senator wants Annan to resign

The US senator leading the investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the Iraq oil-for-food program is urging UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to resign.


Scientists: Tsunami Could Hit West Coast (AP)

AP - Tsunami scientists and public safety officials are closely watching an earthquake-prone nation with thousands of miles of crowded coastlines for signs of an imminent disaster. Indonesia? Japan? Try the United States.


Crowton Steps Down As BYU Football Coach (AP)

AP - BYU coach Gary Crowton agreed to resign Wednesday, ending a four-year stint with the Cougars that began with 12 victories and finished with three straight losing seasons.


Ole Miss Fires Cutcliffe After 4-7 Season (AP)

AP - Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe was fired Wednesday after his first losing season in six years with the Rebels. Ole Miss officials informed Cutcliffe of the decision early Wednesday and Cutcliffe met with the team before an afternoon news conference.


Ford, General Motors report slow November sales, Japanese makers <b>...</b>

America #39;s two largest automakers said they would reduce production in the first quarter of 2005 after reporting weak November sales.


200 Delta Pilots Retire Early Before Cuts

More than 200 Delta Air Lines (DAL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) pilots retired as a concession package aimed at saving the No. 3 airline from bankruptcy took effect on Wednesday.


Jeter Says He Could Work With Pedro (AP)

AP - When Derek Jeter came across Pedro Martinez at Legends Field last month, the Yankees' captain wasn't surprised the longtime Boston ace was meeting with New York owner George Steinbrenner.


Magic Place Pat Garrity on Injured List (AP)

AP - Magic forward Pat Garrity was placed on the injured list with a sprained left foot. Stacy Augmon was activated to fill the roster spot, making him available to play against Toronto on Wednesday night.


FRANCE REDUCES POLITICS BAN ON EX-PM

The door has been opened for a possible return to national politics for former French Prime Minister Alain Juppe. A French appeals court has cut the initial sentence handed down to Juppe for his role in a party financing scandal.


Anatomy of a Spy Satellite (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - For military and intelligence communities, outer space has become a highground, hide-and-seek arena -- a kind of "now you see me, now you don't" espionage playing field.


Tsunami Warning Failed to Get Through-Thai Expert (Reuters)

Reuters - A Thai expert said on Monday\he tried to warn the government a deadly tsunami might be\sweeping toward tourist-packed beaches, but couldn't find\anyone to take his calls.


Stocks Surge as Oil Slumps

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks shot higher on Wednesday  as oil prices had their biggest one-day drop in three years and  economic data showed strength in the U.S. manufacturing sector  and personal spending.


Factories Speed Ahead, Consumers Spend

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The outlook for U.S. manufacturing  improved in November as factories hired more workers in  response to a jump in new orders, a national survey published  on Wednesday showed.


Oil Tumbles as Winter Fuel Stocks Rise

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices slid more than \$3.50 a barrel  on Wednesday, the biggest drop since September 2001, as a  larger-than-expected build in U.S. heating stocks soothed  worries about a winter fuel deficit.


Dollar Falls to New Record Low Vs Euro

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar fell on Wednesday, as  traders ignored fairly robust U.S. economic reports and instead  focused on the currency's long-term negatives, sending the  currency to a record low against the euro.


Wendy's Shares Rise on Baja Fresh Actions

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Wendy's International Inc. WEN.N  shares rose 7 percent on Wednesday as investors welcomed news  the company will write down the value of some of its struggling  Baja Fresh restaurants and close several of them.


Gold Reaches 16-Year High Over \$455

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The price of gold rose to a 16-year  high above \$455 an ounce on Wednesday as investors piled into  the hard asset amid widespread worries about the dropping U.S.  dollar.


Wet Seal Third-Quarter Net Loss Widens

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Struggling clothing retailer Wet  Seal Inc. WTSLA.O on Wednesday posted a wider quarterly loss  as lackluster demand for its teen-oriented fashions forced the  company to make bigger markdowns.


Australia #39;s Telstra CEO Search May Favor Outsiders

MELBOURNE (Dow Jones)--Even with solid internal candidates, the board of Australia #39;s Telstra Corp. (TLS) could easily favor an outsider to replace Ziggy Switkowski.


From blogs to cicadas: 2004 #39;s most looked-up words

The editors of Merriam-Webster dictionaries said the most requested definition on the company #39;s Internet sites during 2004 was the four-letter word meaning a Web site that contains an


Europe to Sue Over Data Greece Gave on Economy

The European Commission said on Wednesday that it would sue Greece for submitting incaccurate deficit figures before joining the euro zone in 2001.


Ancient mammal #39;s DNA code rebuilt

WASHINGTON: Using computer programs, scientists have suceeded in reconstructing the DNA of a creature that lived at the time of the dinosaurs more than 75 million years ago, a small, furry nocturnal animal that was the common ancestor of all placental


Liverpool bests Tottenham on penalty kicks

Liverpool will play Watford, the only non-Premier League side in the competition, in its semifinal after the Championship side eliminated Portsmouth 3-0 on Tuesday.


More U.S. Troops to Go to Iraq for Elections (Reuters)

Reuters - Iraq's president on Wednesday insisted\elections should go ahead next month as planned and the United\States said it would send thousands more soldiers to provide\extra security for the ballot.


Gunfire Erupts During Powell Visit to Haiti (Reuters)

Reuters - Shooting erupted on\Wednesday outside Haiti's presidential palace while Secretary\of State Colin Powell was inside talking with the interim\leaders of the violence-plagued country.


Colombia's Congress to Let Uribe Run Again (AP)

AP - Colombia's Congress gave final approval to a bill to allow President Alvaro Uribe to run for re-election, a move aimed at giving the hard-line leader more time to fight a leftist insurgency and drug trafficking.


U.N. Reports Rwandan Troops in Congo (AP)

AP - U.N. observers encountered what they believed to be about 100 Rwandan troops in eastern Congo, a U.N. official said Wednesday, marking the first reported U.N. sightings since Rwanda threatened to send in its forces against Rwanda Hutu rebels sheltering here.


Bush-Martin back-slapping can't hide ideological divide (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Two days of friendly banter couldn't bridge the chasm separating George W. Bush and Paul Martin in style, substance and worldview.


More U.S. Troops to Go to Iraq for Elections

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's president on Wednesday insisted  elections should go ahead next month as planned and the United  States said it would send thousands more soldiers to provide  extra security for the ballot.


Road Rage Was Behind Serb 'Assassination' Scare

BELGRADE (Reuters) - A feared "assassination attempt" on  Serbian President Boris Tadic was actually a case of road rage  against the behavior of his flashing-light motor convoy in  Belgrade traffic, Serbia's interior minister said on Wednesday.


Jailed Barghouthi Joins Palestinian Presidential Race

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Jailed Palestinian leader  Marwan Barghouthi joined the race for president to succeed  Yasser Arafat on Wednesday, drawing condemnation from his own  Fatah movement and threatening to split the group.


UN reform confronts 'irrelevancy'

This week the United Nations released 'the most comprehensive blueprint for change' in its six decades.


Why Iran wants its own nuclear deterrent

Iran's leaders apparently believe that the benefits of obtaining a nuclear bomb now outweigh the drawbacks.


US senator calls on Annan to quit

Republican Senator Norm Coleman calls on UN head Kofi Annan to quit over the oil-for-food scandal.


Oil prices plunge on supply rise

Oil prices fall 7.4 on US data showing a larger-than expected increase in crude supplies - sparking Wall Street to a nine month high.


Russia offers strategic partnership to India

NEW DELHI: Russia on Wednesday offered a strategic defence partnership to India and said it was willing to jointly develop hi-tech military hardware with its former Cold War ally on the eve of a visit by the Russian president.


ECB Rates Seen Steady as Euro, Oil Weigh

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank is expected  to keep interest rates steady at 2 percent on Thursday, with  markets looking for any hint that the central bank's worries  about growth have heightened.


ECB Rates Seen Steady as Euro, Oil Weigh (Reuters)

Reuters - The European Central Bank is expected\to keep interest rates steady at 2 percent on Thursday, with\markets looking for any hint that the central bank's worries\about growth have heightened.


Tyco Unit Signs Contract With UK Military

Tyco International Ltd. #39;s fire and security unit on Wednesday said it signed a \$70 million contract with the British Ministry of Defense to supply respiratory protection equipment.


Critical IE patch issued

MICROSOFT has issued an out-of-schedule critical patch for its Internet Explorer web browser, plugging a security hole that could allow a hacker to take control of a PC.


HP Virus Throttler not intended to be a silver bullet

HP #39;s Virus Throttler technology, due early next year, won #39;t be the killer app, the  quot;silver bullet, quot; that will stop viruses in their tracks, Tony Redmond, vice president and chief technology officer of HP Services, cautioned Tuesday at HP #39;s security event


Busch hopes to draw new fans

For anyone unhappy that Kurt Busch is the new Nextel Cup champion, Jack Roush has some advice: Get used to it. Busch has built a reputation during his four years in NASCAR #39;s top series as a driver who would


Florida Peach Bowl bound

Florida, which ended the regular season with an upset of Florida State, on Wednesday accepted a bid to the Peach Bowl. The Gators (7-4) will be making their 14th straight bowl appearance, extending a school record.


Redskins #39; Taylor Pleads Not Guilty to DUI

FAIRFAX, Va. Dec 1, 2004 - Washington Redskins rookie safety Sean Taylor plans to call teammates as witnesses to say he was sober when he was arrested for drunken driving on Oct. 27.


'Macworld After Dark' concert open to all Expo goers (MacCentral)

MacCentral - IDG World Expo has announced "Macworld After Dark," a free concert sponsored by Playlist Magazine scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 12, 2005. The event happens right after the end of the day's events at Macworld Conference  amp; Expo, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the Moscone Center, the site of the Expo. It's open to all registered Expo attendees.


Mexico Arrests Local Official in Killings (AP)

AP - Moving to halt a bloody drug war in this popular beach resort, Mexico investigated the federal prosecutor's office Wednesday and arrested a local official in the killings of nine people, including three federal agents.


Brown looks to election battles

Gordon Brown will set the economic battleground for the next general election in his pre-Budget report.


Gartner: Mobile Phone Sales Up 26

Worldwide mobile handset sales topped 167 million units, with almost all regions posting growth, according to the latest numbers coming out of Gartner.


China Aviation in Talks to Ensure Nation #39;s Jet Fuel Imports

China Aviation Oil (Singapore) Corp., which accounts for almost all of China #39;s jet fuel imports, said it #39;s in talks with suppliers and lenders to ensure deliveries to customers after


IBM Details PC Unit's Financial Woes (PC World)

PC World - The business racked up nearly  #36;1 billion in losses since 2001.


Developers Prep for Oracle (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Third-party software developers that make their living selling add-on enterprise resource planning applications are bracing for a seismic shift in their business.


