Hot Topic 3Q Earnings Sink 18 Percent (AP)

AP - Mall-based retailer Hot Topic Inc., Wednesday reported an 18 percent decline in profit for the latest quarter, blaming weak Halloween sales.


Kobe Bryant Rape Case Could Be Headed to California

DENVER (Reuters) - Attorneys for the Colorado woman who  accused Kobe Bryant of rape are considering suing the  basketball star in his home state of California because of a  strict cap on damages in Colorado, they said on Wednesday.


Kobe Bryant Rape Case Could Be Headed to California (Reuters)

Reuters - Attorneys for the Colorado woman who\accused Kobe Bryant of rape are considering suing the\basketball star in his home state of California because of a\strict cap on damages in Colorado, they said on Wednesday.


Percival Signs With Tigers

Free agent Troy Percival and Detroit agree Wednesday on a \$12 million, two-year contract, giving the Tigers two closers for their bullpen.


Quebec government abandons plans for gas-powered electricity plant (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - QUEBEC (CP) - The Quebec government ditched plans for the province's first gas-powered electricity plant Wednesday in the face of intense opposition from local residents and environmental groups.


Georgia Tech Lineman Also Wrestles (AP)

AP - So far, football is working out just fine for Joe Anoai. He's starting at Georgia Tech as a sophomore. His team will likely get an invitation to its eighth straight bowl game.


Oil Up as Winter Heating Supplies Fall

Oil prices abruptly ended a losing streak on Wednesday, jumping nearly \$1 after a US government report showed heating oil stockpiles down 16 percent from last year ahead of winter.


US Congress Moves to Reinstate Internet Tax Ban

Congress moved toward reinstating a ban on Internet-access taxes after the Senate on Wednesday tweaked a measure it had previously passed with hopes the House of Representative would take it up.


Lampert: Architect of Sears-Kmart Deal Compared To Buffett

In the hubbub of Wednesday #39;s Kmart (nasdaq: KMRT - news - people ) and Sears Roebuck (nyse: S - news - people ) merger stunner, one name has quietly moved to the fore: Edward Lampert, chairman at the Big Red K and a Sears shareholder.


Insurance officials propose new brokerage disclosure rules

State insurance commissioners from across the country have proposed new rules governing insurance brokerage fees, winning praise from an industry group and criticism from


End to pillow talk on American flights

Cash-strapped American Airlines Wednesday said it is trying to take some of the fluff out of its costs: so the world #39;s largest carrier is eliminating pillows on its planes.


PRODUCT REVIEW: Microsoft search falls far short of Google

Microsoft Corp. isn #39;t often an underdog in anything, so when the software powerhouse released its new search engine, I was anxious to give it a whirl.


Seagate Ships 400-GB Drive

The 7,200-RPM drives are available in 200-GB, 250-GB, 300-GB and 400-GB capacity points, with either a native Serial ATA or parallel ATA interface.


Closer Percival OKs \$12M Deal With Tigers

DETROIT Nov 17, 2004 - Free agent Troy Percival and Detroit agreed Wednesday on a \$12 million, two-year contract, giving the Tigers two closers for their bullpen.


WRAPUP 1-Ukraine stun Turks, Portugal reach 20-goal mark

Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine won 3-0 in Turkey on Wednesday to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.


Colts could be missing both starting guards

Tupe Peko didn #39;t practice Wednesday because he hurt his right foot in last week #39;s 49-14 victory over Houston. Rick DeMulling has been limited in practice because of a bruised chest.


Attorneys for the Colorado woman who accused Kobe Bryant of rape are considering suing the basketball star in his home state of California because of a strict cap on damages in Colorado, they said on Wednesday.


REGION: EU warns Iran nuclear row could still go to UN

STRASBOURG: The EU reiterated on Wednesday that an accord on Irans nuclear plans was a step in the right direction, but warned the row may still go to the UN Security Council if the deal is not rapidly implemented.


Guard killed in bomb attacks on Argentina banks

BUENOS AIRES: Three bombs exploded at banks in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, killing one man and injuring another, police said. A booby-trapped package exploded Wednesday at a Buenos Aires branch of US-based Citibank, killing a security guard.


Dutch PM: EU must integrate immigrants better

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende urged the European Union to work harder on integrating ethnic minorities into European society, citing mounting tensions and a spate of reprisal attacks in his country following a murder allegedly committed by a


PLO chief vows crackdown on violence

Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Mahmoud Abbas says officials will take steps to end lawlessness and violence in the Palestinian territories ahead of scheduled January 9 elections for president.


Congress Said Set to Back Mideast Trade (AP)

AP - Congress will vote as early as February on a free trade agreement with Bahrain and stands ready to consider agreements with other countries in the Middle East, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said Wednesday.


APEC Ministers Urge New Effort on Trade Talks (Reuters)

Reuters - Pacific Rim trading nations\said on Wednesday they should pool their influence to breathe\new life into talks to free up world trade.


Lampert Keeps Low Profile As Kmart Chair (AP)

AP - For the last year and a half, industry observers have speculated about Kmart Holding Corp. chairman Edward Lampert's plans since the troubled retailer emerged from bankruptcy. On Wednesday, they found out.


Navy Delays Presidential Helicopter Deal (AP)

AP - The Navy has put off until at least January a decision on the contract to replace the aging Marine One presidential helicopter fleet, giving both prospective contractors more time to lobby for the prized job.


APEC Ministers Urge New Effort on Trade Talks

SANTIAGO, Chile (Reuters) - Pacific Rim trading nations  said on Wednesday they should pool their influence to breathe  new life into talks to free up world trade.


Kmart, Sears To Merge Into One Company

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Two big stores are preparing for a mega-merger. Kmart Holding Corp. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. have decided to join forces.


The man behind the deal

Eddie Lampert has built a reputation as one of the investing world #39;s savviest money managers. By Yuval Rosenberg, CNN/Money contributing writer.


Hot Topic 3Q Earnings Slip 18 Percent

Teen clothing retailer Hot Topic Inc. said Wednesday that profit fell 18 percent in the fiscal third quarter as increased costs offset higher revenue.


USDA Tests Confirm Soy Rust in Florida

Florida has found the highly contagious soybean rust fungus in one of its soybean fields on Wednesday, becoming the third infected US state in a week, state officials said.


First Americans may have crossed Atlantic 50,000 years ago

In a discovery sure to set off a firestorm of debate over human migration to the western hemisphere, archaeologists in South Carolina say they have uncovered evidence that people lived in eastern North America at least 50,000 years ago - far earlier than


U.S. Seeks to Keep UBS Cup Streak Alive (AP)

AP - The Americans have never lost the UBS Cup, which returns to South Carolina this week for the fourth competition in the Ryder Cup-style event.


Brazil Upset in Ecuador; China Eliminated

Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and China was eliminated on the fifth tiebreaker despite a 7-0 victory over visiting Hong Kong.


Bush Wants to Get North Korea Nuclear Talks Going

 By Steve Holland

 WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush plans to urge alliesat an Asia-Pacific summit in Chile this weekend to press NorthKorea to return to stalled talks over its nuclear weaponsprogram, senior U.S. officials said on Wednesday.


Iran May Seek to Mate Missile, Nuclear Warhead-US

 By Saul Hudson

 MANAUS, Brazil (Reuters) - The United States has seeninformation suggesting Iran is working on the technology todeliver a nuclear warhead on a missile, Secretary of StateColin Powell said on Wednesday.


USDA Tests Confirm Soy Rust in Florida

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Florida has found the highly  contagious soybean rust fungus in one of its soybean fields on  Wednesday, becoming the third infected U.S. state in a week,  state officials said.


U.S. Stocks Up on Kmart-Sears Deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks surged on Wednesday on  news of Kmart's plan to buy Sears, but the dollar sank,  touching a record low against the euro on worries over the wide  U.S. current account deficit and the strength of China's yuan  currency.


It was the language barrier

NEW DELHI: With all the flap about whether India should get the veto or not, the real culprit here seemed to have been the language barrier.


Netflix Raises Subscriber Forecast After Price Cut (Reuters)

Reuters - Online DVD rental company Netflix\Inc.  on Wednesday raised its subscriber and revenue\forecasts for the fourth quarter, saying a price cut had helped\draw new customers.


Official: Russia Not Cooperating in Probe (AP)

AP - Russia is refusing to provide witnesses or information to the independent investigation into alleged corruption in the multibillion-dollar U.N. oil-for-food program in Iraq, an official close to the investigation said Wednesday.


Intuit Posts 1Q Loss; Revenue Up 11 Pct. (AP)

AP - Intuit Inc. posted a narrower net loss for its latest quarter as increased revenue from its QuickBooks accounting software helped boost results.


Canada calls for IMF to take hard look at yuan (AFP)

AFP - Canada wants the International Monetary Fund to examine whether the Chinese yuan really is undervalued, giving it an unfair trade advantage, Trade Minister James Peterson said.


Racist Taunts Mar Soccer Match (AP)

AP - Fans taunted black players on England's team Wednesday night during Spain's 1-0 victory in an exhibition game.


Snow chills market as dollar hits a fresh low

THE dollar slipped to a fresh low against the euro yesterday after John Snow, the US Treasury Secretary, poured cold water on any suggestions of co-ordinated central-bank action to prop up the ailing greenback.


HP reports 27 rise in quarterly profits

SAN FRANCISCO: Hewlett-Packard Co said on Tuesday its quarterly profit rose 27 as the computer and printer maker saw record revenues in every business and every region and fixed problems with its server and storage unit, sending shares higher by 8.


Sandy Spring Bancorp Lowers 2004 Outlook

Sandy Spring Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Sandy Spring Bank, reported Wednesday that it cut its outlook for the year because the company to adjust its balance sheet to exit a leveraged position.


Scramjet breaks own speed record on final flight

With a defiant streak across the sky, the fastest plane in the world broke its own speed record before plunging into the sea for the last time.


Donate Your PC #39;s Spare Time to Help the World

IBM and officials from some of the world #39;s leading science, education, and philanthropic organizations Tuesday launched a global grid computing project aimed at harnessing unused global computing power to help solve a variety of health issues and other


Apple plans iTunes for Japan

Apple Computer, the maker of Macintosh computers and iPod digital music players, plans to start a music download service in Japan by March 2005.


4 Linux Vendors Team Up for Standardized Linux

In an effort to encourage software and hardware providers to support Linux Standard Base 2.0, four smaller Linux vendors are joining together to ensure their core binaries are compatible with each other and with the standard.


Web Hosting Through Windows

Microsoft announced the Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting Version 3.0 on Tuesday, touting it as a flexible, modular platform with new out-of-the-box services that enable users to roll out hosted offerings faster and cheaper.


