off to their best start ever after scoring 20 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and blocking 3 shots in a 103-93 victory over the Washington Wizards last night in Miami.


Rog still best

Retirement is once again pulling at Roger Clemens. Only this time, he thinks he actually might follow through on it for more than a few months.


No Artest, no problem

No matter who #39;s hurt, no matter who #39;s suspended, no matter who plays, it doesn #39;t seem to matter. The shorthanded Indiana Pacers won their fourth game without a loss Tuesday, in their most difficult game.


Top Islamic cleric rushes to bedside of comatose Arafat in French <b>...</b>

A top Islamic cleric was rushing to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat #39;s hospital bedside Wednesday after his coma deepened and his caretaker government chose a burial site.


Powell gives no hint that he will leave post

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, whom many analysts had expected to leave his post in a second Bush administration, has shown little sign


Putnam will miss majority of Marsh cutbacks

Marsh  amp; McLennan, the parent company of Hub funds firm Putnam Investments, announced 3,000 job cuts yesterday as it battles a scandal and a collapse in earnings.


Convictions send stern warning to spammers

Spammers will find that the money to be made by bombarding computers with junk e-mails is not worth the risk. A Virginia jury sent a sobering message last week to the unscrupulous purveyors of junk e-mail.


NBA Game Summary - Toronto at Sacramento

Toronto has now dropped seven straight and is just 1-8 all-time at ARCO...Sacramento improved to 15-5 in its home opener since the 1985-86 season...Sacramento took both meetings with the Raptors last season and has won nine of the last 10...Toronto #39;s only


Plan May Keep Bird Off Endangered List

An initiative by the Bureau of Land Management to conserve the habitat of the northern sage grouse is complicating efforts to earn the bird designation as an endangered species.


BT offers free net phone calls

As an incentive to buy broadband from BT, the telco is offering free calls via the internet.


US Expected to Hike Interest Rates Today

The US Federal Reserve is expected to hike interest rates today for a fourth time this year. Analysts say the central bank is feeling more confident about the US economy, partly because of the strong payrolls


NAB slide  #39;unacceptable #39; says Stewart

SCOTSMAN John Stewart - drafted in to turn around Australia #39;s largest bank - said today the overhaul of National Australia Bank will take several years as he unveiled an  #39;unacceptable #39; 15 fall in the group #39;s full-year cash earnings.


Strength of global recovery in question - Gordon Brown

A mixture of problems including sharp currency fluctuations has led to uncertainty about how strong and durable the world recovery will prove, British finance minister Gordon Brown said yesterday.


Telecom rockets amid buyback, 600 job cuts

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- Cable  amp; Wireless, the UK and Caribbean business telecoms group, unveiled a restructuring and management reshuffle on Wednesday that will see around 600 jobs cut.


University wins animal rights bid

Oxford University succeeds  in gaining a continuation of a wide-ranging injunction against animal rights activists.


Oil industry feels global warming heat

A top level report on artic climate change spurred by global warming has outlined possible oil industry benefits, but also many potential pitfalls.


Halo 2 blasts off shelves

Two years of hype for Microsoft video-game sequel Halo 2 began to pay off yesterday as fans snapped up millions of copies of the alien-blasting game for the Xbox console.


Skype goes cordless with Siemens

Skype has announced its free software is now available for the Siemens Gigaset DECT cordless phones, meaning that users can now utilise a cordless phone to place calls to other telephones, over the Internet.


Competition Aims To Take Bite Out Of iPod #39;s Business

The players are all about convenience and size. They are like carrying around hundreds of CDs without the load. The iPod dominates the MP3 scene, but new competitors hope to take a bite out of Apple #39;s business.


Stem cell research a battle of the coasts

A \$3 billion stem cell research initiative in California means the Garden State faces stiff competition to secure and retain top researchers, experts warned Tuesday.


Romanian Federation asks FIFA to clarify Mutu position

The Romanian Soccer Federation (FRF) has asked FIFA to clarify whether striker Adrian Mutu can train during his seven-month ban for taking cocaine.


Clemens awarded seventh Cy Young

No matter where he goes, the Cy Young Award always seems to find Roger Clemens, who was halfway around the globe and just off a Japanese bullet train when learning yesterday that he #39;d won


O #39;Neal, Heat keep rolling

Shaquille O #39;Neal has the Miami Heat off to its best start ever after scoring 20 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking 3 shots in a 103-93 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.


O #39;Connor snubbed in Texaco awards

Irish Olympic gold medallist Cian O #39;Connor has been snubbed by the organisers of the 2004 Irish Texaco Sport Stars awards. Despite winning Olympic gold, O #39;Connor has been ignored in the prestigious awards.


All #39;s well for Schilling after 3-hou

After helping the Red Sox stats, schedule win their first World Series championship in 86 years and supporting President Bush in his bid to win a few red states, the man with the red spot


France, UN launch evacuations from Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast The UN says it #39;s starting to evacuate its staff from the west African nation of Ivory Coast, following four days of chaotic violence there.


Gunmen Kidnap Three Members of Allawi #39;s Family

BAGHDAD, Nov. 10- Gunmen kidnapped a first cousin of interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and two other members of his extended family from their Baghdad home on Tuesday, an Allawi spokesman said Wednesday morning.


Afghan Kidnappers Say Government Agrees Deal

Kidnappers of three UN workers in Afghanistan said on Wednesday the government had agreed to terms for their release, despite indications from Afghan and US officials that a compromise was not possible.


Italian hostage released in Philippines

AP - An Italian aid worker abducted in the southern Philippines was released unharmed after Muslim separatist rebels reportedly helped authorities corner his kidnappers.


Japan puts navy on alert after unidentified submarine intrudes in <b>...</b>

Japan #39;s navy went on alert Wednesday when an unidentified submarine made a brief incursion into the country #39;s southern waters near Okinawa and Tokyo was trying to determine where the vessel came from.


EU wants nuclear reactor built in France

Vienna - Negotiations on where to build the world #39;s first nuclear fusion reactor ended without an agreement on either of the two sites under consideration in France and Japan, a Western diplomat said on Tuesday.


KABUL (Reuters) - Kidnappers of three U.N. workers in  Afghanistan said on Wednesday the government had agreed to  terms for their release, despite indications from Afghan and  U.S. officials that a compromise was not possible.


Confusion Over Arafat, Palestinians Prepare Burial

PARIS (Reuters) - Palestinians looked to their leadership  to lift confusion over Yasser Arafat's fate in a Paris hospital  on Wednesday as preparations gathered pace to bury the icon of  their fight for statehood. Arafat, 75, suffered a brain  hemorrhage on Tuesday at the hospital where he was flown from  the West Bank on Oct. 29 and had lain in a coma. Officials  insisted in public that he was alive, though aides said  privately that he was dead.


France Prepares to Evacuate Citizens from Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Protesters in Ivory Coast massed to  support President Laurent Gbagbo for a fifth day on Wednesday  as France prepared to airlift citizens from its former West  African colony, once a model of post-independence prosperity.


War Not an Option Against Iran - Germany's Fischer

BERLIN (Reuters) - War is not an option against Iran and no  one expects the standoff over Iran's nuclear program to lead to  an "Iraq-like confrontation," German Foreign Minister Joschka  Fischer was quoted as saying on Wednesday.


Israeli Forces Kill 3 Palestinians

Israeli troops on Tuesday shot and killed two Palestinians who entered an unauthorized area in the Gaza Strip, military sources said.


Microsoft to launch own search engine

Microsoft on Thursday will launch its long-awaited internet search service that is expected to compete with market leaders Google and Yahoo, The Wall Street Journal said.


Hooton confident, Stoddart certain over British GP

After weeks of negotiations that, at last viewing, appeared to be forcing the British Grand Prix off the Formula One calendar, Tuesday #39;s teams #39; meeting in London has once again resurrected hopes that the Silverstone race will take place in 2005.


Knicks rebound for first win of season

A crisis of confidence was averted last night as the suddenly determined Knicks went to work on the Philadelphia 76ers and posted a relatively easy 96-88 victory at Madison Square Garden.


Vodafone launches 3G services

VODAFONE, the world #39;s largest mobile phone network, launched its third-generation services in 13 countries today, including the UK.


Baseball #39;s image getting Creamed

it #39;s the sport that won #39;t die, no matter what. You can have gamblers, psychotic fans, spouses that blab and players who cork.


Students Fight Copyright Hoarders

College students around the country start groups to teach their peers about copyright law and how Hollywood and record companies abuse it. To fight vacant stares, they frame the issue like this: Save the iPod. By Katie Dean.