Pilgrims Flying Direct From Iraq for Hajj (AP)

AP - Iraq's national air carrier began flying direct routes to Saudi Arabia on Monday for the Hajj, the first time it has done so since the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Transportation Ministry said.


Linux and Open Source: The 2005 Generation (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Linux and open source are at the heart of today's computing technology. Deal with it.


Deadly hot summers  #39;to become the norm #39;

Blisteringly hot summers similar to the one in 2003 when thousands of people in continental Europe died of heatstroke will become commonplace because of climate change, a study has found.


The beast from yesterday

Computer engineers could - in theory at least - reconstruct the genes of an animal that lived more than 75 million years ago. No DNA could possibly survive that long, but forensic scientists now routinely


Barghouti enters Palestinian election contest

RAMALLAH: Jailed West Bank Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti on Wednesday officially signed up for the January 9 election to become Palestinian Authority president, his wife Fadwa told reporters.


Powell Visits Port-Au-Prince, Urges World Help to Control Haitian <b>...</b>

Secretary of State Colin Powell held talks in Port-au-Prince Wednesday in a brief visit to Haiti marred by a shooting incident outside the presidential palace as he met officials of the country #39;s interim government.


Mark Steel

Ian Paisley is a genius. He #39;s being hailed as a peacemaker for possibly agreeing to possibly hold talks with Sinn Fein. But he also demanded Sinn Fein should wear  quot;sackcloth and ashes until they wear out quot;.


Indiana, Ole Miss, BYU Dismiss Coaches (AP)

AP - Gerry DiNardo, Gary Crowton and David Cutcliffe all became unemployed coaches Wednesday, upping the total coaching vacancies in Division I-A to 15.


Shrimp trade with US hindered

The United States yesterday announced anti-dumping duties on imports of Chinese shrimp as high as 113 per cent, a move that will hurt both US consumers and Chinese shrimp farmers, China Daily reported Thursday.


Hollins Coaches Fourth Game for Grizzlies (AP)

AP - Lionel Hollins coached the Memphis Grizzlies again Wednesday night, uncertain if it would be his final game at the helm.


Microsoft debuts MSN Spaces for bloggers

Hoping to keep more Internet users in its branded universe, Microsoft Corp. has become the latest company to offer blogging to the masses.


Nintendo Sells Half a Million DS Handhelds

Nintendo says it already has sold 500,000 of its newly released Nintendo DS handheld gaming systems, about 90 percent of the inventory shipped to the United States.


iTunes Canada Launch Postponed

The Canadian launch of Apple #39;s iTunes music-download service, which was expected to take place by the end of November, has been postponed.


The biggest game of the year

I look at  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, quot; a new urban crime role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, about the same way I might view gorgeous graffiti painted on my front door.


Massa tops Jerez test session

Felipe Massa set the pace on the first full day of Formula One testing at the Jerez circuit in Spain on Wednesday. Massa posted a top lap of 1:17.513, which was almost two seconds faster than Jarno Trulli in the Toyota.


NHLPA says Bettman wrong man to lead league as lockout drags on

Bitter sniping between the NHL players union and commissioner Gary Bettman hit a low point Wednesday, with an NHLPA senior director saying Bettman is the wrong man to lead the league.


Florida to play in Peach Bowl

No. 20 Florida will play either Miami or Virginia Tech in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31 in the Georgia Dome. Peach Bowl officials decided Wednesday to invite the Gators before knowing the outcome of Saturday #39;s Southeastern Conference championship game.


Report: Ole Miss Fires Cutcliffe

OXFORD, Miss. -- Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe was fired Wednesday after his first losing season in six years with the Rebels, a source close to the football program told The Associated Press.


No. 20 Florida to Play in Peach Bowl (AP)

AP - No. 20 Florida will play either Miami or Virginia Tech in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 31 in the Georgia Dome.


TiVo Upgrade Shifts TV Shows to Computer Laptop (Reuters)

Reuters - TiVo Inc., maker of television\recording technology, on Monday said it has started shipping\"TiVoToGo," a service upgrade that allows some subscribers to\view recorded programs on a computer or laptop.


Analysis / Throwing down the gauntlet

Marwan Barghouti #39;s surprise announcement that he plans to run for chairman of the Palestinian Authority sent shock waves throughout the PA leadership.


Arms hold key as Ulster deal deadline is put back

Sinn Fin #39;s president, Gerry Adams, last night placed responsibility for clinching an agreement to restore the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland firmly in the hands of the British and Irish government - despite the enduring barrier of mistrust


Iraq #39;s Sunni president backs election

Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi met Iraqi Sunni tribal leaders in neighboring Jordan, trying to drum up support for the election, seen as vital for building a democratic government in Iraq.


Let #39;s talk to Assad

Ariel Sharon should meet with Bashar Assad. Although Syria has not expelled the terror groups from Damascus, how could Assad be worse than Mahmoud Abbas, with whom Sharon is willing to meet, as Newsweek reported this week?


Jordan, Brown Return

Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan returned to the bench Wednesday against the Nets after missing two games with a blood clot in his leg and Kwame Brown was activated for the first time this season.


U.S. Embassy in Suriname Boosts Security (AP)

AP - The U.S. Embassy here was closed to visitors Wednesday and security increased after officials received credible threats of an attack on the building, a spokesman said.


Taiwan president plans tour of Pacific allies: Marshalls (AFP)

AFP - Marshall Islands President Kessai Note will travel to Taiwan next week on a trip expected to pave the way for a return visit by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian as part of a tour of Taipei's handful of Pacific allies next year, officials said.


Netherlands' Prince Bernhard dies

Prince Bernhard, one of the most charismatic members of the Dutch royal family, dies at the age of 93.


At Museums, Computers Get Creative

Interactive exhibits have been a mainstay in museums for more than three decades. In recent years museums have become more creative about the way they introduce technology into their exhibits.


In about face, Giuliani goes Wall Street

NEW YORK Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York, who forged a reputation as a tough prosecutor in the 1980s partially by going after Wall Street cheats, is now joining Wall Street by forming his own investment advisory practice.


Researchers Develop Flowering Cell Phone

The cell phone case is made of a new type of polymer that when buried will start to break down within two weeks.  quot;By incorporating a seed, and giving the consumer a reason to actually take the phone apart


Wasteful Tottenham rue misses

LIVERPOOL completed an unlikely north London double last night, following up their victory over Arsenal in the Barclays Premiership at Anfield on Sunday by beating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties


Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe fired after 4-7 season

OXFORD, Miss. A source says David Cutcliffe, the only coach in Ole Miss history to win at least seven games in his first five years, was fired by the university today.


mm02 To Bring I-Mode to Europe

mm02 UK and mm02 Ireland will use DoCoMo #39;s i-mode branding and technology exclusively in their markets under an agreement with DoCoMo.


Tyrone Willingham Press Conference

Head coach Tyrone Willingham met with the media on Wednesday to discuss his termination as head football coach at Notre Dame on Tuesday.


Indiana, Ole Miss, BYU Dismiss Coaches

Gerry DiNardo, Gary Crowton and David Cutcliffe all became unemployed coaches Wednesday, upping the total coaching vacancies in Division IA to 15.


Angels sign Cuban prospect Kendry Morales

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Highly touted Cuban prospect Kendry Morales has reached agreement with the Anaheim Angels on a six-year contract.


Powell safe after gunbattle during Haiti visit

US Secretary of State Colin Powell and his delegation were unhurt in an intense gunfight that erupted outside Haiti #39;s presidential palace on Wednesday while they were in a meeting with Haitian leaders.


SBC to Sell TV-Internet Home Entertainment System (Reuters)

Reuters - SBC Communications said on Monday it\would offer a television set-top box that can handle music,\photos and Internet downloads, part of SBC's efforts to expand\into home entertainment.


U.S. Stocks Climb as Oil Prices Drop

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The biggest one-day drop in oil prices  since September 2001 helped send U.S. stock prices higher on  Wednesday.


Trading Losses at Chinese Firm Coming to Light

The disclosure this week that a Singapore-listed company controlled by a Chinese state-owned enterprise lost \$550 million in derivatives transactions


Microsoft to set up R amp;D unit in Bangalore

Microsoft Corporation is further expanding its presence in India with plans to open a research centre in Bangalore. The latest Microsoft research campus will open in January 2005, the Redmond, Washington-based software giant said.


CalPERS: Getting Back to Business

It #39;s one of the most powerful jobs in the world of finance. The president of the board of the California Public Employees #39; Retirement System oversees the nation #39;s largest pension fund, with \$177 billion in assets.


EU raps Greece over deficit

The European Union last night started legal action against Athens after it was revealed that a systematic under-reporting of Greece #39;s budget deficit should have ruled the country out of joining the single currency.


Business ; Stocks Surge as Oil Slumps

The Dow Jones industrial average  lt;.DJI gt; rose 162.20 points, or 1.56 percent, to 10,590.22. The Standard  amp; Poor #39;s 500 Index  lt;.


Giuliani #39;s Firm Buys Investing Banking Unit of Ernst  amp; Young

Rudolph W. Giuliani #39;s consulting firm has branched out to Wall Street with plans to acquire an investment banking firm, even as he allows rumors about his political ambitions to float.


Do IRA #39;s Have Protection in Bankruptcy Proceeding?

People who seek bankruptcy lose many of their assets to creditors, but not their Social Security benefits, their company pensions or their 401(k) plans, which are all shielded by law.


Este Lauder Officer Joins Disney Board

The Walt Disney Company said on Wednesday that Fred H. Langhammer, an executive for the Este Lauder Companies, was named to its board as an independent director and


Macquarie led consortium acquires UK #39;s ntl Broadcast

A Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group (MCG) led consortium (Consortium), in which Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL) has an approximate 13 interest, today announced it has been selected as the successful bidder for the acquisition of National


Hiring Spurt Helps Sustain US Growth

Consumer spending accelerated in October as a surge in hiring led to the biggest rise in incomes in five months, the government reported yesterday.


New Ukraine Poll Looks Likely Way Out of Crisis (Reuters)

Reuters - A new Ukrainian poll of some sort looks\increasingly likely once again on Thursday as parliament and\the Supreme Court press ahead with efforts to resolve a\national crisis over a disputed presidential election.


No. 3 Syracuse Beats St. Bonaventure 91-67 (AP)

AP - Hakim Warrick had 18 points and 11 rebounds and Josh Pace added 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. 3 Syracuse past St. Bonaventure 91-67 on Wednesday night.


U.S. Troop Numbers in Iraq to Hit Record 150,000 (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.S. military will boost its\troops in Iraq to 150,000 this month, the highest level since\the war began in March 2003, in order to improve security for\scheduled Jan 30. elections, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.


EU Peace Force to Take Over NATO Bosnia Peacekeeping (Reuters)

Reuters - NATO peacekeepers once patrolled\this Bosnian Serb rebel stronghold in armored personnel\carriers, but the town is now so calm an EU force taking over\on Thursday could monitor it from the bar.


