Skype  amp; Siemens Bring Wireless VoIP

Siemens have announced the availability of a range of handsets that works with (Voice over IP) VoIP software, Skype. Simply by plugging the a USB adapter in to a computer running an updated version of Skype


EC delivers ContentGuard concerns

The European Commission has formally notified Microsoft Corp and Time Warner Inc of its objections to the companies #39; proposed joint ownership of ContentGuard Inc.


USADA bans Jerome Young for life after second doping violation

The decision by the US Anti-Doping Agency comes after the Fort Worth runner #39;s second positive test for an illegal steroid. The former 400-meter world champion tested positive for the banned drug EPO at a meet in July.


Silent Assassin

What more does a player like Retief Goosen need to do to be taken seriously? By Jim Gorant. Goosen has quietly moved up to fourth in the World Ranking.


Winning  #39;no matter #39; to Pakistan

Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq said taking part was more important than winning ahead of Pakistan #39;s first match in India for over five years.


Distilled spirits can sponsor NASCAR

NASCAR, a sport whose history was built upon the backs on moonshine runners in the Southeast in the 1940s, returned to its roots somewhat Wednesday when it announced it would


Sixers, Cavaliers win in overtime

Allen Iverson hit the tying jumper with 7.2 seconds left in regulation, and Corliss Williamson scored 7 of his 15 points in overtime to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-100 victory Wednesday night over the visiting New Jersey Nets.


Jefferson unfazed by Clarett #39;s barbs

com. Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel talks with running back Maurice Clarett during the 2002 Michigan game. With apologies to immortal running back Red Grange, at least


Romario scores twice in  quot;Grand Farewell quot; friendly

Romario scored twice as Brazil beat Mexico 2-1 in Los Angeles on Wednesday in a match tagged as the  quot;Grand Farewell quot; to the famed Brazilian striker.


FOOTBALL: I THOUGHT A SEMI-FINAL SPOT WAS IN BAG AFTER WE SCORED

MARTIN O #39;NEILL reckoned Celtic were set to continue Rangers #39; run of misery in Old Firm showdowns. O #39;Neill was convinced that John Hartson #39;s 66th-minute header might just be enough to clinch a place in the last four of the CIS Cup.


Afghan women offer to take place of UN hostages

A group of 20 Afghan women offered on Thursday to take the place of three foreign UN workers held hostage for the past two weeks by a Taliban splinter group.


Minnelli faces sex claim in court

Singer Liza Minnelli's ex-bodyguard accuses her of forcing him to have sex with her to keep his job.


BearingPoint Chief Blazer Quits; No Reason Given

BearingPoint Inc. chairman and chief executive Randolph C. Blazer resigned abruptly yesterday after leading the McLean consulting firm for more than four years.


Dot-Com Back: Varsity Group Turns the Corner

Inside    Varsity Group Inc. 's 11th-floor headquarters in the District, clutter twentysomethings in jeans are doubled and tripled up in small offices. A rear wall is about to be knocked down to make more room. For the first time in four years, the e-commerce company is bursting at the seams.


Internal Investigation Delays WebMethods' Quarterly SEC Filing

WebMethods Inc. said yesterday it has delayed filing its quarterly financial results because an employee in one of its international subsidiaries has raised concerns about some of its business dealings.


Microsoft Debuts Own Web Search Technology

Microsoft Corp. finally debuted its own Web search technology on Thursday, hoping to challenge Google Inc.'s long dominance of the field with results tailored to a user's location and answers from its Encarta encyclopedia.


Firefox Browser Alternative to Microsoft

Web surfing has belonged almost exclusively to Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer ever since it buried Netscape's pioneering browser. That doesn't seem to have bothered the developers of the Mozilla Firefox, a feisty new kid on the block that's worth a serious look.


Robot Is Pivotal Member of the Force

The youngest, smallest member of the Virginia State Police bomb squad can fearlessly pick up an unidentified bomb, walk into a tense hostage situation and hand a cell phone to a gunman. And he requires no food, water, insurance benefits or sleep.


Disease raises fears for plants

Trees and plants are to be cut down in woodland near Redruth in southwest England after the discovery of a new disease.


MPs warn over rusty ship disposal

Britain's old ships are being dismantled in "unacceptable" conditions in the developing world, an MPs' committee says.


Huge potential for gene therapy

\Scientists have taken an important step towards a new way of treating disease by switching off key genes.


Fed raises rates another quarter-point

The Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates a quarter-point for the fourth time in five months Wednesday, extending its campaign to keep inflation in check after the economy showed impressive job growth over the past three months.


PeopleSoft to reject Oracle #39;s  #39;best and final #39; offer

Oracle said today that it has learned that PeopleSoft will reject its \$8.8bn, \$24 a share,  quot;best and final quot; cash tender offer.


Vodafone launches new 3G phones

Vodafone has ushered in a new era in mobile communications with the launch of 3G (third generation) services in 13 countries, including the UK.


Fungus poses soybean threat

A fungus capable of damaging soybean crops has arrived in the United States for the first time, causing concern among northeast Indianas agriculture industry that the fungus could spread here as soon as next summer.


Sold to eBay: Dutch Classified Site

eBay (Quote, Chart) has acquired a popular online classifieds Web site in the Netherlands, the company said Wednesday. The San Jose, Calif.


Bechtel #39;s big headache

Boston #39;s Big Dig, a new system of freeway tunnels beneath the city and its harbor, has started springing leaks, and Massachusetts officials say San Francisco #39;s Bechtel Corp.


Update 3: Lufthansa Posts Third-Quarter Profit

German airline Lufthansa posted a 125 million euro (\$155 million) net profit in the third quarter, more than making up losses from a year ago thanks to stronger demand for air travel, the company said Thursday.


Bank of Ireland profits up 6

Bank of Ireland has announced that profits before tax were up 6 from 670m in the six months to the end of September last year to 713m this year.


Boston Highway Project Said Full of Leaks

BOSTON - The Big Dig - Boston #39;s newly opened \$14.6 billion highway tunnel project - has a seriously flawed wall that contractors knew about as early as 1999, and is riddled with hundreds of smaller leaks, consultants reported in another embarrassment for


Jones to Buy Barneys in  #36;400 Mln Deal (Reuters)

Reuters - Mid-priced clothing retailer and maker\Jones Apparel Group Inc.  said on Thursday it was buying\Barneys New York Inc.  in a deal worth  #36;400 million as\a move to expand into luxury apparel retailing.


Only Injury Can Stop Peerless Federer at Masters Cup

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Last season, Roger Federer leftHouston not even the top-ranked player of the year.


Blockbuster Interested in Hollywood Chain (Reuters)

Reuters - Blockbuster Inc. , the largest\U.S. video rental chain, on Thursday said it has contacted\Hollywood Entertainment Corp.  about acquiring its top\rival for  #36;700 million.


Cox Voted NL Manager of the Year

Bobby Cox, who guided the Atlanta Braves to an unprecedented 13th consecutive division title, was elected National League Manager of the Year in balloting by the Baseball Writers #39; Association of America.


Clarett, Ohio St. both flunked

The Maurice Clarett who appears on the pages of ESPN the Magazine should never have had trouble getting A #39;s and B #39;s in college.


Cricket: Sri Lanka says ICC ruling buries Muralitharan controversy

COLOMBO : Sri Lanka #39;s cricket governing body welcomed the new bowling rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), saying the decision will finally end the controversy over Muttiah Muralitharan #39;s action.


Tiffany Earnings Fall (Reuters)

Reuters - Luxury jeweler Tiffany   Co.  on\Thursday said quarterly profit fell 26 percent, hurt by\lackluster sales in Japan and higher costs for precious metals\and diamonds.


Blockbuster Offers to Buy Hollywood Chain

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. BBI.N, the largest  U.S. video rental chain, on Thursday said it has contacted  Hollywood Entertainment Corp. HLYW.O about acquiring its top  rival for \$700 million.


Tiffany Profit Falls on Weak Japan Sales

High-end jewelry retailer Tiffany  amp; Co. said Thursday that third-quarter profit fell 26 percent to miss Wall Street expectations by 5 cents per share, due to weak Japan sales, high diamond and precious metal


Trading spurt lifts London Stock Exchange turnover

The London Stock Exchange says first-half turnover rose as trading activity on its electronic platform grew despite mixed market conditions.


France rules Apple #39;s DRM denial not anti-competition

The French government #39;s competition watchdog this week dismissed a complaint brought by VirginMega, which alleged Apple #39;s refusal to license FairPlay ran contrary to French anti-trust law.


#39;Murder game #39; is making a killing

A CONTROVERSIAL video game developed by a city company and described by critics as a  quot;murder simulator quot; has become the fastest selling title ever to hit the shelves in the UK.


EU lays out objections to ContentGuard deal

The European Commission has set out its formal objections to Microsoft and Time Warner taking control of digital rights management company ContentGuard Holdings.


US: NASCAR lifts spirits ad ban

Diageo, the world #39;s leading premium drinks business, has announced one of the company #39;s spirits brands would participate in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) for the first time ever beginning with the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season


A look at top games and assorted other notes in Week 14:

No. 10 Virginia Tech (9-2) at No. 9 Miami (8-2): 1 pm today. TV: WTAE. ... Virginia Tech wins the ACC outright and the automatic BCS bid with a win.


TiVo hacks flourish

Voided warranty, electrocution, the wrath of Hollywood--so what? Nothing seems to hinder the TiVo hacker.


IOS glitch leaves some Cisco gear open to attack

A software vulnerability in some Cisco Systems Inc. routers and switches could allow an attacker to cause the devices to hang, the vendor warned this week.


