No. 23 Iowa Crushes Centenary 88-53 (AP)

AP - Pierre Pierce scored 19 points and No. 23 Iowa continued to dominate in its own tournament, rolling to an 88-53 victory over winless Centenary on Friday night in the first round of the Hawkeye Challenge.


High Court To Decide Cable Case

The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to consider whether the federal government should require cable television operators to open their cable lines to Internet service providers offering competing services.


SUVs gaining popularity

The Census Bureau has confirmed what any driver on the Parkway East already knows: There are a lot of sport utility vehicles out there.


Lycos Europe #39;s antispam tool no longer available

After days of negative publicity and criticism, Lycos Europe #39;s  quot;Make love not spam quot; screensaver application is no longer available.


Spain sweeps opening singles from US in Davis Cup final

With drums pounding and a brass band playing, Andy Roddick and his US teammates were reduced to silence yesterday in the Davis Cup final.


Unbeaten Auburn looks like a loser

quot;The system has forsaken us, quot; moans local contractor  quot;Tiny Tim quot; Thompson, standing in the parking lot of a strip mall less than a mile from Auburn University.


Germany foils plan to attack Allawi

German authorities claimed to have foiled a plot to attack Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, as German police arrested three Iraqis in a series of raids across three cities.


Indian press lashes Putin for ruling out UN Security Council veto

NEW DELHI (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin has been given a thumbs-down from India #39;s media after failing to back veto rights for any new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.


Rumsfeld to Remain at Pentagon

President Bush will keep Donald H. Rumsfeld as defense secretary, administration aides said Friday, hours after Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson resigned with a dire warning about the nation's vulnerability.


One State Talks About Shifting Out of Pensions

Some California officials are proposing that the state get out of the pension business and give state and municipal workers a 401(k) plan instead.


TSA Keeping Pat-Down Procedures in Place

Despite a barrage of complaints, the Transportation Security Administration will continue to require physical pat-downs for some passengers at security checkpoints.


Holiday Gift Card Giving Gets More Innovative

From department store to discounter, retailers are using innovative technology and clever packaging to make shoppers feel good about giving the gift of plastic.


Fox Calls For Court Review of Standards

Fox Broadcasting Co. is appealing a record-setting \$1.18 million fine for airing racy fare on a show called "Married by America," saying the government's indecency rules for broadcast television are unconstitutional because they don't apply to cable and satellite television.


Boeing Changes Management in Key Division

Boeing Co. changed management of its commercial aircraft division yesterday, replacing the head of the sales team after losing several competitions to its European rival Airbus SAS.


Riggs Bank Replaces Its Chief Legal Officer

Riggs has replaced Joseph M. Cahill as part the ongoing fallout from a recent internal investigation into failures to abide by federal laws designed to prevent money laundering.


Prosecutors Want Trial to Remain in Houston

Federal prosecutors Friday urged a judge in Houston to keep the fraud trial of three former Enron Corp. executives in the energy trader's hometown, saying that a fair trial is possible.


NBA Wrap: Spurs Squeeze Past Pistons (Reuters)

Reuters - Tony Parker scored 20 points and Brent\Barry made two free throws in the final seconds to give the San\Antonio Spurs an 80-77 win over the Detroit Pistons Friday.


Tennis: Spain take 2-0 lead over US in Davis Cup final

Rafael Nadal upset world number two Andy Roddick in four sets to give Spain a commanding two-nil lead over the United States in the Davis Cup final on Friday.


NHL players still oppose salary cap

An overwhelming majority of NHL players who expressed their opinion in a poll said they would not support a salary cap even if it meant saving a season that was supposed to have started Oct. 13.


Revived Wizards remain on a roll

One of the longest-running curiosities in sports is why fans in Atlanta don #39;t come out to professional sports events. And many fans who showed up at Philips Arena last night


Danforth Says He Left Position At UN for Personal Reasons

John C. Danforth, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Friday that he withdrew his name from contention for any senior post in President Bush #39;s second term


Indian press lashes Putin for ruling out UN Security Council veto (AFP)

AFP - President Vladimir Putin earned a thumbs-down from India's media after failing to back veto rights for any new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.


Newest Reports Place Bonds Back at Center of Steroid Case

Barry Bonds is being linked more than ever to what could be baseball's biggest scandal since the Chicago White Sox threw the 1919 World Series.


Fockers retain film chart crown

Comedy Meet The Fockers remains top of the North American box office chart after taking another 23.7m.


Study Finds Patterns in Web Site User Motivations and Questions

Web developer David Poteet of New City Media reports on the User Interface 9 Conference.


Stats Likely to Stand

Those in charge of baseball's statistics say Barry Bonds's records will remain intact for now.


IBM said to be eyeing a sale of its PC business

IBM, which pioneered the personal computer business in the 1980s, is said to be negotiating the sale of its PC unit in a move that could reshape the industry.


CAD to probe China Aviation Oil on share sale by parent

SINGAPORE : China Aviation Oil has confirmed it is being probed by the Commercial Affairs Department for problems at the company. On Friday, the white-collar crime buster


Arsenal loss of form is a crisis, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal #39;s loss of form adds up to a crisis at Highbury but believes the feeling inside the club remains optimistic.


Dominick Guinn and Serguei Liakhovich heavyweight quotes

Ballys Atlantic City, in association with Main Events, will present a sensational fight card highlighted by featherweights Rocky Juarez vs.


UN urges aid for tsunami orphans

The UN highlights the plight of children orphaned by the tsunami disaster, some of whose lives are at risk.


Taking Europe for a Ride

In a manner that recalls haggling in a Persian bazaar, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran are engaged in a tussle about the meaning of their recently concluded bargain over Tehrans nuclear program.


China: Relations with EU will Suffer if Arms Embargo Continues

China has warned that continuing the European Union (EU) arms embargo on Beijing will negatively affect the relationship between them.


Microsoft Sues Spammers

The software giant, Microsoft, has filed lawsuits against seven companies for violating the CAN-SPAM  quot;Brown Paper Wrapper quot; rule.


Wenger hopes for end to  quot;crisis quot;

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted the Gunners are in the middle of a  quot;crisis quot;, but backed his players to battle out of their mediocre form.


High court will rule on cable network access

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court, accepting appeals from the cable-television industry and the administration of President George W. Bush, has agreed to decide whether cable operators must open their high-speed data networks to Earthlink Inc.


Global warming #39;s big chill

plummeted, ushering in a deep freeze that lasted a century or more, researchers have proposed. earth and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says he has evidence that this happened.


Ashlee Simpson to Perform Live for AOL (AP)

AP - Ashlee Simpson is getting behind the mic again  #151; only this time, she's promising it will be live. Simpson, whose lip-synch-gone-awry on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in October made her an instant punch line, will headline a concert for AOL Monday in Los Angeles, AOL told The Associated Press Friday.


Green, Hokies want ACC crown

Eric Green had a chance to be a member of the Miami Hurricanes. Now, he wants to beat them. Green and Virginia Tech will come into the Orange Bowl today with a chance to claim the Atlantic Coast Conference championship all to themselves.


Wallace Returns, Pistons Lose Spurs 80, Pistons 77

SAN ANTONIO -- With big, bad Ben Wallace back in the lineup, the Detroit Pistons almost rallied from a big deficit for a big win. A bigger night from their big man might #39;ve helped.


Under US pressure, Tehran halts uranium conversion

Under pressure from Washington, Tehran acquiesced November 28 to demands by the French, German, and British governments that it halt all activities related to the enrichment of uranium.


Recovery operations resume at China landslide, at least 23 dead (AFP)

AFP - Recovery operations at a landslide in southwest China which left at least 23 dead and scores missing have resumed as nearby coal mines were shut for investigations into their possible role in the disaster.


Wal-Mart Starts Rare Newspaper Ad Blitz (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , hurt by\sluggish sales over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, on Friday\launched a rare advertising blitz in newspapers across the\United States touting price cuts.


Court to Hear Cable Line Sharing Case

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to consider whether the federal government should require cable television operators to open their cable lines to Internet service providers offering competing services. -The Washington Post


PC Sector Sale by IBM Would Signal Change

International Business Machines Corp. has steadily lost its hold on the PC market, buffeted by made-to-order rivals such as Dell Inc. and low-cost competition from overseas. -The Washington Post


IntelSat Regains Control Of Key Satellite

Intelsat Ltd. has regained communications with a satellite that it lost track of last weekend, but engineers do not know if they will be able to fully restore service. -The Washington Post


EU Wants US Clarification on WTO Stance

The EU trade commissioner, Peter Mandelson, has asked US officials for their stance on threatened World Trade Organization action over aid to Airbus.


Chief of Halliburton unit wanted top spot

John Gibson said Friday that he decided to resign as chief executive officer of Halliburton Energy Services when it became apparent he couldn #39;t become the CEO of the entire corporation, after getting a taste of the No.


Cloud hangs over Dec. auto sales

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- November US auto sales for domestic manufacturers disappointed industry watchers on Thursday, raising concerns about tepid results in the typically strong final month of the year.


Utah #39;s Meyer spurns Irish, picks Gators

ATLANTA - In what had to be a sobering reality check for Notre Dame fans everywhere, Utah #39;s Urban Meyer has turned down his self-professed  quot;dream job quot; and agreed to become the next football coach at the University of Florida.


Nitties maintains one-shot lead at Australian PGA

Former Australian amateur James Nitties birdied the 18th hole Saturday while Bob Estes bogeyed the last, allowing Nitties to overtake the American and maintain his one-shot lead at the Australian PGA championship.


The numbers don #39;t add up

This is a math problem that voters or hard drives can #39;t solve. It sounds so simple, but in the 2004 college football season, three into two won #39;t go.


Agent says Tigers didn #39;t make \$40-million offer

Free agent Carl Pavano ended his visit to Detroit on Friday and left town accompanied by a report that the Tigers have offered the right-hander a four-year contract for \$40 million.


Nets: Kidd #39;s a hit in practice

Yes, he was back. He showed some familiar signs of his brilliant self, there were rave reviews, and the Nets suddenly looked as though they #39;re ready to become an NBA team again.


Judge reserves decision in Air India terrorism trial (AFP)

AFP - Two men charged with murder and conspiracy in the Air India bombings, the world's most lethal terror strike prior to September 11, 2001, will wait until March to hear a verdict, a judge said.


Assaults on Baghdad police, mosque kill 30

In the deadliest insurgent violence in weeks, rebels in Baghdad struck a police station and a mosque Friday in brazen dawn attacks, killing at least 30 people and wounding nearly an equal number.


Colombian drug kingpin extradited to United States

One of the world #39;s most notorious drug traffickers, Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, is on his way to the United States after being extradited from Colombia.