US envoy opposes kidnapper talks

US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says in Kabul there should be no talks with kidnappers of three UN workers.


Sportsview: Don't Count Out Clemens (AP)

AP - Roger Clemens has waited a half-dozen years now for some telltale sign that his time is up.


Timberwolves Topple Clippers 107-100, OT (AP)

AP - Sam Cassell scored eight of his season-high 30 points in overtime and Kevin Garnett added 22 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-100 Saturday night for their fifth straight victory.


#39;Crazy Horse #39; Hughes dies

#39;Emlyn started with Liverpool in midfield. As his career went on, he finished up playing centre-half and that was probably when we started to play football from the back and the way Liverpool Football Club moved up a gear.


Isiah calls it all, except own number

The more that Isiah Thomas insisted yesterday he will never coach the Knicks, the more you wanted to ask,  quot;Well, why would you?


Darfur deal signed

Abuja, Nigeria - Sudan and Darfur rebels signed accords on Tuesday to end hostilities and guarantee aid groups #39; access to 1.6 million civilians uprooted by conflict in the troubled western Sudan region of Darfur.


Unidentified submarine detected in Japanese waters

TOKYO - An unidentified submarine was detected moving in Japanese waters near Okinawa on Wednesday, prompting Japan #39;s Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono to dispatch a Maritime Self-Defense Force team to step up security in the area.


Ties with Pakistan a high priority: Armitage

ISLAMABAD: The US government would not only maintain continuity in its policy towards Islamabad but also strive to enhance bilateral relations in economic, commercial, defence and security spheres, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage assured the


Anthem-WellPoint merger deal wins approval in California

NEW YORK, November 10 (newratings.com) - California #39;s insurance commissioner has approved the proposed \$16.5 billion merger between Anthem Inc (ATH.


Zo, Nets break the ice

The score was in the low 60s. The teams combined to shoot 29 and make an NBA record-low 44 field goals. Several players added floor burns to their tattoos and Shareef Abdur-Rahim even suffered a bloody gash on his head.


Kidnapped Italian freed in southern Philippines (AFP)

AFP - An Italian aid worker walked free from the southern Philippines jungle, a day after he was abducted by local gunmen, officials said.


Seventh wonder

Winning an unprecedented seventh Cy Young Award, his first in the National League, only makes the question of Roger Clemens's return for the 2005 season even more compelling.\   The answer probably won't be long in coming.


Generic AIDS drugs off WHO list

WASHINGTON -- A major maker of generic AIDS medicines voluntarily removed all its antiretrovirals from the World Health Organization's list of approved drugs yesterday, a move that could potentially affect tens of thousands of AIDS patients in poor countries who have only recently entered treatment.


Grim Signs Mark Global Warming

Reports released this week offer evidence of climate change's impact: Plants and animals are dying and showing up in places they shouldn't, the Arctic is heating rapidly and sea levels are rising. By Stephen Leahy.


Aussies to Bear Missile Shield

Australia re-elected a conservative government recently, which will allow the expansion of a crucial part of the U.S. missile defense shield. Critics say the Pine Gap facility could start an arms race in Asia. Patrick Gray reports from Brisbane, Australia.


GTA Throws in the Kitchen Sink

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas serves up a little something for everyone, unless you're against mayhem and dark humor. By Lore Sjberg.


A Kinder, Gentler 911

With services like 311, a better, smarter city is just a phone call away. By Steven Johnson from Wired magazine.


Nine out of 10 teams say that Silverstone is saved

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone seems certain to be reprieved after a deal between Formula One teams. Nine of the 10 teams agreed to cut testing by 50 per cent to bear the cost of two extra races at


Baseball Notes - Nov. 10

The chairwoman of the District of Columbia Council delayed a vote on a plan to build a baseball stadium on the Anacostia River in southeast Washington that would host the Montreal Expos.


Islamic cleric in France to see Arafat

CLAMART, France - A senior Islamic cleric arrived in France on Wednesday to visit the bedside of the ailing Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, Palestinian officials said.


Dutch police wounded in anti-terrorist raid

Three Dutch police officers have been wounded in a grenade explosion during an anti-terrorist raid in The Hague. Police said two of the officers were seriously injured.


European stocks start on positive note (AFP)

AFP - European stock markets pushed upwards in early deals as company news provided a fillip in otherwise cautious trading ahead of a US interest rate decision.


Majority Leader Faces Balancing Act in Senate (Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON  #8212; Leading the majority party in the Senate, a job that has been likened to herding cats, is tough enough in ordinary times. For Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), last week's Republican election triumphs paradoxically made the job tougher yet.


Three Dutch Police Injured in Anti-Terror Raid

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Suspects sought in a Dutch  anti-terrorism raid threw a hand grenade in a standoff with  police on Wednesday, injuring three officers, amid a spiral of  violence following the killing of an outspoken filmmaker.


New media clampdown in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe MPs agree to amend a tough media law, threatening unregistered journalists with jail.


Euro Disney rides to new low with a 145m loss

EURO DISNEY, the financially crippled French theme park operator, has admitted that its annual losses more than doubled last financial year as it was hit by a surge in costs.


NAB profits tumble after scandal

National Australia Bank, the country #39;s biggest lender, has seen its profits slump following a trading scandal. Increased competition and rising costs have also taken their toll, producing what boss John Stewart called a  quot;poor and unacceptable result quot;.


Rapid East Asian growth lifts 250m out of poverty

A QUARTER of a billion people in some of the worlds poorest and most populous countries in East Asia have been lifted out of extreme poverty by rapid economic growth over


Internet phone victory

Federal regulators sent a powerful message Tuesday to California and other states to leave the fledgling Internet telephone industry alone for now.


Anthem-WellPoint deal OKd

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi dropped his objection to Anthem Inc. #39;s purchase of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. after the companies agreed to spend \$265 million, more than double their previous commitment


Firefox 1.0 open-source Web browser

After a year in development, The Mozilla Foundation has finally released the full  #39;official #39; version of its already popular open-source Web browser, Firefox.


Microsoft extends legal protection to most users

In a bid to further differentiate itself from its Linux rivals, Microsoft has said it will expand its legal indemnification programme to cover almost all its customers.


Trojan spams Russian mobile phones

An ingenious new trojan is hijacking PCs to send SMS-based spam to mobile phones. After a PC has been infected, the Delf-HA trojan contacts a website for details on which spam campaign to run and then randomly


Itanium 2 stuffed with cache

Intel has delivered updated Itanium 2 processors with larger memory caches aimed, in part, at high-volume data warehouse transaction markets that have long been the domain of Risc systems.


GTA Throws in the Kitchen Sink

In the three years since Grand Theft Auto III was released for the PlayStation 2, titles from The Simpsons: Hit  amp; Run to Spider-Man 2 have incorporated aspects of the game #39;s groundbreaking open-ended play.


MICROSOFT AIMS AT IPOD MARKET

Microsoft Corp. is fighting to expand its online music share and break the hold Apple #39;s iPod has on the market. Microsoft #39;s MSN music service began a free song promotion yesterday sponsored by American Express.


Shaq helps Heat to best start in franchise history

Shaquille O #39;Neal promised to bring a championship to Miami. And although it #39;s way too early to be thinking about titles, he can #39;t wait to show off his new team to his old Western Conference rivals.


Source: Phelps Nearly Hit Trooper, Took Breathalyzer Test

SALISBURY, Md. -- The 11 News I-Team has uncovered more information in connection with the drunken driving arrest of Olympic swim star Michael Phelps.


Beckham goes to Hollywood

Hollywood beckons for David Beckham after he agreed to take on the challenging role of...David Beckham in a new football movie. The Real Madrid star will be joined in Goal!


Wannstedt Quits As Miami Coach

Miami Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt called it quits today midway through a dismal season that began with the retirement of running back Ricky Williams and has left the team with the NFL #39;s worst record at 1-8.


Sonics hand Nuggets their 4th loss

DENVER -- Ray Allen scored 30 points Tuesday night to help the Seattle SuperSonics prolong Denver #39;s early-season misery with a 106-88 victory.


Seminary native, 30, executed in Texas

Convicted killer Demarco McCullum, who grew up in Seminary, Miss., was executed Tuesday for the abduction, robbery, beating and fatal shooting of a Houston man 10 years ago.


And the beat(ing) goes on

This time there was no inspiring rally, nothing that could be labeled a moral victory and no reason for the crowd of 17,595 not to voice its displeasure with a chorus of boos.