World Recalls Arafat the Icon, Hopes for Peace (Reuters)

Reuters - Thousands poured onto Palestinian\streets to mourn Yasser Arafat on Thursday while world leaders\praised him as an icon of his people's struggle whose death\could usher in a new Middle East peace drive.


Dignitaries Expected at Arafat's Funeral (AP)

AP - The following dignitaries are expected at Yasser Arafat's funeral in Cairo on Friday, according to Palestinian planners and other officials.


Oracle's 'best and final' offer rejected (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - PeopleSoft's board of directors rejected Oracle's  #36;9.2 billion takeover bid Wednesday, thrusting the business software maker's fate in the hands of its shareholders.


And that #39;s a wrap for Hokiesand QBRandall

The Virginia Tech quarterback connected with Eddie Royal for a 39-yard pass early in the fourth quarter that would provide the winning margin in a 16-10 triumph over Miami, wrapping up the ACC championship


Fed raises its key rate to 2, traders expect another hike

In a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee Wednesday, the policy makers fulfilled the expectations of the analysts announcing a quarter-point rise in its target for the Federal funds Rate, bringing it 2 from 1.75, the highest level since November


Crude futures hover around \$49 mark

Singapore: Crude futures stayed close to the US\$49 mark in Asia today, amid renewed fears that heating oil supplies may not meet demand for the coming Northern Hemisphere winter.


Coca-Cola Revises Financial Targets

ATLANTA - Coca-Cola Co. will damp growth prospects for next year and outline plans to increase  quot;marketing and innovation expenses quot; by as much as \$400 million on an annual basis when management speaks to analysts and investors later Thursday.


UPDATE 2-Adriano crushes Messina, Milan in Parma comeback

Late goals from Brazilian Kaka and midfielder Andrea Pirlo gave AC Milan a 2-1 win at lowly Parma in Serie A on Saturday. Brazilian Adriano hit a devastating first half


New Intel Itanium Inside Unisys, HP Servers

Itanium #39;s goals, which were lofty when the new architecture was first announced, have come down to reality. Instead of touting the 64-bit Itanium 2 as the sole architecture of the future, Intel


Manchester United 2, Crystal Palace 0

Sir Alex Ferguson could not resist a wry smile after learning his Manchester United side had been paired with arch-rivals Arsenal in the last eight of the Carling Cup.


Clarett, Owens best seen but not heard

CONSIDER THE SOURCE. That #39;s always good advice when evaluating a dispute, and never more true than in recent football developments.


Raptors big men key in ending Jazz win streak

The Utah Jazz knew they were going to lose sometime, they just didn #39;t think it would be to guys named Chris Bosh and Loren Woods.


Forces find hostage  quot;slaughterhouses quot; in Fallujah

Iraqi troops have found  quot;hostage slaughterhouses quot; in Fallujah where foreign captives were held and killed, the commander of Iraqi forces in the city said Wednesday.


Bullets, Tears, Hopes of Peace After Arafat's Death

LONDON (Reuters) - Firing bullets into the air and weeping,  thousands of people streamed into Palestinian streets to mourn  Yasser Arafat on Thursday while world leaders praised him as a  symbol of his people's struggle for statehood.


Aboriginal welfare plans cause stir

An Australian government rethink of its welfare system for Aborigines sparks widespread controversy.


Blue chip lowers long-term growth targets

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Coca-Cola Co. said Thursday it anticipates weakness in several key markets in 2005 and lowered long-term targets for both volume and operating income growth.


Blockbuster seeks to buy Hollywood Entertainment

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Blockbuster Inc. wants to acquire rival Hollywood Entertainment for \$700 million in a move that would broaden Blockbuster #39;s standing as the world #39;s largest movie rental company.


D.Telekom sees DSL, US growing higher in Q4

Europe #39;s biggest phone carrier Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) expects customer growth in its high-speed Internet business and at its US mobile business to accelerate in the fourth quarter compared with the


US Airways to Keep Flying Most Planes

US Airways Group Inc. said Thursday has reached agreements with its lenders and lessors for continued use and operation of substantially all of its mainline and Express fleet.


Gold Fields loses high court bid to halt Harmony takeover

JOHANNESBURG : South African mining giant Gold Fields lost a high court bid to halt a hostile takeover by rival Harmony Gold, which is seeking to create the world #39;s biggest gold producer, a court official said.


Shell Executive:Hydrogen Fuel Station In DC Is Just The Start

NEW YORK - The hydrogen fuel station for fuel-cell vehicles that opened Wednesday in Washington, DC, is intended to bring the technology to the attention of lawmakers and show its usefulness and safety for retail use, said Jeremy Bentham, chief executive


Hollinger International Has Spent \$46.3 Million on Black Probe

Hollinger International Inc., publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times, said it spent \$46.3 million this year on an internal investigation of former Chief Executive Conrad Black and others.


Hong Kong #39;s De Facto Bank Matches Hike

Hong Kong #39;s de facto central bank on Thursday raised its key rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3.50 percent, matching the latest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve.


New MSN Search - down

Yesterday, thanks to judicious leaks from Bill and the Boyz, the media splashed Microsoft to launch MSN Search and today, thanks to Microsoft #39;s official announcement, it #39;s Microsoft launches MSN Search.


Major telcos tout Wi-Fi roaming pact

Wi-Fi hotspot owners BT Openzone, Singapore #39;s StarHub, Malaysia #39;s maxis, Japan #39;s NTT Com, T-Mobile, Australia #39;s Telstra and Telecom Italia have entered into a broad roaming agreement to allow each company #39;s customers to access the others #39; networks.


Reebok Revives Pump Sneaker

The shoe features an air chamber that molds itself to the shape of the wearer #39;s foot. But unlike its Pump predecessor, the new shoe inflates itself automatically.


Intel #39;s running out of Itanium options

Suppose you threw a party and no-one came? Intel has put the streamers out, the sandwiches have had the crusts cut off and the punch bowl is full.


Evolution Warning Labels On Books Challenged In Court

Playing fair, or promoting religion? Parents, civil liberty advocates and suburban-Atlanta school officials are in federal court over the issue of warning stickers on science textbooks.


Caborn urges motor sports to seize F1 opportunity

The survival of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone represents a major incentive for the British motor sports industry to secure its international reputation, Sports Minister Richard Caborn this morning claimed.


Warne says new ICC rules on chucking could cause confusion

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne said Thursday a new proposal on bowling deliveries in cricket - brought about by the  quot;chucking quot; controversy involving Sri Lanka #39;s Muttiah Muralitharan - could cause confusion for umpires.


Sainz takes parting shot at world rally set-up

Spanish motor rally legend Carlos Sainz took a gentle swipe at the state of the world championship on Thursday after his glorious career ended with a whimper.


Phoenix Suns Team Report - November 11

(Sports Network) - The Suns fell in overtime to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-109, on Wednesday at Gund Arena. Shawn Marion paced six Phoenix players in double figures with 22 points and Quentin Richardson had 21.


NASCAR lifts liquor sponsorships

UNDATED NASCAR has lifted its ban on hard-liquor ads on cars, easing restrictions aimed at cleaning up the image of a sport that traces its roots to good ol #39; boys running moonshine through the hills of Georgia and the Carolinas.


New Jersey Nets Team Report - November 11

(Sports Network) - The New Jersey Nets were defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-100, in overtime on Wednesday at the Wachovia Center.


Los Angeles Clippers Team Report - November 11

(Sports Network) - Elton Brand scored a game-high 19 points and hauled down 16 rebounds, while Bobby Simmons netted 18 as the Los Angeles Clippers routed the Indiana Pacers, 102-68, on Wednesday at Conseco Fieldhouse.


MLB All-Stars beaten again in Japan

Sapporo, Japan (Sports Network) - Daisuke Matsuzaka went the distance on a five-hitter to lead Japan to a 5-1 victory over the Major League Baseball All- Stars in the sixth of an eight-game exhibition series.


Hoosier hunter injured in deer attack

NORTH VERNON, Ind. -- A 69-year-old bowhunter was treated for injuries he said he suffered during a wrestling match with an angry deer.


Shuttlesworth resigns as president of SCLC

The Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, a native of Birmingham, says he is resigning from his position as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.


Troops to Evacuate Britons from Ivory Coast

British forces are to carry out an evacuation of British nationals from the strife-torn west African state of Ivory Coast, it was announced today.


Iran Will Likely Freeze Nuke Enrichment-Official

A senior Iranian official said on Thursday he was optimistic Iran would halt its uranium enrichment program as Europe demands, in a move aimed


Coca-Cola Cuts Long-Term Earnings Targets

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Soft drink giant Coca-Cola Co. KO.N,  stung by a prolonged downturn in North America and other  markets, announced on Thursday that it was lowering key   long-term earnings and sales targets.


Philip Morris Hid Link to Research Facility - Study (Reuters)

Reuters - Philip Morris, one of the world's\leading tobacco manufacturers, was involved in research into\the health effects of smoking 30 years ago but did not reveal\data on the dangers of passive smoking, scientists said on\Thursday.


Target Posts Higher Quarterly Profit

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Target Corp. TGT.N, the No. 2 U.S.  discount retailer, on Thursday posted a higher quarterly  profit, boosted by stronger sales and gains from the sale of  its Mervyn's department store chain.


Oil Falls on Signs of Rising Crude Supply

LONDON (Reuters) - World oil prices eased on Thursday as  signs of strong supply on physical crude markets encouraged  dealers to take profits from a bounce in the previous session.