Muslim rebels kill 5 police in Kashmir gunbattle

A Muslim rebel attack on an Indian Kashmir police camp left five police and one rebel dead in the region #39;s biggest raid since Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited India last month, police said on Saturday.


Shrimp Tariffs Upheld on Shrimp Imports

It looks like the US has upheld its penalty tariffs on importing shrimp from Vietnam and China--to the relief of American shrimp producers and the detriment of consumers.


Miller storms to downhill glory

American skiier Bode Miller made it four World Cup wins in five races when he stormed to victory in the men #39;s downhill at Beaver Greek in Colorado.


Westwood #39;s card marked but not wrecked by 17th

A double-bogey six on the treacherous 17th hole at the Gary Player Country Club cost Lee Westwood the outright lead after the second round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge yesterday.


NHL Lockout ending??

The NHL and the NHLPA have planned a meeting for December 9th in Toronto to discuss the NHLPAs new proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement.


GREEN LIGHT

If the 30-yard frozen rope Chad Pennington threw to Santana Moss for a touchdown - into the wind -esterday in practice is any indication, the quarterback should be


Princeton women taken down by UCLA

Princeton was in unfamiliar territory as the first Ivy League team to reach the Final Four of the NCAA women #39;s soccer tournament.


Philippine towns mop up

it hit Taiwan on Saturday. Hundreds of people fled their homes and two people were reported missing after torrential. Nanmadol killed at least 35 people in the Philippines and


Bush mum on whether Annan should resign

President George W Bush yesterday declined to endorse a Republican senator #39;s call for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to resign but did not offer Annan any words of support.


Pace of US job growth slows

The nation's labor markets sputtered again last month as job growth, which surged in October, reverted to the lackluster pace that has marked the recovery for much of the year.


Drug fee plan draws fire

Cancer drug distributors are trying to charge storage and handling fees to the makers of the drugs, a move some consumer groups worry could undermine parts of the Medicare prescription benefit law meant to curb pricing abuses.


State Street Research to cut staff after buyout

The Boston investment firm State Street Research  amp; Management Co. plans to let go 116 employees, or 28 percent of its total staff, according to a filing with city and state officials, a result of its pending acquisition by BlackRock Inc.


Putnam official resigns

THE REGION Putnam Investments said Deborah F. Kuenstner, managing director and chief investment officer of the mutual fund firm's Large-Cap Value investment team and International Value team, will leave the company at year-end. Kuenstner has also been an executive board member and management team leader for the \$1 billion Putnam Classic Equity fund. Josh Brooks, chief investment officer of the ...


Oil prices continue slide for fourth day

Crude oil futures sank for a fourth straight day yesterday, settling beneath \$43 a barrel for the first time in nearly three months and capping a 14 percent decline for the week.


Sweet success of Splenda results in a supply dilemma

Dieters hoping for a slew of new products with the sugar substitute Splenda may be disappointed next year.


Court will hear case on cable Net access

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court agreed yesterday to consider whether cable companies must open their high-speed lines to rival Internet providers.


Catalogs hold fast in the electronic age

FREEPORT, Maine -- L.L. Bean projects that its online sales will overtake its catalog business within two years, but don't expect any trees to be spared in the process.


Palmisano #39;s Vision in Remaking IBM

IBM chief executive Samuel J. Palmisano has never been your typical suit. During his 31-year career at Big Blue, he has taken bold actions and broken with IBM (IBM ) tradition when it made strategic sense.


Stocks Edge Higher; Oil at 21/2-Month Low

NEW YORK, Dec. 3 -- Stocks gained slightly Friday and the major indicators ended higher for the second straight week. Crude oil futures continued their decline, falling below \$43 per barrel for the first time in 2 1/2 months.


Ziggy pushed out of Telstra

OUTGOING Telstra chief executive officer Dr Ziggy Switkowski revealed yesterday he was pushed from the top job at Australias largest company after a split with some board members.


Boeing sales to get new leadership

Boeing announced a shake-up in its executive ranks yesterday, ousting its chief airplane salesman at a time when rival Airbus is beating it in airplane orders for the fourth consecutive year.


US Airways, CWA deal offers options

US Airways #39; 800 reservations agents at Parkway Center will have the option of transferring to North Carolina or receiving cash buyouts plus one year #39;s


Plasma, LCD TV sales seen doubling next year

Colour television (CTV) makers expect Indian consumers to switch over to top-end plasma projection and liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions at a rapid rate.


ATHLETICS:  #39;I TAUGHT JONES TO USE DRUG #39;

MARION JONES injected herself with performance-enhancing drugs while the man at the centre of huge doping scandal watched, he claimed in an explosive TV interview last night.


GOLF: LEE #39;S SUN BID GETS HIT FOR SIX

LEE Westwood #39;s hopes of a halfway lead at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa were sunk by a watery double bogey at the 17th yesterday.


Kings pull Pacers off East pedestal

In the realistic portion of their brains, the Indiana Pacers know they aren #39;t supposed to be all that good right now. But they also know they aren #39;t supposed to be this bad.


Wallace back in lineup, but can #39;t help Detroit beat San Antonio

Ben Wallace #39;s return to the Detroit Pistons #39; lineup was far less eventful than his last appearance for the defending NBA champions.


NFL notebook: Green likely to start

Quarterback Trent Green took most of the snaps in yesterday #39;s Kansas City practice and is likely to start for the Chiefs tomorrow at Oakland.


US skier Kildow wins downhill event

Lindsey Kildow of Vail, Colo., won her first World Cup skiing event yesterday, taking the season #39;s first downhill in 1 minute, 23.44 seconds.


Owners give OK to move

The Montreal Expos appear to be near the end of a long road, mere inches from finally becoming the Washington Nationals. And Mayor Anthony Williams believes the District of Columbia is making similar progress


30 killed in attacks in Baghdad

Insurgents in Baghdad struck a police station and a mosque at dawn Friday, killing at least 30 people and wounding nearly as many.


Manila appeals for storm relief; weather improves

The Philippines put the toll at more than 1,000 dead or missing in four storms in two weeks but, even with a break in the weather on Saturday


Heathrow Security Breach to be Investigated

The Department of Transport says it will investigate claims of a security breach at Heathrow airport after an undercover journalist reportedly entered restricted areas and walked unchecked and unnoticed around passenger aircraft due to take off.


Census: SUV popularity accelerating across nation

Once every week or two, Brian Spangler pumps \$30 of gasoline into his 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Spangler said neither the cost nor the driving bothers him.


Suns #39; streak ends at nine

Kevin Garnett compiled 23 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves used a tough defense to snap the Phoenix Suns #39; nine-game winning streak 97-93 on Friday night.


Yanks, Mets make a deal

The Yankees have spent the last two years trying to find a left-handed reliever to take the place of Mike Stanton. Now they have one: Mike Stanton.


Car Bomber Attacks Near Baghdad Green Zone (Reuters)

Reuters - A suspected suicide car bomb detonated\near a police station beside the protected Green Zone in\Baghdad on Saturday, the latest strike in a guerrilla campaign\to undermine Iraq's inexperienced security forces.


Ben Wallace Back in Pistons Lineup (AP)

AP - Ben Wallace's return to the Detroit Pistons' lineup was far less eventful than his last appearance for the defending NBA champions.


Spain Quiets U.S. in Opening Davis Play (AP)

AP - With drums pounding and a brass band playing, Andy Roddick and his U.S. teammates were reduced to silence Friday in the Davis Cup final.


High Court To Decide  Cable Case (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to consider whether the federal government should require cable television operators to open their cable lines to Internet service providers offering competing services.


Russia's president to head for India's Silicon Valley (AFP)

AFP - Russia's President Vladimir Putin is heading to the high-tech city of Bangalore, on the second day of his trip to India, after ruffling feathers by rebuffing New Delhi's hopes of a veto on an enlarged UN Security Council.


PC Sector Sale By IBM Would Signal Change (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Among corporate technology managers, it's one of the oldest adages: "Nobody ever got fired for buying IBM."


Kerio Partners Must Pass Rigorous Exam To Carry New ServerFirewall (TechWeb)

TechWeb - Kerio Technologies, a vendor that specializes in perimeter and messaging security, has rolled out a new channel program and a new software-based firewall.


Philippines issues new warning against job-seekers heading for Iraq (AFP)

AFP - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's government has issued a fresh warning to Filipino job-seekers trying to fly to Iraq despite a government ban.


Bonds: I didn't know

Two Red Sox diehards, comedians Lenny Clarke and Denis Leary, stood in the shadow of the Green Monster Thursday night and reveled in the team's championship.


Manila Appeals for Storm Relief; Weather Improves

REAL, Philippines (Reuters) - The Philippines put the toll  at more than 1,000 dead or missing in four storms in two weeks  but, even with a break in the weather on Saturday, relief  supplies were running short and fears of disease were  spreading.


Rights Watch Urges Karzai to Sideline Warlords

KABUL (Reuters) - A leading rights group urged Afghan  President Hamid Karzai on Saturday to sideline warlords  implicated in rights abuses and strengthen the rule of law when  he announces a new cabinet after being sworn in next week.


Jets get armed for run

New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington will start tomorrow against the Houston Texans after sitting out the last three games with a strained right rotator cuff.


All wrapped up

Before last night's game, Doc Rivers spoke of his team's tough win 48 hours earlier against the Milwaukee Bucks. What made it special, he suggested, was that the Celtics had managed a victory despite not playing very well.


Arbitrator decides on appeals hearing

An arbitrator's decision yesterday has taken the recent NBA suspensions to a different venue -- the courtroom. Arbitrator Roger Kaplan ruled he does have the authority to decide if appeals on behalf of the four suspended Indiana Pacers can be heard by someone other than NBA commissioner David Stern .


Today's schedule

College basketball: Men -- Indiana vs. UConn at Hartford Civic Center, noon; Pioneer Valley Classic at Westfield, 1 and 3 p.m.; BU at UNH, 2 p.m.; Harvard at Maine, 2 p.m.; Babson at Salem St., 2 p.m.; Wheaton at Endicott, 2 p.m.; Tufts at Clark, 2 p.m.; Maine-Presque Isle Tournament at Presque Isle, Maine: Boston Baptist vs. Bowdoin, 2 p.m.; ...


Kildow fastest down mountain

Lindsey Kildow of the United States won her first World Cup race yesterday, capturing the season's first downhill in 1 minute 23.44 seconds. The 20-year-old Kildow battled wind and swirling snow on a shortened men's Olympic downhill course.


UNH set for next challenge

The University of New Hampshire football team will be without its most dynamic playmaker in today's NCAA Division 1-AA quarterfinal matchup against Montana.