Henman lives in hope after Roddick setback

Wimbledon this ain #39;t. When it rains in SW19, herds of well-drilled young men rush forward with tarpaulins to protect the hallowed turf.


Keane nets 24th goal in win over Croatia

DUBLIN: Tottenham striker Robbie Keane extended his Irish goal-scoring record with his 24th strike for his country as Ireland beat Croatia 1-0 in a friendly international on Tuesday.


Dungy:  #39;MNF #39; intro racially offensive

If ABC hoped to generate a little bit more buzz for  quot;Monday Night Football quot; and  quot;Desperate Housewives, quot; its steamy intro to the Dallas-Philadelphia game sure did the trick.


Attorneys in suit against Bryant meet in federal court

DENVER Attorneys for Kobe Bryant and the woman who accused him of sexual assault have met in Denver federal court to map out a preliminary schedule for the civil case.


Baseball: Anaheim #39;s Guerrero named American League MVP

NEW YORK : Anaheim Angels right fielder Vladimir Guerrero was named baseball #39;s American League Most Valuable Player in his first year after jumping from the National League.


France  #39;hiding nothing #39; about Arafat

AMID speculation over the cause of Yasser Arafat #39;s death, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier today said France had nothing to hide concerning the late Palestinian leader #39;s medical file.


Gulf war syndrome is genuine says law lords #39; inquiry

Veterans of the 1991 Iraq conflict were jubilant yesterday as the head of an inquiry into illnesses among them agreed that they were victims of Gulf war syndrome and censured the government for having dismissed their plight.


Militant Wanted in Pearl Abduction Killed

An Islamic militant wanted in the murder of American Journalist Daniel Pearl was discovered running a clothing shop near the Indian border and killed in a shootout with police, Pakistani authorities said Wednesday.


Oil prices rise on heating fears

Oil prices rise again after US government data showed heating stocks remained 16 down on 2003 levels.


Miller #39;s podium-finish streak snapped

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. -- Norway #39;s Lasse Kjus confirmed his return to fitness Saturday, capturing his first World Cup giant slalom win in eight years as American Bode Miller #39;s run of five podium finishes came to a crashing halt.


Football: Spain 1-0 England

Asier del Horno's early goal gives Spain victory in an ill-tempered friendly.


On 38th Floor, a \$9 Million Sample Sale

Pierre Berg's 38th-floor apartment in the Pierre hotel is a sumptuously furnished pied--terre in the sky. But, after 26 years, he is selling the five-room apartment.


#39;Blog #39; tops words of the year

A four-letter term that came to symbolize the difference between old and new media during this year #39;s presidential campaign tops US dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster #39;s list of the 10 words of the year.


Missouri's Season of Hope Disappears (AP)

AP - One miserable month has wiped away all the promise Missouri started with this season.


Climate change sceptics 'wrong'

A new study claims to undermine the key argument used by people sceptical of climate change.


Kmart, Sears Merger Could Change Low-Cost Shopping

CHICAGO -- Two companies famous for blue-light specials and monstrous catalogs are joining forces to become the third-largest retailer in the United States.


Wall Street stocks end higher on Kmart-Sears merger deal

Wall Street stocks rose moderately Wednesday as investors cheered the merger deal that combined retailers Kmart Holding Corp. and Sears, Roebuck and Co.


Netflix Raises Subscriber Forecast After Price Cut

Online DVD rental company Netflix Inc. (NFLX.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday raised its subscriber and revenue forecasts for the fourth quarter, saying a price cut had helped draw new customers.


American yanks pillows

Move to save hundreds of thousands of dollars on short-haul flights, decrease turn-around time. DALLAS, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Cost cutting at American Airlines may cost passengers some sleep as the airline has removed pillows on about half of its fleet.


Congress close to renewing ban on Internet access taxes

Lawmakers revived a long-stalled effort Wednesday to block state and local governments from taxing Internet connections, in a last-minute agreement to ban the taxes until 2007.


Salvation Army Loses \$17,000 in Donations Since Target Refuses To <b>...</b>

On Friday, we #39;ll begin to hear a familiar sound of the holiday season, the sound of bells ringing in the name of the Salvation Army.


Microsoft Rolls Out NetWare Migration Package

Microsoft is campaigning for Novell NetWare users, again. This time Microsoft is wooing Netware users with a migration package that contains several incentives ranging from tools, prescriptive guidance, training


Microsoft Unveils Management Software

November 16, 2004 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Software giant Microsoft (microsoft.com) announced on Tuesday that it has released version 3.0 of Microsoft Solutions for Windows-based Hosting, a management platform that includes tools for handling


Best game yet for the Xbox

How do you top a battle between marines and an alien religious cult fighting to the death on a giant corona in outer space? The next logical step is to take that battle to Earth, which is


Spaniards #39; racism row intensifies

The Spanish football federation were facing renewed and sustained criticism last night over the racist chanting directed at England #39;s black players - Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand and


Ireland blanks Croatia in friendly

DUBLIN - Robbie Keane scored off a Damien Duff cross to give Ireland a 1-0 victory over Croatia in an exhibition soccer match Tuesday.


Arsenal keeper Stack charged with rape

Arsenal footballer Graham Stack was today charged with raping a 21-year-old girl at his home, Scotland Yard said. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who is on loan at Millwall, was charged following the alleged rape


City dropping drug charge against Nuggets star

DENVER - The city attorney has decided to drop a minor drug charge filed last month against Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony. Anthony was charged with possessing less than one ounce of marijuana, a petty


Soccer: Klinsmann tastes first home win against hapless Cameroon

LEIPZIG, Germany : Jurgen Klinsmann enjoyed his first home win as German manager with his team defeating ten-man Cameroon 3-0 in a friendly match.


Real Salt Lake trades for Kreis in first player move

Real Salt Lake obtained its first player in Major League Soccer Wednesday, trading for Dallas forward Jason Kreis in exchange for future considerations.


Quarterback controversy rages as Lions get back to work for <b>...</b>

OTTAWA (CP) - Casey Printers pronounced himself fit to play Wednesday, but whoever fits into the BC Lions #39; plans at starting quarterback for the Grey Cup remained anyone #39;s guess.


Demonstrations mark opening of APEC summit in Chile

SANTIAGO - High level talks on free trade and global security got underway in the Chilean capital, as ministers from 21 Pacific Rim countries convened for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit.


Russia researching new missile systems

Without getting into details of the missiles or their capabilities, Putin links their development to a response to the threat of international terrorism.


Arafat receives parting shots after death

Former President Bill Clinton suggested in print that Yasser Arafat  quot;..simply couldn #39;t make the final jump from revolutionary to statesman...it would be different if the end of violence took Palestine out of the headlines and instead he had to worry about


UN Council Wants Sudan Peace Deal by End of Year (Reuters)

Reuters - The U.N. Security Council, on a\high-profile visit to the Kenyan capital, expects Sudan and its\southern opposition on Thursday to promise to complete by Dec.\31 a comprehensive peace agreement ending a 21-year civil war.


Lawyers Meet in Kobe Bryant Civil Suit (AP)

AP - Kobe Bryant's attorneys have identified about 125 potential witnesses to testify in the civil lawsuit filed against him by the woman who accused him of sexual assault, attorneys told a judge Wednesday.


Shawn Fanning downloading again

Boston #39; Northeastern University dropout Shawn Fanning, who tapped out the code to Napster in 1999, is back in the music downloading game.


Microsoft Accused of Destroying E-Mails (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp. developed policies stressing the systematic destruction of internal e-mails and other documents crucial to lawsuits it has faced in recent years, a California software company alleges.


Russia Developing New Nuclear Missile (AP)

AP - Russia is developing a new nuclear missile system unlike any weapon held by other countries, President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday, a move that could serve as a signal to the United States as Washington pushes forward with a missile defense system.


Column: Modified Vintage Cars Get Hot

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


Pistons Coach Brown Returns to Bench (AP)

AP - Detroit Pistons coach Larry Brown returned to the bench Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing two weeks due to hip surgery.


Padres Sign Jackson and Garcia to Minors (AP)

AP - The San Diego Padres signed infielders Damian Jackson and Jesse Garcia to minor league contracts Wednesday and invited them to spring training.


US to tackle Afghan drugs trade

Washington announces a major new initiative to try to tackle the production of illegal drugs in Afghanistan.


SAIC Said Near Deal to Sell Telcordia (AP)

AP - Science Applications International Inc. on Wednesday neared an agreement to sell its telecommunications software company, Telcordia Technologies Inc., to two private equity firms for  #36;1.35 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.


Bush Pardons Turkeys After 'Tough Contest' (AP)

AP - The race was close, tough, sometimes bitter, but "now's the time for healing," President Bush said in sparing the lives of two White House turkeys.


Euro at fresh high as Snow dashes hopes of currency intervention

The dollar slumped to a fresh all-time low against the euro yesterday as John Snow, the US Treasury Secretary, poured cold water on hopes of intervention to stem its decline.


Update 6: Hewlett-Packard Shares Up on Earnings News

Hewlett-Packard Co. #39;s shares rose more than 4 percent Wednesday as investors reacted to its report a day earlier that earnings rose 26.5 percent in the fourth quarter, led by record revenue growth across all of the computer giant #39;s business units


Burst.com says Microsoft destroyed evidence

Top managers at Microsoft Corp. told employees to destroy evidence contained in old e-mail during 2000, even as the company faced several antitrust lawsuits at the time, court documents filed by Burst.


Iran strikes another nuclear deal

I ran has agreed to suspend its nuclear programs while it continues negotiations with European nations on the future of those efforts.


Mitsubishi secures \$1.23b aid deal: report

Scandal-hit Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors will likely to get 100 billion yen (\$AU1.23 billion) in additional aid from three group firms, a report has said.


Virgin Mary Cheese Sandwich Bids on eBay

(Nov. 17) -- The grilled cheese sandwich bearing the likeness of the Virgin Mary is back on ebay. A woman says she made the sandwich ten years ago.


Netscape aims beyond Firefox

com November 17, 2004, 5:02 PM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.


Wife of Enron's Lay Investigated (Reuters)

Reuters - Federal prosecutors are investigating\whether the wife of former Enron Corp.  Chairman\Kenneth Lay illegally sold shares in the company just before it\went bankrupt, a lawyer for Lay said on Wednesday.


Margaret Hassan

Margaret Hassan, who has been murdered aged 59, devoted more than 30 years of her life to helping the disadvantaged people of Iraq.


#39;I only wish my dead comrades were here to hear this verdict #39;

An independent inquiry called on the Ministry of Defence yesterday to admit the existence of Gulf War syndrome and set aside millions of pounds to compensate sick veterans.


Kidlow captures first victory

LAKE LOUISE -- Both Bode and Picabo did it here first. Now Lindsey Kidlow can add her name to the list of American skiers who claimed their first World Cup downhill victories on the slopes of the Canadian Rockies.