Iraqi Premier #39;s Relatives Kidnapped - Threatened with Beheading

Two members of the Iraqi prime ministers family have been abducted from their Baghdad home, his spokesman confirmed today. Kidnappers claimed to be holding three relatives.


War Not an Option Against Iran - Germany #39;s Fischer

War is not an option against Iran and no one expects the standoff over Iran #39;s nuclear program to lead to an  quot;Iraq-like confrontation, quot; German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer was quoted as saying on Wednesday.


German exports booming despite strong euro (AFP)

AFP - German exports were booming in the first nine months of the year and are heading for record levels despite the strong euro, data released by the federal statistics office showed.


Oil Fades to \$47, Awaits U.S. Stock Data

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell to seven-week lows below  \$47 a barrel on Wednesday as traders braced for another  increase in U.S. oil and natural gas inventories.


EADS Offers to Split US Tanker Deal With Boeing

European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co., the parent of aircraft maker Airbus SAS, has proposed splitting a contested US Air Force contract for refueling tankers with its rival


Mbeki set to meet rebel leaders

Abidjan - President Thabo Mbeki will on Sunday depart for talks with rebel leaders in the central Ivorian stronghold of Bouake, as part of an African Union-backed peace drive in the divided west African country, his spokesperson said.


Japan on alert as suspected Chinese sub detected in territorial waters (AFP)

AFP - Japan was on alert after a suspected Chinese nuclear submarine entered its waters near a disputed gasfield, setting off a high seas chase amid mounting disputes between the two countries.


Thousands line up for Halo 2 game (AFP)

AFP - Hordes of video game fans lined up outside more than 6,500 stores across the United States overnight to get a copy of the new Halo 2 game whose first day takings are expected to rival a Hollywood blockbuster.


MSN Search Beta Set to Launch

Microsoft Corp. #39;s MSN division on Thursday will launch a public beta of its Web search technology, according to sources familiar with the plans.


Technology ; Fans Throng for First Crack at New Game  #39;Halo 2 #39;

Technology News, LOS ANGELES - It takes a special kind of person to stay up all night and stand in a line nearly 250 people long just to buy a video game -- but for rabid fans of the first  quot;Halo quot; on the Xbox video game console, it was well worth the wait


Global warming #39;s impact on US plants, animals determined from <b>...</b>

quot;Other recent syntheses of biological impacts, including my own, have focused on very large datasets across the globe, quot; said Parmesan.


Why Robson is right man for the job

Jeremy Peace researched the subject of Bryan Robson to such an extent that the West Bromwich Albion chairman would have no problems writing a detailed biography of his new manager.


Clemens wins record seventh Cy Young Award

NEW YORK Roger Clemens could have ended his career last year in the World Series -- just like Sandy Koufax (KOH #39;-faks) did in 1966.


Grenade Thrown as Police Lay Siege to Suspected Terror House

Dutch police were laying siege to a house in The Hague today where an unknown number of terrorism suspects were holed up. Three policemen were injured by a hand grenade thrown when a raid was launched on the house, officials said.


Better living--and smarter rats--through chemistry

Forget ginseng--News.com's Michael Kanellos says a chip in the head could be just the thing to improve your memory power.


New round of job cuts for Cable  amp; Wireless

CABLE  amp; Wireless has unveiled another round of job cuts, with the announcement that it plans to reduce its head count in the UK and Continental Europe by 600.


House price fears prompt Bank jitters

Fears of a house price crash and the impact of cheap imports have tempered Bank of England expectations of an inflationary spurt. The Bank #39;s Monetary Policy Committee, in its quarterly


Battle of the searches begins

New York - Microsoft Corp will roll out its long-awaited internet search service on Thursday, adding fresh competition to Google Inc, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.


#39;Halo 2 #39; debuts to crowds

(November 10, 2004) - They stood out in the cold, in the snow, in the middle of the night like concert junkies waiting for tickets to see their favorite band.


Microsoft adds IP indemnity to Linux fight

Borrowing a line from Allstate Insurance, Microsoft wants customers to know they are in good hands when they choose its software. The software maker plans to announce on Wednesday that it will indemnify nearly


Watching Global Warming

A new non-partisan study shows global warming is happening faster than anyone expected with effects in our own backyards. Biologist Doctor Camille Parmesan studies how living creatures respond to environmental


UT reigns on NIU

For the 11th straight time, the University of Toledo defeated Northern Illinois, and this time it is was a Northern Illinois team that had been unbeaten in the Mid-American Conference and seemingly headed for its first appearance in the league


Three Dutch Police Injured in Anti-Terror Raid

Suspects sought in a Dutch anti-terrorism raid threw a hand grenade in a standoff with police on Wednesday, injuring three officers, amid a spiral of violence following the killing of an outspoken filmmaker.


Microsoft to launch its own search engine (AFP)

AFP - Microsoft will launch its long-awaited Internet search service that is expected to compete with market leaders Google and Yahoo.


Vodafone launches mass-market 3G mobile (AFP)

AFP - After a four-year wait, billions of pounds spent on licences and numerous delays, Vodafone finally rolled out mass-market third-generation (3G) mobile telephone services.


Miss Peru crowned Miss World 2004

SANYA, CHINA -- Miss Peru, Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia, an aspiring high school teacher, was crowned Miss World 2004 last night in this southern Chinese beach resort.


Fans Flock to Buy Sci-Fi Epic 'Halo 2'

There's a new media king, only he isn't on the radio or in the movies. His name? Master Chief. His role: Interstellar soldier and star of "Halo 2," one of the most anticipated video games ever. -AP


Microsoft to Preview New Search Engine

Microsoft Corp., stepping up its efforts to compete with rival Google Inc., will offer consumers a preview of its technology for searching the Internet, beginning Thursday.


Dell Plans 3rd U.S. Plant, to Hire 1,500

\

 By Eric Auchard

 NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dell Inc. <DELL.O> plans to open a\third U.S. manufacturing plant, the world's largest personal\computer maker, said on Tuesday, in a rare example of a\high-tech company expanding U.S. production.


Scientists Show Off Supercomputer Projects

They help predict the path of weather halfway around the world or in space, shed light on the death of dinosaurs and train pilots to fly in Alaska. They're supercomputers, capable of high-speed calculations that would take people trillions of years to do.


Solar sail craft gets launch date

The world's first spacecraft to use a solar sail for propulsion is set to be launched from a submerged Russian submarine on 1 March next year.


Fed #39;s Tough Decision Comes in December

A fourth interest rate hike may be a foregone conclusion Wednesday but the Federal Reserve #39;s next move in December is far from certain, and analysts say it #39;s likely to remain that way for a while.


FCC Gives Internet Calls Half A Push

NEW YORK - You could almost hear the sighs of relief when the US Federal Communications Commission ruled on Tuesday that Internet-based phone services should be regulated by the federal government, not by the states.


Cable and Wireless plan major restructuring

London - Cable and Wireless, the struggling British telecoms group, said Wednesday it would cut 600 jobs across Europe, part company with a top executive and shut its London headquarters.


Cisco #39;s Chambers Forecasts Slowing Second-Quarter Sales Growth

Cisco Systems Inc. Chief Executive Officer John Chambers said sales growth will slow this quarter and it #39;s too early to say #39; #39; whether customers are becoming more optimistic about the economy.


ProMOS to pay Infineon DRAM license fees

ProMOS Technologies has agreed to pay Infineon Technologies license fees for 0.17-, 0.14- and 0.11-micron DRAM trench technologies.


Anthem merger closer to reality

California #39;s insurance commissioner Tuesday dropped his opposition to Anthem Inc. #39;s proposed \$18.4 billion purchase of WellPoint Health Networks Inc.


Russia freezes Yukos #39; shares in Sibneft oil company

MOSCOW : The battered Russian oil giant Yukos said a Moscow court had frozen its 34.5 percent stake in rival Sibneft, halting a reversal of their merger that would provide cash for Yukos to settle massive tax bills.


LinkedIn looks to premium services for profit

Social-networking site will launch premium services next year. Among possibilities: helping recruiters do "back door" reference checks.<br /> Photo: Staffing executive uses LinkedIn.


SunTrust Fires 3 Finance Execs (Reuters)

Reuters - SunTrust Banks Inc., a large U.S.\southeast regional bank, on Wednesday said it fired three\finance executives, including its chief credit officer, after\uncovering problems in how it accounted for bad loans.