Knicks Grind Up Slumping Grizzlies 90-82 (AP)

AP - Stephon Marbury made five 3-pointers in the second quarter to help put the Knicks ahead for good, and New York received a fourth-quarter boost from Jerome Williams in a 90-82 victory Wednesday night over the Memphis Grizzlies.


quot;Blog quot; heads top 10 words of year

Editors of Merriam-Webster announced the most requested definition on the company #39;s Internet sites during 2004 was a four-letter word -- BLOG.


Lycos Europe denies attack on zombie army

Lycos Europe, a separate company than Lycos (United States), stated that all allegations of its  quot;Make Love Not Spam quot; campaign site being defaced by hackers are incorrect.


Europe's Central Bank Seen Holding Rates (AP)

AP - With interest rates on hold, Thursday's European Central Bank meeting will draw scrutiny for President Jean-Claude Trichet's remarks on the euro amid speculation that the bank may intervene in currency markets to halt its rapid climb.


Microsoft Issues Internet Explorer Security Update

A critical flaw in Microsoft Corp. #39;s (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Internet Explorer Web browser could allow a hacker to take control of a computer, the world #39;s largest software maker said on Wednesday.


Magic Thrash the Raptors 129-108 (AP)

AP - Scoring 129 points means a win almost every time, but Kelvin Cato wants the Orlando Magic to realize that giving up 108 will get them beat more often than not.


Nintendo sells 500,000 DS Handhelds in First WEek

NEW YORK -- Nintendo Co. Ltd. sold 500,000 Nintendo DS video game devices during the first week of sales in US stores for the new handheld featuring two screens for game playing, the Japanese game maker said Wednesday.


Kazaa Trial Opens Down Under

The firm behind Kazaa is being sued by the record industry in the latest round of a fight over copyright. Lawyers in Australia branded the online software network  quot;an engine of copyright piracy


Highly Anticipated iTunes Music Store Canada Opens

Today, after months of anticipation, the highly anticipated iTunes Music Store Canada was revealed. It was announced at Apple #39;s special music event in October


Team Ninja Developing for PS3?

In a recent interview with IGN Xbox, Team Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki hinted that the renowned Japanese developer is planning at least one game for either the PS3 or Nintendo Revolution.


Mario #39;s worst nightmare

KUOW Seattle #39;s Tuesday evening business/politics program,  quot;The Works, quot; had an entertaining interview last night with Steven L. Kent, author of  quot;The Ultimate History of Video Games quot; and a video-game reviewer for newspapers including this one.


Rookie Back Set to Start for Cardinals (AP)

AP - If Emmitt Smith can't go on Sunday in Detroit, undrafted rookie Larry Croom will start at running back for the Arizona Cardinals.


UEFA Cup wrap: Feyenoord 2 Schalke 1

In the UEFA Cup, in Group A, Feyenoord assured it would progress to the final knock-out stages with a 2-1 home win against Schalke.


No. 2 Tar Heels Make Quick Work of Wofford

Both went 3 for 3 from beyond the arc for their first three-pointers of the season and career highs for three-pointers in a game. Reserve Erlana Larkins added 12 points for the Tar Heels (6-0).


NBA Wrap: Chicago Bulls Stun Los Angeles Lakers

Eddy Curry registered 18 points and 10 rebounds and Tyson Chandler added 18 rebounds and 10 points as the Chicago Bulls stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 92-84 Wednesday.


NHL LOCKOUT

Answer: The prevailing wisdom is the NHL Players Association is working on an offer to present to the owners, even though the NHLPA says nothing is imminent.


No. 22 Alabama 114, East Tennessee St. 77

Alabama freshman Ronald Steele dished out a record 18 assists, and Earnest Shelton returned the favor by hitting shots and handing out compliments.


Charlotte trumps field with 9.7 percent chance

NEW YORK -- The Charlotte Sting, who just missed the playoffs last season, won the WNBA draft lottery on Wednesday night. After finishing just two games under .500, the Sting will have the first pick in the WNBA draft in April 2005.


Barghouti enters election race

Marwan Barghouti, a Palestinian leader now in jail, has been entered in next month #39;s presidential election to succeed the late Yasser Arafat.


WHO tobacco treaty to become law in 90 days

A tobacco treaty of the World Health Organization (WHO) will become part of international law in 90 days, following ratification by 40 countries in the past 17 months.


Russia #39;s Putin to Rebuild Old Bridges with India

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits former Cold War ally India this week, hoping to retain a dominant share of India #39;s military hardware market and boost cooperation in oil and civilian nuclear energy.


Iran wont consider long-term uranium-enrichment halt: Official

HAMBURG, GERMANY - Iran is not prepared to negotiate with the European Union over a long-term suspension of its uranium enrichment, the head of Irans nuclear energy agency said in an interview published on Thursday.


S Asian countries came close to criticizing Myanmar

Southeast Asian countries came close to issuing a critical statement on the Myanmar military government #39;s treatment of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at their summit, but the plan was shot down by Thailand, sources said.


Rwanda assurance over Congo force

Rwanda #39;s president has assured the African Union that Rwandan military action in DR Congo will target Hutu rebels and not Congolese forces.


International concern at Rwanda military intervention in DR Congo (AFP)

AFP - International concern was growing after Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced that his country's troops will launch an operation in pursuit of Rwandan Hutu rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).


Musharraf open to negotiations with India on Kashmir (AFP)

AFP - Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf reaffirmed that he is open to negotiations with India on Kashmir and said he had not put forth a concrete proposal on independence, in an interview published in the daily O Estado de Sao Paulo.


No. 9 North Carolina Tops Indiana 70-63 (AP)

AP - Rashad McCants scored 19 points and Raymond Felton added 18 points as No. 9 North Carolina fought off Indiana 70-63 on Wednesday in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.


New Ukraine Poll Looks Likely Way Out of Crisis

KIEV (Reuters) - A new Ukrainian poll of some sort looks  increasingly likely once again on Thursday as parliament and  the Supreme Court press ahead with efforts to resolve a  national crisis over a disputed presidential election.


Sharon Battles to Save Government from Collapse

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Reeling from a parliamentary defeat,  Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon prepared on Thursday to  open coalition talks to save his shattered government and avoid  early elections that could stall his Gaza withdrawal plan.


U.S. Troop Numbers in Iraq to Hit Record 150,000

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military will boost its  troops in Iraq to 150,000 this month, the highest level since  the war began in March 2003, in order to improve security for  scheduled Jan 30. elections, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.


EU Peace Force to Take Over NATO Bosnia Peacekeeping

PALE, Bosnia (Reuters) - NATO peacekeepers once patrolled  this Bosnian Serb rebel stronghold in armored personnel  carriers, but the town is now so calm an EU force taking over  on Thursday could monitor it from the bar.


Yanks Stop the Talks to Acquire Johnson

Frustrated by the demands of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankees cut off trade talks for the ace left-hander Randy Johnson.


A taste of mobile blah blah

Mobility and scallops marinated in truffle oil, anyone? Fine dining will be the reward for...


Ridge leaves mixed legacy

The first head of the Department of Homeland Security forges a single organization, but spearheaded some questionable initiatives.


Notre Dame Planning to Meet With Meyer

Wasting little time in its search for a new football coach, Notre Dame will meet with Utah Coach Urban Meyer on Thursday.


After Musical Chairs, Jets' Conductor Is Back

Order was restored to the Jets' quarterbacking universe on Wednesday when Chad Pennington returned to practice with the first team.


Grieving Sloan Has Team to Lean On

Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan is coping without his wife of 41 years, Bobbye, who died on June 18 at age 61 from pancreatic cancer.


Ecstasy With 2 Pals Who Love the Bosox

An excitable, book-length high-five for the Boston Red Sox by two of their fans, the novelists Stephen King and Stewart O'Nan.


EU takes over Bosnia mission

The EU is due to begin is largest peacekeeping operation, taking over from the Nato mission in Bosnia.


Belgrade attack 'was road rage'

A reported assassination attempt on the Serbian president was a case of "road rage" officials say.


French party's 'yes to EU treaty'

France's Socialist Party votes "yes" in an internal vote on the European Constitution, party officials say.


Calpers Ouster Puts Focus on How Funds Wield Power

The ouster of the president of California's public pension fund has raised questions about whether pension funds will be able to influence corporate governance campaigns.


U.S. to Increase Its Force in Iraq by Nearly 12,000

The U.S. military presence in Iraq will grow to 150,000 troops by next month, the highest level since the invasion last year.


Panel to Review Drug for Low Female Sex Drive

Procter   Gamble will try to persuade a federal advisory panel to recommend approval of the first drug to increase a woman's sex drive.


Team of Mystery

Many around the NFL say they are surprised by the team's poor performance and question whether the problem lies with the Redskins' system, players or Joe Gibbs.


A New Election for Ukrainians Appears Likely

Ukraine appears to be headed toward holding a new election under a deal to adopt a reorganization of political power.


Another Indignity for 2 Failed Ghosts of Dot-Com Era

DrKoop.com and the Webvan Group, two of the dot-com eras more spectacular flameouts, are late with their quarterly filings--nearly three years late.


Brown Lifts Cavaliers

Elton Brown has 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 24 Virginia to a 48-44 victory over Northwestern, capping a 7-2 edge for the ACC in their challenge with the Big Ten.


No 'Unit' for Yankees

The Yankees tell the Diamondbacks they are no longer interested in trading for ace Randy Johnson given Arizona's 'unreasonable' proposals.


Nothing Ventured, Everything Gained

A new trading tactic that could tip takeover battles has emerged from the hedge fund industry, sparking outrage among some investors and corporate governance experts.


J. Lewis Out Again

Ravens running back Jamal Lewis will likely miss Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, a game that has playoff implications.


Pennington Recovering

Quarterback Chad Pennington took most of the snaps with the New York Jets' starting offense during Wednesday's practice.


Hiring Spurt Helps Sustain U.S. Growth

Consumer spending accelerated in October as a surge in hiring led to the biggest rise in incomes in five months.


Ford and G.M. Sales Slide Despite Generous Rebates

Despite a crop of new car models and a still-generous supply of rebates, sales fell for the Ford Motor Company and General Motors in November.


Tar Heels Top Hoosiers

Rashad McCants scores 19 points and Raymond Felton adds 18 as No. 9 North Carolina edges Indiana, 70-63, on Wednesday.


Deadline Looms

Major League Baseball has yet to reach an agreement with Peter Angelos on on a deal that would financially protect the Orioles.


Simmonds Leads Upset

Jessica Simmonds scores 19 points and ties her career high with 13 rebounds Wednesday to lead George Washington to a 62-52 upset of No. 24 Villanova.