Jones to Buy Barneys in \$400 Million Deal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jones Apparel Group Inc. JNY.N, a  mid-priced clothing retailer and maker, said on Thursday it was  buying Barneys New York Inc. BNNY.OB in a deal worth \$400  million as a move to expand into luxury apparel retailing.


Global Markets: Shares, Dollar Rise

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares rose to fresh 6-1/2  month highs on Thursday as the dollar firmed and oil eased from  \$49 a barrel while poor German economic growth data buoyed  bonds.


Steroid users will get slap on wrist

Who is Barry Bonds trying to kid? The San Francisco Giants #39; slugger, who in 2001 whacked 73 home runs to set a new, single-season record, reportedly told investigators that he unknowingly took


US Air to Keep Flying Most of Its Planes

NEW YORK (Reuters) - US Airways Group Inc. UAIRQ.OB,  which filed for bankruptcy protection in September, on Thursday  said it reached agreements with its lenders and lessors that  will let it keep flying most of its planes.


Spitzer Find Warmth in Heart of Darkness (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - NASA's infrared eyes are probing the beginnings of both stars and planets.  In two separate observations, the Spitzer Space Telescope has uncovered the warm glow from a possible stellar infant and an icy disk where planets may one-day form.


Quantum Astronomy: The Double Slit Experiment (SPACE.com)

SPACE.com - This is a series of four articles each with a separate explanation of different phenomena. Each of the four articles is a piece of a mosaic and so every one is needed to understand the final explanation of the quantum astronomy experiment we will be proposing to do possibly using the Allen Array Telescope and the narrow-band radio-wave detectors being build by the SETI Institute and the University of California, Berkeley.


Blockbuster Offers to Buy Hollywood Chain

\

 CHICAGO (Reuters) - Blockbuster Inc. <BBI.N>, the largest\U.S. video rental chain, on Thursday said it has contacted\Hollywood Entertainment Corp. <HLYW.O> about acquiring its top\rival for \$700 million.


Elizabeth Edwards' Cancer Has Not Spread (AP)

AP - A biopsy has shown that a lump in Elizabeth Edwards' breast has not spread, a family spokesman said, as the wife of former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards commenced chemotherapy.


Egypt to Host Military Funeral for Arafat

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt, where Yasser Arafat began his  political life and where biographers say he was born, on  Thursday prepared a funeral for the Palestinian president, who  was declared dead in Paris in the early morning.


Palestinians mourn their leader

Palestinians mourn the death of Yasser Arafat, their leader of 40 years - Israel sees a new chance for peace.


Falluja troops under heavy fire

US marines come under sustained attack from several directions in their makeshift HQ in the Iraqi city of Falluja.


Zimbabwe 'faces food shortages'

MPs say Zimbabwe will run out of food before next year's harvest, despite government assurances.


Stocks Open Higher; Fed Offers Relief (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. stocks opened higher on Thursday,\with oil prices slipping on signs of strong supplies and Wall\Street encouraged that the Federal Reserve seemed unlikely to\accelerate the pace of interest rate hikes.


SL vindicated over Muralitharan

Sri Lanka Cricket says efforts to convince the ICC Muttiah Muralitharan's bowling action was legitimate have paid off.


Microsoft launches search engine (AFP)

AFP - Microsoft launched its own Internet search engine in a move aimed at challenging market leaders Google and Yahoo.


Germany's carnival season bursts into life (AFP)

AFP - Thousands of people in costume took to the streets of western Germany as the annual carnival season started with a series of events that will go on until February.


BT's Net Profit Increases 14 Percent in 2Q (AP)

AP - BT Group PLC, Britain's largest phone company, reported a 14 percent increase in second quarter net profit on Thursday, as growth in mobile telecommunications, broadband and IT services outweighed more declines in its traditional residential telecoms revenue base.


U.S. Beats South Korea in Under-19 Soccer (AP)

AP - The defending champion United States defeated South Korea 3-0 at the FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship on Thursday behind goals from Angie Woznuk, Amy Rodriguez and Sheree Gray.


Microsoft Rolls Out MSN Search Beta (PC World)

PC World - Software giant says the final version will be available next year.


High court to hear wine case

Juanita Swedenburg first planted grapes 24 years ago to help pay the taxes on her 130-acre Valley View Farm near Middleburg in the heart of Virginia #39;s hunt country.


ATA to cut most of its Chicago flights

Low-fare airline ATA has announced plans to lay off hundreds of employees and to drop most of its flights out of Midway Airport in Chicago.


Twins keep US alive in Davis Cup finals

SEVILLE, Spain  There was one final thing to do before dispatching Spain #39;s doubles team of Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Robredo on Saturday at Estado Olimpico.


Junk mailers get the human touch

Online criminals are getting better at targeting people's sensibility to hack into their computers.


Rogers Communications moves to take back full ownership of Rogers <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Rogers Communications Inc. is proposing a share exchange to take back the 11 per cent of Rogers Wireless that it does not already own.


Soft drink giant Coca-Cola Co. (KO), stung by a prolonged downturn in North America and other markets, announced on Thursday that it was lowering key long-term earnings and sales targets.


Bowser sales pump Coles

SHARES in Coles Myer raced to another record high yesterday as chief executive John Fletcher forecast double-digit sales growth for 2004-05 after a barnstorming start to the financial year.


US Airways To Maintain Most of Fleet, United Bidding Out Regional <b>...</b>

NOVEMBER 11, 2004 -- Bankrupt US Airways this morning said it had reached agreements with lenders and lessors to continue operating nearly all of its mainline and US Airways Express fleets.


Intel Readies Centrino-Style Push for Desktops

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. INTC.O will unveil  next year a bundle of chips designed for home entertainment  computers, and support the move with a branding campaign  modeled on the successful launch of its Centrino chips for  notebook computers, a person briefed on the matter said.


Google to give Gmail POP3 support, plans antivirus

Google Inc. will roll out POP3 (Post Office Protocol) support gradually over the coming weeks to Gmail users, who will be able to use the feature to download e-mail messages


Stormy Uranus takes astronomers by surprise

Uranus may not be the most boring planet in the solar system after all - new images suggest the outer planet experiences weird seasonal weather patterns.


ESA #39;s lunar probe closes on target

In a matter of days the European Space Agency #39;s (ESA) SMART-1 spacecraft will enter orbit around the Moon. It will adjust its position and prepare for the scientific investigation of the lunar surface that will begin in January.


NASA experimental scramjet prepares for Mach 10 attempt

LOS ANGELES -- The future of hypersonic flight is uncertain, but next week a tiny unmanned NASA jet will try to hurtle into that unknown on a one-way trip at 10 times the speed of sound.


Microsoft Launches Its Own Web Search Tool

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. unveiled a preliminary  version of its Web search engine late on Wednesday, in its  first attack on Google Inc. leading position in the market.


Cricket: A new twist on bowling

International cricket is set to revise the most controversial of the 42 laws that govern the playing of the game, based a report from an expert committee.


Odds and Ends

When hunter Jim Mick went into the forest to bag himself a deer, he never expected to come out empty-handed -- and badly bruised. The 69-year-old bowhunter was treated for injuries


The Irony Of Arafat

Yasser Arafat died as the leader of a country that does not yet exist, and therein lies the tragic nature of the former leader and the ongoing tragedy of the people of Palestine.


NEWS ANALYSIS Tension in the Netherlands

Everything started with the murder of radical film director Theo Van Gogh by a  quot;drug addict quot; of Moroccan origin in the Netherlands, where terror can strike even at the traffic lights in broad daylight.


Indian PM announces troop reduction in Kashmir

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced that the number of troops in insurgency-hit Kashmir will be reduced this winter in view of an  quot;improvement quot; there, a statement said.


Raptors hand Utah first loss

The Raptors posted a stunning victory against a previously undefeated opponent last night, but they lost one of their key players, possibly for a while.


UN workers abducted in Afghanistan phone home as militants seek <b>...</b>

Two of three UN workers kidnapped in Afghanistan called home to reassure relatives they are all right, as negotiators tried Tuesday to secure their release after 12 days in the hands of Taliban-linked militants.


Egypt Prepares to Receive Arafat's Body (AP)

AP - Egypt put its security forces on maximum alert and workers spruced up a modest mosque at Cairo's international airport Thursday in preparation for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's funeral, which will include a procession led by a horse-drawn carriage.


Intel Names Otellini as Next CEO

Paul Otellini, a 30-year Intel Corp. veteran who oversaw the launch of the Pentium processor in the 1990s, will replace chief executive Craig Barrett when he steps down to become chairman in May, the semiconductor giant's board of directors announced Thursday. -AP


Is Health Insurance Killing Retirement?

Here's hoping you won't have to choose between health and comfort.


Intel board approves Otellini as CEO

Paul Otellini, currently president and COO, will replace outgoing chief Craig Barrett in May. \<br /> Photo: Barrett's mea culpa \


EU seeks clarification of US delay in WTO air row

EU trade chief Peter Mandelson wants clarification of the US stance in threatened WTO action over aid to Airbus, his spokeswoman said Friday after a US official indicated Washington was delaying such action.


Target 3rd-Qtr Net Rises 78 After Sale of Two Chains (Update1)

Target Corp., the second-largest US discount retailer, said third-quarter profit surged 78 percent after selling its Marshall Field #39;s and Mervyn #39;s chains.


Bangladesh announces 3-day mourning for Arafat

The Bangladesh government on Thursday announced a three-day national mourning in memory of Palestine President Yasser Arafat, who died this morning.


Intel board appoints Otellini as CEO

Intel Corp.'s board of directors Thursday elected current president and chief operating officer (COO) Paul Otellini as the company's next chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding Craig Barrett who was named new chairman of the board.