Microsoft to add rivalry to Google on search service

The US software giant Microsoft said it would launch its Internet search service on Thursday amid the fierce competition with rival Google.


Microsoft expands intellectual property protection

Microsoft today expanded its end user intellectual property protection policy to cover customers using a wider range of its software, including Windows Server System, SQL Server and Exchange Server, Microsoft Office System and the Windows client software.


Vodafone unleashes 3G live! service

Vodafone has flicked the switch for the start of its  #39;Vodafone live! With 3G #39; service. Its portal of mobile services has had a 3G makeover for UMTS-based (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) video


Vodafone launches 3G in UK

Vodafone, the world #39;s largest mobile phone operator, today finally launched its third generation (3G) services as it seeks to recoup 16.


Skype Internet Telephony Goes Cordless; Siemens and Skype Combine <b>...</b>

The adapter works with the recently launched Gigaset C340/345 and Gigaset CX340/345isdn, Gigaset S440/445 and Gigaset SX440/445isdn, Gigaset S645 and Gigaset SL440.


Vampire goes head to head with Half-Life 2

Activision has revealed that it plans to ship Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines on November 16th in the USA, meaning that the game will be in direct competition with Valve #39;s Half-Life 2 - the Source Engine technology for which Bloodlines uses under


Nike, a magic camera and Gran Turismo  Shots and explanation <b>...</b>

So yesterday SPOnG began receiving shots of a suitcase from Japan. The suitcase contained some Nike Shox trainers, a t-shirt, and a copy of Gran Turismo 4. There was talk that the t-shirt unlocks a special


#39;Emlyn #39;s enthusiasm was unbelievable #39;

NORWICH CITY assistant manager Doug Livermore has paid tribute to his former Liverpool team-mate Emlyn Hughes. Hughes, who skippered the great Liverpool side of the 1970s and was famed for his charisma and


Arsenal midfielder Edu breaks foot

Arsenal #39;s Brazilian international midfielder Edu broke his foot in Tuesday #39;s 3-1 League Cup win over Everton at Highbury. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said:  quot;He has a broken foot.


WTAs elite on display in LA

Lindsay Davenport and Amelie Mauresmo are in a battle for the No. 1 ranking at the WTA Championships this week at the Staples Center, however, both players downplay the faceoff.


Beckham ready to return for Real Madrid

David Beckham should be fit to return to action for Real Madrid this weekend after a month out with a rib injury, the club said on their website on Wednesday.


Ohio State fans react to Clarett #39;s accusations

com. The most storied Buckeye football player in recent memory -- some say for the wrong reasons -- Maurice Clarett has lashed out against Ohio State, claiming he was a


Layoff ends for Wolves #39; Griffin

Eddie Griffin begins a new chapter in his life as a professional basketball player more than 18 months after the book seemed to close on his promising NBA career.


Australia recall Warne and Lehmann for first NZ test

Shane Warne and Darren Lehmann have been recalled to Australia #39;s squad for next week #39;s first test against New Zealand after the selectors dropped Simon Katich and Nathan Hauritz.


Iran issues nuclear warning

could take drastic steps if the talks did not proceed as Tehran wants. Mehr news agency quoted him as saying on Wednesday. that could be used


Click refresh for updates

Tony Blair faces MPs today for the first time since the launch of the US-led assault on Falluja and the death of four members of the Black Watch just south of Baghdad.


10 World Briefs

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia -- Hundreds of protesters ransacked and occupied the regional administration building in a southern Russian province Tuesday, demanding the resignation of the region #39;s president, whose former son-in-law has been linked to a multiple


Dell to build factory in N.C., hire 1,500 workers (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - No. 1 PC maker Dell announced plans Tuesday to build a new computer factory in North Carolina and hire 1,500 workers within five years. The site for the approximately  #36;115 million, 500,000 square-foot factory has not yet been chosen, but it will likely be near Winston-Salem.


Members of Allawi's Family Kidnapped

Gunmen kidnapped a first cousin of interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and two other members of his extended family in Baghdad Tuesday, an Allawi spokesman said Wednesday. In Fallujah, meanwhile, the U.S. military claimed control of 70 percent of the rebellious city.


Stocks Seen Up as Oil Falls; Fed on Tap

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock futures pointed to a  slightly higher market open on Wednesday as oil prices hit  seven-week lows, while Wall Street awaits an anticipated  interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve.


NBA Wrap: Magic Beat Mavericks, Heat Beat Wizards

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sports Network) - Hedo Turkoglu came off the  bench to contribute 19 points and Dwight Howard netted 15  points with 11 rebounds, leading the Orlando Magic over the  Dallas Mavericks, 94-84, at TD WaterHouse Center.


Mortgage Applications Fall Last Week-MBA

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New applications for U.S. home loans  fell last week as 30-year mortgage rates reached their highest  levels in a month, an industry group said on Wednesday.


Hurricanes #39; offense adds injury to insult

MIAMI - The University of Miami sustained several injuries on offense during Saturday #39;s 16-10 loss to Virginia Tech. Injuries knocked out tight end Kevin Everett and fullback Talib Humphrey, both starters, as well as backup running back Tyrone Moss.


Cleric at Arafat's Bedside During 'Final Phase'

A top Islamic cleric rushed from the West Bank to Yasser Arafat's hospital bedside Wednesday in what an aide to the Palestinian leader called the "final phase" of his life.


U.S. Forces Claim Most of Fallujah

American forces battled through boobytrapped lanes in a swift advance to city center. The military said at least 71 militants and 10 U.S. troopers were killed as of the beginning of the third day of intense urban combat.


SunTrust Fires 3 Finance Execs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - SunTrust Banks Inc. STI.N, a large  U.S. southeast regional bank, on Wednesday said it fired three  finance executives, including its chief credit officer, after  uncovering problems in how it accounted for bad loans.


Revlon 3rd-Quarter Loss Widens

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Cosmetics maker Revlon Inc. REV.N on  Wednesday said its third-quarter net loss widened on  refinancing costs and declining sales.


Marsh  amp; McLennan CEO Might Be the First of a Breed

Marsh  amp; McLennan Cos. #39; new boss Michael Cherkasky may be the prototype of the new CEO -- where the E stands for enforcement.


Cisco reports record profit but outlook disappoints (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Cisco Systems' fiscal first-quarter profits jumped 29 as the network equipment giant saw growth in its traditional routing markets as well as its emerging technologies like Internet telephone and home networking gear.


Vodafone rolls out 3G mobile phone

After a four-year wait, billions of pounds spent on licences and numerous delays, Vodafone finally rolled out mass-market third-generation (3G) mobile telephone services on Wednesday.


Former N.C. Congressman Pleads Guilty (AP)

AP - Former Rep. Frank Ballance pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge that he used a charitable foundation to bilk the government and funnel money to his law firm, church and family.


Brazil Forests Seen Doomed Without Int'l Aid (Reuters)

Reuters - The forests on Brazil's\agricultural frontier will disappear without international\financing to provide alternatives to slash-and-burn farming,\the farm secretary of Brazil's leading soybean state said.


Auto industry lifts French output

French industrial output soared in September as the car sector bounced back from a summer slowdown, figures show.


Wannstedt officially steps down

The Miami Dolphins are headed in a new direction and Dave Wannstedt wont be along for the ride. The final blow for Wannstedt came this Sunday when the Dolphins let two leads slip away, losing to the Arizona


Arctic Thaw May Open Ship Lanes, But Risks High (Reuters)

Reuters - A faster-than-expected thaw of the\Arctic is likely to open legendary short-cut routes between the\Pacific and the Atlantic but experts say icebergs and high\costs will prevent any trans-polar shipping boom.


Business: Legacy Costs

Washington Post business columnist Steven Pearlstein will be online to talk about his latest column, which looks at the possibility that the "Big Three" automakers may wind up in the throes of a "death spiral."


Court looks at dogs, drugs, privacy (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether  constitutional rights were violated because a dog sniffed a vehicle even though police did not have reason to suspect  a crime.


Iraqi PM #39;s relatives kidnapped, face execution threat

Two members of the Iraqi prime minister #39;s family were nabbed from their home in Baghdad, his spokesman said Wednesday. The kidnappers said they would execute them in two days if their demands are not met.


Afghan Kidnappers Say Government Agrees Deal

KABUL (Reuters) - Kidnappers of three U.N. workers in  Afghanistan said on Wednesday the government had agreed to  terms for their release, despite indications from Afghan and  U.S. officials that meeting the militants' demands was  impossible.