Colombia Congress OKs Re-Election Bill

Colombia's Congress gave final approval to a bill to allow President Alvaro Uribe to run for re-election, a move aimed at giving the hard-line leader more time to fight a leftist insurgency and drug trafficking.


Paraguay Clashes Leave 1 Dead, 20 Hurt

Clashes between landless farmworkers and Paraguayan security forces left a police officer dead and 20 other people injured in a resurgence of violence that has rattled Paraguay's government.


#39;It #39;s high noon #39; for unions, airline

A bankruptcy judge today begins hearings on US Airways #39; request to reject its union contracts and impose \$1 billion in wage and benefits cuts on 28,000 workers.


Giuliani Opens Investment Bank, Looks To Cash In On Golden Aura

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani is opening an investment bank, Giuliani Capital Advisors LLC. It will be a division of consulting firm Giuliani Partners LLC, according to a statement on Giuliani #39;s Web site.


Supreme Court ponders IRA-bankruptcy case

The Supreme Court considered Wednesday how much retirement savings people can shield when they file for bankruptcy, an important question as more Americans go into debt.


#39;Blog #39; Is Runaway Word Of Year

(CBS/AP) It #39;s possible you may have looked at a  quot;blog quot; to help make your decision whether re-elect the  quot;incumbent quot; during the recent  quot;electoral quot; process.


Apple opens iTunes Music Store in Canada

After announcing on Wednesday that the Canadian iTunes Music Store had been postponed, Apple Computer Inc. has quietly launched the store.


Milky Way May Have Stolen Other System #39;s Planet

Imagine our sun snatching an alien planet from another solar system, four billion years ago. A team of scientists, including a Utah physicist, say it #39;s a possibility based on a wild new simulation.


Notre Dame does deserve credit for ending hypocrisy

In the wake of the uproar over the news that Notre Dame had fired football coach Tyrone Willingham, this headline appeared on the Internet.


Dozen costs, dozen eggs cost

The word dozen is similar to the words hundred, thousand and million. On their own, they are nouns, whose plural forms are the same as their singular forms (eg a dozen, two


2 Giants to Introduce Enhanced Data Sharing Services on Net

Google and Microsoft separately plan to introduce on Thursday enhanced information sharing services for Internet users. Microsoft plans for the first time to offer a


Microsoft releases patch to plug IE vulnerability

Microsoft today released an out-of-cycle security bulletin and patch for a critical hole in Internet Explorer that is already being widely exploited by attackers.


Apache Software Foundation may hire full-time, paid staff

The Apache Software Foundation, which now relies on volunteers to stay in operation, may soon have full-time, paid employees, including an executive director.


Budget fight deals setback to Sharon

The government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was thrown into crisis last night after Israel #39;s parliament rejected the proposed 2005 budget and Sharon


Belgrade attack  #39;was road rage #39;

A feared assassination attempt on Serbia #39;s President Boris Tadic was actually a case of  quot;road rage quot; the interior minister has said.


EU takes over Bosnia peacekeeping

The European Union will begin its largest-ever peacekeeping operation on Thursday when it takes over from the Nato mission to Bosnia Hercegovina.


IBM scores \$1B in Danish contracts

IBM announced agreements with two Danish companies on outsourcing deals that together are worth more than \$1 billion over 10 years.


CA picks SAP for ERP rollout

Computer Associates will install an SAP ERP system to replace a collection of homegrown accounting systems. Accenture will help with the implementation.


Yikes! I have to plan an IT project

After covering technology for two decades, Computerworld's Sharon Machlis gets a taste of life on the IT side of the house when she joins a committee designing and selecting software for a content management upgrade.


Lycos antispam screensaver draws fire

Lycos Europe launched the "Make Love, Not Spam" screensaver, which repeatedly requests information from Web sites advertised in spam, reducing the performance of those sites.


Gartner: Half of U.S. IT operations jobs to vanish in 20 years

Gartner researchers believe that as many as 50 of the IT operational jobs in the U.S. could disappear over the next two decades because of coming improvements in data center technologies.


Bringing .Net rules to light

Products give business people and programmers a shared language that helps them implement changes quickly.


Microsoft investigates Windows server flaw

Microsoft is investigating a security flaw in the Windows Internet Name Service that could allow an attacker to gain control over systems running the software.


Microsoft enters consumer Web logging market

Microsoft's MSN division will launch a test version of a free Web logging (blogging) service aimed at consumers on Thursday, Microsoft's first foray as a provider of this increasingly popular Internet activity for the mass consumer market.


Microsoft, Sun tout progress on interoperability

Microsoft and Sun Microsystems on Wednesday provided a progress report on their interoperability efforts, touting ongoing cooperation on Web services standardization, deployment of Windows on Sun boxes, and other areas.


Microsoft plugs IE hole with special patch

Microsoft on Wednesday released an update to Internet Explorer (IE) to fix a security flaw that was discovered a month ago and has since been exploited to attack users.


IBM gives CICS a boost

In a move to modernize its venerable line of mainframe-based CICS middleware, IBM on Wednesday introduced an updated version of its CICS Transaction Server that enables corporate IT administrators to extend the product to work better with SOAs (service-oriented architectures) through Web services.


Orange makes phones talk to the blind

PARIS - Orange SA will offer blind customers a software application designed to make their mobile phones talk to them, as part of a new package of services for the visually impaired that will go on sale in France Thursday.


MCI offers disk-based backup services

MCI on Wednesday introduced a new fully managed data protection service based on disk backup designed to help companies with business continuity.
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Consumer Electronics on Display in Vegas (AP)

AP - With Christmas over and done with, it's time to get a look at what gadgets will be hot for next Christmas.


U.S. Blue Chips Flat After Data

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. blue chips were flat on Monday  after a report showing an unexpected drop in November  construction spending offset a drop in oil prices, while a  brokerage downgrade of Sun Microsystems SUNW.O hurt Nasdaq.


Hudec delighted by top 10 at Lake Louise

Jan Hudec thought he knew what it would be like. Turns out he was wrong -- its even better. Hudec, a Banffite, came out of the darkness that is the 62nd starting position


No. 9 North Carolina 70, Indiana 63

Rashad McCants scored 19 points and Raymond Felton added 18 points as No. 9 North Carolina fought off Indiana 70-63 on Wednesday in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.


Los Angeles Lakers Team Report - December 1

(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Lakers go for their third straight victory and seventh in nine games this evening, when they battle the listless Chicago Bulls at the United Center.


Game Quotes

On Stephon Marbury: He got into a rhythm and it was a nice zone to be in. His shot looked good and he had good form. He hit big shots and it helped change the game.


Carter suffering through miserable season

Quite possibly the only NBA player to have a worse start to the season than Ron Artest is Toronto Raptors guard Vince Carter. While Artest is off promoting his R amp;B


For Jordan, Future Is Looking Bright

Eddie Jordan checked out of the hospital yesterday. He ended up there after Washington Wizards trainers examined his swollen left calf on Thanksgiving morning and immediately recommended that the team #39;s head coach see a physician.


No. 22 Alabama 114, East Tennessee St. 77

Earnest Shelton scored 24 points and Ronald Steele had a school-record 18 assists to lead No. 22 Alabama to a 114-77 rout of East Tennessee State on Wednesday night.


New Tricks for Palm Tungsten, Dell Axim

The Tungsten T5 and the Axim X50v provide impressive extras for PDA fans who want more.


New Steganos Pro: Less Anonymity Than Expected

In some instances, this privacy software may tell you that you're protected when you aren't.


AutoSketch Makes 2D Drawings Easier

The AutoSketch 9 program supports powerful tools for drafting and other precise drawing.


Good Scans Made Slowly

For low-volume users who don't plan to rely on their scanner to do extensive photo restoration work, Visioneer's Xerox 6400 has lots of appeal.


MyDVD 6: Better--but Not Best--Burning

Sonic's latest version of its DVD burning software improves on its predecessor but still trails the latest offerings from Ahead Software and Roxio.


First Look: Netscape's New Browser

Still in beta form, new browser allows you to view pages as they would appear in IE.


Democrats to oppose Telstra sale as search begins for a new CEO

The Australian Democrats has not changed its position on the full sale of Telstra and will continue to oppose any moves by the federal government to sell its remaining 51.8 per cent stake in the telco.


US Airways goes to court to void labor contracts

US Airways (UAIRQ.OB: Quote, Profile, Research) goes to court on Thursday to throw out labor contracts and union pension plans to save \$750 million annually and survive past January.


Drop in oil price lights fire under market

The biggest one-day drop in the price of crude oil in more than three years ignited a rally Wednesday that sent the Dow Jones industrial average up by more than 160 points.


Are IRAs safe from creditors in bankruptcies?

The US Supreme Court wrestled yesterday with a question of interest to millions of Americans mired in debt -- whether tax-deferred Individual


Gates: Microsoft To Test MSN Spaces Blog Thursday

Vox populi, 2004 style. Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) on Wednesday said it will offer blogging to the online many-headed.


NTT DoCoMo Seals Deal with MmO2 for I-mode Launch

DoCoMo and mmO2 said the service in Britain and Ireland would start in the second half of 2005. A similar service will begin in Germany in 2006.


The Future of Team Ninja

Itagaki shares his thoughts on DOA Ultimate and reveals new info on Dead or Alive 4. December 01, 2004 - Dead or Alive Ultimate shipped in late October, proving itself to truly be among the ultimate fighting games on Xbox.


Barghouthi to contest poll

RAMALLAH: The wife of jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouthi said last night she was registering him to run for president to succeed Yasser Arafat.


Macquarie Buys NTL #39;s Tower Assets for 1.27 Bln Pounds (Update1)

A Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group-led consortium bought NTL Inc. #39;s antenna towers business in the UK for 1.27 billion pounds (\$2.47 billion).


There's No Accounting for Goodyear

The world's largest tire maker delays filing annual financial reports -- again.


Microsoft Unleashes New MSN Services

Late Wednesday, Microsoft announced three updated MSN services that are designed to make email, instant messaging (IM) and online sharing more integrated experiences.


Lycos Strikes Back At Spammers With DoS Screensaver

com. Lycos Europe took the fight to the enemy Monday, by launching a screensaver that conducts a group denial-of-service (DoS) attack against sites selling products marketed via spam.


500,000 NDS #39; Sold

With Nintendo DS sales moving faster than anticipated, some locations have reported sellouts, and Nintendo predicts the initial North American supply will be depleted within days.


Schalke trying to hold off Feyenoord in UEFA Cup

Rotterdam, the Netherlands (Sports Network) - A top of the table clash between Schalke of the German Bundesliga and Dutch power Feyenoord highlights Matchday 4 of the UEFA Cup group stage.


TEST COMES SATURDAY

Come Saturday, time to step it up. Coppin State, Ball State, Georgia State, all just bricks in the Kentucky wall. North Carolina is a Heel of a different color.