Auburn is likely the odd team out

Auburn has put together one of the greatest years in school history, claiming a spot in today's Southeastern Conference title game against No. 15 Tennessee.


On Day 1, a lot of pain in Spain

It's the Bryans or bust! That's the desperate predicament today for some American tourists -- a.k.a. the US Davis Cup team -- who find themselves in a lion's den called Estadio Olimpico. Surrounded by 27,200 high-decibel growlers, Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish felt the teeth of those homebodies in the seats, plus Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya ...


This 1-2 an American original

Yesterday was former Austrian downhill champion Franz Klammer's 51st birthday, and he celebrated with a prerace champagne toast with coaches and well-wishers alongside the Birds of Prey downhill course.


Yankees bolster bullpen

The New York Yankees began reshaping their roster yesterday, sending outfielder Kenny Lofton and more than \$1.5 million to the Philadelphia Phillies for setup man Felix Rodriguez and also reacquiring Mike Stanton from the Mets.


Ephs are on mark

Talk about home cookin'. Hosting its annual men's basketball Invitational Tournament this weekend, Williams College rolled to a record-tying victory last night.


Waiting in Texas with pride, prayers

KILLEEN, Texas -- Hollie Keahtigh had hoped until Thursday that her husband, an Army captain in Fort Hood's First Cavalry Division, would be home from Iraq to spend Christmas with her, their 5-year-old son, and 2-year-old daughter.


Insurgent attacks kill 29 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD -- Nearly simultaneous attacks against two police stations and a Shi'ite Muslim mosque killed at least 29 Iraqis here yesterday, ending the relative lull in violence in the capital that had followed US-led offensives against insurgents in Fallujah and northern Babil Province.


New Ukraine vote ordered

KIEV -- Ukraine's highest court declared the results of the disputed presidential election invalid yesterday and ordered a new runoff between the two main candidates on Dec. 26.


Ex-rebel picked to lead Kosovo

PRISTINA, Serbia-Montenegro -- Kosovo lawmakers yesterday elected a former rebel commander to be the prime minister even though he was recently questioned by UN war crimes investigators.


Syria ready to renew peace talks with Israel, envoy says

LONDON -- Syria wants to renew peace talks with Israel without preconditions and no longer insists that talks should resume exactly where they left off in 2000, its ambassador to London said yesterday.


Hearing on prisoner's death halted over access

DENVER -- An Army appeals court stopped a key hearing yesterday for three soldiers charged with killing an Iraqi general during an interrogation and ordered the military to explain why the proceedings have been closed to the public.


5 blasts rock Madrid gas stations after warning

MADRID -- Five small explosive devices detonated yesterday at Madrid gas stations along busy highways after a telephone warning from the armed Basque separatist group ETA, officials said.


UN journalists are honored

UNITED NATIONS -- The UN Correspondents Association chose the Wall Street Journal, independent filmmaker Theodore Folke, and the British Broadcasting Corporation for its top journalism prizes yesterday.


The Poetry of 'Gimme an A! Gimme an S! Gimme a T!'

Jonny Hurst, Britain's soccer chant laureate, does not have as high a profile as the nation's poet laureate, but their responsibilities are vaguely similar.


VeRO: eBay's version of the DMCA

My wife's friend  Lisa (not her real name) just had her eBay account suspended for selling unopened Juice Plus vitamins on eBay. You know, like Flintstone's chewables, but more expensive and poorer tasting (snake oil). We're not talking about a prescription product of any kind. Vitamins and herbal supplements are considered food products in the USA.  eBay, under their VeRO program, allowed Juice Plus to kill her auctions under the pretence of protecting their intellectual property rights and a few days later eBay suspended her account entirely.


TENNIS: HOT ROD SHOCKED AS SPAIN BLANK US

ANDY RODDICK suffered a surprise defeat as Spain raced to a commanding 2-0 lead in the Davis Cup Final. Rafael Nadal beat the American big gun 6-7 6-2 7-6 6-2 to add to Spanish No.1 Carlos Moya #39;s defeat of Mardy Fish 6-4 6-2 6-3 in Seville yesterday.


Gators get what they want in Utah coach

When it came down to making a decision between the Notre Dame job he had often dreamed about and what could become his dream job in Gainesville, University of Utah football


FOOTBALL: BURNS FACES SCOTS KO

CELTIC manager Martin O #39;Neill last night insisted that club commitments could prevent Tommy Burns staying onas Scotland #39;s No.2.


Three Peters Challenge in Australia

European Tour Members Peter OMalley, Peter Senior and Peter Lonard remain in contention to tale the Cadbury Schweppes Australian PGA Championship as they trail fellow Australian James Nitties going into the final round at the Hyatt Collum on the


CRPF camp attack: Two militants killed

SRINAGAR: The two militants, who had stormed a security camp killing five CRPF personnel, were shot dead on Saturday by security forces, ending a 30-hour long gunbattle at Sopore, 55 km from Srinagar, in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.


BALCO blows whistle

Victor Conte Jr. #39;s claims to have seen Marion Jones inject steroids could tarnish the track star #39;s career. By NED BARNETT, Staff Writer.


Blast, gunfire rocks Baghdad

A CAR bomb exploded next to an Iraqi police station just outside Baghdad #39;s Green Zone today, killing six Iraqi policemen and wounding another 10 in the second attack in two days targeting local security forces in the capital, an Iraqi security official


Floods Recede in Philippines

Helicopters delivered food to survivors and picked up the sick and injured on Friday as flash floods began to recede. More than 650 people were killed and nearly 400 are missing in the disaster, which was triggered by back-to-back storms.


Technology ; Napster creator unveils online music technology

After registering music and copyright information in Snocap #39;s database, labels and artists can manage online distribution through Snocap #39;s copyright management system, which lets them set rules for each track on a global basis.


Panel says keep sage grouse off endangered list

Sage grouse should not be listed as an endangered species, said a US Fish and Wildlife Service panel of biologists Friday. The panel of regional managers and senior scientists made their recommendation to


As media darling, Conte #39;s pushing it

No one knows where Jason Giambi goes from here, now that he has come clean about the dirty business of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs.


UK ; Chelsea to host Newcastle

That is just two points shy of United #39;s total at the same stage of the 1998/99 treble season and a point ahead of their tally when they won the title in 2002/03.


Notebook: Arbitrator rules he can decide on hearing appeals

Two weeks after the fact, lawyers for the NBA and the players #39; union had their own little brawl. Attorneys for the two sides fought before an arbitrator and in federal


Kidd almost set

The Nets have waited more than two months for Jason Kidd to practice. So it shouldn #39;t be a problem for them to wait another two days before he suits up.


Islamabad backs Kofi Annan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lent its full support to United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and wishes to see him complete his remaining tenure in office.


Pakistan, India agree to reopen second rail link

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Friday ended a two-day meeting on reviving Khokhrapar-Monabao rail link and agreed to take necessary steps for an early resumption of the train service.


IBM mulls sale of PC business

IBM, seeking to exit an industry it helped pioneer two decades ago, hired Merrill Lynch to find a buyer for its personal-computer unit.


Oil giant  #39;in business #39;

The main supplier of jet fuel to China is continuing to do business despite a criminal investigation of its 442.6m losses on derivative trading, the company said.


Webber not excited about rejoining Pizzonia

New Williams-BMW lead driver Mark Webber of Australia isn #39;t excited about the prospect of reuniting with former Jaguar team-mate Antonio Pizzonia of Brazil in Formula 1. Webber was hoping to be Williams #39; second


Meyer OKs 7-year deal with Gators

nly a few days ago, it looked like a done deal. Urban Meyer, a devout Irish-Catholic who always considered Notre Dame his dream job, seemed a lock to end up in South Bend, Ind.


New Iraqi prison photos investigated

IRAQ:The photos found on a Web site show Navy SEALs sitting on prisoners, some with blood dripping from their heads. BY SETH HETTENA.


Israeli forces detain senior Hamas militant

Israeli forces detained a senior leader of Hamas #39;s military wing in the West Bank today during a night-time raid on his hideout, witnesses said.


Car Bombers Attack Near Baghdad Green Zone

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Twin car bombs detonated outside a  police station near the protected Green Zone in Baghdad on  Saturday, killing at least three people in the latest guerrilla  strike against Iraq's shaky security forces.


Three Ways Technology Brings People Together

The holidays are coming. Now, more than ever, the desire is to be close to friends and family. While not everyone can catch a plane or train to be with the ones they love, today #39;s communications technologies


Hollywood Steps Into DVD Format Fight

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


Webber stirs Pizzonia row

Mark Webber has re-ignited the war of words with former Jaguar teammate Antonio Pizzonia, accusing the Brazilian of lying about quality of their cars.


Utah coach seems Florida-bound

With widespread reports asserting that Utah coach Urban Meyer has accepted an offer to become the next football coach at the University of Florida, the most serious potential suitor for University


NBA sues to keep Pacers bans out of arbitration

The NBA filed a federal suit Friday in an effort to block an arbitrator from hearing an appeal of the suspensions handed out to four members of the Indiana Pacers for fighting with fans


Profile: Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela

Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, once one of the world #39;s most powerful criminals, has been extradited to the US to face drug smuggling and money-laundering charges.


Western governors focus on wildlife

A majority of Western governors gathered in San Diego yesterday said they favor significant revisions in the federal Endangered Species Act, one of the nation #39;s landmark environmental laws.


Middle East emerges as prime growth market for graphic solutions

ATI Technologies Inc. (TSX:ATY, NASDAQ:ATYT), a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative 3D graphics and digital media silicon solutions, today announced that PCI Express (PCIe)-enabled graphics


Rumor Control: Bono buys Edios and Metal Gear Solid: The Movie

The official story:  quot;No, this isnt true. Just a wild rumor. quot;--Eidos staffer. Bono was unavailable for comment. What we heard: Though at first it was laughed off as one of the loopiest rumors to hit the


Steroid shock waves ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED PRESS ASSOCIATED <b>...</b>

San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds, third on Major League Baseball #39;s career home run list, testified to a grand jury that he used a clear substance and a cream given to him by a trainer who was indicted in a steroid-distribution ring, but Bonds


Iran Wants OPEC to Return to Quotas

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran on Saturday reiterated its call for  OPEC to pull supply back down to official quota levels and  mapped out a way to fund a long-promised production hike, a  newspaper reported.


EXPLOSIONS HIT MADRID

FIVE explosions rocked Madrid last night after Basque terror group Eta threatened bombings in the Spanish capital. A petrol filling station was one of the targets but initial reports said the explosions were by  #39;low potency #39; bombs.