Microsoft trots out MSN Search beta

A beta version of the search engine Microsoft Corp. is developing went live Thursday, offering users an interface and a set of features that make the product begin to resemble established search engines from competitors Google Inc., Yahoo Inc., Ask Jeeves Inc. and America Online Inc. (AOL).


Techs Can't Find Hangover Cure

There's plenty of good news out there in the technology sector, but nearly five years after the great Nasdaq bust of 2000, bellwether firms like Cisco Systems continue to struggle. -washingtonpost.com


MSN Beta Search Engine Somewhat Launched\\It's finally happened, MSN has launched their new beta test of the autonomous MSN Search - their own search engine. No longer is MSN dependent upon Looksmart or Inktomi and other partners (wasn't Direct Hit one of them in the past?) to produce search results ...


Google GMail Opens Up to POP

Google GMail Opens Up to POP\\Google wants us to take it as email portability, but I think it as a surprise package that would lure back even the harshest critics of GMail. Google GMail yesterday added 2 new features in their beta mail service that includes the much-demanded POP support. ...


Sharp Unveils First Blu-ray Disc Recorder

Device features two optical drives and a 160GB hard drive for storing content.


Microsoft Rolls Out MSN Search Beta

Software giant says the final version will be available next year.


Will Microsoft Lose The Browser Wars?

Will Microsoft Lose The Browser Wars?\\Until recently, software giant, Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browser enjoyed a relatively unchallenged position as the most popular Web browser in the world.\\Despite lawsuits and charges of unfair competition from the likes of Netscape and others, Microsoft dominates browser software with over 90 market share.\\Microsoft's ...


PeopleSoft dips after rejecting Oracle #39;s latest bid

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) - PeopleSoft shares fell in premarket trade Thursday after the company rejected Oracle #39;s latest takeover offer of \$24 a share, worth at least \$8.


Target Q3 up 78, lifted by Mervyn #39;s sale

NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Target Corporation said earnings rose 78 percent in the third quarter, boosted by one-time gains from the sale of its Mervyn #39;s store chain.


Intel Names Otellini Chief Executive After Barrett (Update3)

Intel Corp. named President Paul Otellini as its next chief executive officer, choosing a salesman instead of an engineer to run the computer-chip maker for the first time.


CORRECTED (OFFICIAL)-US Airways lenders OK aircraft use

In NEW YORK story headlined  quot;US Airways lenders let carrier keep using aircraft, quot; please correct paragraph 3 to read ... US Airways said it has agreed to cure and perform for all but 36 aircraft, and has reached interim arrangements for 14 of these .


Verizon Wireless Names Townsend As CFO

Wireless phone carrier Verizon Wireless on Thursday said it named John Townsend as vice president and chief financial officer of the company, beginning in January.


BT #39;s Net Profit Rises 14 Percent

BT Group PLC, Britain #39;s largest phone company, reported a 14 percent increase in second quarter net profit on Thursday, as growth in mobile telecommunications, broadband and IT services outweighed more declines in its traditional residential telecoms


Microsoft Crawling Google Results For New Search Engine?

I was questioned today by a developer who was watching a particular IP address scan his site. The IP was 65.54.188.86 and is registered to Microsoft Corp.


Microsoft disses Itanium 2

p2pnet.net News:- Microsoft #39;s Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition doesn #39;t like servers built around Intel #39;s Itanium 2 chip.


UWB group completes key radio spec

The Multiband OFDM Alliance (MBOA) has finished its ultrawideband (UWB) radio physical layer (PHY) specification. What this array of abbreviations means is that UWB chip makers can now finalise their designs


Yusuf Islam: Back to Music

British musician and peace activist formerly known as Cat Stevens, who changed his name to Yusuf Islam after conversion to Islam, has signaled a comeback.


Potential Arafat Successor to Remain in Israeli Prison

Israel has ruled out releasing jailed Marwan Barghouti, a leading Palestinian figure who is widely seen as the strongest candidate to succeed Yasser Arafat.


Elcoteq Focuses on Design to Tap Hefty Demand

SALO, Finland (Reuters) - Elcoteq ELQAV.HE is targeting  growth by strengthening its focus on design services to tap  surging demand in the mobile handset market, Europe's top  electronics manufacturing services firm said.


China builds on ties with Brazil

China's president Hu Jintao visits Brazil in a bid to secure trade deals to satisfy his country's burgeoning demand for foreign goods.


Rate rises followed 'MPC errors'

UK interest rates may be too high because the Bank of England has wrongly forecast inflation levels, a House of Lords Committee says.


Inflation Worriers, Dollar Pessimists

As the whole world expected, the Federal Reserve continued its policy of normalizing short-term rates by raising its policy target to 2 percent this week.


Intel board backs Otellini as CEO

update Intel #39;s board, in widely expected move, voted Thursday to elevate Paul Otellini from president to chief executive officer in May.


US: Coke lowers earnings and sales expectations

The Coca-Cola Company is lowering its long-term earning and sales targets. In a statement today (11 November), the company added that continued weak performance in certain key markets was expected in 2005 as operational issues are addressed.


Canadian Tire #39;s third-quarter profit jumps 17.2 per cent to \$69.4 <b>...</b>

TORONTO (CP) - Canadian Tire reported a 17 per cent jump in quarterly earnings on Thursday, boosted by higher sales and improved business at the financial services business.


Jones Apparel to Buy Barneys in \$400 Mln Deal

Mid-priced clothing retailer and maker Jones Apparel Group Inc. said on Thursday it was buying Barneys New York Inc. in a \$400 million deal to boost its retail business and move into luxury apparel.


Pep Boys Stock Down After Earnings Miss

Shares of auto parts retailer Pep Boys-Manny, Moe  amp; Jack (PBY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 10 percent on Thursday, a day after it said earnings dropped 48 percent last quarter on more struggles in its service operations, missing


Rust Is Here; Get Ready To Respond

Editors Note: The following special report was compiled by the editors of Corn and Soybean Digest, a sister publication of Delta Farm Press.


Newsday trimming work force by 100

_ Newsday is cutting as many as 100 jobs through voluntary and non-voluntary buyouts, the Long Island newspaper #39;s publisher said Thursday.


Prime Group Shares Fall on Cancelled Deal

Shares of Prime Group Realty Trust were down 8.6 percent in Thursday morning trading after the company announced late Wednesday that Prime/Mansur Investment Partners LLC wasn #39;t able to obtain financing in order to acquire Prime Group.


MSN Search debuts today

Microsoft Corp.s proprietary new search engine is scheduled to go live today in a beta version, at beta.search.msn.com. Like its rival, Google.


Arctic thaw could open vast oil and gas region

An accelerating thaw of the Arctic may open vast regions for oil and gas exploration but that brings worries of spills in the fragile environment, experts said on Thursday.


Revolutionary plane prepares to set speed record

A small, air-breathing test plane will attempt to blaze into history on Monday by flying at nearly 10 times the speed of sound. The hypersonic craft is one of three built by NASA for its \$230-million Hyper-X project, established in 1996.


European Spacecraft to Research  #39;Moon Colonies #39;

A tiny craft powered by Star Trek technology was standing today at the gateway to the moon - and a landmark date in the history of European space exploration.


Apple Achieves Market Dominance--Not!

Virgin #39;s French arm saw the antitrust suit it filed against Apple (yes, Apple, not Microsoft) dismissed by the French Competition Council.


Sun Desktop Rises in Japan Again

Sun Microsystems (Quote, Chart) has eked out its second major contract in Japan for its Java Desktop System (JDS), the company said Wednesday.


Skype Makes Cell Calls Free

Skype, originators of free Internet phone calls, has extended its reach even further by offering free cell phone calling - in partnership with Siemens -n Europe.


USADA bans sprinter Young for life

Olympic relay gold medalist and world 400-meter champion Jerome Young was given a lifetime ban from the US Anti-Doping Agency for his second performance-enhancing drug violation, according to USA Today.


Shota: I thought I #39;d blown chances sky high

SHOTA ARVELADZE feared he had blown Rangers chances of an Old Firm victory when he missed a golden chance in the dying stages. However, the Georgian was a relieved man when he finally found the net to hand


Future of F1 #39;s British Grand Prix is secured

The British motorsport industry has the  quot;opportunity to further enhance its reputation as a world leader quot; after the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone was secured, according Sports Minister Richard Caborn.


NASCAR Green-Flags Liquor Sponsors

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) on Nov. 10 said it #39;s lifting its decades-long, self-imposed ban on liquor sponsorships.


German winner of Hawaii Ironman has positive drug test

Nina Kraft tested positive for the endurance-boosting drug EPO after winning last month #39;s Hawaii Ironman competition, the German triathlon union said Thursday.


Liz Johnson is first female qualifier for PBA Tour event

Liz Johnson became the first woman to qualify for a PBA Tour event by finishing fourth in the qualifying round. The bowler from Cheektowaga, NY, was the top amateur Wednesday during qualifying for the PBA Uniroyal Tire Classic.


UK says to evacuate 400 Britons from Ivory Coast By Reuters. <b>...</b>

Britain will evacuate about 400 of its nationals and others from the Ivory Coast due to the deteriorating situation there, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.


Falluja troops under heavy fire

US marines in Falluja have come under sustained attack from several different directions in the headquarters they have set up in the Iraqi city.


Africans salute Yasser Arafat

African leaders have expressed their sadness at the death of the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat. South Africa #39;s President Thabo Mbeki said Mr Arafat #39;s life was defined by unflinching sacrifice for his cause.