Muslim Cleric Rushes to Arafat's Side Amid Confusion

PARIS (Reuters) - A top Muslim cleric rushed to Yasser  Arafat's bedside in a French hospital on Wednesday, insisting  the veteran Palestinian leader was still alive even as aides  pushed ahead with burial preparations.


France Citizens Queue to Leave Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - French citizens queued at Ivory Coast's  main airport on Wednesday to flee their former West African  colony as violent anti-French protesters massed for a fifth day  in support of President Laurent Gbagbo.


Losing 60 years of experience

STUART Rose conceded that more than 60 years of Marks  amp; Spencer experience was walking away with the clutch of top-tier departures.


Money Talks: Microsoft settle with Novell and the CCIA

Microsoft has paid \$536 million to rival Novell as part of its ongoing programme to settle legal disputes that have formed the cornerstone of European regulators #39; action against the software giant.


DR Horton Beats, Guides Up

Homebuilder DR Horton (DHI :NYSE - news - research) Wednesday reported a 52 jump in fourth-quarter profit, as the nation #39;s housing boom roared along despite the latest predictions of a long-awaited slowdown.


DR Horton sets record backlog, eyes  #39;strong #39; FY-05

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- DR Horton Inc. (DHI) posted earnings of \$349.6 million, or \$1.47 per share, for the fourth quarter ended Sept.


Cisco Slips on In-Line Quarter

Cisco (CSCO:Nasdaq - news - research) disappointed Wall Street Tuesday with a first quarter profit that was merely in line with estimates, rather than the customary penny ahead.


Arctic Thaw May Open Ship Lanes, But Risks High

A faster-than-expected thaw of the Arctic is likely to open legendary short-cut routes between the Pacific and the Atlantic but experts say


Skype lures developers with software giveaway

Voice-over-IP software maker Skype starting today will include the beta of its Skype API (Application Program Interface) with its Skype for Windows product.


Injured Sainz forced to retire five days early

Twice world rally champion Carlos Sainz retired five days earlier than planned on Wednesday when injury forced him to pull out of the Rally of Australia.


Hope Rises for Release of Afghanistan Hostages

Taliban-linked kidnappers of three UN election workers, including a British woman, claimed today that a deal could be close for their release.


US wants closer ties with Pakistan

US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage (L) shakes hands with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri prior to their meeting in Islamabad, 09 November 2004.


Israeli NRP quits gov #39;t to protest pullout plan

The Israeli far-right National Religious Party (NRP) voted Monday night to quit the coalition in protest of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s disengagement plan, localnewspaper Haaretz reported on its website.


DSL wars come down to a battle of the bundles

DSL, cable providers offer new discounts--with a catch.


DON #39;T KID YOURSELF

December 5, 2004 -- THE meetings this week in Toronto be tween the NHL and the NHLPA will mark the beginning of the end, either the beginning of the end of the lockout or the beginning of the end of the NHL in any recognizable form.


Microsoft to launch new search engine technology

Microsoft Corp. is set to unleash its much-anticipated search technology on Thursday, as it ramps up efforts to take on market leader Google Inc.


We can #39;t place much stock in Bonds #39; credibility

Barry Bonds, the fastidious health and fitness expert, would have us believe he accepted a tube of mystery goo from his personal trainer, followed the instructions, massaged the potion into his skin and didn #39;t know he was using illegal steroids.


EU objects to Microsoft-Time Warner ContentGuard deal

BRUSSELS -- The European Commission has issued a formal set of objections to Microsoft Corp. and Time Warner Inc. taking control of ContentGuard Holdings Inc., a digital rights management (DRM) company, according to sources familiar with the case.


Dell opens another call center in India

BANGALORE, INDIA -- Dell Inc. is setting up a third customer contact center in India, in the Chandigarh metro area in the north of the country, the company announced Wednesday. Operations at the center are likely to begin by March next year with about 300 employees.


Arsenal back on track with new  #39;keeper

LONDON -- Arsenal won for the first time in five matches yesterday, getting two goals from Thierry Henry to beat Birmingham 3-0, while Chelsea and Manchester United also earned comfortable wins in the English Premier League.


Microsoft to indemnify most users from legal threats

In a bid to further differentiate itself from open-source rivals, Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it will expand its indemnification program to cover the vast majority of its customers. The move, experts said, is great marketing but will have little impact on users.


Update: Cisco boosts Q1 net income, revenue

Cisco Systems Inc. on Tuesday reported significant gains in earnings and revenue for its fiscal 2005 first quarter that met analyst expectations.
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Apple launches iTunes music store in Canada

Apples iTunes online music store is one of the largest music stores currently with over one million downloads thus far. The company has launched its online stores subsidiaries in 14 countries including


Microsoft to Launch New Search Engine

Software giant hopes to challenge Google with new search technology.


DR Horton Net Profit Jumps in 4Q

Home builder DR Horton Inc. said Wednesday that fourth-quarter net income surged 52 percent on improved results in all its markets.


Infineon and ProMOS kiss and make up

Infineon and ProMOS have finally ended a long running argument over licensing for DRAM chips. The two were part of a joint venture with Mosel Vitelic which ran from 1996.


Solar sail craft gets launch date

The world #39;s first spacecraft to use a solar sail for propulsion is set to be launched from a submerged Russian submarine on 1 March next year.


Big Dig found riddled with leaks

Engineers hired to investigate the cause of September #39;s massive Big Dig tunnel leak have discovered that the project is riddled with hundreds of leaks that are pouring millions of gallons of water into the \$14.


Robbo ready to prove a point

Bryan Robson has done the managerial equivalent of swimming the channel in landing a Premiership job after three years out of the top flight.


Doctor repairs famous ankle

BOSTON - Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling had surgery Tuesday to repair his right ankle.  quot;The three-hour procedure proceeded as planned, with no complications, quot; team doctor Bill Morgan, who performed the surgery, said in a statement.


Majority of Taiwanese See Island as Independent, Sovereign

Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Highlighting a growing assertiveness and sense of national identity, a new opinion survey has found that a large majority of Taiwanese consider the island to be independent and sovereign.


Cable   Wireless to Cut 600 Jobs (Reuters)

Reuters - Britain's Cable   Wireless posted its\first net profit in over 3 years and announced plans to cut 600\jobs and return cash to investors, sending the telecom\company's shares racing to 5-month highs on Wednesday.


Parliament Speaker to Succeed Arafat (AP)

AP - The Palestinian parliament speaker will become temporary president of the Palestinian Authority in the event of Yasser Arafat's death, PLO leaders decided Wednesday.


Delta to Cut 6,000-6,900 Jobs

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines DAL.N on Wednesday  said it plans to eliminate between 6,000 and 6,900 jobs during  the next 18 months, implement a 10 percent across-the-board pay  reduction and reduce employee benefits.


SunTrust Fires 3 Finance Execs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - SunTrust Banks Inc., a large U.S.  southeast regional bank, on Wednesday said it fired three  finance executives, including its chief credit officer, after  uncovering problems in how it accounted for bad loans.


Delta to Cut 6,000-6,900 Jobs (Reuters)

Reuters - Delta Air Lines  on Wednesday\said it plans to eliminate between 6,000 and 6,900 jobs during\the next 18 months, implement a 10 percent across-the-board pay\reduction and reduce employee benefits.


Rate Hike Seen as Federal Reserve Meets

The Federal Open Market Committee, the rate-setting panel for the US Federal Reserve, began its deliberations Wednesday with a rate hike widely expected.


Music, games, porn - Vodafone launches 3G

The UK #39;s biggest service provider, with million customers, is leading the 3G push with 10 new handsets, seven of which will be exclusive to Vodafone - with the Sharp 902 debuting as Europe #39;s first two-megapixel camera phone.


Cosmetic company #39;s Q3 loss widens as sales slip 7

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Revlon, Inc reiterated its 2004 financial outlook as the cosmetics firm reported a wider-than-expected third quarter loss.


Martha Stewart Wants Aid with Legal Bills

Martha Stewart, the imprisoned celebrity homemaker, is asking her company to help pick up about \$3.7 million in legal expenses stemming from her criminal trial.


Back to basics to save bank

JOHN Stewart, Michael Ullmer and Ahmed Fahour have devised a simple plan to restore the fortunes of National Australia Bank - they are returning to an updated version of the management systems used by former chief executive Don Argus in the first half of


Exports rise narrrows US trade gap

The US trade gap shrank by a sharper than expected 3.7 in September as exports rose to a record high, despite a new record deficit with China.