Dollar set to make gains against yen

LONDON: The dollar headed for its first weekly gain in more than two months against the yen after Japanese officials suggested they may stem the currency #39;s slide and on expectations that US firms employed 200,000 workers last month.


Wenger confident that Arsenal can emerge from crisis

ARSNE WENGER admitted yesterday that Arsenals run of disappointing results amounts to a crisis, although he played down the extent of the dilemma as much as he could.


German Police Foil Plot To Kill Iraqi Premier

German police Friday arrested three Iraqis suspected of hastily putting together a failed plot to assassinate interim Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi during his visit for talks with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.


IBM reported to put its PC business up for sale

San Francisco, December 4: IBM is reportedly in talks to sell its personal computer business in a deal that could be worth up to \$2 billion and would cap a gradual withdrawal from the business it helped to pioneer in 1981.


Lycos Europe halts anti-spam counterattacks

NEW YORK Just four days after it began, a spam-fighting campaign by Web portal Lycos Europe has been ended on the grounds the cure might be worse than the disease.


Baseball will survive, just like it always has

Some people cannot fathom the indifference. The revelations about Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds brought a rousing  quot;so what? quot; from the general public, causing waves of journalistic outrage around the country.


Highbury return for Petit?

Arsenal #39;s injury concerns could see Emmanuel Petit return to the club on a short-term deal, manager Arsene Wenger revealed. The 34-year-old free agent won the double with Arsenal in 1998 before moving on to Barcelona and more recently Chelsea.


Colorado Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle cited for solicitation

Colorado Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle was cited Friday for solicitation after a woman in his car said he paid her \$40 for oral sex, police said.


15 Killed Russia Warehouse Fire (AP)

AP - Fifteen people were killed when a fire broke out in a furniture factory warehouse in the Moscow region, the Interfax news agency reported Saturday.


Mugabe Expected to Purge More Officials Before Election (Reuters)

Reuters - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is\expected to purge more officials from his ruling ZANU-PF\movement on Saturday as the party gears itself for\parliamentary elections next March amid wrangles over the\succession question.


Ukraine's Yanukovich to Run Again in Repeat Vote

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich  said on Saturday he would run against opposition liberal Viktor  Yushchenko again in a rerun of their contested presidential  election and he defiantly vowed he would win.


M.T.A. Seeks Tax Increases Over 5 Years

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is proposing a tax increase to raise \$900 million a year to help pay for a five-year rebuilding program.


NHLPA to offer compromise

NEW YORK -- The NHL Players #39; Association is working on a proposal that will see players give up serious concessions in a bid to salvage the season.


Rockies #39; Neagle charged with soliciting a prostitute

Colorado Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle was charged Friday with soliciting a prostitute after a woman in his car said he paid her \$40 for oral sex, police said.


EDITORIAL: Time for Annan to resign post

On Thursday, Sen. John Ensign of Nevada joined Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota in calling for the immediate resignation of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.


Looking for Water on the Red Planet

Description: Scientists exploring Mars via the rover  #39;Opportunity #39; published 11 papers detailing the progress of the research being done in an area called Meridiani Planum.


Baseball in Bonds quandary

The player swinging for the most storied record in baseball is being linked more than ever to what could be the sport #39;s biggest scandal since the Chicago White Sox threw the 1919 World Series.


Local manager weighs in on steroid use

By the numbers. By Elia Powers. With recent reports stemming from grand jury testimony that link major league baseball sluggers Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds to past steroid use, discussion of the sports tainted image resurfaced this week.


Meyer snubs Irish for Florida

The search for a new Notre Dame football coach has apparently taken an abrupt and unexpected turn Friday when several media outlets reported that Utah coach Urban Meyer accepted the coaching job at Florida.


Notre Dame women land in right spot

Being in the right spot earned the Notre Dame womens soccer team a spot in the NCAA championship game. Candace Chapman scored with about 18 minutes left Friday to lift the


China landslide kills 23, rescue work halted (Reuters)

Reuters - At least 23 people were killed in a landslide which hit a mountain village in southwestern China, where the search for missing people has been halted by fears of further slides, state media reported on Saturday.


Tsunami Victims Prey to Crime from Asia to Europe (Reuters)

Reuters - Thieves, rapists, kidnappers and hoaxers\are preying on tsunami survivors and families of victims in\Asian refugee camps and hospitals and in the home countries of\European tourists hit by the wave.


Baghdad Green Zone targeted by car bombers

At least three people have been killed and more than 40 wounded after twin suicide car bombs blew up outside a police station near Baghdad #39;s Green Zone.


Valley resident falls to 51st at LPGA Q-school

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. -- Caryn Wilson of Rancho Mirage shot a 4-over par 76 on Friday and is tied for 51st place after three rounds of the LPGA Tour Qualifying School.


Florida backers excited about hiring

University of Florida fans not only enjoyed the school #39;s hiring of Utah #39;s Urban Meyer as coach, but some took a bit of delight in beating Notre Dame for his services.


Khan back with a bang in Liverpool

AMIR KHAN shrugged off a hectic build-up to make a stunning return to the ring in Liverpool last night. The 17-year-olds life has been one non-stop whirl since he returned from Athens three months ago with an Olympic silver medal.


Bullpen gets two new arms

In a week that featured the breakdown of trade talks involving Randy Johnson and Jason Giambi #39;s steroid admission, trades for Felix Rodriguez and Mike Stanton sure seem trivial.


Another good BCS debacle?

quot;The purpose of the BCS is to match the nation #39;s top two college football teams in an end-of-season bowl game for the National Championship.


Colombia sends drug kingpin to US

Colombia has extradited to the United States the most notorious drug cartel kingpin in its custody, El Tiempo newspaper reported Saturday.


Apparent abuse photos turn up

CORONADO, Calif. -- The US military said it has begun a criminal investigation into photos that appear to show Navy SEALs in Iraq sitting on hooded and handcuffed prisoners and photos of what appear to be bloodied prisoners, one with a gun to his head.


REVIEW: Music player measures running pace

It #39;s been a few decades since anyone recorded my mile splits as I bounded over hill and dale, immersed in running #39;s intoxicating rhythm.


Russia invites YUKOS unit bids, India interested (Reuters)

Reuters - Russia said on Saturday it would welcome more offers for the assets of oil major YUKOS as the only declared bidder, Gazprom, inked a cooperation deal with India's state-run ONGC oil firm.


Want cheap iTunes? Become a Mountie

Apple, which opened the virtual doors on the Canadian store late on Wednesday, is selling songs for 99 Canadian cents, which translates to about 83 US cents, 16 per cent less than those in the United States pay for their iTunes.


Baghdad car bomb kills 15

A suicide bomber detonated a car bomb Saturday at the entrance to Baghdad #39;s heavily fortified Green Zone, killing at least 15 and wounding 30 others.


Suspect suicide bomb kills 2 Iraqi policemen

A police station on the outskirts of Baghdad #39;s Green Zone has been attacked by a suspected suicide bomber driving a truckload of explosives.


Car Bombers Strike Near Green Zone, 7 Dead

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Twin suicide car bombs blew up outside  a police station near Baghdad's Green Zone on Saturday, killing  seven people and wounding 57 in the latest deadly strike  against Iraq's shaky security forces.


Monitors Want Access to Mozambique Vote Count

MAPUTO (Reuters) - The Commonwealth and European Union have  asked Mozambique for access to centers where votes from this  week's election are being verified, after complaints by  monitors raised questions over the credibility of the ballot.


Next season not so bad, experts say

Sure, next year #39;s season likely will have more storms in the Atlantic region than an average year, Colorado State University forecaster William Gray said.


NAPSTER FOUNDER REVEALS NEW FILE-SHARING PROJECT

NAPSTER creator SHAWN FANNING has revealed his plans for a new licensed file-sharing service with an almost unlimited selection of tracks.


Sage grouse outlook found less than dire

A decision announced Friday to not list the greater sage grouse as an endangered or threatened species still leaves open the possibility the approximately 1,000 birds remaining in Washington could be listed.


Wario Ware Touched!

We get much deeper into Nintendo #39;s cool touch-screen continuation of its whacked-out series. December 03, 2004 - If you haven #39;t already noticed by now, the Nintendo DS has finally had its launch in the Japanese


Middle East emerges as prime growth market for graphic solutions

ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that PCI Express (PCIe)-enabled graphics cards are set to account for 25 of the global graphics card market by year-end.


BATTLING WESTWOOD BACK IN CONTENTION

Lee Westwood recovered from a nightmare start to his third round and reached the turn just one shot off the lead in the Nedbank Golf Challenge.


Nitties birdies closing hole to maintain Australian PGA lead

COOLUM, Australia -- Former Australian amateur star James Nitties took the third-round lead in the Australian PGA on Saturday, closing with a birdie for a one-stroke advantage over American Bob Estes.


Del Ponte: Serbia must deliver

The chief prosecutor at the UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Carla Del Ponte, has told the BBC that  quot;all possible measures quot; should be taken against Serbia over Belgrade #39;s reluctance to arrest those indicted for crimes in the former Yugoslavia.


U.S. Doping Watchdog to Question BALCO's Conte - IAAF

HELSINKI (Reuters) - U.S. anti-doping officials plan to  question Victor Conte after the BALCO head claimed he saw  sprinter Marion Jones taking banned drugs, world athletics body  the IAAF said Saturday.


Company to Sell Chinese Autos in U.S.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Visionary Vehicles LLC, started by the  man who brought the Yugo to America in the 1980s, has agreed to  sell imported vehicles from China at bargain basement prices in  the United States, the company said on Monday.


Attorney: Barry Bonds Did Nothing Illegal

OAKLAND, Calif. -- An attorney for Barry Bonds said he won #39;t acknowledge that Bonds used steroids and neither will Bonds. The San Francisco Giants star testified a year ago before a grand jury that has indicted


Colombian drug kingpin extradited to the US

Bogota - Former drug kingpin Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, head of the powerful Cali drug cartel, was en route to the United States early on Saturday after being handed over to American anti-narcotics officials the night before, a Colombian official said.


Iran nabs another nuclear  #39;spy #39;: reports

Iran #39;s intelligence ministry has announced the arrest of a  quot;spy quot; accused of setting up a fake nuclear company as part of a bizarre international plot to damage the Islamic republic #39;s reputation, press reports said Thursday.


Wal-Mart Still Sees Sales Up 1-3 Percent (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , the\world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it still expects a 1\percent to 3 percent increase in December sales at its U.S.\stores open at least a year.


The Tax Man May Take a Bite (Reuters)

Reuters - Stocks may come under pressure next\week as investors sell shares at year's end to prepare for tax\season. But crude oil prices, earnings outlooks and moves in\the dollar will also be closely watched.