Militant Wanted in Pearl Abduction Killed (AP)

AP - An Islamic militant wanted in the murder of American Journalist Daniel Pearl was killed Wednesday in a shootout with Pakistan police who were trying to arrest him, officials said.


U.N. Urges Temporary Bottom-Trawling Ban (AP)

AP - The U.N. General Assembly urged nations Wednesday to consider temporary bans on high seas bottom trawling, disappointing scientists and some countries seeking an immediate halt to the destructive fishing practice.


NM Governor Want UC to Manage Los Alamos

LOS ANGELES - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson urged the University of California on Wednesday to fight to keep its contract to manage the nation #39;s top nuclear laboratory.


Percival to visit Tigers

Troy Percival will indeed be visiting Detroit. What happens from there is anyone #39;s guess. Agent Paul Cohen confirmed to MLB.com on Monday that the free agent closer will


Indian troops leave Kashmir

A thousand Indian troops withdrew from the disputed territory of Kashmir yesterday in a goodwill gesture aimed at fostering a new peace in the province.


Apec ministers urge new effort on trade talks

SANTIAGO, Chile - Pacific Rim trading nations said today they should pool their influence to breathe new life into talks to free up world trade.


Bombs in Buenos Aires Kill One

Bombs detonated at three banks in downtown Buenos Aires Wednesday resulting in the death of one security guard and in leaving another person injured.


Marijuana Charge Dropped Against Anthony (AP)

AP - Prosecutors dropped a marijuana possession charge against Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday, saying it would be tough to get a conviction after a friend claimed the drug was his and not Anthony's.


Brazil Upset in Ecuador; China Eliminated (AP)

AP - Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and China was eliminated on the fifth tiebreaker despite a 7-0 victory over visiting Hong Kong.


Wife of Enron's Lay Investigated

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Federal prosecutors are investigating  whether the wife of former Enron Corp. ENRNQ.PK Chairman  Kenneth Lay illegally sold shares in the company just before it  went bankrupt, a lawyer for Lay said on Wednesday.


Democrat Slams Kerry on Hispanic Outreach (AP)

AP - A Democrat whose organization spent about  #36;6 million to get out the Hispanic vote criticized John Kerry's campaign effort Wednesday and said Democrats risk becoming a permanent minority if they don't do a better job.


Study: Learning to Run Propelled Evolution (AP)

AP - No one has ever doubted that, in the beginning, primitive man learned to walk before he could run. But how about it taking three million years for that second part  #151; after the whole walking thing was already down? Or, when it finally happened, the idea that simply being able to run radically propelled our evolution as a species?


Assassination Is an Issue in Trade Talks

As union activists have fallen by the hundreds in Colombia, labor rights groups and some members of the U.S. Congress have promised to do something about the violence.


Wis. Plans to Invest in Stem Cell Study (AP)

AP - Gov. Jim Doyle announced plans Wednesday to invest nearly  #36;750 million to support human embryonic stem cell research and other medical experiments.


Percival to Sign With the Tigers

The free-agent closer Troy Percival and the Detroit Tigers agreed Wednesday to a two-year, \$12 million contract.


EBay Eliminates Offense Verbiage from Listings

Internet auction giant eBay is toughening its offensive-material policy by eliminating offensive words used as search criteria or in descriptions of items.


New Mexico governor backs UC as Los Alamos lab manager

LOS ANGELES New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today endorsed the University of California to keep managing the Los Alamos National Laboratory.


Seagate Ships World #39;s Largest HD

November 17, 2004 - Seagate Technology today announced that it has shipped the world #39;s largest PC hard drive to various retail outlets.


Percival to Sign With the Tigers

The free-agent closer Troy Percival and the Detroit Tigers agreed Wednesday to a two-year, \$12 million contract, a move that will lead to Ugueth Urbina #39;s becoming a setup man or his being traded.


Intro still generating buzz, mostly negative

If ABC hoped to generate a little bit more buzz for Monday Night Football and  quot;Desperate Housewives, quot; its risqu intro to the Dallas-Philadelphia game sure did the trick.


Agents Tell Players There #39;s Little New In NHL Lockout

An NHL lockout that is nine weeks old will not end soon unless the owners show some willingness to negotiate, agents said after a meeting with the players union.


NASA Calls Off Launch of Black Hole-Hunter (AP)

AP - With just hours left in the countdown, NASA called off the launch Wednesday of a spacecraft that will hunt for emerging black holes.


Sun invites outside involvement with Java 6

Sun puts very early versions of the source code on its Web site so Java programmers could better see and participate in its development.


Microsoft says IE updates possible

Hedging slightly on its vow not to update browser before releasing Longhorn, Microsoft says it could release add-ons to freshen up IE.


Earnings alert: Salesforce quarterly revenue rises

Plus: Write-downs widen DirecTV's loss...Time Warner net income slips...Cell phone unit shores up Verizon.


Salesforce.com posts 82 percent rise in revenue

Subscription software maker reports jump in third-quarter sales, but sees growth slowing next year.


HP to tout Itanium SAP customers

Hewlett-Packard says nearly 200 of its customers using SAP business applications have migrated to HP servers with Itanium inside.


Sun changing course on Itanium plans--again

Sun doesn't want to bring its Solaris operating sytem to Intel's Itanium chip. This week.


Clinton due to open his library

Ex-US leader Bill Clinton is to open his presidential library, housing millions of documents from his time in office.


Tired pair join to take on Wal-Mart

UNTIL yesterday Wal-Mart virtually owned copyright on the term biggest in the world, when applied to retailers. But retailers Sears and Kmart have formed a shopping behemoth worth \$11 billion (5.9


US CREDIT-Kmart acquisition hits Sears credit

Credit investors found it difficult to muster much joy over Kmart Holding Corp. #39;s (KMRT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) plan to buy Sears, Roebuck  amp; Co.


Europe Unlikely to Win US Agreement on Halting Euro #39;s Surge

European officials, blaming US deficits for a surge in the euro, are unlikely to persuade Treasury Secretary John Snow to help support the dollar when the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bankers meet in Berlin.


Prices slump as stocks rise

OIL prices extended heavy recent losses as United States government data showed crude stocks building for an eighth straight week ahead of winter.


Microsoft lures NetWare users with migration tools, support

US software maker Microsoft has announced the availability of a combination of tools, prescriptive guidance, training and technical support for customers that are considering migrating from Novell NetWare to Microsoft Windows Server 2003.


Linux Core Consortium To Build Common Code

Linux vendors from Europe, Asia, and North and South America have teamed up to create a common core implementation of the Linux Standard Base (LSB) 2.0.


Sun, Gingell Part Company

Rob Gingell, until recently Sun Microsystems Inc. #39;s chief engineer and also a Sun fellow and vice president of the company, has severed his ties with Sun to join former colleagues at an up-and-coming technology company.


Henman has skills to flush Coria from baseline lair

Two factors are in Tim Henman #39;s favour here today as the British No 1 attempts to defeat Guillermo Coria, of Argentina, to give himself a chance of advancing beyond the round-robin stage at the Masters Cup.


Ken Jones: Holyfield the warrior trapped in a world without end

The morning after Evander Holyfield lost the undisputed heavyweight championship to Riddick Bowe on 13 November 1992 it was unanimously agreed by his management team that it was time to quit.


China beat Hong Kong 7-0 but still eliminated

China beat Hong Kong of China 7-0 but were still eliminated from the Asian zone second stage World Cup qualifying tournament on Wednesday.


MRFIXIT: EASTER PARADE

PUNTERS willing to risk a wager on Scotland tomorrow face a tougher test than usual. With Berti Vogts in charge, the safest punt was backing our opponents and we suffered some horrendous friendly


Soccer: Ukraine stun Turkey in World Cup qualifiers

LONDON - Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine won 3-0 in Turkey on Wednesday to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the soccer World Cup for the first time.


Special to ESPN.com

Oklahoma sports information director Kenny Mossman has a fresh, new story about quarterback Jason White that he #39;s dying to tell.


Suicide car bomb, clashes with insurgents leave at least 10 dead <b>...</b>

A suicide attacker drove his bomb-laden car into a US convoy during fighting Wednesday in a northern town, where hospital officials said at least 10 Iraqis were killed amid a wave of violence across Iraq #39;s Sunni Arab heartland.


Russia developing new missile system

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that Russia is developing a new type of nuclear missile system unlike those held by other countries, news agencies reported.


Gulf War Syndrome Acknowledgment Urged

LONDON - A new report on Gulf War illness urges the British government to acknowledge that Gulf War syndrome is real and calls for compensation for veterans who became ill following service in the 1991 conflict.


Gates, UNESCO Sign Computer Access Deal (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates signed a cooperation agreement with UNESCO on Wednesday to improve access to computers, the Internet and information technology training in developing countries.


No. 19 N.C. State Rips New Orleans 92-58 (AP)

AP - Julius Hodge led a balanced attack with 21 points, and No. 19 North Carolina State jumped on New Orleans early in a 92-58 victory Wednesday night in the first round of the BCA Invitational.


REVIEW: Microsoft Search Falls Far Short (AP)

AP - Microsoft Corp. isn't often an underdog in anything, so when the software powerhouse released its new search engine, I was anxious to give it a whirl.


More security hiccups for IE

Researchers have found a trio of flaws in Internet Explorer--making almost 20 in total.


Japanese Co. Markets Dual-Network Phone (AP)

AP - Japan's top mobile carrier has begun marketing a cell phone that can make Internet calls over Wi-Fi wireless networks in addition to regular ones.


Biometric pilot program to tighten U.S. borders

Three U.S. border crossings have been outfitted with fingerprint readers and digital imaging equipment as part of the US-VISIT program.


Wibhu changes name, lands \$10.25 million

Newly named AirTight Networks picks up funding, appoints new execs and board members.


SBC seeks new Net phone fees

Company pursuing different wholesale access rates to its local phone network for Net phone providers.


Cisco buys IT management start-up

Acquisition is expected to help Cisco Systems reinforce its network management offerings.


Burst.com Claims Microsoft Destroyed Evidence

Top managers at Microsoft told employees to destroy evidence contained in old e-mail during 2000, even as the company faced several antitrust lawsuits at the time, court documents filed by Burst.


Sun changing course on Itanium plans--again

com November 17, 2004, 5:03 PM PT. Organizations are replacing aging servers with newer more-powerful boxes, often Linux--based, and theyre also investing in storage.


27 killed in Iraq violence

BAGHDAD: A suicide car bomber blasted an American convoy north of Baghdad as US troops battled insurgents west of the capital yesterday in a wave of violence that killed at least 27 people.