UPDATE 1-DR Horton 4th-quarter earnings jump

Homebuilder DR Horton Inc. (DHI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday posted a 52 percent increase in quarterly profit on strong new home sales orders and forecast stronger-than


Bank set to meet inflation target

The Bank of England today hinted that interest rates may have peaked as it said it was on course to meet its inflation target assuming that rates remain unchanged.


Microsoft to Launch New Search Engine

Microsoft is set to unleash its much-anticipated search technology this week, as it ramps up efforts to take on market leader Google.


Firefox 1.0 Released

Microsoft #39;s Internet Explorer has a serious rival in the long-awaited Firefox 1.0 web browser, which has just been released. Few people get excited when some new software is released, especially when the program is not a game or a music or movie player.


In a bid to further differentiate itself from open source rivals, Microsoft Tuesday said it will expand its indemnification program to cover the vast majority of its customers.


For gamers, a midnight wait in line for  #39;Halo 2 #39;

In just a few minutes,  quot;Halo 2 quot; would officially be released, and these gamers couldn #39;t wait to get their first taste of the most marketed, and perhaps most anticipated, video game ever.


Alarm raised over yet another MyDoom bug

Dubbed MyDoom.AH by security firms, this latest variant in the MyDoom family of worms is exploiting the recently publicised vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Explorer #39;s (IE) IFRAME buffer overflow.


Skype offers free wireless voice calls

Internet telephony firm Skype today promised free wireless voice calls for millions of European surfers via a version of its software for the recently launched Siemens Gigaset DECT cordless phones.


Planetary Society sets date for launch of solar sail spacecraft

PASADENA, Calif. There could be something new under the sun next year -- the first controlled flight by a spaceship designed to run off solar wind.


Man charged with selling Windows source code

Months after launching a federal investigation, authorities yesterday arrested a Connecticut man for selling the source code for Microsoft #39;s Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 operating systems over the Internet.


Russian Trojan sends SMS spam

A Trojan virus has that uses infected computers to send SMS spam to mobile phones in Russia has been discovered. The Delf-HA Trojan uses the infected PC to exploit the  quot;send an SMS for free quot; service common on a number of Russian mobile operator websites.


Former Speaker reverses stand on stem cell research

Former Massachusetts House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran, who opposed embryonic stem cell research while on Beacon Hill, now says state lawmakers should support the research in order for the Bay State to keep up with California.


SunTrust Fires Three After Investigation (AP)

AP - SunTrust Banks Inc. has fired its chief credit officer, Sandra W. Jansky, and two others in its credit division after an investigation found errors in its calculation of auto loan default reserves, the company said Wednesday.


Pires dropped by France

Robert Pires, the Arsenal midfielder, has been dropped from the France squad following a public outburst against coach Raymond Domenech.


Soccer: Arsenal midfielder Edu breaks toe

LONDON : Arsenal #39;s Brazilian international midfielder Edu broke the toe on his right foot in Tuesday #39;s 3-1 League Cup win over Everton at Highbury.


West Bromwich Albion Football Club midfielder retires from <b>...</b>

Andy Johnson has decided to end his Wales career and concentrate on his West Bromwich Albion Football Club position. Johnson has won 14 caps for Wales, the last of which came against Latvia in a friendly in August.


Adidas and Soccer Look to Hollywood to Boost Presence in US

Adidas-Salomon AG aims to lift sales in the US and soccer #39;s ruling body FIFA plans to raise its profile there by endorsing three Hollywood films part-produced by Mel Gibson and featuring David Beckham.


Japanese stars beat Clemens

Roger Clemens didn #39;t look like a pitcher who is about to retire. Pitching on just a few hours sleep, Clemens held the Japanese all-stars to three runs on eight hits over 5 2-3 innings Wednesday


Katich in form, but axed again

AUSTRALIA #39;S ageing cricketers have been promised they will not be axed prematurely after batsman Simon Katich became the fall guy for the second time this year.


NFL: Miami #39;s Wannstedt quit to avoid being focal point

DAVIE, Fla. - Dave Wannstedt tried to steer the Miami Dolphins through a lot of obstacles this season, but he finally found one distraction he couldn #39;t overcome: Worried that the heat surrounding his job status


Iraqi PM #39;s Cousin Kidnapped, Islamists Threaten

Gunmen have abducted three relatives of Iraq #39;s prime minister from outside their Baghdad home, the interim Iraqi government said on Wednesday.


Chinese submarine puts Japan on Red alert

JAPAN was on alert yesterday after a suspected Chinese nuclear submarine entered its territorial waters. The submarine was detected in Japanese waters near islands disputed with China about 300km southwest


Thousands in Kashmir protest alleged rape

Police in Kashmir fired tear gas and used batons Wednesday to disperse thousands of people protesting the alleged rape of a woman and her daughter by soldiers.


How to Learn a Language

I've been a linguophile for a long time, and I'm always studying a little bit of some language or another. However, it's only recently that I've finally figured out the way that works best for me, with the help of modern technology. Perhaps this might help those of you who have been planning on learning a language some day.


Election Fraud - 20004

Fraud is not a word that one uses lightly. Indeed, in the context of a Presidential election, using it exposes one to dismissal as the very thought of it is distasteful. This time, however, the evidence is clear and unmistakable.


State Coffers Benefit From Boom in N.Va.

Economists say growth in federal defense and anti-terrorism spending has fueled economic recovery and boosted tax collections.


Rebel Fighters Who Fled Attack May Now Be Active Elsewhere

Insurgent leaders in Falluja probably fled before the American-led offensive and may be coordinating attacks in Iraq.


US deficit pushes euro over \$1.30

The dollar slumps to a new record low against the euro, breaching the \$1.30 level on news of another large trade deficit.


Odd Question on West Bank: Who Is Arafat, Really?

Like so much else they consider beyond their control, Palestinians in Nablus are adjusting to the prospect of Yasir Arafat's death.


Israel Agrees to Ramallah Burial Site for Arafat

Egypt has agreed to a Palestinian Authority request to hold funeral services in Cairo for Yasir Arafat.


Land 'gift' from Benetton spurned

Argentine indigenous leaders reject an offer by clothing giant Benetton to hand over land to end a dispute.


Microsoft Expands Software Indemnification Program

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O is expanding  its indemnification program for Windows and other software  products in order to shield users from legal claims and patent  disputes, the world's largest software maker said on Tuesday.


Nigeria court overturns stoning

An Islamic court in northern Nigeria acquits a woman who had been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.


Estonian defence minister quits

Estonian defence minister Margus Hanson resigns after admitting confidential documents were stolen from his home.


No freedom for  nuclear scientist

Pakistan's supreme court rejects a petition to free from house arrest disgraced nuclear scientist AQ Khan on health grounds.


Turning invention into innovation

Technological "inventions" are not going to have the same kind of transformative value that they did in the past.


The tree-climbing rhino protectors

Anti-poaching measures mean Tanzania's rhino populations have a chance to recover, reports Tira Shubart.


France Citizens Queue to Leave Ivory Coast (Reuters)

Reuters - French citizens queued at Ivory Coast's\main airport on Wednesday to flee their former West African\colony as violent anti-French protesters massed for a fifth day\in support of President Laurent Gbagbo.


Microsoft to Launch New Search Engine (PC World)

PC World - Software giant hopes to challenge Google with new search technology.


European Businesses Protest Possible Ban (AP)

AP - European business leaders in Japan lambasted on Wednesday a plan by the nation's ruling party to ban prepaid cell phones as a move that would raise questions about discrimination against a foreign-owned carrier.


Microsoft Expands Software Indemnification Program (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp.  is expanding\its indemnification program for Windows and other software\products in order to shield users from legal claims and patent\disputes, the world's largest software maker said on Tuesday.


Trade Gap Narrows on Record Exports

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. trade deficit narrowed more  than expected in September as a rise in exports to  unprecedented levels offset the impact of record-high prices  for imported oil, a government report showed on Wednesday.


US opposes negotiations with Afghan kidnappers: Armitage (AFP)

AFP - The United States is opposed to negotiations with hostage-takers who abducted three United Nations staffers in Afghanistan last month, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said.


Federated Department Stores Posts Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Federated Department Stores Inc.  FD.N, parent of Macy's and Bloomingdale's, posted  higher-than-expected quarterly earnings on Wednesday and said  it was encouraged by October sales, nudging its shares up.