Car bomb kills 17 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - A car bomb exploded in Baghdad?s commercial centre, killing 17 people and narrowly missing a US convoy that had passed by seconds earlier.


Intel Names New CEO

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Intel Corp. INTC.O on  Thursday said President Paul Otellini would replace Craig  Barrett as chief executive in a long-planned move, becoming the  company's first CEO with a marketing rather than an engineering  background.


Serena Fights Back, Davenport Off to a Flier in LA

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Serena Williams came back from a  set and two breaks down to beat Anastasia Myskina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4  on the opening night of group play at the WTA Championships  Wednesday.


Shaq, Wade Have Turned Up the Heat in Miami

PHILADELPHIA (Sports Network) - Miami is off to its best  start in franchise history. The Heat won their first four games  of the 2004-05 campaign, with three of their victories by 10  points or more.


After Arafat Death, Sharon Vows to Pursue Gaza Plan

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon  said on Thursday Yasser Arafat's death could be a turning point  for peacemaking but he would pursue a unilateral plan that  would strip Palestinians of some land they want for a state.


Pep Boys Stock Down After Earnings Miss

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of auto parts retailer Pep  Boys-Manny, Moe   Jack PBY.N fell 10 percent on Thursday, a  day after it said earnings dropped 48 percent last quarter on  more struggles in its service operations, missing estimates.


Lower Oil Prices, Intel Help Stocks Rise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks were higher on Thursday,  helped by technology shares like Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O and  Intel Corp. INTC.O, which received a brokerage upgrade, and  crude oil prices dropping below \$48 a barrel.


NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mid-priced clothing retailer and maker  Jones Apparel Group Inc. said on Thursday it was buying Barneys  New York Inc. in a \$400 million deal to boost its retail  business and move into luxury apparel.


Nortel Delays Filing Results -- Again

MONTREAL (Reuters) - Nortel Networks Corp. NT.TO, one of  the world's biggest telecoms equipment makers, has again  delayed filing its restated financial results, mainly because  of revenue reporting issues, the company said on Thursday .


Dutch Say Murder Suspect Linked to Radical Muslims

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch authorities are investigating a  radical Muslim group they suspect has links to the man accused  of killing a filmmaker critical of Islam and to bombings in  Casablanca last year.


Mars moon emerges from the dark

Mars Express takes its most detailed image yet of the Red Planet's largest moon, Phobos.


Former Microsoft Workers Charged with Stealing Software

Four former Microsoft Corp. employees were charged with stealing \$32.4 million worth of software and selling it on the side.


Japan gives OK to Sun desktop suite

The Japanese government has approved Sun Microsystems #39; open-source desktop software for use within one of its ministries, Sun is expected to announce.


US Forces Meeting Less Resistance in Fallujah

Description: On the fourth day of battle, American troops slow their assault, with US forces battling pockets of resistance in several parts of the city.


Intel board backs Otellini as CEO

Paul Otellini, currently president and COO, will replace outgoing chief Craig Barrett in May. \


Tiffany profit slips on weak Japan sales

Jewelry retailer Tiffany  amp; Co., dragged down by weaker-than-expected sales in Japan and higher precious metal and diamond costs, recorded a 26 percent drop in third-quarter earnings.


Weak German GDP: Eurozone fears

German economic growth slowed sharply in the third quarter as exports weakened and oil prices surged, raising fears that eurozone GDP figures due Friday will be lower than expected.


EBay buys top Dutch classified-listings site

Online auction powerhouse eBay Inc. has scooped up Dutch classifieds Website Marktplaats.nl as part of an effort to expand its classifieds trading activities and grow internationally, it said Thursday.


Frances competition watchdogs do not consider iTunes a problem

With its music-download service iTunes Apple was not unlawfully exploiting its market dominance, an opinion by France #39;s competition watchdogs, its Anti-Trust Office, concluded, thereby rejecting a suit initiated by the French daughter company of the


Intel Introduces New Itanium

Microsoft says its Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition will not run on servers equipped with Intel #39;s latest Itanium 2 processor.


Wireless operators ink WiFi roaming agreements

MUNICH - Seven leading wireless operators, led by T-Mobile USA, have signed roaming agreements that bring seamless worldwide high-speed internet access another step closer.


WTO ruling on net gambling angers US

The Bush administration dismissed as  quot;deeply flawed quot; a World Trade Organisation decision that the US has no right to ban cross-border gambling on the internet.


Canadian Tire Q3 revenue tops \$2 billion

TORONTO - Revenue at Canadian Tire topped the \$2 billion mark in the third quarter and profits rose 17 per cent, the retail giant reported Thursday.


Tiffany #39;s Net Falls 26; Shares Drop on Forecast Cut (Update5)

Tiffany  amp; Co., the largest US luxury jewelry retailer, said fiscal third-quarter earnings fell 26 percent on higher costs and declining Japanese sales.


Pep Boys 3Q Profit Off 48 Pct. to \$7.7M

Automotive aftermarket chain Pep Boys-Manny, Moe  amp; Jack Inc. on Wednesday said its third-quarter profit dropped, despite higher sales.


Stocks in Motion: GenCorp

Shares of Hollywood Entertainment (HLYW:Nasdaq - news - research) were among the Nasdaq #39;s winners Thursday, rising 11 after rival Blockbuster (BBI:NYSE - news - research) said that it would like to buy Hollywood Entertainment for about \$700 million.


EU Clears Disney-Columbia British Venture

European Union regulators Thursday cleared a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company, Columbia Pictures Corp. Ltd., and Britain #39;s ON Demand Group to provide a video-on-demand service in Britain and Ireland.


New job offer shocked Robinson

Bagshot, England - Jason Robinson has said he was stunned to be made England captain for Saturday #39;s Test against Canada at Twickenham.


Gill Fears Glazer Intervention

Manchester United chief executive David Gill will head into the clubs annual general meeting tomorrow fearing the possibility of another confrontation with Malcolm Glazer.


WILLIAMS WARY OF COMPLACENCY

Coach Matt Williams warned against the danger of complacency when Scotland face Japan at McDiarmid Park in the second of the Autumn Tests on Saturday.


Rebels fight for life in Fallujah; car bomb rips through Bagdhad

FALLUJAH, Iraq (AFP) - Rebels battled for their lives in Fallujah as US troops closed in for the kill, while 10 people died in a Baghdad car bomb and two US helicopters were forced to land under a hail of bullets.


Red Hat opens China office

Red Hat Inc. is opening this week its first office in China, as part of its effort to tap demand for low-cost software in developing markets.


In Brief: Infragistics teams with Mercury to automate .Net testing

Infragistics is partnering with Mercury Interactive to offer a collection of custom libraries that enables automated testing of the presentation layer of Microsoft's .Net. The TestAdvantage development tool, built using Mercury Interactive QuickTest Professional, enhances presentation layer regression testing by giving development teams an automated way to test user interfaces created with Infragistics NetAdvantage. Infragistics will ship the release candidate of TestAdvantage in January of 2005 for an introductory price of \$2,995.


Update 3: German Recovery Slows in Third Quarter

Germany #39;s fragile recovery slowed in the third quarter as exports slipped, with Europe #39;s biggest economy growing by just 0.1 percent, according to government figures released Thursday that underlined concerns over high oil prices and the strong euro.


Steel Partners Offers to Buy Up GenCorp

Investment group Steel Partners II LP on Thursday offered to buy up the remaining stake in aircraft component maker GenCorp Inc., saying the company #39;s board has made  quot;many mistakes quot; in allocating capital and managing day-to-day operations.


EU Clears UK On-Demand Venture by Disney, Sony

European regulators have approved a movies-on-demand joint venture between Sony #39;s Columbia Pictures and Walt Disney Co. that could help UK cable


eBay Buys Dutch Classifieds Site

The online auction giant has acquired Marktplaats.nl, a Netherlands-based online classifieds site for 225 million euros, or about \$290 million, in an all-cash deal, the company announced on Thursday.


Mozilla #39;s Firefox about to be released on market so far dominated <b>...</b>

The future appears rosy for Firefox. Just two years after its start, and even before reaching version 1.0 (now imminent), the little open source browser has already left behind its elder


Arctic meltdown opens alternative sea routes

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


Cricket: Warne - Leave it to umpires

Shane Warne expressed concern yesterday that the new proposal on cricket #39;s  quot;chucking quot; controversy might create more confusion.


Lee, MacGill help NSW fire out Kiwis for 213

Sydney: New Zealand made a disastrous beginning in their tour opener against New South Wales as they were shot out for a modest 213 at the Sydney cricket ground here today.


Arafat, his Legacy and the Future

OPININ (*)The Legacy: Yasir Arafat has been a disaster for the Palestinians, for Israelis, and for hopes of peace in the region.


Time to Buy a Value Meal?

Big run-ups in a few fast-food favorites might suggest that the value is gone, but take a closer look.


Triathlon: Kraft tests positive for drugs

Germany #39;s Ironman Triathlon world champion Nina Kraft has tested positive for the banned blood-boosting drug EPO (erythropoietin), according to a report in the Frankfurter Allgemeine.


Spurs 91, Warriors 71

SAN ANTONIO - Tim Duncan had 23 points and 18 rebounds and Manu Ginobili added 22 points to lead San Antonio past winless Golden State.


Dime smack: LeBron looking more like MJ

We had the League Pass surf going on at a ridiculous pace last night. Add a little Tivo into the mix and we covered just about everything.


Clinton Says Arafat Missed the Chance for Peace

Former US President Bill Clinton on Thursday offered condolences to Palestinians after the death of Yasser Arafat but said their leader had missed the opportunity to create lasting Middle East peace in 2000.