Knicks declaw Grizzlies

Stephon Marbury made five three-pointers in the second quarter to help put the Knicks ahead for good, and New York received a fourth-quarter boost from Jerome Williams in a 90-82 victory Wednesday night over the Memphis Grizzlies.


For grandpa

FULHAM fans would have been singing the late Elvis #39; hit  #39;The wonder of you #39; to their player Elvis Hammond. If not for Frank Lampard spoiling the party, with his dedication to his late grandfather.


Wizards 95 Nets 68

WASHINGTON Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison led Washington to its fifth victory in six games, a 95-to-68 blowout over New Jersey.


No. 22 Alabama Tops East Tennessee State

Earnest Shelton scored 24 points and Ronald Steele had a school-record 18 assists to lead No. 22 Alabama to a 114-77 rout of East Tennessee State on Wednesday night.


No. 11 Ohio St. 107, Ohio 37

Ohio State matched the record for the most lopsided victory in the women #39;s program when the 11th-ranked Buckeyes defeated Ohio 107-37 Wednesday night.


Disney gives first dividend rise for six years

Walt Disney, the US media and entertainment group, yesterday announced its first dividend increase in six years following sharply improved earnings.


A promising leader for UNC

North Carolina would be foolish to let Erskine Bowles disappear into private life. He has far too much to offer the state. Though he would have made a fine US senator, maybe it #39;s just as well that Mr.


Celtics 101 Edge Bucks 101-100

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, right, hangs on to Milwaukee Bucks center Zendon Hamilton (31) while fouling on a dunk in the second half in Boston, Wednesday Dec. 1, 2005.


Bush pushes for cooperation, stands ground

President Bush on Wednesday outlined a second-term foreign policy that would make international cooperation his administration #39;s top priority but put responsibility


Americans are big underdogs in Spain

SEVILLE, Spain - It #39;s been a very satisfying year for US Davis Cup Captain Pat McEnroe #39;s rapidly evolving team. Andy Roddick has been nails at No.


Dollar Crumbles to Record Low Vs Euro (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar sank to a record low against\the euro on Thursday and stood near a 12-year low versus the\pound after a round of robust U.S. economic data failed to\dispel souring sentiment on the U.S. currency.


Nikkei Up 1.6 Percent by on Wall St Jump (Reuters)

Reuters - Japan's Nikkei average rose 1.62 percent\by midsession on Thursday as investors, cheered by a jump in\U.S. stocks, bought a broad range of shares including those\they had avoided recently due partly to doubts about U.S.\demand.


Dollar Crumbles to Record Low Vs Euro

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar sank to a record low against  the euro on Thursday and stood near a 12-year low versus the  pound after a round of robust U.S. economic data failed to  dispel souring sentiment on the U.S. currency.


Nikkei Up 1.6 Percent by on Wall St Jump

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei average rose 1.62 percent  by midsession on Thursday as investors, cheered by a jump in  U.S. stocks, bought a broad range of shares including those  they had avoided recently due partly to doubts about U.S.  demand.


Philips to Nearly Double China R D Staff

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Dutch electronics firm Philips said on  Wednesday it plans to almost double its research and  development staff in China to 1,300 over the next 2 years,  underscoring the country's growing clout as a technology  center.


Oil Prices Steady Above  #36;45 a Barrel (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices steadied above  #36;45 a\barrel on Thursday, attempting to put a floor under a 7.4\percent tumble after a big increase in U.S. heating oil stocks\eased worries of a winter supply squeeze.


Ziggy #39;s Mission Impossible

The chief executive officer of Telstra saw his tenure cut short this week amid preparations for the AU\$30 billion sale of the remainder of the telecommunications heavyweight, likely in early 2006.


Guest editorial: The holiday shopping season

While economic policymakers like to chew over weighty issues like current accounts deficits and overnight funds rates, the truth is that the economy rests heavily on everyday


Giuliani looks to Wall Street

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani may have set aside any immediate Washington aspiration, concentrating instead on Wall Street.


Savings in bankruptcy at issue at court

The US Supreme Court considered yesterday how much retirement savings people can shield when they file for bankruptcy, an important question as more Americans go into debt.


Microsoft Debuts MSN Spaces for Bloggers (AP)

AP - Hoping to keep more Internet users in its branded universe, Microsoft Corp. has become the latest company to offer blogging to the masses.


Google Enhances Discussion Groups (AP)

AP - Google Inc. is improving on the discussions its popular Web site hosts, hoping the upgrades will spur more online banter and make its market-leading search engine a richer destination.


REVIEW: Music Player Measures Running Pace (AP)

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


High-Tech Eye to Help Blind Cross Streets (AP)

AP - Equipped with a tiny camera, a high-tech device that recognizes the white stripes of a pedestrian crosswalk and reads traffic lights could tell a blind person when it's safe to cross the street, researchers say.


EU takes over Bosnia peacekeeping from NATO (AFP)

AFP - The European Union's biggest military operation began in Bosnia as the 25-nation-bloc takes over peacekeeping duties from NATO, nine years after the end of the bitter inter-ethnic war in the Balkan country.


'Blog' Most Popular Word on Web Dictionary (AP)

AP - The most requested online definition this year was "blog"  #151; a word not even yet officially in the dictionary, Merriam-Webster says.


Kennedy jumble sale at Sotheby #39;s

Nothing is too small or mundane when you attach the name Kennedy to it. Among the items listed in the latest Sotheby #39;s auction of the contents of the Kennedy family homes are a fibreglass kitchen tray, some old suitcases, chipped china and a few tumblers.


Computer Q amp;A: Latest action in music wars is down under

For many of us, it seems like a long time since the battle of the bands was waged on the front pages of the media. It started with Napster, an illegal file sharing service that made it possible


Brazil Amazon Deforestation Jumps, Data Show

An area of Amazon jungle larger than the US state of New Jersey has been destroyed this year and work on a new highway is mainly to blame, environmental group Friends


Online Holiday Shopping Starts with a Bang (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. consumer Web spending rose\30 percent on the Monday after Thanksgiving, which is\traditionally seen as the start of the online holiday shopping\season, comScore Networks said on Wednesday.


Apple opens iTunes Music Store in Canada (MacCentral)

MacCentral - After announcing on Wednesday that the Canadian iTunes Music Store had been postponed, Apple Computer Inc. has quietly launched the store. Apple CEO announced the Canadian store would open in November at the iPod event in October that also launched the EU iTunes Music Store, which added Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain to the countries that already had the music store in Europe (United Kingdom, France and Germany).


Notre Dame #39;s firing isn #39;t case of black, white

Now that Notre Dame has fired Tyrone Willingham, that #39;s how many black head coaches there are at America #39;s 117 Division IA universities.


No. 9 North Carolina 70, Indiana 63

North Carolina was ready for its test Wednesday night. Rashad McCants and Raymond Felton made sure the Tar Heels passed. McCants scored 19 points and Felton added 18 to lead the No.


Els makes intentions clear for Sun City

Sun City - Ernie Els says the longer, toughened-up Gary Player Country Club course - venue for the Nedbank Golf Challenge beginning on Thursday - will not yield the low scores seen in the past in Africa #39;s  quot;Major quot;.


Martnez and Mets in Waiting Game

As the Mets continued waiting for a counterproposal from the three-time Cy Young award winner Pedro Martnez yesterday, it became obvious that they may need more than money to lure him.


Former Pakistan captain Latif banned for six months over walk-out (AFP)

AFP - Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has been handed a six-month ban from first-class cricket after walking out on a domestic match last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.


Customers Win in Database Vendors' Race to Linux (Ziff Davis)

Ziff Davis - Opinion: Linux is profoundly shaking up the database market, hopefully to customers' benefit.


Jailed Palestinian Leader to Run for President

The Palestinian political scene is in turmoil today after jailed uprising leader Marwan Barghouti, in a last-minute reversal, entered the race for president to replace Yasser Arafat, challenging the establishment candidate.


Microsoft, Sun tout progress on interoperability (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Microsoft and Sun Microsystems on Wednesday provided a progress report on their interoperability efforts, touting ongoing cooperation on Web services standardization, deployment of Windows on Sun boxes, and other areas.


Canadian iTunes Music Store postponed (MacCentral)

MacCentral - Apple Computer Inc. confirmed for MacCentral on Wednesday that the Canadian iTunes Music Store has been delayed. Company representatives declined to comment on a specific timeframe for the store, but said in a statement that it would be very soon.


Humans Raise Risk of Europe Heatwaves -Scientists (Reuters)

Reuters - Human activity has raised the risk of\more heatwaves like last year's, which gave Europe probably its\hottest summer since 1500, scientists said on Wednesday.


Brazil Amazon Deforestation Jumps, Data Show (Reuters)

Reuters - An area of Amazon jungle\larger than the U.S. state of New Jersey has been destroyed\this year and work on a new highway is mainly to blame,\environmental group Friends of the Earth and the government\said on Wednesday.


Carbon to Blame for Pollution Heart Damage -Study (Reuters)

Reuters - Air pollution clearly causes\immediate damage to the heart, including heart attacks, but its\short-term effects on asthma and other respiratory symptoms are\harder to document, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.


Mount St. Helens Is State's Top Polluter (AP)

AP - Washington state's top polluter isn't a pulp mill, a power plant or refinery. It's the newly awakened Mount St. Helens.


Groups Alarmed Over Delta Water Plan (AP)

AP - A proposed change in how the federal government measures water for fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta has environmental groups alarmed and California officials concerned about potential harm to wildlife habitat.


Mount St. Helens Top Washington Polluter (AP)

AP - Washington state's top polluter isn't a pulp mill, a power plant or refinery. It's the newly awakened Mount St. Helens. Since the volcano began erupting in early October, it has been pumping out 50 to 250 tons a day of sulfur dioxide, the lung-stinging gas that causes acid rain and contributes to haze.


Rogge hits out at 2012 bid rivals

IOC president Jacques Rogge says the five cities bidding to host the 2012 OIympics must stop 'bickering'.


Bush Visits Canada On Fence-Mending Tour

US President George Bush is visiting Ottawa today, his first stop on a fence-mending tour that takes him to Europe early next year. This is his first official visit to Canada since becoming president four years ago. He skipped Canada in favour of visiting Mexico at the start of his first term in office, and cancelled a state visit to Canada last year, after Canadians got vocal about their opposition to the Iraq conflict.  As CBC News reports, the purpose of this visit may be to smooth relations damaged by the war in Iraq and trade disputes over Canadian beef and softwood lumber. Bush is also expected to ask Martin for a stronger and longer commitment to peacekeeping in Afghanistan and help with organizing elections and rebuilding political institutions in Iraq. CBC News also speculates that Bush may offer a more definitive timetable for reopening the U.S. border to Canada's cattle.


Itanium inventor bobs to surface as chip's savior?