Tech Stocks Open Lower on Cisco; Dow Flat

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. tech stocks opened lower on  Wednesday, as results from technology bellwether Cisco Systems  Inc. CSCO.O disappointed Wall Street, while investors await  an expected hike in interest rates from the Fed later in the  day.


Satellite Tracking Finds Albatrosses' Deadly Zones (Reuters)

Reuters - Satellite tracking data have\pinpointed parts of the world where longline fishing trawlers\and albatrosses cross paths, often with fatal results for the\majestic sea birds, a report released on Wednesday said.


SunTrust Axes 3 Finance Execs, to Restate

NEW YORK (Reuters) - SunTrust Banks Inc. STI.N, the No. 7  U.S. bank, on Wednesday said it fired three finance executives,  including its chief credit officer, after finding "numerous  errors" in how much to set aside for bad loans.


Developed nations needn #39;t fear outsourcing: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has debunked fears of job losses in industrialised nations due to outsourcing of services to developing nations.


Mining the Moon, the Gateway to Mars (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - GOLDEN, COLORADO -- Any high hopes of sustaining expeditions on the Moon, Mars or beyond will depend on getting "down and dirty" on those worlds -- in the form of using on-the-spot resources.


New Images Reveal Clouds on Planet Uranus (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - New images of the planet Uranus reveal more diversity in cloud features than ever seen before.


Cases examine alcohol shipments and ad campaign

The US Supreme Court serves up a pair of tasty cases this week, one involving interstate sales of wine and the other exploring a government ad campaign for beef.


Darfur Peace Talks Adjourn After Security, Aid Deal

ABUJA (Reuters) - Peace talks between the Sudan government  and Darfur rebels ended on Wednesday, a day after Khartoum  bowed to international pressure and signed agreements on  security and humanitarian issues with rebels.


Three Dutch Police Injured in Anti-Terror Raid

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Suspects sought in a Dutch  anti-terrorism raid threw a hand grenade in a tense standoff  with police on Wednesday, injuring three officers, amid a  spiral of violence following the killing of an outspoken  filmmaker.


Killer of Sweden's Lindh Seeks Leniency in Appeal

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh's  confessed killer sought leniency in a Supreme Court appeal on  Wednesday, with his lawyer arguing he was mentally ill when he  attacked her and should not be jailed for murder.


Photos: Sony's pocket-size PC

The 1.2 pound Sony Vaio U is powered by a 1.1GHz Intel Pentium M 733 processor, 512MB of RAM, and a 20GB, 1.8-inch hard drive.


Fed opens meeting, poised to raise interest rates

WASHINGTON : US Federal Reserve policymakers opened a meeting, nearly certain to raise key interest rates amid signs of a resurgent American jobs market.


Stocks Are Mixed Ahead of Fed Meeting

Stocks were mixed Wednesday as the Federal Reserve prepared to meet and investors looked ahead to an another hike in interest rates.


News rebound lifts All Ords index past 3850

NEWS Corp led the sharemarket into record territory yesterday as investors here grew accustomed to the US way of corporate control, taking Monday #39;s poison pill move by chairman Rupert Murdoch in their stride.


Revlon #39;s loss widens in third quarter

Revlon Inc. #39;s third-quarter loss widened amid a 7 percent drop in sales as the cosmetics giant completed an ambitious refinancing effort.


NAB #39;s crumb of comfort

NATIONAL Australia Bank shares rose sharply yesterday despite a 19.7 per cent fall in annual net profit to \$3.2 billion. Investors took comfort in chief executive John Stewart #39;s


Cable  amp; Wireless to cut 600 more jobs

The telecommunications firm Cable  amp; Wireless today said it would cut another 600 jobs and return 250m to investors as it reaches the halfway mark in a three-year recovery plan.


MSN To Launch Search Engine

Microsoft Corp. is planning to launch its own Web search engine on Thursday, according to several reports published Tuesday evening.


What #39;s Next For Mozilla?

ezberry writes  quot;After releasing version 1.0 of Firefox, what #39;s ahead for the Mozilla Foundation and the venerable Firefox browser?


Astronaut discusses Martian frontier

Astronaut Pam Melroy has logged more than 560 hours in space. She slowed down long enough Tuesday to discuss the future of space exploration at Stennis Space Center.


Miami Heat Team Report - November 10

(Sports Network) - Dwyane Wade followed up his career-high 37-point effort on Monday night with 22 points and nine assists to lead the Miami Heat to a 103-93 victory over the Washington Wizards in the back end of a home-and-home set on Tuesday at


Train driver  #39;not to blame #39; for accident

The driver of the train which crashed into a car on a level crossing killing him and six others had just two or three seconds to stop, an official report has found.


Clarett: I  #39;took the fall #39; for Buckeyes

Like a zombie punching its fist through the soil on a stormy night, former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett reemerged from isolation in an interview in a story appearing in ESPN The Magazine released on ESPN #39;s Web site yesterday.


2 members of Iraqi interim leader #39;s family abducted

Two members of the Iraqi interim prime minister #39;s family were abducted from their Baghdad home, his spokesman confirmed Wednesday.


Finally, some deals for Darfur

As the clock keeps fatally ticking for Darfurian refugees, the Sudanese government and rebels from Darfur finally reached landmark security and humanitarian agreements yesterday.


Sunnis drop out

In the first major political backlash over the assault on Fallujah, Iraqs most prominent Sunni political party said Tuesday it was withdrawing from the interim Iraqi government, while the leading group of Sunni clerics called for Iraqis to boycott the


Anger wells up in Srinagar over rape

Srinagar witnessed widespread public anger on Wednesday over the alleged rape of a woman and her daughter by an army officer. Youths took to the streets burning tyres in the morning.


Sarkozy defends French backing for Alstom

CBI director general Digby Jones yesterday clashed with French finance minister Nicolas Sarkozy over the state-backed rescue of one of France #39;s biggest industrial companies.


SunTrust Cleans House

SunTrust (STI:NYSE - news - research) fired three executives in its credit division in the wake of an accounting snafu, vowing that a conservative credit culture should never  quot;interfere with the application of generally accepted accounting principles.


US trade gap shrinks to \$51.6 billion

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - A strong euro and a strong hurricane helped cut the US trade deficit by 3.7 percent to \$51.6 billion in September.


Jobless Claims Lower Than Expected

The number of Americans filing initial claims for jobless pay rose last week to 333,000, the Labor Department said on Wednesday, but was still lower than expected by Wall Street.


Risks vs. benefits

The removal of painkiller Vioxx shows no drug is perfect. It is linked to heart attacks and strokes, but it has helped many. Patients must evaluate medications more carefully than ever.


Mining the Moon, the Gateway to Mars

GOLDEN, COLORADO -- Any high hopes of sustaining expeditions on the Moon, Mars or beyond will depend on getting  quot;down and dirty quot; on those worlds -- in the form of using on-the-spot resources.


IRS Probing Bank of America's Pensions (AP)

AP - The Internal Revenue Service is auditing the 1998 and 1999 tax returns of Bank of America Corp.'s pension and 401(k) plans, which have been the subject of a class-action employee lawsuit.


Hard work ahead, warns Robbo

Bryan Robson has warned his players they are in for a long-hard season - but he wants them to work with a smile on their face. That #39;s the formula new manager Robson sees as vital


Mutu set to meet Juve officials

Romania striker Adrian Mutu, banned for seven months for taking cocaine, is to hold talks with Serie A leaders Juventus, an Italian club official says.


Coaching a real possibility

The Great One hit town yesterday and he sure was welcome. He made it feel a bit more like winter. Wayne Gretzky was a pretty fair player in his day, and his time as an executive have been equally well spent.


Rolling Moss gathers win

The immortal words of Spinal Tap while they were lost in the maze of backstage hallways couldn #39;t have suited the Edmonton Road Runners any better.


France to expand public stake in nuclear giant Areva to 35-40 pct

PARIS : The French government will further privatise Areva in the first half of 2005, bringing the listed capital to 35-40 percent of the world #39;s leading civilian nuclear energy group, Economy Minister Nicolas Sarkozy revealed.


O #39;Connor #39;s medal now  #39;tarnished #39;

Avril Doyle, president of the Irish Equestrian Federation, believes Cian O #39;Connor #39;s Olympic medal is tarnished following a positive blood test.


Foreigners flee Ivory Coast

The United Nations and France have begun mass evacuations of UN staff and foreign nationals following days of violence and looting in Ivory Coast, a UN spokesman said.


Death by stoning sentence overturned

An Islamic appeal court in Nigeria today overturned a sentence of death by stoning handed down to a 29-year-old pregnant woman for having sex out of wedlock.