Stock Market Rally Fueled by Cheaper Oil (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil is still king on Wall Street --\and if you don't believe it, just take a look at this year's\stock market charts.


Programs: a Checklist for Tuning Up Your PC

You change the oil in your car every 5,000 miles or so. You clean your house every week or two. Your PC needs regular maintenance as well -- especially if you #39;re using


Wal-Mart Still Sees Sales Up 1-3 Percent

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N, the  world's largest retailer, said on Saturday it still expects a 1  percent to 3 percent increase in December sales at its U.S.  stores open at least a year.


The Tax Man May Take a Bite

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks may come under pressure next  week as investors sell shares at year's end to prepare for tax  season. But crude oil prices, earnings outlooks and moves in  the dollar will also be closely watched.


Stock Market Rally Fueled by Cheaper Oil

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil is still king on Wall Street --  and if you don't believe it, just take a look at this year's  stock market charts.


Company Spending Seen Conservative

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Corporate America is gun-shy about  making significant spending increases in 2005, as high fuel  costs, geopolitical concerns and memories of recent  overspending loom over budget plans for next year.


Vintage Cars Get Hot with Makeovers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Car buyers, tired of designs that roll  off the assembly line, are shifting gears to decades past.


Ferrero replaces Nadal in Davis Cup final doubles match

Spanish captain Jordi Arrese named Juan Carlos Ferrero Saturday to play doubles with Tommy Robredo, replacing 18-year-old Rafael Nadal.


England bag first Dubai Sevens title

England won their first ever Dubai Sevens title last night, beating Fiji 26-21 in a nail-biter of a final. The visitors went behind early on at the Exiles Club with Kameli Ratuvou going over, but Mike Friday #39;s


Exclusion takes toll on players

Duncan Fletcher admitted that the controversy surrounding Englands tour to Zimbabwe had affected their performance in their opening win Sunday.


Grotech Hopes to Repeat Success of Long John Silver's

Grotech Capital Group Inc.  is getting back into the fish business.


Serbia sends general for war crimes trial

Serbia yesterday signalled the start of greater co-operation with the international war crimes tribunal in The Hague, surrendering a former Bosnian Serb general whose troops held Sarajevo under siege during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war.


5 jawans killed as ultras storm CRPF camp

Five CRPF personnel were killed in a suicide attack on their camp at Sopore in north Kashmir today. We are going for a final assault to kill the militants inside the camp as all CRPF personnel who were


#39;Republicans holding up quest for peace #39;: Paisley

The Republican movement is holding up progress in the search for a new peace process deal, Democratic Unionist leader the Reverend Ian Paisley claimed today.


Mbeki into new discussions in Ivory Coast, EU urges peace (AFP)

AFP - South African President Thabo Mbeki started new peace talks with various Ivory Coast groups, as European Union delegates urged all parties to find a peaceful solution to the two-year crisis wracking the divided west African nation.


Telegraph used to warn trains on day of Halifax Explosion put on display (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - HALIFAX (CP) - The image of Vince Coleman frantically pounding on a telegraph key has become the symbol of the Halifax Explosion for a generation of Canadians.


Colombian Drug Kingpin in Miami Prison Cell

MIAMI (Reuters) - The former boss of Colombia's Cali  cocaine cartel was in a U.S. prison cell on Saturday after an  extradition that capped a 14-year investigation into his  multibillion dollar drug business.


Lycos Europe anti-spam Screensaver bites the dust!

Although close on 100,000 people downloaded the free screensaver, it received a great deal of criticism. Many believed it lowered itself to the tactics of the spammers themselves and could have caused more problems than it solved.


Trade Groups, Firms Push to Ease Tough Federal Scrutiny

Two-and-a-half years after Congress passed the most sweeping corporate reforms since the Great Depression, trade groups are maneuvering to revise them, arguing that they are too expensive, too time-consuming and too much trouble for small businesses.


IT Dabbles with Firefox, But Few Plan To Switch from IE

One feature in Firefox is tabbed browsing, which allows users to load pages from multiple sites without having to open a new browser window for each one.


5 blasts hit Madrid

FIVE blasts hit separate Madrid petrol stations yesterday, causing no injuries but snarling peak-hour traffic. The incidents followed a phoned warning from a caller claiming to represent the Basque separatist group ETA, police said.


Bombers target Iraqi security forces

BAGHDAD - Two powerful car bombs exploded simultaneously Saturday near Baghdad #39;s most heavily guarded area, killing at least seven police officers and wounding 59 others.


Deal May Let Northern Ireland MPs Speak in Republic #39;s Parliament

Northern Irelands MPs and MEPs are to be given the chance to take part in debates in the Irish Republics Parliament if a comprehensive peace process deal is struck in the coming week, it was claimed today.


Sudan 'considers' Turabi charges

Sudan says it will decide next week whether to charge Islamist leader Hassan Turabi over an alleged coup attempt.


US officials to question BALCO chief

quot;Now Conte has broken his silence, they will be seeking him for further information. The IAAF will follow the situation, quot; he said.


The Week in College Football

Description: NPR #39;s Michele Norris talks with Wall Street Journal sports reporter Stefan Fatsis about the latest news from the college gridiron.


Deliberations Begin in Air India Bomb Trial

Nearly two decades after Air India Flight 182 exploded over the Atlantic Ocean killing 329 people, the fate of the two Sikh extremists charged with the bombing is finally in hands of a judge.


Napster Founder Heads In New Direction

It is a licensed file-sharing service with almost an unlimited selection of tracks that will give record labels a degree of control over file-sharing.


ETA Bombs Put Radical Basque Party in Tight Spot (Reuters)

Reuters - The armed Basque separatist group ETA\showed it was not a spent force with Friday's coordinated\attacks at five Madrid petrol stations, but it also further\isolated the guerrillas' closest political allies, Batasuna.


Russia woos Indian IT firms, call to jointly tap global markets (AFP)

AFP - Russia said it wants to emulate India's success in information technology as it wooed Indian firms for joint projects and called on both nations to team up to tap global markets.


Irish recruits in holding pattern

But Ponder, the head football coach at Rider High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, said Nelson, the star wide receiver who committed to the Irish in July, could be re-thinking his commitment in the wake of Tyrone Willingham #39;s firing.


Ambrose wants hat-trick

Motorsport crowned a new king in the V8 Supercars last night when Ford #39;s Marcos Ambrose swept to successive championship titles in the final round of the season at Eastern Creek.


Indicted Sarajevo Siege General Arrives in Hague (Reuters)

Reuters - A Serb general accused of\sniping and shelling against the civilian population of\Sarajevo during the 1992-95 Bosnian war arrived in The Hague on\Friday to face charges of crimes against humanity.


Myskina, Safin Win Russia's Top Player Awards

MOSCOW (Reuters) - French Open champion Anastasia Myskina  has been voted Russia's female player of the year by the panel  of tennis journalists, coaches and officials.


Bono plans lifelong poverty fight

Rock singer Bono pledges to spend the rest of his life trying to eradicate extreme poverty around the world.


Ambrose seals V8 title

FORD driver Marcos Ambrose today sealed back-to-back V8 Supercar championships with victory in the 100km opening race at the series Grand Finale.


MLB owners approve Expos #39; relocation to Washington

The owners of Major League Baseball #39;s 30 teams voted almost unanimously today to approve the relocation of the Montreal Expos to Washington, the league reported Dec. 3 on its website.


Pakistan, India agree to resume 2nd rail link

Pakistan and India agreed Friday to resume the second rail link between the two nations. According to a statement jointly issued by technical teams fromboth sides at the conclusion


Boeing Changes Management in Key Division

Boeing Co. changed management of its commercial aircraft division yesterday, replacing the head of the sales team after losing several competitions to its European rival Airbus SAS.


Shawn Fanning Returns With New Music Service

Not quite as strong (or as controversial) as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shawn Fanning is back -- in the music downloading game, according to MTV News.


Chelsea display championship class

Chelsea piled the pressure on to their Premiership title rivals with a 4-0 lunchtime demolition of Newcastle. Hustled out of their stride and on the back foot for much of the first half, Chelsea turned on


Bush Mum on Pakistan's Bin Laden Efforts (AP)

AP - President Bush offered no criticism Saturday of Pakistan's role in the still-unsuccessful hunt for al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, even though Pakistan's army is pulling back from the region where the terrorist mastermind is believed hiding.


Programs: a Checklist for Tuning Up Your PC (Reuters)

Reuters - You change the oil in your car\every 5,000 miles or so. You clean your house every week or\two. Your PC needs regular maintenance as well -- especially if\you're using Windows and you spend a lot of time on the\Internet.


Bones Suggest Women Went to War in Ancient Iran (Reuters)

Reuters - These days Iranian women are not even\allowed to watch men compete on the football field, but 2,000\years ago they could have been carving the boys to pieces on\the battlefield.


Miss Peru wins world beauty title

Miss Peru beats off more than 100 beauty contestants to win the Miss World competition in China.


Salvation Army gets new leader

Maj. George Polarek and Maj. Sharon Polarek didn #39;t have much time to settle in. The Polareks are embarking on their first holiday season as the new area coordinator and associate area coordinator of the Salvation Army Buffalo Area Services.


Stocks to Watch Monday

INGRAM MICRO INC. IM.N:


Marion mad at dope slur

SPRINT queen Marion Jones says she will sue accused steroid peddler Victor Conte over his allegations that she received banned drugs before winning five medals at the Sydney Olympics.


Slick Nick on victory trail

EIGHT years after his last win. The six-time Major winner fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 at the Hong Kong Open to stand in joint-second place after three rounds.


Putin denies opposing India #39;s veto power

Russian President Vladimir Putin today said that he had been completely misinterpreted by the Indian press. Media reports had claimed that he was opposed to India #39;s right to get veto powers in the UN Security Council.


Middle East ; ElBaradei denies charges of collaboration with Iran

ElBaradei was reacting to news reports that he had heeded Iranian demands to drop mentions of IAEA requests to visit the Parchin military site and Irans use of the sensitive material beryllium in a report he had made to the IAEA board in September.


Dollar Starts 2005 Firm, Awaits U.S. Data

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar started 2005 on a strong note  on Monday, gaining more than a cent from last week's record  lows against the euro as investor selling paused on  expectations of a firm batch of U.S. economic data this week.


Lawyers brawl over Pacers-Pistons suspensions

New York, December 3 - Two weeks after the fact, lawyers for the NBA and the players #39; union had their own little brawl. Attorneys for the two sides fought before an arbitrator and in federal court Friday, arguing


Boston Celtics Team Report - December 4

(Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics picked up a victory on Friday evening against the Toronto Raptors. Mark Blount scored 22 points, Paul Pierce added 20, as the Celtics edged Toronto for a 91-89 victory at the FleetCenter.