Exclusive Secure64 to the rescue


Nintendo DS Game Player Draws Crowds on Japan Debut

TOKYO (Reuters) - Eager crowds and stores that opened three  hours early greeted the Japanese launch of Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s  DS video game player on Thursday, the latest entrant in an  increasingly cut-throat market.


XM CEO Sees Satellite Radio on Cell Phones

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.  XMSR.O chief executive officer Hugh Panero on Wednesday said  he expected satellite radio and cellphone services to  converge  within the next five years.


Google CEO Says Company Proud of Auction-Style IPO

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The chief executive of Google  Inc. said the Web search company was "proud" of its recent  auction-style initial public offering, but said he did not know  if it would change the way companies choose to go public in the  future.


ESPN to Launch Mobile Phone Service in Sprint Deal

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co.'s DIS.N ESPN  sports television network is launching its own brand of mobile  telephone service in a deal with Sprint Corp. FON.N catering  to sports fans with news and game highlights on a  next-generation network, the companies said on Wednesday.


Nintendo Sells 500,000 DS Handhelds in First Week

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nintendo Co. Ltd.7974.OS sold  500,000 Nintendo DS video game devices during the first week of  sales in U.S. stores for the new handheld featuring two screens  for game playing, the Japanese game maker said on Wednesday.


Headset Maker Plantronics Surfs on Games Wave

MILAN (Reuters) - Blockbuster video games and cheap  Internet phone calls are boosting demand for Plantronics'  PLT.N headsets, the chief executive of the world's leading  maker of phone headsets said on Wednesday.


Cingular Raises Profit Outlook

Cingular Wireless, the largest U.S. wireless phone company, said Wednesday it expects to report a profit and positive cash flow in 2005, one year earlier than planned, following its \$41 billion purchase of AT #38;T Wireless Services Inc.


Nintendo sells 500,000 DS Handhelds in First Week

Nintendo Co. Ltd. sold 500,000 Nintendo DS video game devices during the first week of sales in U.S. stores for the new handheld featuring two screens for game playing, the Japanese game maker said Wednesday.


Japan's NTT DoCoMo sees Europe embracing hi-tech mobile phones (AFP)

AFP - Japan's top mobile operator NTT DoCoMo believes Europe will embrace hi-tech telephones and expects a major boost in subscribers on the continent of its i-mode Internet service.


Australian consortium buys UK broadcast business

An Australian investment fund will spend more than \$3 billion buying into the broadcast operations of UK communications company NTL Incorporated.


Microsoft sees blogs for the masses

The company that helped push word-processing and graphical computing into the mainstream wants to do the same thing with weblogs. Microsoft Corp.


Philips to Nearly Double China R amp;D Staff

Dutch electronics firm Philips said on Wednesday it plans to almost double its research and development staff in China to 1,300 over the next 2 years, underscoring the country #39;s growing clout as a technology center.


Amid hype over Wake-Illinois backcourt duos, Head emerges as star

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The clock read 4 am Wednesday in their apartment when Illinois guard Dee Brown turned to his roommate, fellow guard Luther Head, and said,  quot;Do you know what #39;s going to happen tomorrow?


India set sights on victory

Kolkata - South Africa were bowled out for 222 after 72 minutes of play on the final day to set a 117-run target for India to win the second and final Test here on Thursday.


Utah St. 71, BYU 57

Nate Harris scored 26 points and Spencer Nelson had 14 points and 11 rebounds in Utah State #39;s 71-57 victory over BYU on Wednesday night.


Gun battle erupts as Powell visits Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE (AFP) - An intense gun battle broke out just outside Haiti #39;s presidential palace, injuring eight people as US Secretary of State Colin Powell met with interim government leaders, authorities said.


Rwanda confirms Congo mission

GOMA, Congo - Rwandan President Paul Kagame confirmed late yesterday that his country #39;s troops will begin an operation in pursuit of Rwandan Hutu rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after UN troops spotted about 100 purported Rwandan soldiers


The Search Engine Report - Number 97

Search Engine Watch editor Danny Sullivan recap of top search engine stories from November 2004.


Press Releases New Back Door To Search Engine Rankings\\Greg Jarboe, President and co-founder of SEO-PR revealed a blockbuster secret back door to top search engine ranking when he presented to a comparitively small share of attendees at WebMasterWorld.com World of Search #7 conference. Jarboe presented a case study of client ...


Google PageRank is for Entertainment Purposes Only\\This is shocking news, I mean, we all knew PageRank was not something to look at too closely these days, but for Google to come out and say "The PageRank that is displayed in the Google Toolbar is for entertainment purposes only", kind of ...


Lycos Anti-Spam Make Love Not Spam Service Launched

Lycos Anti-Spam "Make Love Not Spam" Service Launched\\Lycos has apparently been the target of spam attacks following the release of their anti-spam deny of service campaign. The BlogBloke reports on this new happening in the anti-spam wars "It's payback time! Lycos Europe is distributing (for free) a screensaver that targets ...


News: Hackers knobble Lycos anti-spam plan

Lycos vigilante attack on spammers has been hit by a vigilante attack. Spammers are suspected.


Columnists: Closed Source Hardware

Trust with hardware vendors for open source systems is becoming a one-way street, where in exchange for support they offer a closed source binary solution with no provision to audit security.


Hot Topic: Color

Open your eyes to virtual color proofing. Explore the new pro/color site to learn how you can make your all-digital design workflow truly all digital. You #146;ll also discover what hues color the worlds of leading designers, tools and resources for achieving optimal color and more.  Dec 01


Mac OS X Tip of the Week: A Clutter-free Application

In the last tip you learned how to instantly clean up your desktop using Expos #233;. Did you know that you can use this nifty feature of Mac OS X to clean up the windows within an application? This week #146;s tip shows you how. Dec 01


I Want My Moscow TV

A lone inventor with a colorful past has come up with a way to let you tap into your home TV reception anywhere in the world.


High Rise, High Tech: Online Rant Control

Complaints about apartment buildings have found a raucous new outlet as residents turn to online message boards to share gripes and gossip.


LG.Philips to Spend \$5.1 Billion on New Flat-Panel TV Factory

The LG.Philips LCD Company plans to spend a record 5.3 trillion won, or \$5.1 billion, to build the world's largest plant for flat-panel sets.


Street Smarts: A Device to Help the Blind Find Crosswalks

An electronic eye that can be fitted to a pair of glasses could help the blind cross roads more safely.


Nokia and Microsoft bet on India

Nokia and Microsoft both announced new ventures in India on Wednesday, underscoring the country #39;s increasing allure for high-technology companies.


Web Positioning With Top Results Or The Ability To Attract More <b>...</b>

If placing your website within the top search engine results, entering certain keywords in Google, Yahoo, MSN Search, or Alta Vista, has become your daily obsession, stop for a moment and reflect.


SuperSonics Beat Jazz 129-119 in OT (AP)

AP - Ray Allen scored a season-high 38 points, including nine in overtime, and the Seattle SuperSonics overcame Carlos Boozer's career-high 36-point performance for a 129-119 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.


Dascenzo: Willingham a victim of high demand for Meyer

Urban Meyer is standing in what looks like an indoor football practice facility, I am assuming, somewhere on the campus of The University of Utah.


FACTBOX-Anil Kumble factbox

Factbox on leg spinner Anil Kumble, who took his 434th test wicket to equal Kapil Dev #39;s India record in the second test against South Africa on Thursday.


No. 24 Virginia Nips Northwestern 48-44 (AP)

AP - Elton Brown had 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 24 Virginia to a 48-44 victory over Northwestern on Wednesday night.


The only one we #39;ve got

Like many organisations, the United Nations sometimes goes for clunky jargon and lowest common denominators when addressing important questions.


Reports show jump in distillates, including heating oil

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Crude futures closed under \$46 a barrel Wednesday for the first time since late September and heating-oil and unleaded gasoline prices dropped more than 6 percent following an across-the-board climb in US petroleum inventories.


Calpers Ouster Puts Focus on How Funds Wield Power

The ouster of the president of California #39;s public pension fund has raised questions about whether pension funds, endowments and other big activist investors will be able to keep wielding influence in corporate governance campaigns.


Pencil in Illini for a No. 1 seed right now

Seeing as how so many members of the NCAA Tournament selection committee are just good people, given how much they #39;ll have to squeeze into a single weekend next March, I thought it might be nice to take a little work off their hands.


JEROME WILLIAMS - Charles Wenzelberg

It was shaping up to be another mundane evening in the back-to-back life of an NBA team. The Knicks, pushed to the limit by the lowly Hawks in Atlanta on Tuesday, clearly were going through the motions early on against Memphis last night at the Garden.


Clippers 88, Pacers 76

Elton Brand scored 27 points, Bobby Simmons added 20 and the Los Angeles Clippers barely held on to beat the short-handed Indiana Pacers 88-76 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.


Men #39;s Basketball News Update

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Playing in its first-ever Big Ten/ACC Challenge game at Assembly Hall, the Indiana Hoosiers put up a fight, but fell on the short end, 70-63, to No.


E-Mails Provide A Glimpse Into 'Iron Triangle'

"Everyone's nervous," Acting Undersecretary of Defense Michael W. Wynne warned in a confidential e-mail to Air Force Secretary James G. Roche on July 8, 2003.


Lawmakers Ask Fannie To Explain Tainted Funds

Three House Financial Services subcommittee chairmen yesterday called on Fannie Mae to answer allegations  that the company failed to blow the whistle on a mortgage fraud scam and accepted \$6.5 million that it knew had been swindled from a government agency.


Md. Senate Panel Relents on Medical Malpractice Reform

A Senate commission studying Maryland's medical malpractice crisis gave some ground yesterday on legal changes sought by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) and endorsed the creation of a state fund that would subsidize doctors' insurance costs for the next four years.


Loudoun Schools Gird For Growth

Superintendent cites parental pressure to compete with Fairfax in proposed 17 percent budget increase.


Warner, GOP Urge Funding Restraint

RICHMOND, Dec. 1 -- The coalition of Virginia interest groups that helped push through a \$1.5 billion tax increase this year received a blunt message Wednesday from Gov. Mark R. Warner and senior Republican legislators who control the purse strings: Don't expect the same gift twice.


Las Vegas Ads' Winning Streak

Inspiration is an unruly beast. One day in late 2002, advertising copywriter Jason Hoff and his writing partner Jeff Candido were noodling with some concepts for a new tourism-promotion campaign for their client, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. There was, decidedly, not much inspiration.


China keeps tight rein on credit

China is planning to extend official policies clamping down on credit into 2005, to try to keep the economy from boiling over.


Oil costs send stocks rising

Buying takes off after the price of crude falls to \$45.49, giving S amp;P and Nasdaq one of their best days. By Michael J. Martinez / Associated Press.


TiVo Untethered and Ready to Go

A new portable service will allow people to transfer shows recorded by TiVo to PCs or laptops and take them on the road. But don't try sending programs over the web.