No. 11 Notre Dame Upends No. 6 Duke 76-65 (AP)

AP - Jacqueline Batteast scored 17 points, including 10 during a decisive three-minute run in the second half, to lead No. 11 Notre Dame to a 76-65 victory over No. 6 Duke in a WNIT semifinal Wednesday night.


Manning and Giants in Line of Fire

The players forming rookie quarterback Eli Manning's line of protection have not inspired much confidence lately, least of all among themselves.


An Alliance for the Scale to Battle a Common Foe

The fact that neither Kmart or Sears has faired well against Wal-Mart may leave some people wondering if the combined company can do any better.


Kmart snaps up Sears for \$11bn

The discount retailer Kmart announced yesterday an \$11bn (5.9bn) acquisition of Sears Roebuck, bringing two of the best-known names in American retailing under one roof.


Dollar melts but Snow stays firm

The dollar plunged to an all-time low against the euro yesterday as the Bush administration signalled it was not prepared to take any action to prevent the slide.


Mitsubishi Buys Shares in Isuzu Motors

A major Japanese trading company is investing in Isuzu Motors Ltd., a truckmaker allied with General Motors Corp. of the United States, to strengthen a partnership in Thailand.


Stadium on Calendar

D.C. Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp has set a vote on a plan to build a baseball stadium with public funds for Nov. 30.


FCC Rebukes ABC

Michael Powell, chairman of the FCC, said Wednesday he was disappointed with ABC for airing a sexually suggestive opening to "Monday Night Football."


Chance for McCants

Redskins wide receiver Darnerien McCants is happy to be back on the active roster and contributing again.


Reed Takes Offense

Safety Ed Reed has made game-changing plays in three of the Ravens' last four wins, and has become a scoring threat from the defensive side of the ball.


Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines sinks teeth into retail

The day after Half-Life 2 hit the market, the second game to be powered by developer Valve #39;s Source engine followed suit. Activision announced that Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines has shipped for the PC.


Sun previews next version of Java

Sun Microsystems has posted a prerelease,  quot;snapshot quot; version of Java 2 Standard Edition 6.0, codenamed Mustang, which represents the next generation of the Java platform.


Kasprowicz strikes twice for Australia

Fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz captured two wickets in four balls to help Australia restrict New Zealand to 67 for two at lunch on the opening day of the first test at the Gabba on Thursday.


Race jibes mar Spain #39;s win

Defender Aitor del Horno scored in the ninth minute to earn Spain a 1-0 victory over England in their friendly at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.


Schaefer fired hours after 3-0 loss to Germany

Cameroon fired coach Winfried Schaefer on Wednesday, just three hours after his team lost to Germany 3-0 in an international friendly, the country #39;s soccer federation said.


Casey opens war with America

A slanging match, instigated by Paul Casey of Europe #39;s Ryder Cup team, continues to simmer here as teams from 24 countries prepare for the World Cup which starts today.


Northwestern Barred

The Northwestern boys' basketball team has been barred from postseason play after an infractions committee found they violated state rules for the third consecutive year.


Gulf war syndrome did damage to 6000

AN independently-funded inquiry called yesterday for the Ministry of Defence to compensate up to 6000 British veterans of the 1991 Gulf war for  quot;damaged health quot; as a result of their service.


Barroso heading for victory in commission vote

The new European commission will start work on Monday after its incoming president, Jos Manuel Barroso, won the guarantee of substantial support for his team last night by making further concessions to the European parliament.


Widely panned, loos in China get clean-up

In the panoply of human rights, it isn #39;t the first to trip off the tongue. But more than 150 delegates at an international conference yesterday urged that it should be.


LDP to propose self-defense force

Japan #39;s ruling party is considering constitutional revisions for setting up a self-defense military force and also making the emperor the head of the state.


Speed Rules at De Francis

The Grade I \$300,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Pimlico features a fast field despite not missing the country's prime burner Pico Central.


Trying to Notch a Berth

Navy already has caught the attention of several bowl game officials and hopes a strong performance against Rutgers on Saturday will cement its chances of postseason play.


Racist Taunts in Spain

Fans taunt black players on England's team Wednesday night during Spain's 1-0 victory in an exhibition game.


Wizards Outlast Celtics

Antawn Jamison scores 27 points and the Wizards shut out the Celtics for the first 4:47 of overtime in a 110-105 victory Wednesday.


"Halo 2" goes AWOL

As if it wasn't tough enough being a soldier these days, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service has run out of copies of "Halo 2." Missing Links


Photos: Sun execs talk tech

Jonathan Schwartz looks to an open-source future, while Scott McNealy shows off the upcoming "Niagara" chip.


Michigan Beats Colorado in NIT Tourney

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Sports Network) - Dion Harris dropped in  a game-high 24 points in helping to lead the Michigan  Wolverines to a 69-60 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes in  the second round of the Preseason NIT from Crisler Arena.


Dollar in Sight of All-Time Low Vs Euro

TOKYO (Reuters) - The dollar was in striking distance of  record lows against the euro and 7-    month lows versus the  yen on Thursday, as traders concluded that nations at an  upcoming G20 meeting would tolerate a weaker dollar.


SuperSonics Top Nets 79-68 in Ugly Game (AP)

AP - A night of ugly basketball failed to blemish the Seattle SuperSonics' surprisingly good-looking record. Despite starting the first half 0-for-10 and the second half 0-for-8, the Sonics got some timely offense from Rashard Lewis and improved the NBA's best record to 8-1 Wednesday night with a 79-68 victory over the New Jersey Nets.


Hill Scores 32 Points, Magic Outgun Jazz (AP)

AP - Grant Hill scored 32 points, his most in 4 1/2 years, and Steve Francis had 33 points and 11 assists, both season highs, to lead the Orlando Magic over the Utah Jazz 107-92 on Wednesday night.


Column: Cheaper Oil Fuels Stocks Rally

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


New York Unveils Last, Best Bid to Gain the Olympics in 2012

A massive plan to attract the 2012 Summer Olympics to New York, touting the city's diversity, financial and media power, was revealed Wednesday.


Nigeria lifts Plateau emergency

Nigeria lifts the six-month state of emergency in the central highland state of Plateau.


Tobacco companies say government can #39;t sue under RICO

WASHINGTON The tobacco industry urged a federal appeals court today to throw out a decision allowing the Justice Department to sue cigarette companies for 280 (b) billion dollars.


Japanese Co. Markets Dual-Network Phone

Japan #39;s top mobile carrier has begun marketing a cell phone that can make Internet calls over Wi-Fi wireless networks in addition to regular ones.


England files complaint on racist chants

The English Football Association says it plans to complain to soccer #39;s world and European governing bodies about racist chanting by Spanish soccer supporters at Tuesday #39;s under-21 game near Madrid.


Hampden stroll for Swedes

SCOTLAND #39;s hopes of a fresh start following the sacking of Berti Vogts as manager were shattered at Hampden Park today. A double from striker Marcus Allback and a goal apiece for substitute Johan Elmander


Prosecutor drops marijuana charge against Anthony

Prosecutors dropped a marijuana possession charge against Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday, saying it would be tough to get a conviction after a friend claimed the drug was his, not Anthony #39;s.


With new  #39;aggressive #39; red jerseys, Germany beats Cameroon 3-0

Forward Miroslav Klose scored twice as Germany put on another spirited display Wednesday to beat Cameroon 3-0 in a friendly and remain unbeaten under new coach Juergen Klinsmann.


No. 19 NC State 92, New Orleans 58

Time and again, a North Carolina State player turned down an open shot, choosing instead to pass the ball to an open teammate.  quot;I #39;m just really proud of them, because they did it the right way, quot; Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek said.


Shevchenko pair puts Ukraine clear

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Striker Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine upset Turkey 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier to move clear at the top of Group Two.


Iran got nuke design from Pak: Report

An exiled Iranian opposition group has said that Iran obtained weapons-grade Uranium and a design for a nuclear bomb from a Pakistani scientist who has admitted to selling nuclear secrets abroad.


Australia-US Free Trade Agreement takes effect New Year #39;s Day

TONY EASTLEY: After all the long negotiations, politicking, Labor amendments, and controversy, Australia #39;s free trade agreement with the United States will come into force on New Year #39;s Day.


New commissioners grilled by MEPs

Hungarys Laszlo Kovacs, Italys Franco Frattini and Latvias Andris Piebalgs were interviewed on Monday and yesterday. Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso had to change his proposed team after it became


Cities need more toilets

In Chinese cities, there were 3.18 communal toilets for every 10,000 citizens in 2003, said Zhang Yue, deputy director of urban construction department of Ministry of Construction said Wednesday in Beijing.


Japan may allow women on throne

Japan #39;s ruling party is considering proposals to revise the constitution to let women take the throne, according to a draft seen by local media.


Clinton Library Reflects Its Subject's Volatile Era

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, in Little Rock, Ark., which is to be dedicated on Thursday, sprawls across eight years of big ambitions and small details.


House Republicans Act to Protect DeLay (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Emboldened by their election success, House Republicans changed their rules yesterday to allow Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Tex.) to keep his post even if a grand jury indicts him, and Senate GOP leaders continued to weigh changing long-standing rules governing filibusters to prevent Democrats from blocking President Bush's most conservative judicial nominees.


Hit this: Microsoft, Google set to face off

SEATTLE/SAN FRANCISCO: As Microsoft Corp launched its own Web search engine last week to take on Google Inc, industry watchers wondered which rival will be left standing in the high-stakes competition.


Brazil upset in Ecuador China eliminated

Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America #39;s World Cup qualifying.


Closer Percival OKs \$12M deal with Tigers

DETROIT -- Free agent Troy Percival and Detroit agreed Wednesday on a \$12 million, two-year contract, giving the Tigers two closers for their bullpen.


Ancira GMC Pontiac Buick

(Sports Network) - Ben Wallace will return to fold for Detroit tonight, when the Pistons begin a tough three-game homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Palace of Auburn Hills.


Inquiry: Gulf War Syndrome Does Exist

LONDON - A report on Gulf War syndrome released Wednesday urges the British government to acknowledge the illness is real and calls for compensation for veterans who became sick following the 1991 conflict.


Google Opens Office in Microsoft's Backyard (Reuters)

Reuters - Google Inc. has opened an office just\down the road from rival Microsoft Corp.'s headquarters in\Seattle's suburbs as it seeks to lure local engineering talent,\the No. 1 search engine company said on Wednesday.


A Daily Look at U.S. Iraq Military Deaths (AP)

AP - As of Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, at least 1,214 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. At least 944 died as a result of hostile action, the Defense Department said as of Wednesday. The figures include three military civilians.


Senate votes to raise US debt ceiling to 8.2 trillion dollars (AFP)

AFP - The US Senate voted to raise the debt ceiling by 800 billion dollars to nearly 8.2 trillion dollars, allowing the US government to avoid the unwelcome prospect of running short of operating funds.