Snipers stall Fallujah blitz; Allawi #39;s kin kidnapped

FALLUJAH, Iraq - Advances in Fallujah slowed considerably yesterday after American-led troops took control of about half of the city.


Israel Re-Arrests Nuclear Whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu

Israeli police re-arrested nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu seven months after he was released from an 18-year jail term for leaking secrets about Israel #39;s nuclear program.


IRAN * EU * ATOM * MORATORIUM

TEHRAN, Nov 11 (RIA Novosti) - Iran is considering the issue on extension of a voluntary moratorium on work to enrich uranium, Iranian Foreign Ministry official spokesman Hamid Reza Assefi said Thursday.


At least 17 dead in Baghdad blast as Fallujah fighting goes on

A car bomb went off in central Baghdad Thursday, killing 17 people and injuring at least eight in a crowded commercial area, police said.


PeopleSoft Rejects Oracle #39;s  #39;Best #39; Offer

With third quarter revenues of \$161 million, strong earnings per share, healthy cash flow and robust projections to back them up, PeopleSoft #39;s directors are advising shareholders that Oracle #39;s


World Body Wants US To Allow Online Gaming

GENEVA -- A ruling from the World Trade Organization could open the United States to offshore Internet gambling. A WTO panel says the federal government should drop its ban on Americans placing bets at online casinos.


Canadian Tire Net Rises 17, Helped by Credit Cards (Update1)

Canadian Tire Corp., the country #39;s biggest retailer of auto supplies and sporting goods, said third- quarter profit rose 17 percent as customers put more purchases on the company #39;s credit card.


Nortel Further Delays Release of Financial Statements

Nortel Networks said the further delay in its release of financial information will  quot;permit the resolution of focused revenue reporting issues and remaining accounting matters identified by Nortel management.


Blockbuster offers to buy Hollywood

Blockbuster on Thursday said it has contacted Hollywood Entertainment Corp. about acquiring its top rival for \$700 million. Hollywood shares jumped 13.


Microsoft v Google Times Online #39;s verdict

Bill Gates may be the world #39;s most generous philanthropist, but the technical teams under his charge may well experience the uncharitable side of his nature today.


When the Northern Lights Moved South

Our atmosphere is home to many stunning optical phenomena; rainbows, lightning and fiery red sunsets to name but a few. For many, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis


India announces troop reduction in Kashmir:

India News: New Delhi, Nov 11 : India Thursday announced a reduction of troops in Jammu and Kashmir  quot;in recognition of improvement in the situation in the state quot;.


Chinese sub detected in Japan waters

Japanese government officials Thursday confirmed a Chinese Navy submarine intrusively entered Japanese waters a day earlier. The submarine was discovered early Wednesday


Settling into Camp Dogwood, Iraq

When the Black Watch battle group made their move north, there was an  quot;intelligence vacuum quot; in the area according to an army source here; they did not know exactly what they would face.


Junk mailers get the human touch

Online criminals are exploiting human hopes and fears to spread spam and viruses.


Mystery Lingers: Whereabouts of His Hidden Fortune

Yasir Arafat personally controlled several billion dollars for the Palestinian movement, and no one else knows where it all is.


Coca-Cola Lowers Targets, Boosts Spending

The Coca-Cola Co. is lowering its long-term targets for earnings and sales volume growth amid continuing weakness in key markets including North America. But the world's biggest soft drink company also plans to boost spending on marketing its core brands.


Icelandic firm buys fashion chain

Icelandic investment group Baugur extends its presence on the UK High Street with the purchase of budget fashion chain Mk One.


US economy can manage a rise in rates, say economists

Washington - With the US economy expanding at a respectable pace, companies hiring and consumers inclined to spend, Federal Reserve policy makers can feel comfortable about boosting short-term interest rates for a fourth time this year.


PeopleSoft reject final Oracle offer

quot;The board concluded that PeopleSoft is worth substantially more than Oracle #39;s latest offer. We are a vibrant, strong company with a focused, motivated management


Coke #39;s Isdell:  #39;We have underperformed since 1997 #39;

Coke (KO) lowered its long-term targets for earnings and sales volume growth amid continuing weakness in key markets including North America, said it missed the health trend, and said it plans to boost spending on marketing its core brands


WTO Rules US Must Allow Online Gambling

Antigua is saying that the US does not allow online gambling within its borders but that there are large numbers of American gambling organizations overseas.


Intel Taps Otellini As Next CEO

Intel #39;s board has tapped Paul Otellini to replace Craig Barrett as CEO, starting next year, the company announced. By Edward F. Moltzen, CRN.


German economic recovery runs out of steam

FRANKFURT (AFP) - The modest recovery of the German economy ran out of steam in the third quarter, official data showed, as exports, previously the main driving force behind growth of the eurozone #39;s biggest economy, slumped on the back of the global


Soybean rust discovered in US

Northeast Iowa farmers have said for years it was only a matter of time before soybean rust was found in the United States. Time #39;s up.


MSN Launches Search Beta

Microsoft has launched a beta version of an MSN search engine designed to compete directly with Google. MSN Search lets users search through more than 5 billion documents, Microsoft says.


Correction: Tech-Test-Firefox-Browser

In a Nov. 10 product review of the Mozilla Firefox browser, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the Internet Explorer browser from Microsoft Corp.


Gmail Gets Off its Web Perch

Google is allowing users to download Gmail messages through other email programs onto their desktops as well as mobile devices that support POP.


Trojan horse spies on Web banking

Security continues to hold steady over software as the third top IT priority, with organizations busy coping with cyber threats, keeping up with software security updates, and contemplating a plethora of security solutions and methods.


Big or Small NASA Space Vision?

According to the Boeing-Northrup Grumman announcement, the two companies plan to alternate as prime contractor should they win the bid to build the CEV.


French Courts Give Rights Win to Apple

The French Competition Council will not force Apple to license its FairPlay digital-rights management technology to competitors. The Council rejected an argument by Virgin France, which


New Trojan Spams SMS

The Delf-HA Trojan horse infects PCs and then contacts a Russian Web site to download instructions for running a spam campaign. The Trojan sends spam SMS by using the  quot;Send a text message quot; facility


SC2004: Top HPC Systems Keep Pushing Performance Limits

(11/10/04)The new list of the worlds Top500 supercomputers was officially announced last night in a overflowing ballroom at the SC2004 Conference in Pittsburgh.


Microsoft issues one fix in monthly security update

NOVEMBER 11, 2004 (COMPUTERWORLD) - In sharp contrast to last month #39;s barrage of critical patches, Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday offered up just one  quot;important quot; fix for users to implement in its scheduled round of security updates for November.


Rogers May Seek Remainder of Its Wireless Unit Shares (Update1)

Rogers Communications Inc. said it will offer about C\$774 million (\$646 million) in stock for the shares it doesn #39;t own in Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.


Serena Wins Thanks to Myskina Choke at WTA Championships; McEnroe <b>...</b>

Svetlana Kuznetsova and Lindsay Davenport had comfortable victories while Serena Williams looked nowhere near the top of her game in gutting out a win Wednesday on day one at the WTA Championships.


German winner of Hawaii Ironman confirms positive test

Nina Kraft, winner of last month #39;s Hawaii Ironman competition, acknowledged Thursday that she had used the banned endurance-boosting drug EPO.


PREVIEW-Rugby-England #39;s Robinson era set for high-scoring start

England begin the Robinson era on Saturday when coach Andy takes charge for the first time and new captain Jason leads the team out at Twickenham against Canada.


Hossa jumps to Swedish league

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Ottawa Senators right-winger Marian Hossa is joining younger brother Marcel and Slovak countryman Rastislav Pavlikovsky with Mora of the Swedish Elite League.


Germany could lose equestrian gold

BERLIN, Germany -- Germany, stripped of two equestrian golds in Athens, will almost certainly lose a third title after two of its show jumping horses failed dope tests.


Pep Boys Stock Down After Earnings Miss (Reuters)

Reuters - Shares of auto parts retailer Pep\Boys-Manny, Moe   Jack  fell 10 percent on Thursday, a\day after it said earnings dropped 48 percent last quarter on\more struggles in its service operations, missing estimates.


Turin Winter Games Organizers Sign Peace Deal

A political row over the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics has been solved with a power-sharing agreement between Italy #39;s right-wing government and the left-wing head of the local committee, organizers said Thursday.


Foot ailment in early stages

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Kobe Bryant had his worst shooting night of the season Wednesday in the Lakers #39; 110-87 loss to the Grizzlies, and worse yet, he needed nearly 45 minutes of postgame treatment for plantar fasciitis in his left foot.


Santana had breakout season; Schilling got title

BRISTOL, Conn. -- One enjoyed a breakout season while the other did exactly what his team expected. After finishing in a tie for seventh place in last year #39;s voting, Santana had a sensational 2004 season, going


Pirates agree to terms with Mesa and Torres

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to terms Thursday with closer Jose Mesa on a one-year contract, with a club option for 2006.


New South Wales starts strongly

New South Wales, led by leg-spinner Stuart MacGill #39;s 4-57, dismissed New Zealand for 213 Thursday on the opening day of a four-day warmup match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.


Children's Place Pleases

The retailer reports a 52 increase in earnings ahead of its Disney Stores acquisition.


Tributes for Arafat Focus on Efforts for Palestinian State

From the Vatican to the Palestinian refugee camps of Jordan, tributes poured in today for Yasir Arafat, a man regarded as an international leader by many and a terrorist by others.