Indian economy to grow 7.5 percent annually says PM (AFP)

AFP - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India's economy would grow by 7.5 percent annually over the next decade and could be one of the world's biggest economies in the next generation.


Court Orders Milosevic Defense Lawyers to Continue

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Judges trying Slobodan Milosevic  rejected Tuesday a bid by lawyers appointed to defend the  former Yugoslav president to withdraw from the case.


Spain handed Madrid bomb suspect

An Egyptian man suspected of playing a key role in the Madrid train bombings has been handed over to Spain.


DaVita Buys U.S. Kidney Clinics for \$3 Bln

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - DaVita Inc. DVA.N agreed to buy the  U.S. kidney-care clinics of Sweden's Gambro AB GAMBb.ST for  \$3.05 billion in a deal that would make it the top dialysis  services company in the United States.


Sprint Upgrades Wireless Network

Wireless carrier Sprint has signed contracts with Lucent, Nortel and Motorola for network upgrades, including the development of high-speed Internet services.


Colgate-Palmolive announces 4,400 job cuts; plant shutdowns

NEW YORK, December 7 (newratings.com) - New York based Colgate-Palmolive (CL.NYS) announced its plans today to cut its total workforce by 12 and close one third of its factories in an attempt to reduce costs and focus on the high-profit areas, such as


Update 4: Vivendi, Messier Are Fined \$1.35M Each

France #39;s market regulator fined Vivendi Universal SA and its former boss Jean-Marie Messier on Tuesday for deceiving investors with a litany of inaccurate financial communications issued over a two-year period.


Black Notre Dame Alumni Question Firing (AP)

AP - Some black Notre Dame alumni say the recent firing of football coach Tyrone Willingham will hamper the school's efforts to recruit and retain black students and teachers.


Nvidia to provide PlayStation graphics

Nvidia, a video chip maker, is to provide the graphics engine for Sony #39;s next-generation PlayStation. Nvidia shares rose more than 8 per cent on the news as analysts forecast


Toshiba, Memory-Tech unveil new disc

In an effort to ease the transition to higher-capacity disc technology, Toshiba and Memory-Tech have developed a dual-layer disc that supports DVD and HD DVD formats.


Trojan poses as Lycos Europe screensaver

An identity-stealing e-mail Trojan horse that disguises itself as the Lycos Europe antispam screensaver is being distributed around the Internet, an antivirus company has warned.


Nintendo DS vs. Sony PSP

As Fool Seth Jayson noted last week, Nintendo (OTC BB: NTDOY) had sold half a million of its portable Nintendo DS units within a week of their November 21 launch in the United States.


Apple Meets Oracle #39;s Storage Approval

With Apple (Quote, Chart) by its side, Oracle will begin offering a flexible storage strategy catering to customers concerned about cutting the costs associated with saving data.


Syria frees political detainees

It is reported to be the biggest single amnesty for three years. The official Sana news agency said it was part of an  quot;open and tolerant policy quot;.


Oil Falls to 3-Month Low on Mild Weather

Oil prices fell more than a dollar to a three-month low on Tuesday as mild winter weather sapped demand in the heavy energy consuming US northeast.


Nortel Wins \$1 Billion Contract for Sprint Upgrades

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK - Sprint will invest more than \$2 billion to upgrade its wireless PCS network, and \$1 billion of that will go to Nortel.


ID Biomedical #39;s Shot in the Arm

ID Biomedical (Nasdaq: IDBE) recently showed the importance of being in the right place at the right time, especially in the vaccine business.


Citigroup division ordered to pay fine, restitution for high-risk <b>...</b>

Securities regulators have ordered a division of Citigroup Inc. to pay \$478,000 in a fine and restitution for allegedly recommending high-risk commodity futures funds to people who shouldn


Telecom Italia to buy mobile arm

Telecom Italia is to borrow another 12bn (\$16bn) to fund a cash and shares deal worth more than 20bn for the 44 per cent of its mobile arm that it does not own.


Mozilla Launches Thunderbird 1.0 (PC World)

PC World - Alternative e-mail client will compete with Outlook Express and Eudora.


Dell Cuts Prices on Enterprise Hardware (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) is giving its corporate customers a break, announcing price cuts on\hardware ranging from enterprise servers and workstations, to desktops\and notebooks for large business and institutional customers.


Will analysts stick with Apple this time?

com. Apple Computers stock price continues to set post-Power Macintosh G4 Cube records, most recently last week with a closing price of \$68.44 per share on Monday, November 29.


EA working on new C amp;C Red Alert game

Electronic Arts has revealed that it #39;s working on a new game in the Command  amp; Conquer: Red Alert series in an email sent to fan site operators by VP and executive producer Mark Skaggs.


Charges expected Wednesday from NBA brawl (AFP)

AFP - Prosecutors here are expected to file charges Wednesday against National Basketball Association players and spectators who took part in a November 19 brawl.


IOC opens investigation

LONDON The International Olympic Committee has opened an investigation into doping allegations against US athlete Marion Jones. IOC president Jacques Rogge (ROH #39;-guh) set up a disciplinary commission to look


German Welfare Cuts Kick In, Protests Limited

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's sweeping welfare reforms went  into effect without a hitch Monday as labor offices cut  payments for a million jobless and qualifying tests got  tougher.


How Jose became most hated man in Porto

Jose Mourinho #39;s Second Coming was not meant to be this way. The man who recently described himself as a  #39;God #39; in Porto has been transformed in some people #39;seyes to the Devil Incarnate.


Government Legislation: A Bad Idea for Baseball

Following the revelation that Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi used steroids, some government officials began demanding that major league baseball adopt a stricter steroid policy.


Deputy: Charges likely in scuffle at high school game

A fight between players and fans at a high school basketball game last week probably will result in charges against some of those involved, a sheriff #39;s deputy said Tuesday.


Four Palestinians, one Israeli soldier killed in Gaza

Ezz Eddine al-Qassam groups, the military wing of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas claimed responsibility for the operation held today and resulted in killing one Israeli soldier and injuring other four to the east of al-Shuja #39;eya quarters in Gaza.


Dutch arrest alleged Saddam aide

DUTCH police have arrested a 62-year-old chemicals dealer suspected of involvement in war crimes and genocide committed by the regime of ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, the Dutch national prosecutor #39;s office said today.


Outside View: Kofi Annan -- time to go

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is the uppermost utopian model of international public servants, a Nobel Prize laureate, a pride to his native Africa.


Ghana a Model for African Elections

Urged to wield the power of the thumb, #39; #39; Ghana #39;s people exercised it in force Tuesday - pressing ink-moistened thumbs to ballots in an presidential election marking the


Sharon wins key backing for coalition

JERUSALEM - Israeli Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave possibly crucial backing on Tuesday for Prime Minister Ariel Sharons plan to invite the opposition Labour Party into a unity government, a Sharon aide said.


What's Next for PeopleSoft? (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - To hear Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) tell it, PeopleSoft (Nasdaq: PSFT) users, as well as its stockholders, are becoming more comfortable with -- or at least resigned to -- the idea of Oracle's proposed acquisition of the enterprise software company.


Karzai sworn in as first popularly elected Afghan president (AFP)

AFP - Hamid Karzai was sworn in as Afghanistan's first democratically elected president, promising to restore security to the war-shattered country exactly three years after the fall of the Taliban.


Will analysts stick with Apple this time? (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Apple Computer #8217;s stock price continues to set post-Power Macintosh G4 Cube records, most recently last week with a closing price of  #36;68.44 per share on Monday, November 29. That #8217;s the company #8217;s sixth-highest closing price of all time; the watermark remains  #36;72.10 per share on March 22, 2000.


Fertilizer May Be Root of Big Colombia Coca Plants (Reuters)

Reuters - Giant coca plants said to\resist herbicides and yield eight times more cocaine may be due\to extra fertilizer, not a drug cartel's genetic modification\program, a scientist said on Tuesday.


New Comet Now Visible to Naked Eye (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - A comet discovered earlier this year has now moved close enough to be visible without binoculars or telescopes by experienced observers under dark skies. It is expected to put on a modest show this month and into January.


Report: Palestinians, Israel Back Peace Plan

CAIRO (Reuters) - Palestinians and Israelis have agreed in  principle to proposals aiming to end their conflict, Egypt's  official news agency MENA reported Tuesday.


Goodall Says Environment at 'Crossroads' (AP)

AP - Biologist Jane Goodall brought her trademark message to Singapore on Tuesday: human beings and chimpanzees are more alike than one would think.


NASA's Return to Flight on Track, Shuttle Officials Say (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - NASA is close \to nbsp;meeting all nbsp;of the return-to-flight safety requirements set by \Columbia accident investigators and should be able to launch a shuttle by May \2005, shuttle program officials said today.


Excavators Discover 20 Mummies in Egypt (AP)

AP - Excavators discovered 20 gilded mummies in the Bahariya oasis in western Egypt, the government's council of antiquities said Tuesday.


Md. Researchers Growing Blue Crabs in Lab (AP)

AP - More than 1,600 wriggling blue crabs, so young that their shells are still soft and see-through, are taken from gurgling tanks and dropped one at a time into coolers filled with nets. Minutes later, they are loaded onto trucks, driven to two tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and dropped into the water.


New Calif. Agency Begins Stem Cell Project (AP)

AP - Californians voted by a wide margin last month to pass a landmark  #36;3 billion initiative to fund stem-cell research. That may have been the easy part.


New media battle for Bafta awards

The BBC leads the nominations for the Bafta Interactive Awards, including for the Radio Times site.


Clever Shopping Trolley Helps E-Tail Come of Age

LONDON (Reuters) - Cheryl Samuel-Todd completes her round  with seconds to spare, despite having a journalist and a public  relations officer in tow.


Intel Says It's 'Recovered' from Costly Missteps

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. INTC.O will  miss  its 2004 product cost reduction targets because of a widely  publicized string of product delays and problems, but those  missteps are largely behind it now, the world's largest chip  maker said on Tuesday.


Lenovo May Be in Acquisition Talks With IBM

China's biggest computer maker said Tuesday it is in acquisition talks with a major international technology company, a disclosure which comes amid reports it might buy IBM Corp.'s personal computer business.


Experts Push for More Computer Security Efforts

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


Court Hears Interstate Wine Sales Case

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


How green are UK carbon trading plans?

As UN climate change talks begin in Buenos Aires, we examine Britain's proposals to cut greenhouse gases.


Russian call for Mars volunteers

Scientists are selecting subjects to be locked in a self-sufficient capsule to test plans for a trip to Mars.