The Architect Behind Kmart #39;s Surprising Takeover of Sears

About 10 days ago, Edward S. Lampert placed a call to his newest hire, Aylwin B. Lewis, whom he had installed as the chief executive of Kmart only a week earlier.


#39;Monday Night #39; flap gets FCC #39;s attention

The head of the Federal Communications Commission joined the chorus Wednesday complaining about the steamy locker room opening to ABC #39;s  quot;Monday Night Football.


ONeal, Artest Lead Indy

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 17 (Ticker) -- In his return, Al Harrington got a nice reception and the better of former teammate Ron Artest. But the Indiana Pacers got the win.


Ecuador stun world champion Brazil

Ecuador #39;s 1-0 win over Brazil has ended the world champions #39; unbeaten run in the region #39;s World Cup qualifying competition.


Pistons 93 Timberwolves 85

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. Detroit started to resemble the NBA championship team it was last season with some key parts back on the scene.


Stoudemire, Suns Sting Winless Hornets (AP)

AP - Amare Stoudemire scored a career-high 38 points, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 95-84 victory over the winless New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.


Backup, Go  Forward

It's only a matter of time before Redskins fans clamor for backup quarterback Tim Hasselbeck.


Friends in the End

Ralph Friedgen and Frank Beamer's relationship goes back 32 years to College Park, but for about three hours on Thursday, that friendship will be suspended.


Japan Keeps Monetary Policy Unchanged (AP)

AP - Japan's central bank decided Thursday to keep monetary policy unchanged to continue efforts to spur an economic recovery.


B.C. fishermen call for judicial inquiry into Pacific salmon fishery (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - VANCOUVER (CP) - The union representing B.C. fishermen says something's rotten in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and is demanding a judicial inquiry.


English Camps Reflect S. Korean Ambitions

As tougher immigration laws make it increasingly harder for foreign students to learn English in the United States, immersion villages, according to experts, have promise beyond South Korea.


Brazil Upset in Ecuador; China Eliminated

Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America's World Cup qualifying.


21 Pacific Rim Nations Hold Trade Talks

Top government ministers from 21 Pacific Rim nations convened high-level talks on free trade and global security Wednesday, while police battled university students protesting the summit and a weekend visit by President Bush.


2 Fund Managers to Pay \$80 Million Settlements

The \$80 million penalties against the founders of Pilgrim Baxter are the largest imposed on individuals since investigations began last fall into improper trading at some mutual fund companies.


California Regulator Is Suing Four Insurers and a Broker It Says Received Kickbacks

The California insurance commissioner said on Wednesday night that the broker had agreed to cooperate in developing a case against the insurers.


Philips to Reduce Value of Stake in MedQuist

Philips Electronics said on Wednesday that it would take a \$752 million charge in the fourth quarter to reduce the value of its stake in MedQuist, a medical transcription company.


Red Sox Take Notice After Yanks Meet Martnez

The Red Sox' president, Larry Lucchino, and general manager, Theo Epstein, flew to Florida to meet with Pedro Martnez and one of his agents.


Van Gundy's Rockets Look Too Much Like the Knicks

Jeff Van Gundy is nearly three years removed from his time with the Knicks, but escaping the pressure of New York has not given him much relief.


Australia PM Says Body of British Aid Worker Found

CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) - A body found in the Iraqi  city of Falluja appears to be that of kidnapped British aid  worker Margaret Hassan, Australian Prime Minister John Howard  said on Thursday. "The body found in Falluja appears to have  been Margaret's and the video of the execution of a Western  woman appears on all the available information to have been  genuine," Howard told parliament Thursday.


U.S.: Iran May Seek to Mate Missile, Nuclear Warhead

MANAUS, Brazil (Reuters) - Washington has intelligence  suggesting Iran is working on the technology to deliver a  nuclear warhead on a missile, Secretary of State Colin Powell  said Wednesday in a claim that could increase fears about  Tehran's nuclear activities.


Reports Suggest Economy Is Warming Up

Industrial production and new home construction rose sharply last month, suggesting that the economy is overcoming high energy prices and rebounding from the summer slump.


Snow says cutting trade deficit a priority

Treasury Secretary John Snow said Wednesday cutting the US current account deficit will be a top priority for the Bush administration #39;s second term.


Noranda opens takeover field to other suitors VANCOUVER, British <b>...</b>

Noranda Inc. said on Tuesday it is reopening the field to other bidders, or may go it alone, after failing to seal a multibillion-dollar takeover by China Minmetals during seven weeks of exclusive talks.


The founders of the money management firm Pilgrim Baxter  amp; Associates agreed yesterday to each pay \$80 million in a settlement that resolves a longstanding complaint that they improperly profited


Google Opens Office in Microsoft #39;s Backyard

Google Inc. has opened an office just down the road from rival Microsoft Corp. #39;s headquarters in Seattle #39;s suburbs as it seeks to lure local engineering talent, the No.


Royal Philips Electronics said on Wednesday that it would take a \$752 million charge in the fourth quarter to reduce the value of its stake in MedQuist


Hollywood #39;s One Strike Policy

Say what you want about the recording industry #39;s take-no-prisoners approach to combating online piracy. At least when the music czars go after someone, they target persons suspected of trading


Loss Costs Brazil Top Cup Qualifying Spot

Ecuador #39;s Edison Mendez, left, celebrates his goal beside of Brazil #39;s Kaka during their World Cup South American zone qualifying soccer match at Atahualpa stadium in Quito, Ecuador, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004.


Kasprowicz #39;s double strike puts Aussies on top

Brisbane, Australia: Australia grabbed two key wickets to have New Zealand on the defensive on the opening morning of the first cricket Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.


Judge also refuses to hear doping allegations

DENVER -- A federal appeals court has refused to reinstate the discrimination lawsuit brought by former US Olympic Committee drug czar Wade Exum.


In a day, Percival falls for Tigers, the town

Percival became the Tigers #39; new closer Wednesday when he signed a two-year, \$12-million contract. He made one of the fastest free-agent decisions in recent memory, arriving in town Monday evening


SONICS 79, NETS 68

In terms of their inability to score, the Nets are turning back the clock this season, which is not necessarily a good thing. Nor is it aesthetically pleasing.


Harris leads Michigan past Buffs, into NIT semis

Dion Harris was an important cog for Michigan #39;s run to the postseason NIT championship last season. Harris is now doing it again for the Wolverines in their push to become to the first


White House praises British aid worker believed killed in Iraq

The White House expressed sympathy Wednesday night for the family of Margaret Hassan, the British aid worker who was kidnapped in Iraq and is believed to have been killed.


Powell says Iran pursuing nuclear bomb

The United States has intelligence that Iran is working to adapt missiles to deliver a nuclear weapon, further evidence that the Islamic republic


US not alarmed by Russian development of nuclear missile

The Bush administration says it is not alarmed by Russia #39;s announcement it is developing a new nuclear missile. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the program is part of efforts to improve Russia #39;s armed forces.


Asia-Pacific ministers talk trade, protesters battle with police

= Ministers from nations facing the Pacific Ocean discussed stronger economic ties and the elimination of trade barriers against a backdrop of street clashes between anti-globalisation protesters and Chilean police.


UN wants Sudan peace deal by end of year

opposition to promise to complete by December 31 a comprehensive peace agreement ending a 21-year civil war. Security Council would put pressure on both sides to wrap up the accord.


BOJ keeps policy ultra-easy

The Bank of Japan left its ultra-easy monetary policy unchanged on Thursday, showing it was still committed to fighting deflation.


Afghanistan: Briton  #39;Kidnapped by Thieves, Not Taliban #39;

An Afghan official said criminals were holding a British woman and two other kidnapped United Nations workers, not the Taliban-linked group that has threatened to kill them unless its jailed comrades are freed.


22 killed in Iraq car bombing, clashes

BAGHDAD: A suicide attacker drove his bomb-laden car into a US convoy during fighting on Wednesday in a northern town, where hospital officials said at least 10 people were killed.


Hill Flashes Old Form

Magic forward Grant Hill is enjoying his health and his comeback year, pouring in 32 points in Orlando's 107-92 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.


Mexican Election Tribunal Upholds Wins (AP)

AP - Election officials on Wednesday upheld the contested mayoral victory of a millionaire dog-track owner in Tijuana, putting the party that ruled Mexico for 71 straight years back in power in a key city along the U.S. border.


Melting Glaciers Threaten World Water Supply (Reuters)

Reuters - Mountain glaciers, which act as the\world's water towers, are shrinking at ever faster rates,\threatening the livelihoods of millions of people and the\future of countless species, a scientist said Thursday.


Sonics Streak to 8-1

Seattle grunts out an ugly 79-68 triumph over the punchless New Jersey Nets, moving the SuperSonics to the top of the Western Conference.


Trying to Get Big Enough to Battle Wal-Mart

Some people may be wondering just how well Kmart and Sears will compete against Wal-Mart as parts of the same company.


Clinton Library Reflects Its Subject's Volatile Era

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, in Little Rock, Ark., sprawls across eight years of big ambitions and small details.


Mitsubishi Motors to get US\$960 million in extra aid from group <b>...</b>

TOKYO : Scandal-hit Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will likely to get 100 billion yen (960 million dollars) in additional aid from three group firms, a report said.


Dulles, BWI Consider Security Shift

Officials at Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International airports said they are considering the replacement of federal airport screeners at security checkpoints with workers employed by private contractors.


Ecuador upset Brazil 1-0 Wednesday to send the World Cup champions to their first loss in qualifying for the 2006 tournament, and it cost them the top spot in South America.


Nasas scramjet breaks speed record at 7000mph

An unmanned Nasa jet screamed into the record books high over the Pacific Ocean by reaching speeds of almost 7000 mph, brightening hopes that humans might one day be able to fly across a continent in minutes instead of hours.


O-line must protect Manning

Editor #39;s note: ESPN senior NFL writer John Clayton #39;s weekly  quot;First And 10 quot; column takes you around the league with a look at the best game of the week followed by primers for 10 other games.


INTERNATIONAL ROUND UP

England lost 1-0 to Spain in an eventful match which saw Wayne Rooney substituted just before half time. He had already been booked for pushing the Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, into the advertising hoardings


NBA Game Summary - Minnesota At Detroit

Auburn Hills, MI -- Chauncey Billups scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half to help the Detroit Pistons rally for a 93-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in coach Larry Brown #39;s first game back from hip surgery.


Nuggets Hold Off Raptors 112-106 (AP)

AP - Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points and Kenyon Martin added 24 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Denver Nuggets hold off the Toronto Raptors 112-106 Wednesday night.