Kennedy set to make swift million from clearing out the clutter

CAROLINE KENNEDY is staging the ultimate yard-sale. She is clearing out paintings, furniture, horseriding gear and a mysterious photograph of a nude woman by a swimming pool from the attics and cupboards of several family homes.


Eyewear to help you cross roads

Crossing the road may soon be as straightforward -- and safe -- for blind and visually impaired people as it is for someone with good eyesight, thanks to a new device that acts as an  quot;electronic eye.


Willingham takes the blame

Calm and composed as ever, Tyrone Willingham addressed his dismissal at Notre Dame on Wednesday. Willingham, fired as the school #39;s head football coach after three years on the job, didn #39;t lash out at his former employer.


No. 24 Virginia 48, Northwestern 44

EVANSTON, Ill. Northwestern tied the game with less than two-and-a-half minutes left, but lost to Number 24 Virginia 48-to-44 tonight.


COL BKB: North Carolina 70, Indiana 63

Rashad McCants produced 19 points Wednesday night to help No. 11 North Carolina outbattle Indiana, 70-63, for its fifth straight win.


Commonor's Remote Control Castle

The automated life used to be the exclusive realm of the rich. Now home automation is coming to a subdivision near you. By Tom Vanderbilt from Wired magazine.


Massive task for Kallis and de Bruyn

Master batsman Jacques Kallis #39;s ability to keep India at bay on Thursday seems likely to decide South Africa #39;s fate in the second test - and the series.


Pollock joins elite list of Test all rounders

Calcutta, India - South Africa #39;s Shaun Pollock became only the fifth player in Test history to take 300 wickets and score 3 000 runs on the fifth day of the second and final Test against India on Thursday.


Serb chief defiant after foiled attempt on his life

Following an apparent attempt on his life, Serbia #39;s President Boris Tadic said yesterday that no threats would prevent him from  quot;pursuing the mission of establishing democracy in the country quot;.


Microsoft Unveils New Communication, Blog Tools (Reuters)

Reuters - Microsoft Corp.  unveiled on\Wednesday a new set of Web-based services allowing users of its\MSN service to publish and track each other's blogs, or online\journals.


IBM Gathers Asian Backers for Its Power Chip Push (Reuters)

Reuters - IBM  plans to unveil on\Thursday a group of partners to promote its Power computer\chips in a range of electronics, seeking to bring the\community-minded innovation of Linux software to hardware.


Sharon Battles to Save Government from Collapse

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Reeling from a parliamentary defeat,  Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon prepared Thursday to open  coalition talks to save his shattered government and avoid  early elections that could stall his Gaza withdrawal plan.


Ukraine appears set for new poll

It looks likely that Ukraine will hold a new election as it awaits a supreme court verdict on electoral fraud.


Prison confirmed for Lindh killer

Sweden's Supreme Court rules the killer of politician Anna Lindh will serve life in jail, not in psychiatric care.


Music honour for Beach Boy Wilson

Beach Boys star Brian Wilson is honoured by the US Recording Academy, the body which awards the Grammys.


Japan sentences web film pirate

A businessman is sentenced to one year in jail in Japan for making a pirated film available on the internet.


Anxiety increases over Iranian nuclear program

VIENNA -- A year ago, nonproliferation officials were jubilantly hailing the triumph of diplomacy in reining in Iran's alleged nuclear weapons ambitions. But many now fear that efforts to negotiate with Tehran have descended into a perilous diplomatic quagmire.


In Mozambique, vote to bring change at top

MAPUTO, Mozambique -- Mozambique's poor, many carrying small children, trudged along narrow dirt roads in oppressive heat yesterday to pick a replacement for the president who has ruled this downtrodden African country for the past 18 years.


Iraqi president throws support behind Jan. 30 election

BAGHDAD -- President Ghazi al-Yawer of Iraq, an influential Sunni Muslim, threw his support yesterday behind holding the Jan. 30 election on time despite insurgent threats he said have paralyzed voter registration in some Sunni areas.


Samsung Faces Concerns Over Margins

Concern over falling profit margins at Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. grew on Thursday as the company said it was spending more on handset marketing and a top broker issued a sell #39; #39; rating on its stock for the first time in years.


Update 2: Accountants Sift Aviation Oil #39;s Books

Financial experts combed records Thursday at China Aviation Oil, the Singapore-listed jet fuel supplier that this week sought court protection from creditors after admitting crushing losses from speculative trading.


Macquarie buys TV towers for 1.27bn

CABLE firm NTL has agreed to sell its broadcast infrastructure business to a consortium led by Australia #39;s Macquarie Bank in a deal worth 1.27bn, and could return the money to shareholders through a special dividend.


Calpers President Voted Out

Sean Harrigan was ousted from his post as president of the \$177 billion California Public Employees #39; Retirement System. In a 3 to 2 vote in San Francisco, the California state Personnel Board pulled Harrigan


Yukos assets...ONGC may bid with Gazpromneft

ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL) could emerge as the favored partner of Russian gas firm Gazpromneft in the latter #39;s bid for the assets of the beleaguered Russian oil giant Yukos.


Income, Consumer Spending Up

Rocky Mountain vacation resorts said their advance ski season sales are up from a year ago, while Texas retailers reported a recent run on high-definition televisions.


Ford, GM report slow month; Japanese carmakers gain

The nation #39;s two largest automakers said Wednesday they will reduce production in the first quarter of 2005 after reporting weak November sales.


Stocks soar on plunging oil prices

The biggest drop in oil prices in three years lit a fire under stocks yesterday, boosting the markets near their 2004 highs. Crude plummeted \$3.64 to \$45.49 a barrel after the government reported


ESPN dials a cell deal

Listen up sports fans, ESPN #39;s about to bring its news, stats, scores, and video - to cell phones. The Disney-owned cable TV powerhouse has inked a deal with Sprint to launch the first ESPN-branded cell phone.


Rudy tries investment banking

The one-time federal prosecutor, who in the 1980s went after crooked deal-makers at investment banks, is starting one of his own. Dubbed Giuliani Capital Advisors Llc, the Times Square


Spanning the Globe

Check out those electromagnetic dampers! A user's guide to the five coolest bridges on earth. By David Goldenberg from Wired magazine.


Stalking the Wild Wi-Fi Network

Several devices on the market will help you find a Wi-Fi network, but the same price doesn't mean the same performance. Product review by Daniel Terdiman.


Posting Straight Facts on Cancer

Parents who lost a son to cancer have built a website using their own funds to help other patients make sense of complicated treatment information. By Kristen Philipkoski.


All terror attacks use false passports, claims Interpol chief

Please buy my international lost and stolen database


Sun may have captured other system #39;s asteroids

The sun may have captured millions of asteroids from another planetary system during an encounter more than 4 billion years ago, astronomers report today.


Nintendo Says DS Selling Faster Than Anticipated #39; in US

Nintendo Co., the world #39;s biggest maker of hand-held game machines, said US sales of its DS hand-held console were faster than anticipated #39; #39; in the first week.


Apple opens Canadian iTunes store

Apple missed its own deadline by a day or two, but nonetheless Canadians yesterday will awake today to find their local iTunes Music Store up and running.


Sun and Microsoft bury the hatchet

Taking an intentionally cautious tone, Microsoft and Sun executives said Wednesday that the first eight months of their 10-year partnership have yielded small, but significant progress.


Microsoft Sues Software Pirates

This week Microsoft launched nearly 80 lawsuits against resellers it claims were distributing used or fake certificates of authenticity.


Historic flight will take off from Salina

A two-mile runway, favorable weather and a central location make Salina the best place for the Global-Flyer #39;s early January record attempt, participants say.


CE Players Unveil Broadband on a Chip

Four consumer electronics companies are moving into production of a new 64-bit chip for non-PC devices in a bid to address the next generation of broadband services piped into the home.


Microsoft squeezed by contract law

Microsoft has been dropped from a \$3.6m contract in China because the government broke strict procurement rules, designed to give national firms an edge in securing software deals.


3G phones 'bad value' says Which?

Consumer group Which? warns against buying 3G handsets in the UK due to a limited network.


Head to Head

They were not supposed to be in direct competition, but Robin van Persie and Kieran Richardson spent much of the night niggling at each other in the kind of spat that has


It #39;s all downhill for Bode Miller

There are few athletes as sure of their ability as Bode Miller. Now that nobody in the world is as fast as Miller -ot after three World Cup races, anyway


Jol: Fredi ruined our Euro dream

Martin Jol today blamed Fredi Kanoute for costing Tottenham their best chance of silverware this season. The striker conceded a penalty with an extraordinary handball during


No. 5 Illini hammer No. 1 Demon Deacons

Illinois #39; lead peaks at 32 points as it extends home streak to 35 victories over nonconference opponents. The Atlantic Coast Conference has won its five previous challenges with the Big Ten by an aggregate 27-17 record.


NBA ROUNDUP: Suns win ninth in row

Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson each scored 21 points, and the host Phoenix Suns -- off to their best start in 24 years -- won their ninth in a row with a 120-101 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.


Uganda wants peace talks abroad

President Museveni says talks with rebels should only take place outside Uganda after a unilateral ceasefire ends.


Samsung sees higher mobile profit

Korean mobile maker Samsung says it expects profits to grow in 2005, but brokers warn that harsh competition could mean narrower margins.


Diplomats back Annan after resignation calls

Diplomats from several countries have expressed support for the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, after a call for his resignation over the UN role in the Iraq Oil-for-Food programme.


Sharon faces new rebellion

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon #39;s coalition faces possible collapse over a vote likely to force him to remake his government or call elections that would imperil his Gaza withdrawal plan.


#39;Yes #39; camp claims victory in French Socialists #39; vote on EU <b>...</b>

France #39;s opposition Socialist Party voted in favor of the European Union #39;s new constitution, party leaders said Thursday, boosting the chances of success for a national referendum and drawing jubilant praise from pro-EU forces across the continent.


Skepticism warranted on Iran #39;s nuclear pact

Iran has agreed to a plan by the UN #39;s atomic agency, saying it will halt uranium enrichment work. But the world must remain vigilant about that nation #39;s plans.


Hassan #39;s fate still remains uncertain

Sydney - Doubts over the fate of British aid worker Margaret Hassan, kidnapped in Iraq in October, increased on Wednesday after a newspaper reported that her dental records did not match a mutilated body believed to be hers.


Chissano hopes legacy is Mozambique peace, prosperity

Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano said on Thursday he was happy to quit as Mozambique #39;s leader and hoped to be remembered for securing peace and rapid economic growth in the once war-torn country.


Bleidt maps out his trail of deceit

In the hours before Bradford C. Bleidt's life unraveled, he attempted to tie up all his loose ends. In neat stacks of paper, topped with handwritten notes, he gave authorities a roadmap of his years of deceit. And in a tape to his wife, he tried to make sense of why their marriage had become so troubled.