Honeywell internal documents point to 5,000 jobs exported

Honeywell documents reveal plans to move 5,000 jobs overseas


At Inauguration, Karzai Pledges 'New Chapter' for Afghanistan

Kabul was calm amid massive security for Hamid Karzai's inauguration ceremony, but overnight attacks provided a reminder of threats.


Kanye West Leads Grammy Nominations With 10

Alicia Keys and Usher received 8 Grammy nominations each today and Ray Charles, who died in June, received 7.


OpenWorld Notebook: Database, grid control boosted

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


Intel sheds light on 2005 desktop strategy

Intel's products for the digital home and digital office in 2005 will give consumers and IT managers more capabilities than just raw performance, and the company plans to highlight those products as it did with its Centrino mobile technology, Intel executives said Tuesday.


BEA hails app server upgrade

SAN FRANCISCO -- Not to be outdone by rival Oracle's conference being held a block away, BEA Systems on Monday unveiled Version 9.0 of its WebLogic Server application server, code-named Diablo.


Siemens sets wireless speed record with OFDM

German electronics manufacturer Siemens has set what it claims to be the fastest-ever wireless connection.


Industry group forms to track and thwart IM threats

A group of Internet security and instant messaging (IM) providers have teamed up to detect and thwart the growing threat of IM and peer-to-peer (P-to-P) viruses and worms, they said Tuesday.


Thunderbird 1.0 takes on Outlook Express, Eudora

Weeks after the launch of its Firefox 1.0 Web browser, the Mozilla Foundation on Tuesday is set to release version 1.0 of its Thunderbird e-mail client.


Dutch businessman faces genocide charges for selling chemicals to <b>...</b>

A Dutch businessman will face genocide charges for allegedly supplying Saddam Hussein #39;s government with chemicals used to make poison gas that killed thousands of


What Does the Future Hold for Flat TVs?

Seiko Epson will commercialize OLED TVs by 2007, the company says.


Group Formed to Track, Thwart IM Threats

Users will receive free warnings of worms and viruses targeting their chat client.


Mozilla Launches Thunderbird 1.0

Alternative e-mail client will compete with Outlook Express and Eudora.


First Look: MusicMatch Jukebox's Impressive Version 10

Free software helps organize large music collections.


Is Your Web Browser Putting You At Risk?\\It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by approximately 94 of the Internet population. It also poses an unacceptable security risk. What am I talking about? If you guessed Internet Explorer, you're right on the money. So, is your web browser ...


Lycos Europe Cans Anti-Spam Effort

Lycos Europe Cans Anti-Spam Effort\\Lycos Europe attempted to get back at the leading spammers of the world through an initiative called MakeLoveNotSpam. The move was applauded by the ordinary user of the web considering more than a lakh users downloaded the screensaver from the official website. However, many ISPs and ...


Copernic Desktop Search for Mozilla Firefox \\Copernic today announced the availability of a new version (1.2) of its Copernic Desktop Search (CDS) product that fully supports the Mozilla Firefox Web browser. Copernic claims to be the first desktop search tool which works with Mozilla Firefox.CDS 1.2 also features up to ...


Shopping Cart Abandonment

Shopping Cart Abandonment\\A thread at Search Engine Watch forums named Let's talk about shopping cart conversion discusses real people's experience with shopping cart abandonment rates. As mentioned in the thread, on average, the "75 of online shoppers abandon their shopping carts". What is even more shocking is that "47 of ...


News: Fake Lycos screensaver harbours Trojan

Virus writers have begun distributing their wares in emails that pose as Lycos's abandoned "Make love not spam" screensaver.


Oracle Uses Xserve RAID

Ina Fried reports for cnet News.com,  #147;Apple Computer #146;s rack-mounted storage system received a vote of confidence Monday, with database giant Oracle endorsing the Xserve RAID as part of an initiative to cut storage costs  #133; Additionally, Oracle is using the Xserve RAID in its own technology department to store e-mail, voice mail and calendar information  #133; Meanwhile, Apple also said Oracle is moving ahead with previously announced plans to offer its 10g software for the Mac sometime before the end of the year. #148; Dec 07


Israel's Sharon Raises Prospect of Early Elections

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  may call early elections if an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party  fails to join a coalition for his Gaza pullout plan this week,  he said in an interview published on Monday.


Nvidia Leaps To PlayStation Platform From Xbox

Standard  amp; Poor #39;s Equity Research raised the price target on Nvidia (nasdaq: NVDA - news - people ) after the company announced it was jointly developing a custom graphics processing unit with Sony (nyse: SNE - news - people ).


Threat Center Targets SPIM, P2P Viruses

Waltham, MA-based IMlogic, Inc. today announced the formation of the IMlogic Threat Center, a resource set up to combat threats that propagate over instant messaging (IM) and peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing services.


Nintendo DS Sales Get Good Start in US, Japan

Nintendo has played down the threat from Sony, saying that Nintendo #39;s strength lies in software and the ability to make games that are easy and fun.


Command  amp; Conquer: Red Alert 3 en camino

A las puertas del lanzamiento de El Seor de los Anillos: The Battle for Middle-Earth, algunos fans del clsico C amp;C han recibido un email de Mark Skaggs, productor ejecutivo de Electronic Arts, confirmndoles que ya estn manos a la obra con un nuevo


Porto fans target Mourinho

Porto fans have pledged a warm welcome for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in Tuesday #39;s Champions League clash. Mourinho, who led Porto to the Champions League title last season, was spat on at the Stamford


Study: 27 of 56 bowl teams graduate less than half their players

Twenty-seven of the 56 schools with bowl-bound football teams graduated less than half their players, a study released Tuesday shows.


Putin casts doubts over viability of Iraq polls

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has cast doubts over the viability of holding free and fair elections in Iraq, saying he  quot;cannot imagine quot; how an occupied country can go through a meaningful electoral exercise.


Rumsfeld sees Iraq pullout by 2008

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says he expects US troops to withdraw from Iraq within four years, conditions permitting, the New York Times said.


J J in Talks to Buy Guidant - Sources

CHICAGO/PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Health care and consumer  products maker Johnson   Johnson is in negotiations to acquire  medical-device maker Guidant Corp., sources familiar with the  situation said on Tuesday.


Vivendi, Ex-CEO Fined 1 Mln Euros Each

PARIS (Reuters) - French regulators fined Vivendi Universal  EAUG.PA and former Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marie Messier  1 million euros (\$1.34 million) each on Tuesday after a probe  into allegations that they misled investors when a costly media  acquisition spree went wrong.


U.S. Stocks Fall, Led Lower by Oil Sector

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks fell on Tuesday as shares of  major oil companies tumbled after the price of crude fell more  than a \$1 a barrel to a 3-month low.


Mystery Bidder Obtains Internet Patents

A lawyer for an anonymous bidder acquired a set of patents covering important aspects of commercial Internet transactions for \$15.5 million.


Lucent, Nortel get big Sprint contracts

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - Lucent Technologies and Nortel Networks on Tuesday won contracts totaling \$2.5 billion to help Sprint upgrade its wireless network to offer high-speed service.


Rookie Jones Has Dallas Feeling Good Again (AP)

AP - The Dallas Cowboys can only imagine how different their season might be had Julius Jones been healthy the whole time.


Goodall Says Environment at  #39;Crossroads #39;

Dr Jane Goodall of England, world-acclaimed conservation biologist and pioneer for her work on chimpanzees in Africa, delivers her keynote speech entitled  quot;Reason for Hope quot; Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004 in Singapore


Egypt Sees Move Towards Israel-Palestinian Peace

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


International Olympic Committee opens investigation into doping <b>...</b>

The BALCO scandal could cost Marion Jones her five medals from the Sydney Olympics. The International Olympic Committee opened an investigation Tuesday into the doping allegations against the American track star.


ORLANDO, Fla. A new study shows 27 of the 56 schools with bowl-bound football teams graduated less than half their players. The study by the Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sports at the University of


Garrison extended; King retires as Fed Cup coach

White Plains, NY (Sports Network) - Zina Garrison was given a one-year contract extension to remain captain of the American Fed Cup team, while the legendary Billie Jean King retired as a coach for the squad.


Ivory Coast Peace Push May Be Last Chance-UN Envoy

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Mediation efforts by South African  President Thabo Mbeki may be the last chance to stop Ivory  Coast falling into a deeper crisis, the outgoing head of the  U.N. mission in the West African country said Tuesday.


Russia supports Iraq in restoration of order

Meeting with visiting here Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to support all Iraqi steps aimed at restoring order


Musharraf Says Moderates Must Fight Terrorism

Pakistan #39;s President Pervez Musharraf is appealing to moderate Muslims to stand up and confront Islamic extremists who are promoting terrorism.


Yawar Warns Iran Against Meddling in Iraq

Iraq's interim president warned today against Iranian meddling in Iraqi politics ahead of elections next month and said his countrymen must reject religious government.


Update 1: Witness: Eisner Had Authority to Fire Ovitz

A Walt Disney Co. director testified Tuesday that he believed Disney chief executive Michael Eisner had the authority to fire Michael Ovitz as the entertainment giant #39;s president.


High-Def DVD Formats Fight for Dominance

from LPs to compact discs and from VHS to DVD, quot; says Jeff Joseph of the Consumer Electronics Association.  quot;High definition


Viduka redeemed

MARK Viduka was a relieved man after ending his 12-match English Premiership goal drought yesterday with a double which inspired Middlesbrough to a 3-2 home victory over Manchester City.


J J in Talks to Buy Guidant - Sources (Reuters)

Reuters - Health care and consumer\products maker Johnson   Johnson is in negotiations to acquire\medical-device maker Guidant Corp., sources familiar with the\situation said on Tuesday.


US: Heating Bills Not as High as Feared (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. consumers still face sharply\higher home heating bills this winter, but prices will be\somewhat lower than earlier feared due to milder weather and\easing prices, the government said on Tuesday.


US firms announce 104,530 job cuts in November, survey shows (AFP)

AFP - US employers announced plans in November to step up job cuts, with the total exceeding 100,000 for the third month in a row, an industry survey showed.


Stocks Fall as Energy Shares, J J Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks slipped on Tuesday as a sharp  drop in oil prices hurt energy shares and health-care company  Johnson   Johnson JNJ.N fell following a report of a possible  \$24 billion takeover of Guidant Corp. GDT.N.


Oil Falls to 3-Month  Low

Oil prices fell 3.5 percent to a three-month low Tuesday as mild winter weather sapped heating oil demand in the U.S. Northeast.


Spin the Medicine Bottle

Is a new MS drug going to be a top seller or a bottom-dweller? Here's how to find out.


America's Car-Mart's Diversity

The used-car retailer stabilizes results with an all-in-one strategy.