Moya Tops Gaudio in Rain-Delayed Masters (AP)

AP - Carlos Moya had to wait out a rain delay of nearly eight hours before beating Gaston Gaudio 6-3, 6-4 Wednesday night in the second round of the ATP Masters Cup Championships.


Moya Masters Gaudio to Keep Title Hopes Alive

 By Steve Keating

 HOUSTON (Reuters) - Carlos Moya of Spain eased pastArgentina's Gaston Gaudio, 6-3, 6-4, on Wednesday, ending theFrench Open champion's hopes of picking up the Masters Cuptitle.


US tightens its grip on Mosul

US and Iraqi forces recaptured police stations in the northern Iraqi town of Mosul yesterday as violence sweeping across the Sunni tribal areas claimed 20 more Iraqi lives.


Bombs explode at Argentine banks

branches of US giant Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring a bomb squad officer.  quot;The government is asking people not to touch any packages and to call the police if they find them.


Google Rolls Out Search Product for Scholars (Reuters)

Reuters - Web search leader Google Inc.\ on Wednesday unveiled Google Scholar, a new search\product aimed at helping users search scholarly literature such\as technical reports, theses and abstracts.


NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Skid

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in  his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also  welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85  triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.


Iran 'may seek to adapt missiles"

US Secretary of State Colin Powell says Iran may be seeking to adapt its missiles to carry nuclear warheads.


More strength seen for rampant rand

The rand remained below the psychological 6.00 per dollar level in late afternoon trade on Wednesday, having broken this at around noon on the back of a stronger euro.


Fund Founders to Settle, Pay \$160 M

Gary L. Pilgrim and Harold J. Baxter, founders of a tech-based mutual fund that blazed and then fizzled in the 1990s, agreed yesterday to pay \$160 million to settle


Mitsubishi to have second-largest stake after GM -report

TOKYO (CBS.MW) - Shares of Japan #39;s Isuzu Motors Ltd. rose Thursday after a published report that trading house Mitsubishi Corp.


U.S. Pounds Falluja Diehards; Violence in North (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. artillery pummeled Falluja\on Wednesday and troops hunted guerrillas still fighting days\after Washington said its offensive had destroyed rebel control\of the Sunni Muslim city west of Baghdad.


Troubled retailers Sears, Kmart merge

Two battered icons of the American shopping landscape, Kmart and Sears, yesterday announced an \$11 billion merger that will create the nation #39;s third largest retailer, with 3,500 stores.


IRS looking to give good news to taxpayers

The IRS is looking for 1,025 Hoosier taxpayers who havent received their income tax refund checks. Twenty-one of those checks were addressed to residents in Johnson County.


Movie pirates under attack

The Motion Picture Association of America has begun filing lawsuits nationwide against people who swap illegally copied movies over the Internet via file-sharing applications such as KaZaA, eDonkey and Grokster.


Google Rolls Out Search Product for Scholars

Web search leader Google Inc. (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Wednesday unveiled Google Scholar, a new search product aimed at helping users search scholarly literature such as technical reports, theses and abstracts.


AOL Concentrates On Security Issues With New Software

America Online Inc. is releasing a new version of its software today that focuses on increasing online safety and security, which the company hopes will help it hold on to more subscribers.


Moya masters Gaudio to keep title hopes alive

Carlos Moya of Spain eased past Argentina #39;s Gaston Gaudio 6-3 6-4 on Wednesday, ending the French Open champion #39;s hopes of picking up the Masters Cup title.


European Agreement Will Fail To Stop Iran From Getting WMDs <b>...</b>

This week #39;s nuclear deal between Iran and three European countries has triggered a wave of criticism from Israeli and Jewish communal officials, who warn that the pact will fail to halt Tehran #39;s pursuit of nuclear weapons.


On the brink

Pic: Ring-tailed lemurs, like all 20 species of lemur, are unique to Madagascar, but their long-term future is now under threat by the destruction of their rainforest habitat.


Owner of Big Electronic Stock Trading System Is Said to Be for Sale

The Instinet Group, owner of one of the largest electronic stock trading systems, is for sale, executives briefed on the plan say.


Chinese Move to Eclipse U.S. Appeal in South Asia

Beijing is making a big push to market itself, similar to the way the U.S. promoted its culture and values during the cold war.


Report: Israeli Tank Opens Fire on 3 Egyptian Troops (Reuters)

Reuters - An Israeli tank opened fire on three\Egyptian troops Thursday on the sensitive border between the\two countries, mistaking them for Palestinian militants on the\way to carry out an attack, Israel Radio said.


Google Introduces New Research Tool (AP)

AP - Online search engine leader Google Inc. is setting out make better sense of all the scholarly work stored on the Web.


Clemens' Son Signs to Play With Texas (AP)

AP - Roger Clemens' son signed a national letter of intent Wednesday to play baseball for the University of Texas.


AOL Packaging New Security Features (AP)

AP - America Online Inc. is packaging new features to combat viruses, spam and spyware in response to growing online security threats.


Oil Steady After U.S. Data

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices held steady on Thursday as  data showing stubbornly low U.S. heating fuel supplies ahead of  winter stemmed a rout of nearly \$10 since late October.


Moves to rid schools of weapons

Head teachers in England could gain powers to tackle pupils carrying weapons, under government plans.


Women Voters Enter San Diego Mayoral Fray (AP)

AP - The League of Women Voters of San Diego asked a court Wednesday to require that all votes cast for a maverick mayoral write-in candidate be counted, including ballots on which voters failed to fill in the circle next to her name.


Two Kings Dethroned

Sears and Kmart hope that by joining together, they can overcome decades of strategic missteps that have turned the former retail innovators into also-rans.


Bush Eyes Tax Overhaul

Changes to tax code would drastically cut, if not eliminate, taxes on savings and investment.


U.S. Knew Last Year of Flu Vaccine Problems

The FDA found serious problems of bacterial contamination 16 months before Britain closed the site.


Fund Founders to Settle, Pay \$160 Million

NEW YORK, Nov. 17 -- Gary L. Pilgrim and Harold J. Baxter, founders of a tech-based mutual fund that blazed and then fizzled in the 1990s, agreed yesterday to pay \$160 million to settle charges that Pilgrim took advantage of trading opportunities and Baxter shared inside information at the expense of investors.


Dulles, BWI Consider Security Shift

Officials at Dulles International and Baltimore-Washington International airports said they are considering the replacement of federal airport screeners at security checkpoints with workers employed by private contractors.


Gas, Produce Push Price Index Up

Consumers paid sharply more for fruits, vegetables and gasoline last month, the government reported yesterday, suggesting that inflation may be stirring again after being dormant for several months.


No Action Taken After OFHEO Probe

The inspector general at the Department of Housing and Urban Development has closed, without any enforcement action, an investigation into whether there was improper political influence at the agency that regulates Fannie Mae.


Stock Sale by Lay's Wife Investigated

Federal prosecutors are investigating a stock sale by the wife of former Enron Corp. chairman Kenneth L. Lay just days before the Houston energy trader filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2001, according to lawyers involved in the probe.


Eisner Denies Seeing Ovitz as Threatening

GEORGETOWN, Del., Nov. 17 -- Lawyers for plaintiffs in a shareholder suit over Michael S. Ovitz's \$140 million severance package from the Walt Disney Co. suggested on Wednesday that Disney chief executive Michael D. Eisner may have viewed his former protege as threatening.


Rival retailers #39; shares fall on Kmart-Sears deal

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Shares of rival retailers fell in Wednesday trading following the news of Kmart buying Sears for \$11 billion.


Treasury Chief Rejects Idea of Trying to Stem Dollar #39;s Fall

The dollar fell to a record against the euro and dropped against the yen yesterday as Treasury Secretary John W. Snow signaled that he would not back any agreement to stem the currency #39;s slide.


Investors Reward Kmart, Sears and Their Suppliers

Stocks rose as an \$11 billion offer by Kmart for Sears, Roebuck lifted retailers and better-than-expected earnings from Hewlett-Packard ignited a rally in technology shares.


Court Panel Skeptical About Penalty Sought Against Tobacco <b>...</b>

A panel of federal appellate judges raised significant doubts yesterday about whether courts can order tobacco companies to forfeit \$280 billion in past profits if the government proves they engaged in civil fraud and conspiracy.


Moratorium On Web Tax Advances

Congress yesterday cleared the way to keep access to the Internet largely free from taxes for the next three years, breaking a year-long deadlock.


Sears-Kmart: Eddie #39;s Master Stroke

Edward S. Lampert has made no secret of wanting to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Warren E. Buffett. Like the Sage of Omaha, Lampert formed a partnership at age 25 and invested in old-line companies that throw off lots of cash.


Analysis: SBC, others pose big challenge to cable

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- To understand why phone industry executives are so excited about their plans to offer TV service, it helps to know about the technology that will make it possible.


NASA #39;s  #39;Scramjet #39; makes hypersonic flight, 10 times at that :

World News  gt; Washington, Nov 17 : NASA #39;s hypersonic experimental scramjet X-43A has broken the aircraft speed record by clocking 7000 miles per hour which is nearly 10 times the speed of sound.


Itsa miracle one would part with a talisman

One of the first things we did after moving into our old house was to rip out the ancient radiators and put in a modern heating system.


Running Extra Mile Sets Humans Apart in Primates #39; World

If walking upright first set early human ancestors apart from their ape cousins, it may have been their eventual ability to run long distances with a springing step over the African savanna


DuPont Faces New Complaint

Chemical giant DuPont Co. withheld information from federal officials that indicates a dozen residents near its Parkersburg, W.Va.


New York undaunted by underdog Olympic status

Projected as an underdog in the glamour-city competition to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, New York will emphasize its diverse population and unparalleled marketing potential


Drop the towel and pick up the pen

maybe even a little awed -y the sexed-up introduction to  quot;Monday Night Football. quot;. Really  -atings-starved network (ABC) using a sagging sports property


Ronaldo blames altitude after shocking defeat

Ronaldo blamed the high altitude after Ecuador ended Brazil #39;s 10-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday.  quot;I had a big headache, I was short of air and I needed oxygen to


T amp;T, Costa Rica through

Angus Eve scored a 90th-minute match-winner yesterday to send Trinidad and Tobago into the final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying round after beating St Vincent and the Grenadines, 2-1.


Grizzlies Beat Blazers for First Road Win

Memphis Grizzlies guard Bonzi Wells, right, looks to pass as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon Stoudamire reaches in for a steal attempt during first quarter action of their game in Portland, Ore.


NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Skid

Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.


Eriksson forced to hook  quot;wild quot; Rooney

England boss Sven Goran Eriksson was forced to hook Wayne Rooney before halftime in last night #39;s 1-0 defeat in Spain. Rooney was hauled off before he was sent off, then swore at England No2 Steve McClaren.