As US Advances in Falluja, New Fighting Erupts in Northern Iraq

Insurgents opened a new front against American-led forces today, attacking several police stations in the northern city of Mosul and pushing that city to the brink of chaos


Iran, EU diplomats hold  quot;positive quot; nuclear talks, but no deal yet

European and Iranian diplomats held  quot;very positive quot; talks in Tehran late Thursday over demands the Islamic republic suspend some of its nuclear activities, but an accord has yet to be finalised, a source close to the crucial negotiations told AFP.


Insurgents may have fled Fallujah

The rapid US push into Fallujah has come without the sort of fateful showdown that would break the back of the insurgency. In fact, advance US and Iraqi


Whole Foods' Healthy Outlook

The natural foods chain is predicting double-digit sales growth until 2010.


Tiffany Profit Slips on Weak Japan Sales (AP)

AP - Jewelry retailer Tiffany  amp; Co., dragged down by weaker-than-expected sales in Japan and higher precious metal and diamond costs, recorded a 26 percent drop in third-quarter earnings.


Senators' Hossa Heads to Swedish League (AP)

AP - Ottawa Senators right wing Marian Hossa is switching European teams during the NHL lockout.


Goings-On Down Under

Things are looking up for National Australia Bank, which could be a good foreign investment.


Twins' Santana Named AL Cy Young Winner

NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Minnesota Twins lefthander  Johan Santana, who won his final 13 decisions of the regular  season, was a unanimous selection for the 2004 American League  Cy Young Award.


Oil Drops Another Dollar on Rising Supply

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil tumbled another dollar on Thursday,  resuming a two-week slide that has cut 15 percent from prices  as rising crude inventories ease concerns over winter fuel  supplies.


ROME (Reuters) - A political row over the 2006 Turin Winter  Olympics has been solved with a power-sharing agreement between  Italy's right-wing government and the left-wing head of the  local committee, organizers said Thursday.


As U.S. Advances in Falluja, New Fighting Erupts in Northern Iraq

Insurgents opened a new front against U.S.-led forces today in Mosul, while an enormous car bomb in Baghdad killed at least 13 people.


Nets' Mercer Slated for Surgery

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Sports Network) - New Jersey Nets  guard Ron Mercer is scheduled to have surgery Monday on his  left knee and could be out of action for up to four weeks.


Pirates Agree to Terms with Mesa and Torres

PITTSBURGH (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed  to terms Thursday with closer Jose Mesa on a one-year contract,  with a club option for 2006.


Berlin to host 2009 world athletics championships

Berlin was selected as the venue for the 2009 world track and field championships by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) here on Saturday.


Police arrest phishing mob suspect

A suspected Russian mobster is believed by U.S. law enforcement to be behind a series of phishing scams.


Trojan horse spies on Web banking

Sneaky program takes a different tack to capture people's passwords and potentially steal money.


After Arafat Death, Sharon Vows to Pursue Gaza Plan (Reuters)

Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon\said on Thursday Yasser Arafat's death could be a turning point\for peacemaking but he would pursue a unilateral plan that\would strip Palestinians of some land they want for a state.


Flooding Kills 11 in Indonesian Java

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Floods in the home region of  Indonesia's president have killed 11 people and forced  thousands to flee their villages on the southern part of the  country's main Java island, local media reported on Sunday.


MLS, Players' Union Reach Tentative Deal (AP)

AP - Major League Soccer and its players' union tentatively agreed on a five-year labor contract Thursday, ending nearly 1 1/2 years of negotiations.


Techs Can't Find Hangover Cure (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - There's plenty of good news out there in the technology sector, particularly when it comes to e-commerce powerhouses like eBay and Amazon, and portals like Yahoo.


Bank of Ireland Posts Rise in Earnings (AP)

AP - The Bank of Ireland reported a 7.8 percent rise in first half profit Thursday but also revealed a significant rise in withdrawals at its asset management unit.


Correction: Tech-Test-Firefox-Browser (AP)

AP - In a Nov. 10 product review of the Mozilla Firefox browser, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the Internet Explorer browser from Microsoft Corp. does not have a pop-up blocker. The summer release of Service Pack 2, a security update available only for Windows XP computers, included a pop-up blocker.


Edward C. Baig: Personal Tech - Satellite radio in the palm of your hand (USATODAY.com)

USATODAY.com - I'm rooting for satellite radio to succeed. (It's been just three years since XM launched the first satellite radio service.) How come? The appeal of XM and Sirius becomes obvious to folks who are turned off by excessive and dumb commercials, tired formats and static on much of what passes for AM and FM nowadays.


Elcoteq Focuses on Design to Tap Hefty Demand (Reuters)

Reuters - Elcoteq  is targeting\growth by strengthening its focus on design services to tap\surging demand in the mobile handset market, Europe's top\electronics manufacturing services firm said.


Dell close to adopting AMD chips (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - Dell president and CEO Kevin Rollins indicated that the company is actively considering including AMD processors in its server roster in the foreseeable future.


Arctic Thaw Could Open Vast Oil and Gas Region (Reuters)

Reuters - An accelerating thaw of the Arctic\may open vast regions for oil and gas exploration but that\brings worries of spills in the fragile environment, experts\said Thursday.


Gap's garment gadget blasts your favorite tunes

Wearable tech goes mainstream as the Gap introduces jacket with built-in radio.\


U.S. Had Stormy Relationship With Arafat (AP)

AP - More than two years ago President Bush cut off all U.S. contact with Yasser Arafat as a failed and corrupt leader. But Bush did not retract his pledge to help the Palestinians achieve statehood.


Pesticide Study Using Children Postponed (AP)

AP - A planned government study into how children's bodies absorb pesticides and other chemicals has been temporarily suspended due to ethical concerns.


Hurricanes Blamed for Fruit Infection (AP)

AP - This year's hurricanes spread citrus canker to at least 11,000 trees in Charlotte County, one of the largest outbreaks of the fruit-damaging infection to ever affect Florida's citrus industry, state officials said.


NOAA Observes Killer Whales After Valdez (AP)

AP - It's probably too late to save a small pod of killer whales whose numbers plummeted after the Exxon Valdez tanker spilled nearly 11 million gallons of oil into Prince William Sound.


Rebels Set Off Land mine in Indian Kashmir; 11 Dead

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


WHO Urges Science to Keep World Healthy (AP)

AP - Technological advances that help drug companies churn out highly profitable prescription medications must also be applied to improving public health care around the globe, a World Health Organization report released Wednesday says.


Exclusive: Dell close to adopting AMD chips

Dell president and CEO Kevin Rollins indicated that the company is actively considering including AMD processors in its server roster in the foreseeable future.


Republicans, Democrats Swap Louisiana House Seats (Reuters)

Reuters - The 2004 U.S. elections ended on\Saturday with Republicans and Democrats swapping one U.S. House\of Representatives seat each in runoff elections in Louisiana.


Nortel delays filing for fourth time

Nortel Networks, one of the world #39;s biggest telecommunications gear makers, has again delayed filing its restated financial results mainly because of revenue reporting issues, the company said Thursday.


Microsoft says Firefox not a threat to IE

Just days after the launch of open-source browser Firefox 1.0, Microsoft executives defended Internet Explorer, saying it is no less secure than any other browser and doesn #39;t lack any important features.


Iran answer on nuke freeze not definitive-diplomat

Iran #39;s answer on Thursday to an EU demand it freeze sensitive nuclear work such as uranium enrichment was described as not too disappointing but not completely definitive by an EU diplomat familiar with the talks.


Antigua Gets A Piece Of The Action

NEW YORK - What are the odds that a tiny nation like Antigua and Barbuda could take on the United States in an international dispute and win?


Internet pirates 'cost software firm hundreds of millions' of dollars (AFP)

AFP - Athens police said they had arrested a Greek citizen who pirated and sold a computer software program, costing the multinational company that owned its copyright hundreds of million of dollars (euros).


Villarreal's Senna Suspended for 60 Days (AP)

AP - Villarreal's Marcos Senna has been suspended by UEFA for 60 days for failing a doping test, the Spanish club said in a statement posted on its Web site Thursday.


Gmail Lands In Outlook

Google #39;s still-not-released-to-the-public free Gmail e-mail service on Wednesday added POP3 support, letting users send and receive messages from traditional desktop clients and some mobile devices.


Suspected Russian mobster charged with phishing

A suspected Russian mobster was charged this week with identity theft in a phishing style scam. Andrew Schwarmkoff, 28, was arraigned in a Boston-area District Court on multiple counts


U.S. Says Fallujah Assault Successful (AP)

AP - The Pentagon's top general said Thursday that the assault on Iraq's rebel-controlled Fallujah has been "very, very successful," despite suspicions that many insurgents had simply fled before it began.


Pirates agree to terms with Mesa, 38

Coming off a big first year as the Pirates closer, Mesa on Thursday agreed to a one-year contract with a club option for the 2006 campaign.


Japan raises submarine issue with China: report (AFP)

AFP - Japan took up with China the issue of a suspicious submarine that intruded into its waters amid alarm in Tokyo that the vessel was a show of strength from its neighbour and growing competitor.


Carter hopes for new peace talks in wake of Arafat #39;s death

ATLANTA Former President Jimmy Carter is expressing hope for new Middle East peace efforts in the wake of Yasser Arafat #39;s death.


Bush Honors Fallen American Soldiers (AP)

AP - President Bush paused on Veterans Day to honor American soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan during his presidency and in wars past. As he spoke, U.S. warplanes and artillery pounded insurgents west of Baghdad.


Milosevic calls leaders to trial

Ex-Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic asks judges to subpoena world leaders at his trial in The Hague.