Stanley Swaps Doors for Locks

Stanley Works tries to keep growth going by focusing on businesses that keep baddies out.


ID Biomedical's Shot in the Arm

ID Biomedical appears well-positioned for the coming years, but it may be best to stay cautious on the company.


Nintendo DS vs. Sony PSP

With backwards compatibility, first-party games, and a cheaper price, Nintendo DS is the portable system to beat.


GM to Boost Incentives in 'Red Tag' Sale (Reuters)

Reuters - General Motors Corp. , coming off\two straight months of disappointing sales, told dealers on\Tuesday it will launch new U.S. sales incentives later this\week.


Credit Suisse shares drop as bank reportedly prepares CSFB job <b>...</b>

ZURICH (AFP) - Shares in the Swiss banking group Credit Suisse fell on the eve of an investors meeting which will reportedly unveil drastic changes at its US investment banking arm, Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB).


Toyota Vehicles to Offer Satellite Radio

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


High court hears dispute over interstate wine sales

WASHINGTON The US Supreme Court was told today that state laws barring people from buying wine directly from out-of-state suppliers should be struck down as unconstitutional.


Rescue Choppers Cheered in Aceh, Children Suffer

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - U.S. helicopters shuttled  the injured and the homeless, many of them children, out of  some of the worst-hit parts of tsunami-devastated Aceh province  on Monday, as reports surfaced of trafficking in orphans from  the disaster.


Nortel gets US\$1B share of new Sprint contracts

Sprint Corp., the third-largest wireless phone company in the US, doled out US\$3 billion worth of contracts Tuesday to long-time suppliers Lucent Technologies, Nortel Networks and Motorola.


Stocks Close Lower as Energy, J J Weigh

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell on Tuesday as a drop  in oil prices pulled down shares of energy companies and  health-care giant Johnson   Johnson JNJ.N slipped following a  report that it is in negotiations to take over Guidant Corp.  GDT.N.


GM to Boost Incentives in 'Red Tag' Sale

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. GM.N, coming off  two straight months of disappointing sales, told dealers on  Tuesday it will launch new U.S. sales incentives later this  week.


HP Board Pondered Breaking Up the Company

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The board of Hewlett-Packard Co.  HPQ.N discussed breaking up the No. 2 computer maker three  times in the past, yet each time decided to keep it intact,  Chief Executive Carly Fiorina said on Tuesday, defending her  strategy for the company.


Microsoft Seals  #39;Windows #39; in Server 2003

Microsoft (Quote, Chart) has issued significant security enhancements to its operating system software, making the Windows Server 2003 SP1 Release Candidate 1 (RC1) available for download.


Oracle readies major app server upgrade

DECEMBER 07, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - SAN FRANCISCO -- Oracle Corp. tomorrow is set to introduce Oracle Application Server 10g Release 2, which is being characterized as a significant upgrade offering improvements


Sony Uses Russian Cargo Jets to Fix Christmas-Time PlayStation <b>...</b>

Sony Corporation, the worlds second largest consumer electronic maker, was forced to use Russian cargo planes to fly the new version of its PlayStation 2 games console to Europe after an incident in the Suez Canal disrupted its schedule of Christmas


IBM expands virtual resources for business partners

DECEMBER 07, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - IBM yesterday announced virtual resources to help business partners more quickly build and deploy on-demand business applications tailored to customer requirements across all vertical industries.


Government would back move to punish Jones

THE Australian Government said yesterday it would support any moves from the IOC to strip US sprint queen Marion Jones of the five medals she won at the Sydney Games if she was found guilty of a doping offence.


Sprewell suspended for one game for vulgarity directed at female <b>...</b>

Latrell Sprewell was suspended for one game by the NBA on Tuesday for yelling a sexual vulgarity at a female fan during a game. The Minnesota Timberwolves swingman #39;s comment to a heckler was picked up by a


Seattle burned again by fourth-quarter collapse

Seattle #39;s young defense hasn #39;t been the same since collapsing in the fourth quarter of an October loss to St. Louis. For good measure, the Seahawks did it again against the Dallas Cowboys.


Florida won #39;t let Zook coach Gators in Peach Bowl

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


Three high-profile coaches out of Ole Miss picture

OXFORD, Miss. - Three high-profile coaches are no longer being considered to fill the football coaching vacancy at the University of Mississippi.


Figo doubt for Rreal

REAL MADRID #39;s Luis Figo is in doubt for tomorrow #39;s (Australian time) crucial Champions League match with AS Roma.  quot;His left foot is very painful and it is premature at this time to say if Figo will play, quot; said Real #39;s doctor, Alfonso Del Corral.


NBA All-Star Returns to Houston

HOUSTON, Dec. 7 -- For the second time in the events history, Houston has been selected as the host city for NBA All-Star. The 55th annual All-Star Game will be played at the Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets on Feb. 19, 2006.


Dodgers sign Ledee to two-year deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Ricky Ledee to a two-year contract Monday, giving them a left-handed pinch-hitter and more depth in the outfield.


Putin casts doubt on Iraq elections

Russia #39;s President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that he has grave doubts regarding Iraqs plans for January elections. He told Iraq #39;s interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi at the Kremlin he could not see


Thais Order Kin of Foreigners Away from Morgues

PHUKET, Thailand (Reuters) - Thai police ordered foreign  families and friends on Monday to stay away from tsunami-hit  areas, including temporary morgues in Buddhist temples where  they have searched for missing loved ones.


Law and order collapsing in Darfur - UN

Despite peace deals, Sudan #39;s Darfur region is lapsing into chaos, with rebels attacking police and the government ignoring brutal tribesmen they once armed, according to a United Nations report released on Monday.


Fox fires Mexico City police chief

Vicente Fox, Mexico #39;s president, on Monday fired Mexico City #39;s police chief and the commissioner of the federal police force charged with crime prevention, in response to the


Rumsfeld confirms will stay on, vows transformation of US military

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 6 (AFP) - US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Monday he would devote himself to transforming the military and bringing American troops out of Iraq as he confirmed he would remain in President George W. Bush #39;s administration.


Ex-Vivendi Boss Is Fined 1 Million Euros

PARIS (Reuters) - French regulators fined Vivendi Universal  EAUG.PA and its former CEO Jean-Marie Messier one million  euros each on Tuesday for allegedly misleading investors about  the media group's finances during its ill-fated expansion.


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

Pressured by global competition, Colgate-Palmolive announced today that it would cut jobs and close plants to increase profit margins.


Vivendi and its former boss fined

The French media giant and its former chief executive Jean-Marie Messier are each fined 1m euros for misleading the public and investors.


NASA Shuttle Plans Lack In-Orbit Repair

NASA is counting on a series of preventative measures to get the space shuttle back into flight after the Columbia tragedy in 2003, including tight limits


Microsoft Ships Windows Server 2003 SP1 Release Candidate

Microsoft on Monday debuted an almost-finished version of the first service pack for its Windows Server 2003 software, and like October #39;s SP2 for the desktop Windows XP OS, stressed security in the update.


FindWhat.com: A Year Later

Plus, Amazon blacks out, a sad day for Colgate, and profiting from questions.


Kroger Is King

Nation's leading supermarket operator posts 29 rise in third-quarter earnings, strong same-store sales.


Lemons Ripen Faster than Plums

A venture capitalist in the nano sector is finding some nice pickings.


More flu vaccine available from Germany, but deal with Canada <b>...</b>

More flu vaccine, this time from Germany, will be available to help alleviate the US crunch, but that still will leave the country with just two-thirds of what was initially expected.


Update 5: Vivendi, Messier Are Fined \$1.35M Each

French regulators fined Vivendi Universal SA and its former boss Jean-Marie Messier nearly \$1.4 million each on Tuesday for deceiving investors with a litany of inaccurate financial communications issued over a two-year period.


Vitali Klitschko vs. Danny Williams: Nothing to lose for Williams!

07.12.04 - By Marcus Wood: July 30th 2004 Danny Williams knocked out Mike Tyson in the fourth round in Louisville, USA. Fast forward four months and Danny Williams is preparing to fight reigning WBC world champion Vitali Klitschko as a direct result.


United to call on youngsters

Manchester United are set to name a second string side to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League. United have already sealed their path into the knockout stages of the competition and manager Sir Alex Ferguson


Rugby-Oxford triumph 18-11 in 123rd Varsity match

Oxford finally got their hands on the silverware by beating Cambridge 18-11 in the 123rd Varsity rugby union match at Twickenham on Tuesday.


Ledee and Dodgers agree to two-year contract

Outfielder Ricky Ledee and the Dodgers agreed Monday to a \$2.5 million, two-year contract, giving Los Angeles a left-handed pinch-hitter and more depth in the outfield.


Israeli Soldier Is Killed as Palestinian Agent Sets Trap

An Israeli soldier was killed and four were wounded today when a Palestinian double agent lured the troops into a booby-trapped chicken coop in Gaza City, the Hamas movement said.


The birth of modern Arab politics?

Forget for the moment the White House spin about Iraq being the place where Arab pluralistic democracy will be born and from where it will spread throughout the region.


Fox pledges Mexico police clean-up, challenges mayor

President Vicente Fox vowed to clean up Mexico #39;s police on Tuesday after violence that has shocked the country, and he told the capital #39;s left-wing mayor, his main political rival, to do the same.


Ivory Coast Peace Push May Be Last Chance-UN Envoy

Mediation efforts by South African President Thabo Mbeki may be the last chance to stop Ivory Coast falling into a deeper crisis, the outgoing head of the UN mission in the West African country said Tuesday.


Madagascar drops Malagasy franc

Madagascar completes the phasing out of its Malagasy franc currency with the pre-colonial Ariary.


Seattle Burned Again by 4th-Qtr Collapse (AP)

AP - Seattle's young defense hasn't been the same since collapsing in the fourth quarter of an October loss to St. Louis. For good measure, the Seahawks did it again against the Dallas Cowboys.


US government needs to step up cybersecurity: industry group (AFP)

AFP - The US government is falling short in cybersecurity efforts and should take immediate steps to protect the country's technological resources, an industry group said.


Houston to Host 2006 NBA All-Star Game (Reuters)

Reuters - The NBA announced on Tuesday\that the 55th annual All-Star Game will be played in Houston's\Toyota Center during the 2006 season.


Boise State Coach Hawkins Signs Extension (AP)

AP - Boise State coach Dan Hawkins signed a five-year,  #36;2.6 million contract extension on Tuesday that could keep him with the Broncos through the 2009 season.


Sportsview: Time for Haas to Pay His Dues (AP)

AP - Bill Haas never imagined playing anywhere but the PGA Tour, and he couldn't hide his frustration after coming up two shots short of a tour card at Q-school.