Wireless plan irks telecom giants

A tiny Pennsylvania telecommunications company is raising the hackles of giants Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless LLC, offering consumers unlimited cellphone calls for a \$10 monthly premium by exploiting the carriers' unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling plans.


Group: Most charities sell donor lists

Most of the nation's charities are attempting to raise additional funds by selling the names of donors to marketing organizations or swapping mailing lists with other nonprofits, a charity watchdog group said yesterday.


Mild weather forces oil price down

The price of crude oil falls by more than a dollar in New York, as mild weather in northern US states eases demand for heating oil.


At holidays,shop talk is ever-present

Faster, Pussycat! Buy! Buy! That's a play on the title of one of schlockmeister Russ Meyer's most famous movies, ''Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! quot; But it might as well be the generic title for any number of Christmas retail stories pouring into the nation's newspapers, magazines, and television news shows at this time of year.


Calpers replaces activist president

Sean Harrigan, a longtime union official and one of the nation's most outspoken advocates for corporate governance reform, was ousted yesterday from his post as president of the \$177 billion California Public Employees Retirement System.


Nintendo DS Game Player Makes Strong Japan Debut

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s DS video game player  saw strong sales on its debut in Japan on Thursday, kicking off  what is expected to be a fierce fight with rival Sony Corp.'s  Playstation Portable.


Economy picking up steam

The US economy is gaining momentum, bolstered by home building, shipping, and even the beleaguered manufacturing sector, the Federal Reserve said yesterday in a newly upbeat assessment.


Cereal-only restaurant looks to milk new format

How's this for thinking outside the box: a cafe with jammies-clad servers pouring cereal day and night, topping it off with everything from fruit to malted milk balls, and serving it in  quot;bowls quot; resembling takeout Chinese containers.


Defense giant to increase its dividend

Raytheon Co. said it plans to increase its dividend and repurchase \$700 million in shares. The Waltham-based aerospace and defense giant increased its annual dividend 10 percent to 88 cents a share from 80 cents, starting with the first quarter of 2005. Raytheon said its board also authorized \$700 million in share repurchases, which it expects to complete over 18 ...


TAP agrees to \$150m settlement

TAP Pharmaceutical Products has agreed to pay \$150 million to consumers and private insurers to settle claims they overpaid for its drug Lupron because the company artificially inflated the price.


IBM Gathers Asian Backers for Its Power Chip Push

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - IBM IBM.N plans to unveil on  Thursday a group of partners to promote its Power computer  chips in a range of electronics, seeking to bring the  community-minded innovation of Linux software to hardware.


FDA panel backs drug from firm to be acquired by Genzyme

Genzyme Corp.'s not-yet-completed \$1 billion acquisition of Ilex Oncology Inc. appeared to pay off yesterday when an advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration recommended the agency approve Ilex's experimental cancer treatment for children with certain types of leukemia.


Microsoft Unveils New Communication, Blog Tools

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O unveiled on  Wednesday a new set of Web-based services allowing users of its  MSN service to publish and track each other's blogs, or online  journals.


Microsoft's Cut-Down Windows Set for More Markets

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O said on  Thursday it will begin shipping a low-cost version of its  Windows XP operating system to three Asian countries and Russia  within weeks, tapping developing markets as growth slows  elsewhere.


Winning, attitude

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said  quot;there really was no issue, quot; downplaying a heated exchange with Paul Pierce late in the fourth quarter. Pierce said nothing, atypically avoiding reporters after Boston defeated Milwaukee, 101-100, last night at the FleetCenter.


Triple crown

When Bode Miller sped down the Lake Louise course 14/100ths of a second faster than Hermann Maier last Sunday, it was a race for the record books. Not only had the Franconia, N.H., resident beaten Austria's famous ace and won on a course where he always has had trouble, but he also became the first male ...


What's in the cards for this ace?

To ante up, or not to ante up? That would appear to be the question for the Red Sox as they make an attempt to re-sign Pedro Martinez.


Jets QB passes test, return near

On his first day back under center with the first-team offense, Chad Pennington went for it all.


On this night, Blount pays off

There may have been times this season when you wondered if Mark Blount really was worth all the fuss, not to mention the \$38 million. Sunday night (6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 fouls, 18 minutes) might have been one of those times. Last night was not.


Tech Firm to Acquire Intelligence Contractor

SI International Inc. announced plans Wednesday to purchase for \$30 million in cash a Columbia company that specializes in technology work for defense intelligence agencies.-The Washington Post


No. 5 Illinois storms past No. 1 Wake Forest

Roger Powell Jr. scored 19 points, Dee Brown and Luther Head added 16 each, and No. 5 Illinois made No. 1 Wake Forest look more like a nonconference patsy in a 91-73 rout last night at Champaign, Ill.


Tonight on TV

Toledo (8-3) vs. Miami (ohio) When, where: Tonight, 7:30, at Ford Field, Detroit. TV: ESPN.


'Tis the season to be greeted with silliness

It is called, appropriately,  quot;the silly season. quot; You'd be hard pressed to look at what's been going on in the world of pro golf and not break into a smile. Silly stuff, indeed.


Title work to do

Put on the hard hats, get the electricity flowing, and prepare to watch two games that have been works in progress for a while.


Oil Price Drop Fuels Europe Stocks Gains (Reuters)

Reuters - European shares opened higher on\Thursday, encouraged by Wall Street's powerful performance\overnight on the back of a slump in oil prices, while Swiss\Life  rose after posting solid growth in premium income.


Strobl top of heap in Cup run

Austria's Olympic champion Fritz Strobl upstaged teammate Hermann Maier and American Bode Miller in yesterday's second training session for this week's men's World Cup downhill race.


First lessons leave lasting impressions

As I was having a romp with my 8-month-old grandson the other day, simultaneously being head-butted, drooled upon, and having tiny but sure-grip fingers working to rip out my eyeball, I had the sudden thought that in another winter -- oh, maybe two -- with any luck at all I'll have a hand in starting another little boy in a ...


Dollar Plumbs New Lows Versus Euro, Yen

LONDON (Reuters) - The dollar sank to a record low against  the euro and fell to its lowest level since January 2000 on the  yen on Thursday as the market tested how far Japan and Europe  would tolerate yen and euro gains on dollar weakness.


Pistons ban two from arena

Two men were banned from events at The Palace for what the Detroit Pistons say is their involvement in last month's NBA brawl. John Green and Charlie Haddad were sent letters informing them of the ban, which also includes events at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Pistons spokesman Matt Dobek said yesterday. The Clarkston site ...


UPS to Pay \$100 Million for China Network

BEIJING (Reuters) - United Parcel Service Inc. said on  Thursday it will pay \$100 million to take over most of the  international express delivery operations of its Chinese  partner, Sinotrans.


Samsung Faces Concerns Over Margins

SEOUL (Reuters) - Concern over falling profit margins at  Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. grew on Thursday as the company  said it was spending more on handset marketing and a top broker  issued a "sell" rating on its stock for the first time in  years.


Dollar down on intervention doubt

Fading hopes for intervention by European and Japanese central banks depress the dollar to new lows against the euro, yen and pound.


Shopping Search Around the World

Although U.S. based shopping search and product comparison services receive the lion's share of traffic, other services are emerging throughout the world that serve specific regions and countries with more localized information.


Dollar Sets New Low Mark Against Euro

The dollar dropped to a new record in European morning trading against the euro, which rose to \$1.3379 despite the threat of international intervention to stop the US curreny #39;s slide.


Samsung Faces Concerns Over Margins

Concern over falling profit margins at Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. grew on Thursday as the company said it was spending more on handset marketing and a top broker issued a  quot;sell quot; rating on its stock for the first time in years.


Telstra to pick CEO, time sale

TELSTRA #39;S board, not the Federal Government, would decide who would replace Ziggy Switkowski as its new chief executive, Prime Minister John Howard said today.


Tariff ruling aids shrimpers

WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department on Tuesday upheld a preliminary decision that Chinese and Vietnamese companies are dumping shrimp on the US market below cost.


Schuettler First Seeded Casualty in Madras

MADRAS, India (Reuters) - Germany's Rainer Schuettler  became the first seeded casualty at the \$400,000 Chennai Open  on Monday, knocked out by unfancied Frenchman Olivier Patience  in the first round.


Crude oil prices tumble

the largest single-day decline in more than three years -- after the US government reported large increases in the


UPS to buy out local partner #39;s share in China joint venture? <b>...</b>

US express mail operator United Parcel Service Inc. will take direct control of a large share of its joint venture operations in China next year, the company said Thursday.


From blogs to insurgents, 2004 #39;s most looked-up words follow the <b>...</b>

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. The most asked for definition on Merriam-Webster #39;s Web site is for a word that #39;s not even in the dictionary.


Van Persie Looks in the Clear

Sir Alex Fergusons request for the Football Association to look at Robin van Persies alleged elbow at Kieran Richardson is set to be denied.


Notre Dame #39;s Willingham just had too many bad Saturdays

There has been much talk over the past 36 hours about how Notre Dame and its football program are now no different from any number of other college football  #39;factories #39; littering the landscape.


Searing Suns torch Cavs

Suns managing owner Robert Sarver keeps finding out just how much Suns Chairman Jerry Colangelo knows about basketball. Before the season, when Phoenix was a borderline playoff team at best to many, Colangelo


Jazz fails to unlock Key

Twenty-four hours earlier, Danny Fortson was bickering his way toward a couple of technical fouls and an ejection, which he admitted cost his team a victory.


Safin Pays Price for Late Arrival at Hopman Cup

PERTH (Reuters) - Marat Safin paid the price for his  later-than-scheduled arrival at the Hopman Cup as top seeds  Russia suffered a shock defeat to Germany in their opening  match on Monday.


Australia #39;s Macquarie Commun Infrastructure Trading Halt

SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Australia #39;s Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group (MCG.AU), which is bidding in a consortium for NTL Inc.


Security Council to Discuss Growing Congo Crisis

The UN Security Council is to meet behind closed doors today on the crisis threatening to reawaken central Africas devastating six nation war in Congo, Africas third-largest nation.


Body found in Falluja not Hassans

ISN SECURITY WATCH (02/12/04) - The body of a Western woman found in Falluja was not that of Margaret Hassan, the director of CARE in Iraq who was abducted in mid-October and believed to have been executed a month later, the British Foreign Office said


Can the US bring a viable democracy to Iraq in the next two years <b>...</b>

The fighting in Fallujah, and daily terrorist attacks by Saddam loyalists and Islamist extremists, paint a grim picture of today #39;s Iraq.


Sun Might Have Exchanged Hangers-On With Rival Star

The Sun may have captured thousands or even millions of asteroids from another planetary system during an encounter more than four billion years ago, astronomers are reporting.