MSN Search to Challenge Google and Yahoo\\The new MSN Search is a full speed ahead effort for Microsoft to catch Google and Yahoo in the search engine race and are about ready to release their MSN Search Engine. Microsoft has offered a search engine since long on their MSN website ...


Search Engine for Programming Code

Search Engine for Programming Code\\An article at Newsforge pointed me to Koders ( http://www.koders.com ) a search engine for finding programming code. Nifty.\\The front page allows you to specify keywords, sixteen languages (from ASP to VB.NET) and sixteen licenses (from AFL to ZPL -- fortunately there's an information page to ...


Higher Rankings the Higher Revenue Per Click on AdSense\\Shaw, aka DigitalPoint, has posed an interesting observation. He has seen a correlation between the natural rankings of a page for a keyword term and the earned revenue per click on the AdSense ads for that page. He said, and its just ...


Is Google the Next Netscape?

Microsoft is trailing badly in the search-engine wars.  But Google, Yahoo and other search powers shouldn't rest too easy. Remember what happened to Netscape? -washingtonpost.com


Vodafone launches 3G service

Vodafone have launched the long-awaited third generation, 3G, mobile phone service that offers video calls and music downloads. The use of 3G technology promises faster data rates for mobile users that will


US weekly jobless claims rise 2,000 to 333,000

WASHINGTON : The queue of newly jobless Americans lengthened a little last week, government figures showed. The number of people lodging new unemployment benefit claims rose 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted


Vodafone Launches 3G Services in Europe

Cell phone giant Vodafone Group PLC, which has spent years struggling to recoup billions spent on 3G licences, finally launched the cutting-edge service Wednesday in much of Europe and introduced or beefed up its operation in a dozen other countries.


Scotland Joins Growing Anti-Tobacco Movement (Reuters)

Reuters - Scotland became the latest country to\take a stand against tobacco on Wednesday by announcing a ban\on smoking in public buildings.


Is Google the Next Netscape? (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Microsoft might be king of the software world, but it's having to play catch up in the increasingly important world of Internet and desktop search, chasing the substantial leads of Google, Yahoo and others.


Britain condemns bomb attack in Kathmandu (AFP)

AFP - A visiting British deputy minister condemned the bombing by suspected Maoist rebels of an office block in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu which injured 38 people.


Bosnian Serbs sorry for massacre

Bosnian Serb leaders apologise for the first time to relatives of up to 8,000 Muslims killed in Srebrenica in 1995.


NBA Wrap: Magic Stun New Grizzlies Coach Fratello

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Grant Hill posted 23 points and seven  assists to hand Mike Fratello his first defeat as team coach as  the Orlando Magic downed the Memphis Grizzlies 96-91 Saturday.


Stocks Flat; Cisco, Pfizer Down

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were near the unchanged  mark on Wednesday as results from technology bellwether Cisco  Systems disappointed Wall Street, while investors await an  expected interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve later in  the trading session.


Boycott slams ICC 'chucker's charter' (AFP)

AFP - Geoff Boycott has slammed the International Cricket Council's proposal to relax the rules on chucking as the result of pressure from Sri Lanka on behalf of star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.


U.S. Commanders: Fallujah Fight Not Over (AP)

AP - American commanders are expressing confidence that the Fallujah offensive will restore order in that hotbed of Sunni resistance, but they caution that much fighting remains.


Genetic Code (Forbes.com)

Forbes.com - BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL (4, BMRN) is the classic biotech, convertible-debt-laden and intensely unprofitable. But Quinterol Mallette, portfolio manager at Mallette Capital Management, argues that Aldurazyme, BioMarin's treatment for a children's enzyme-deficiency disease, is about to take off. What's more, BioMarin acquired Ascent Pediatrics, a profitable biotech with its own pediatrics sales force.


Rebels Set Off Land mine in Indian Kashmir; 11 Dead

Separatist militants set off a powerful land mine in Indian Kashmir killing eleven people, including nine soldiers in one of the biggest guerrilla attacks in weeks, police said on Sunday.


WTO Eyes U.S. Offshore Web Gambling Ban (AP)

AP - In a ruling that could open the United States to offshore Internet gambling, a World Trade Organization panel Wednesday said Washington should drop prohibitions on Americans placing bets in online casinos.


Merck Boosts Blue Chips, Cisco Fells Tech

US blue chip stocks rose on Wednesday, helped by drugmaker Merck  amp; Co. Inc. (MRK), but technology stocks fell as results from technology bellwether Cisco Systems Inc.


Oil Fades to \$47 as Supplies Build

Oil prices fell to seven-week lows below \$47 a barrel on Wednesday as traders braced for another increase in US oil and natural gas inventories ahead of winter.


SunTrust Fires Credit Executives Over Reserve Errors (Update4)

SunTrust Banks Inc., the eighth- largest US bank, fired its chief credit officer and two other executives and said it made numerous errors #39; #39; in determining how much to set aside for bad loans in this year #39;s first half.


EC promises Microsoft anti-trust fight will continue

The European Commission has said it will pursue its anti-trust case against Microsoft despite the loss of two of the Commission #39;s principal supporters from the IT industry.


USDA: Devastating Soybean Disease Found (Reuters)

Reuters - The first case of soybean rust, an\economically devastating disease for farmers, has been found in\the mainland United States, the U.S. Agriculture Department\said on Wednesday.


HP Unveils an Array of Printing Products (PC World)

PC World - Multifunction devices, workgroup printers, and a new digital pen debut.


Female Genital Mutilation Lives on in Djibouti (Reuters)

Reuters - Late one evening on a stony hill above\Djibouti's northern town of Tadjourah, an old Afar woman is\squatting comfortably on a thin mat, tiny limbs wrapped tidily\up around her.


Microsoft to enter battle of the search engines

Microsoft is set to launch a trial version of its long-awaited Internet search engine, as it reacts to the growing threat of Google.


Microsoft Extends Legal Protection To All Customers

Nov. 10, 2004. Microsoft is extending the policy that currently protects some of its business customers from potential legal costs associated with intellectual-property disputes to all of its customers, including consumers.


Halo 2 gets down to Earth

You #39;ve read the ads, heard the buzz and seen the long lineups on the news, but does Halo 2 live up to the hype? Yes. Played from an immersive first-person perspective, the original Halo: Combat Evolved was


Firefox eyes 10 per cent browser share in US

The organisation behind Firefox is hoping that the open source Web browser can grab 10 per cent of the US market in 2005, it said yesterday.


Microsoft Fixes ISA Server Spoofing Flaw

A bug in Microsoft #39;s Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 and Proxy Server 2 can let hackers spoof Web content, such as a trusted site, with their own fake content, the Redmond


A glimpse of SpaceShipOne #39;s historic flights

Members of the Mojave Aerospace Ventures team: (from left) Peter Diamandis, Paul Allen, Burt Rutan, pilot Brian Binnie and Richard Branson celebrate with champagne after SpaceShipOne #39;s second suborbital flight in early October.


Samsung develops ultra-fast Flash memory for mobiles

Samsung Electronics has developed ultra-fast 1Gb OneNand Flash memory designed for next-generation mobile phones which it claims boasts a fourfold read speed increase over conventional Nand Flash performance.


Aurora Presents Spectacular Display

With eruptions from a large and complex sunspot group sending a series of solar storms to Earth, the stage is set for spectacular displays of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis this week.


Gran Turismo 4 finished; Sony annouces Nike bundle for Japan

Sony Computer Entertainment held a party in Tokyo yesterday to celebrate the completion of Polyphony Digital #39;s long-awaited Gran Turismo 4, which is set for release in Japan - and, apparently, in North America - this December.


Defending Harsh Sentences for Spammers

BMcWilliams writes  quot;Russell McGuire, one of the government lawyers who prosecuted spammer Jeremy Jaynes, has published an article justifying the tough sentence recommended by a Virginia jury.


Robson Leads Kanu

Super Eagles Nwankwo Kanu #39;s West Bromwich have named Bryan Robson as their new manager. Robson, 47, has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal, with Nigel Pearson moving to The Hawthorns as his assistant.


Lewsey: We need confidence boost

World Cup winner Josh Lewsey has underlined the importance of England delivering a confidence-building performance against Canada this weekend.


Rugby union-Lomu still hopeful of return to action

Former All Black winger Jonah Lomu says he is still hopeful of a return to competitive rugby following his kidney transplant earlier this year.