Judge Refuses to Dismiss Case in Yetunde Price Shooting

A judge in Compton, Calif., refused to dismiss the case against a man charged with murdering the half-sister of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.


Kashmir separatists to discuss peace plan

Kashmir #39;s main separatist politicians are to meet to decide if they should revive a dialogue with New Delhi, a day after the Indian prime minister offered unconditional talks.


US Envoy Positive About Security Council Talks On Sudan

Nairobi, Nov. 18 (NNN) : Ambassadors from the United Nations Security Council are set to meet in the Kenyan capital for talks on Sudan at a two-day event in Nairobi which will focus on the peace process in


Barroso finds favor with new cabinet members

European Parliament politicians vowed to support Jose Manuel Barroso #39;s new European Commission cabinet, after he reshuffled his team.


Srebrenica massacre survivors to sue UN (AFP)

AFP - Survivors of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre were set to file a suit in a French court demanding financial compensation from the United Nations for  quot;abandoning quot; the Muslim enclave of Bosnia.


NBA Wrap: Returning Trio Help Pistons End Losing Skid

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Chauncey Billups scored 21 points in  his return to the line-up as the host Detroit Pistons also  welcomed back coach Larry Brown and Ben Wallace with a 93-85  triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday.


Report: Israeli Tank Kills 3 Egyptian Troops

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - An Israeli tank opened fire and  killed three Egyptian troops Thursday on the sensitive border  between the two countries, mistaking them for Palestinian  militants on the way to carry out an attack, Israeli media  said.


World leaders condemn aid worker #39;s apparent killing

DUBLIN - Mourners lined up at a church in Ireland Wednesday as world leaders condemned the apparent killing of international aid worker Margaret Hassan.


Iran: Concessions equal in agreement with EU

A top Iranian nuclear negotiator on Wednesday counterattacked hardliners #39; criticism on a nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the European Union (EU), terming concessions as equal.


Boyz bid fails

Sport. The US #39;s Eddie Johnson (centre) scores a goal past Jamaica #39;s goalie Donovan Ricketts (30) during the first half of their World Cup semi-final round qualifying match


India PM to visit Kashmir camp

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has arrived in Indian administered Kashmir #39;s winter capital of Jammu on the second day of his trip to the area.


Report: Israeli Army Mistakenly Kills 3 (AP)

AP - The Israeli army mistakenly killed three Egyptian soldiers along the Gaza-Egypt border on Thursday, Israeli media reported.


Indonesia's Yudhoyono rejects foreign help to solve Aceh conflict (AFP)

AFP - A state of civil emergency in the rebellion-hit Indonesian province of Aceh has been formally extended by six month, as the country's president pledged to end violence there without foreign help.


Wash. Governor's Race Forced Into Recount (AP)

AP - The closest governor's race in Washington history was forced into a recount Wednesday as counties finished tallying the ballots and found only a few votes separating the candidates out of 2.8 million cast.


Questions on local impact of Kmart-Sears merger remain

With the \$11 billion merger of Sears and Kmart announced Wednesday, a Grand Island financial consultant says the community will have to  quot;wait and see quot; about the impact it will have on Grand Island #39;s retail community.


Treo 650 voice dialing by VoiceSignal

palmOne is now offering a voice dialing application for the Treo 650, based on VoiceSignal #39;s voice recognition system. The application, which requires approximately


Olympic bids in: Let the quest begin

The race for the 2012 Summer Olympics entered its final phase yesterday, as candidate cities from New York to Moscow released the formal bids they hope will land them the Games.


Ecuador shock Brazil

Buenos Aires - Defending World Cup champion Brazil suffered another setback in South American qualifying on Wednesday, while two-time champion Argentine held off a stubborn Venezuela 3-2 to take over first place in the 10-team group.


NBA: Miami 113, Milwaukee 106

Eddie Jones scored 27 points and Shaquille O #39;Neal had 26 Wednesday night in carrying Miami past Milwaukee, 113-106. Miami used a 21-7 run during the third period to break open the game, during which Jones scored nine points.


Grizzlies 101 Trail Blazers 82

Wells scored 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won on the road for the first time this season by beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 101-to-82.


British press raps Chirac for Iraq comments, eyes positive future

LONDON - British newspapers rapped French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday for reopening old wounds over Iraq on the eve of an official visit to Britain, but looked ahead to improved relations between the two European powers.


10 die in attack on US convoy

A car carrying explosives ripped into a US convoy yesterday in northern Iraq, killing at least 10 people, and US troops fought persistent pockets


APEC Ministers Start Trade, Security Talks (AP)

AP - Top government ministers from 21 Pacific Rim nations convened high-level talks on free trade and global security Wednesday as police battled university students protesting the summit and a weekend visit by President Bush.


Dollar Hits New Euro Low; Nikkei Falls

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The dollar hit a record low against  the euro Thursday as traders bet officials would not act to  stop its slide, sending gold to a fresh 16-year peak and  hurting Japanese stocks as a stronger yen weighed on exporters.


American Airlines  #39;Tangos #39; To Better On-Time Record

FORT WORTH, Texas -- An airline #39;s on-time record is on of the biggest factors passengers consider when buying a ticket. American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, moved to third place among the top 12 carriers


Firefox - A faster, better web browser

Mozilla Firefox is the Web browser you have been waiting for as an alternative to Microsofts Internet Explorer. If you are fed up with security warnings, virus threats and endless security patches from Microsoft, then switch to Firefox - now.


Moya endures rain, Gaudio to advance

They waited for almost eight hours to finally start playing and then they rushed to finish with more sprinkles falling, but Carlos Moya wasn #39;t complaining in the end.


New York, Paris make 2012 Games proposals

NEW YORK - New York City #39;s Olympic boosters revealed their last and best plan Wednesday before making their final efforts to convince the International Olympic Committee that the city should hold the 2012 Summer Games.


Warriors Defeat Winless Bulls 98-85

Chicago Bulls #39; Andres Nocioni, left, of Argentina, dribbles past Golden State Warriors #39; Calbert Cheaney in the first half in Oakland, Calif.


BUCKS: Shaq #39;s powers Heat to victory

MILWAUKEE - If anyone questions Shaquille O #39;Neal #39;s position as the most dominant player in the NBA, just check the opinion of those at the Bradley Center Wednesday night.


Hip hip hooray: Billups rallies Pistons past Wolves

Auburn Hills, MI (Sports Network) - Chauncey Billups scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half to help the Detroit Pistons rally for a 93-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in coach Larry Brown #39;s first game back from hip surgery.


NETS GET LICKED WITH UGLY SHTICK

Games like these are why coaches don #39;t carry firearms. You play good defense, hold an offensive, blistering team under 80 points.


ROCKETS BY THE NUMBERS

Because he does not overreact, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy has coolly and dispassionately assessed the season so far and reached a few simple conclusions.


Israeli army mistakenly kills 3 Egyptian soldiers along Gaza-Egypt <b>...</b>

The Israeli army Thursday mistakenly killed three Egyptian soldiers along the Gaza-Egypt border, Israeli media reported. Israeli radios, newspapers and TV stations reported that soldiers in


Pakistan Arrests Suspect in US Consulate Blast

Pakistani security forces have arrested an Islamic militant suspected of involvement in a 2002 bomb attack on the US consulate in Karachi in which 12 Pakistanis were killed, officials said Thursday.


Dollar Hits New Euro Low; Nikkei Falls (Reuters)

Reuters - The dollar hit a record low against\the euro Thursday as traders bet officials would not act to\stop its slide, sending gold to a fresh 16-year peak and\hurting Japanese stocks as a stronger yen weighed on exporters.


Oil Steady After U.S. Data (Reuters)

Reuters - Oil prices held steady on Thursday as\data showing stubbornly low U.S. heating fuel supplies ahead of\winter stemmed a rout of nearly  #36;10 since late October.


South Korea ready to act in case of speculative attack on won: official (AFP)

AFP - South Korea's top economic official says the government would not sit idle in case of a speculative attack on the country's currency.


Indonesia's Birds of Paradise Dying Out- Scientist (Reuters)

Reuters - Rampant illegal logging in Indonesia\and the demands of a rapidly expanding population and economy\in Indonesia are killing many of Asia's most exotic and rare\birds, conservationists said Thursday.


Moratorium on Web Tax Advances

Congress Wednesday cleared the way to keep access to the Internet largely free from taxes for the next three years, breaking a year-long deadlock. -The Washington Post


New AOL Software Focuses on Security

Dubbed AOL 9.0 Security, the latest version of America Online's software will give dial-up and high-speed subscribers free McAfee antivirus software and automatic upgrades. -The Washington Post


MIT Aims to Make Computing Easy

Professor wants to redesign chip software and hardware for the mobile age, creating chips that can power chameleon devices.
-Leslie Walker


Prayer Breakfast Draws Strong Tech Turnout

A growing number of technology executives believe that their Christianity should be part of their work as well as their private lives.
-The Washington Post


Congress Poised to Vote On Internet Taxes

Congress is poised to extend a ban on taxing Internet access, a move that would please Internet service providers but possibly cost states millions of dollars in lost revenue. -washingtonpost.com


Celtics run out of steam

During a four-day layoff, the Celtics suffered from a lack of game experience. Last night, they played five minutes too many at the MCI Center, losing to the Wizards, 110-105, in overtime.


Eagle eye

Craig Smith can shoot 3-pointers. Honest, he can. And, if you let him, he can swoop in for the rebound, dribble up the court, and finish off the transition basket. His ballhandling skills have taken a quantum leap. Really, you should see it. But you won't.


Team as we know it is history

The news comes fast and furious. Pedro Martinez goes to Tampa to visit George Steinbrenner. Theo Epstein and John Henry go to Florida for their turn with Pedro. Carl Pavano comes to Boston to visit Curt Schilling. Jason Varitek says he's not a goner. Derek Lowe is a goner, but he says he wishes it could be different. Orlando Cabrera ...


AP: Italy Offers Compromise on Cloning (AP)

AP - Italy has offered with a compromise on human cloning that seeks common ground among U.N. member states who are sharply divided over competing treaties to ban the practice, diplomats said.


Yahoo Extends Microsoft Ad Deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc. has agreed to extend its  deal to place advertisements on Microsoft Corp.'s MSN sites in  the United States and overseas by one year through June 2006,  Yahoo said on Thursday.


Legal woes for Zukauskas, Terrell

Cleveland Browns offensive guard Paul Zukauskas was arrested and charged with drunken driving after an early-morning traffic stop.


Irish women roll by Duke

Jacqueline Batteast scored 17 points, including 10 during a decisive three-minute run in the second half, to lead No. 11 Notre Dame to a 76-65 victory over No. 6 Duke in the Women's NIT semifinal last night in South Bend, Ind.


Minutemen on the clock

There's trouble in the Atlantic 10. The league that received four NCAA bids and had two teams advance to the Elite Eight last season most likely will not repeat that success. Nine of the league's top 10 scorers have either graduated, left early for the NBA, or just left.


Creatini is named All-American, again

Newton North High graduate Mari Creatini, a senior cocaptain on the Northeastern University field hockey team, was named the America East Championship's Most Outstanding Player after scoring the game-winning goal in NU's 2-0 victory over Boston University that clinched her team's fourth consecutive conference title.


Waiting on the changeup

The Big East will undergo an extreme makeover next year when Boston College departs for the Atlantic Coast Conference and DePaul, Marquette, Cincinnati, Louisville, and South Florida arrive to expand the league into a mega 16-team basketball conference.


Google Plans New Service for Scientists and Scholars

Google Scholar is intended as a first stop for researchers looking for scholarly literature like peer-reviewed papers, books, abstracts and technical reports.


Taking it from the top

Kansas is on top right now, ranked first in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. In the past, such an honor would be regarded with some trepidation since the list of teams that started and ended the season No. 1 is a short one. North Carolina made the run in 1994, Duke in 1992 and UNLV a year before ...


Gold Helmet winners

Clifton Dawson, Harvard -- The sophomore rushed for 160 yards and his school-record 16th touchdown of the season on 33 carries, leading the Crimson over Penn, assuring Harvard at least a share of the Ivy League crown. Dawson holds the school season records for scoring (102 points), rushing touchdowns (16), and total touchdowns (17). He ranks third on Harvard's all-time ...


Ephs put to the test

Having narrowly missed consecutive NCAA Division 3 national titles, Williams will face a new challenge this season.


Scheduling a rerun

The champion of the America East Conference this season likely will come from the ranks of last year's big three -- Boston University, Northeastern, and tournament winner Vermont.


Firepower rests with Bucknell

Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard had his eye on Kevin Bettencourt three years ago, but the former Peabody High star opted for Bucknell. Now Bettencourt figures as a prominent road block for the Crusaders to return to the pinnacle of the Patriot League.


Framingham's Noel gets first-team honors

Framingham resident Arly Noel, a junior midfielder on the Mount Ida College of Newton men's soccer team, was named to the All-North Atlantic Conference first team after finishing among the nation's top 30 NCAA Division 3 players with a team-high 11 assists.


Quite a swing for Daly-Donofrio

She would be lying if she said she saw this coming.  quot;I really wasn't expecting much, because I had been playing so poorly, quot; said Heather Daly-Donofrio.  quot;I just decided to relax and if I finished near the bottom, I wasn't going to worry about it. quot;


Canton reaches goal

Canton field hockey coach Christine O'Connor didn't think one goal would be enough to beat Watertown last night. She's overjoyed that her defense proved her wrong.


In Mosul, Kurdish militia helps keep order

MOSUL, Iraq -- Real power on Iraq's streets often lies in the hands of men like Sadi Ahmed Pire.


Kmart to acquire Sears

Bob Vila meet Martha Stewart. Two venerable icons and brands -- Vila the pitchman for Sears Craftsman tools, and Stewart, the home-goods queen for Kmart -- might be sharing shelf space at a Sears or Kmart near you.


Russia announces work on unique nuclear missile system

MOSCOW -- Russia is developing a new nuclear missile system unlike any weapon held by other countries, President Vladimir Putin announced yesterday, in a move that could serve as a message to the United States as Washington pushes forward with a missile defense system.


Opposition group alleges Iran hasn't suspended nuclear work

VIENNA -- Iran bought blueprints of a nuclear bomb from the same black-market network that gave Libya such diagrams and Tehran continues to enrich uranium despite a commitment to suspend the technology that can be used for atomic weapons, an Iranian opposition group said yesterday.


Bleidt's wife denies knowing of scam

Local broadcast business reporter Bonnie Kirchner Bleidt said she didn't know anything about the alleged 20-year investment scam by her husband, Bradford C. Bleidt, before she received Bleidt's taped confession last Thursday at her office at radio station WBIX-AM, which he owns.


Russia touts plans for missile system


Report lauds community hospitals

A Harvard University researcher found that community hospitals did just as good a job treating most common illnesses as academic medical centers, but provided that care far more cheaply.


16 churches for sale worth \$28m

The 16 churches the Archdiocese of Boston put up for sale this week are worth about \$28 million, according to local tax assessors.


A determined dig in Vietnam for the missing

NGHE AN PROVINCE, VIETNAM -- ''They tell me to dig a hole, quot; said Derek Benedix, ''and I dig a hole. quot;


As prices rise, homebuilding surges

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH -- By its own modest standards, Massachusetts is experiencing a homebuilding boom. Through the first nine months of 2004, the state issued permits for more than 15,000 units of new housing, up about 10 percent from the same period a year ago. If the current pace continues, Massachusetts would build more housing this year than it has in ...


One killed in bombings at three bank branches

BUENOS AIRES -- Bombs exploded at three banks in the Argentine capital yesterday, including two branches of US giant Citibank, killing one security guard and injuring a bomb squad officer, officials said. No group claimed responsibility for the bombs, none of which was big enough to cause major damage to the buildings. ''The government is asking people not to touch ...


Inflation picking up steam

Consumer prices in October posted their biggest increase in five months, pinching pocketbooks at the gas pump and at the grocery store.


Dollar hits new low on Snow speech

The United States supports a  quot;strong dollar, quot; Treasury Secretary John Snow said, while suggesting the Bush administration will not act to boost its value. His comments sent the currency plunging to a record low against the euro.


WHO urges more research on vaccines for flu, other illnesses

THE HAGUE -- The world is unprepared for an inevitable flu pandemic that could kill tens of millions of people, but profit-driven pharmaceutical companies are putting too little research into the development of vaccines, the World Health Organization said yesterday.


Franklin Templeton in \$18m settlement

Franklin Templeton Investments agreed to pay \$18 million to settle complaints that the mutual fund distributor failed to tell investors it paid brokers who recommended its funds, Attorney General Bill Lockyer said yesterday.


India offers unqualified talks on Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India -- India's prime minister offered yesterday to hold unconditional talks on Kashmir ''with anyone and everyone quot; as his country began withdrawing troops from the divided Himalayan region as a goodwill gesture to rival Pakistan.


Mass. exports increase 19 in year

Massachusetts exports grew at a record pace in the first nine months of the year, surging 19 percent from the same period the year before, Alliance for the Commonwealth, the research arm of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, reported. Through September, Bay State companies exported \$16.4 billion in goods to overseas markets, keeping them on pace to break the annual export ...


10 die in attack on US convoy

BAGHDAD -- A car carrying explosives ripped into a US convoy yesterday in northern Iraq, killing at least 10 people, and US troops fought persistent pockets of rebels in Fallujah, a city wrecked by more than a week of fighting.


Uh oh! Franco-American is no more

Here's one for nostalgia buffs: the Franco-American brand -- best known for SpaghettiOs -- is no more.


Video of shooting by Marine stirs outrage

BEIRUT -- The chilling video of a US Marine shooting and killing a wounded and apparently unarmed man in a mosque in Iraq dominated the Arab world's media yesterday, overshadowing the slaying of a British aid worker who had been kidnapped by Iraqi insurgents.


Recent American deaths in Iraq

As of yesterday, at least 1,206 members of the US military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003. Below is a list of those killed recently.


Disney chief defends paying \$140m to fired president

Lawyers for investors suing Walt Disney Co. questioned whether chief executive Michael Eisner held a formal meeting to tell board members there were no grounds to deny then-president Michael Ovitz \$140 million in severance. Shareholders of Disney, the number two US media company, contend directors did not know Ovitz might be entitled to the \$140 million if ...


Dissecting the Merger

Kmart Holding Corp. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. merged in an \$11 billion stock and cash deal that will create the country #39;s third-largest retailer, after Wal-Mart and Home Depot.


PILGRIM FUND #39;S FOUNDERS FINED \$160M

The founders of the Pilgrim Baxter  amp; Associates money-management firm agreed yesterday to personally fork over \$160 million to settle charges they allowed a friend to


#39;Ringers #39; feel loss of Target

The holiday sounds at one major national retailer will not include the familiar jangle of a hand-held bell this year. Because of an overwhelming number of competing charities, Target stores across the country


Workers worry that merger may eliminate their jobs

Most adopt wait-and-see attitude as they await more details of historic retailing deal. By Francis X. Donnelly / The Detroit News.


Yahoo Begins Using DomainKeys

Yahoo has started checking incoming e-mail using DomainKeys, its content-signing e-mail authentication technology, the company said Monday.


China football faces reform calls

China #39;s elimination from the 2006 World Cup qualifiers has prompted calls for reform of the country #39;s scandal-tainted football bureaucracy.


Brown returns to job while lights are out

Larry Brown was in the building, he brought a suit, and a special high-backed chair was set up at the end of the Pistons #39; bench.


Harris starts to blossom

Dion Harris is playing with more confidence, and it showed big-time Wednesday night. Harris, a sophomore guard from Detroit Redford and a former Mr.


Diversity lags in college leaders

The low number of minorities coaching in college football reflects a lack of diversity among college and conference leaders, according to a University of Central Florida study.


Iran and Pakistani linked

PARIS An Iranian opposition group said Wednesday that Tehran bought blueprints of a nuclear bomb and weapons-grade uranium from the same Pakistani scientist who admitted selling atomic secrets to Libya and other countries a decade ago.


Blair-Chirac focus on Iraq war

Tony Blair is holding talks with French president Jacques Chirac who is visiting London as part of centenary celebrations of the Entente Cordiale.


FRANCE STRUGGLES TO DENY  #39;POISONOUS #39; ARAFAT RUMOR

JERUSALEM - France yesterday insisted Yasser Arafat did not die of poisoning as it tried to control a wave of conspiracy theories sweeping the Mideast in the wake of the Palestinian leader #39;s death.


Rare UN meeting on Sudan

The UN Security Council is making a rare appearance outside its New York home, gathering in Kenya to talk about Sudan, Africa #39;s biggest and most troubled country.


Shake up ordered after violent clash

An angry peasant pushes his clenched fists through the gates during a protest outside the gates of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, 17 November 2004, where police broke up a protest by striking workers and sympathisers a day earlier, leaving as many as seven


Federer beats Hewitt to reach ATP Masters Cup semis

Get INQ7 breaking news on your Smart mobile phone in the Philippines. Send INQ7 BREAKING to 386. HOUSTON, Texas, United States of America -- World number one Roger Federer won his 20th consecutive match over


DESPERATE EXECUTIVES

The ABC television network is rightly being pilloried from all concerned - including FCC Chairman Michael Powell -or its tawdry  quot;Monday Night Football quot; opening this week.