Brown Bears Came to N. America Earlier Than Thought, Fossil Suggests

A fragment of a bear skull in a Canadian museum may be rewriting the history of North America's brown bears.


African Bush-Meat Hunting Linked to EU Overfishing

The European Union's heavy fishing off West Africa may be causing a rise in poaching of Africa's wildlife as hungry Africans seek alternative protein, a new study suggests.


Indonesia Peat Fires May Fuel Global Warming, Experts Say

Indonesia's vast tropical peatlands, a bog of plant debris undisturbed for centuries until they were drained for cultivation, have become a perennial fire hazard and, a new study says, possibly a significant contributor to global warming.


NYSE probing late trading for price manipulation

New York Stock Exchange regulators said on Thursday they are investigating firms that send in trades in the last seconds of the day designed to manipulate the final price of shares at the closing bell.


Intel Names Otellini New CEO

Intel Corp. on Thursday said President Paul Otellini, a marketing expert, would replace Craig Barrett as chief executive, at a time when the No.


Report: Russian Gov #39;t Approves Merger Plan

The Russian government has approved a plan for the merger of natural gas giant Gazprom and the state-owned Rosneft oil company, a news agency reported Thursday.


Jones buying trendy Barneys

Jones said the deal is valued at approximately \$400 million, including cash consideration of \$19 per share to Barneys stockholders totaling \$294.


Union votes to authorize strike if talks break down

ARLINGTON, Va. The union representing US Airways reservation agents and other passenger service employees has voted to authorize a strike if it can #39;t negotiate a fair contract with the Arlington-based airline.


German economic recovery slows down

LONDON, November 11 (newratings.com) - Germany witnessed a slowdown in its economic growth momentum during the third quarter this year, with the nation #39;s GDP growth rate declining to 0.1 from the relatively robust growth rate of 0.4 in the first two


Steel Partners Bids \$700 Mln for Gencorp

US investment fund Steel Partners II on Thursday offered to buy 90 percent of Gencorp Inc. (GY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) it does not already own for about \$700 million


UPDATE 1 - Fitch cuts Merck #39;s triple-A rating by two notches

Fitch Ratings on Thursday cut Merck  amp; Co. Inc. #39;s (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) top  quot;AAA quot; rating by two notches, citing its withdrawal of the arthritis drug Vioxx and subsequent


Charles Schwab to Merge 19 Offices

Charles Schwab Corp., the world #39;s largest discount broker, said Thursday that it will merge 19 branch offices in certain cities into other branches in mid-December in a move to rebalance branch resources.


EBay Buys Dutch Classifieds Site for \$290M

E-commerce giant eBay made another foray into the classifieds space, buying Dutch classifieds site Marktplaats.nl for around \$290 million.


NASA #39;s Scramjet Could Reach Mach 10

NASA plans to break the aircraft speed record for the second time in 7 1/2 months next week, by flying its X43a scramjet 110,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean at speeds close to Mach 10.


Cisco Warns Routers, Switches Are Vulnerable To Denial Of Service <b>...</b>

Cisco releases an advisory warning that certain devices running IOS Version 12.2S software can be disabled by hackers. By Preston Gralla, Networking Pipeline.


French Court Rules Apple Need Not Share FairPlay Technology

The court said Apple #39;s refusal to license FairPlay was not anti-competitive. It also pointed out the availability of other devices that are compatible with Virgin #39;s download site.


Police arrest phishing mob suspect

A suspected Russian gangster and phisherman, caught red-handed with \$200,000 worth of stolen goods and \$15,000 cash, has been charged in the US on several counts of identity and credit card fraud.


Reebok Debuts Pricey Pump 2.0s

The US\$100-plus sneaker is back with a vengeance touting a range of bells and whistles that will have you walking in air with no need for laces ever again.


Indo-Pak ODI much more than a cricket match: Inzamam

KOLKATA, India, Nov 11 (AFP): Pakistan #39;s first one-day cricket match in India in five years is more about  #39;building relations quot; than winning or losing, visiting captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said Thursday.


Santana captures Cy Young Award

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana won the American League Cy Young Award Thursday, becoming the first unanimous winner since Arizona #39;s Randy Johnson two years ago.


Roddick, Fish lead US challenge

NEW YORK -- World number two Andy Roddick and 37th-ranked Mardy Fish will lead the United States in next month #39;s Davis Cup final against hosts Spain.


Randle #39;s temper may cost him the season

CHAMPAIGN - Brian Randle #39;s second season with the Illinois basketball team may have suffered a knockout punch Wednesday. The athletic wing forward broke a bone and suffered a dislocation in his left hand


Germany Could Lose Third Olympic Equestrian Gold

Germany, stripped of two equestrian gold medals in Athens, will almost certainly lose a third Olympic title after one of its show jumping horses failed a dope test.


Vanunu re-arrested

Former nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu has been re-arrested in Israel, the BBC and Israeli media reported Thursday. Vanunu, who was freed in April after spending 18 years


MSN Launches Search Beta (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - On Thursday, Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) MSN division launched a beta version of a search engine that appears designed to compete directly with Web search leader Google.


Colombia Says It's Winning Vs. Rebels (AP)

AP - The Colombian government is winning in its offensive against Marxist rebels in their jungle strongholds, the country's new army chief said Thursday.


Court Dismisses Takeover Bid Challenge (AP)

AP - Gold Fields Ltd. lost another round Thursday in its battle to fight off a hostile takeover bid by Harmony Gold Mining Co. when a Johannesburg court dismissed a request to declare the bid unlawful.


Microsoft Sees  #36;100 Million First Day for 'Halo 2' Game (Reuters)

Reuters - First-day sales of Microsoft\Corp.'s  new video game "Halo 2" will reach  #36;100\million, a senior Microsoft games executive said on Tuesday.


U.N. Downplays S. Korean Nuke Experiments (AP)

AP - South Korean nuclear experiments revealed earlier this year produced minute amounts of weapons-grade uranium and plutonium, but there was no evidence linking them to an attempt to make weapons, the U.N. atomic watchdog agency said Thursday.


GM Deal: Hitch Included (The Motley Fool)

The Motley Fool - Well, it looks like General Motors (NYSE: GM - News) has done it once again. The auto industry's leader in offering consumer incentives has come up with a brand new pitch to try to lure buyers into its showrooms. If you buy and finance a 2005 GM vehicle by the end of November, the next GM vehicle you purchase within five years can be financed at today's low rates -- as long as the vehicle is purchased before the initial loan expires.


Intel Introduces New Itanium, but Microsoft Skips It (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - Intel has introduced a third-generation Itanium 2 into the market, but Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) has noted that its Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition will not run on servers with the chip.


French Courts Give Rights Win to Apple (NewsFactor)

NewsFactor - The French Competition Council has dismissed a Virgin France complaint against Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL), saying that Apple did not violate rules regarding market dominance.


Intel Names Otellini New CEO

SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Intel Corp. on Thursday  said President Paul Otellini, a marketing expert, would replace  Craig Barrett as chief executive, at a time when the No. 1  microchip maker looks for markets beyond personal computers and  for new technologies to speed up PCs.


Trade to Dominate Bush's Farm Agenda (AP)

AP - President Bush will begin a second term barely a year after the United States had its first case of mad cow disease and as Japan and other countries maintain bans on U.S. beef.


Coke: Looks Like Sody Pop

In trimming its projections, Coca-Cola now looks like a couple other companies that have rebounded.


Jones Apparel to Buy Barneys for \$400 Mln

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Barneys New York, the luxury  retailer that sells couture clothes to the rich and famous, on  Thursday agreed to be acquired by clothing manufacturer Jones  Apparel Group Inc. for \$400 million.


I Caught You Looking!

An innocent financial background check can send ripples through your credit file.


Tiffany Posts Unexpected Dip in Earnings

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Luxury jeweler Tiffany   Co.    on  Thursday posted an unexpected drop in quarterly earnings and  slashed its profit forecast, as weak silver jewelry sales in  Japan and higher diamonds and precious metals costs more than  offset improved U.S. sales.


GM Deal: Hitch Included

General Motors offers consumers chance to lock in today's rates, but there's this five-year clause.


Stocks Rally as Oil Drops; Techs Strong

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks shot higher on Thursday as  oil prices resumed their retreat, while technology shares sped  ahead, helped by Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O and Intel Corp.  INTC.O


Vikings' Losses Echo Last Season's Woes (AP)

AP - After starting 5-1, the Minnesota Vikings have lost two straight, a scary portent for a team that won its first six a year ago, then lost seven of its last 10.


Steel Partners Bids \$700 Mln for Gencorp

CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. investment fund Steel Partners II  on Thursday offered to buy 90 percent of Gencorp Inc. GY.N it  does not already own for about \$700 million, driving shares to  highs not seen in more than five years.


Tire Makers Oppose U.S. Plan for Monitors

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Big tire manufacturers are formally  opposing portions of a proposed regulation that would require  tire pressure monitoring systems on all passenger vehicles,  saying the government's current plan could actually increase  the risk of tire failure.


Illinois' Randle Out Up to 10 Weeks (AP)

AP - Illinois forward Brian Randle is expected to miss six to 10 weeks with a broken hand, an injury caused when he punched a padded wall after becoming frustrated during a scrimmage.


Iran Answer on Nuke Freeze Falls Short - Diplomat

VIENNA/TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran failed on Thursday to give a  definitive answer to an EU demand it freeze sensitive nuclear  activities or face referral to the UN Security Council for  possible sanctions, a diplomat familiar with the talks said.


Israel Arrests Nuke Whistleblower Vanunu for 'Leak'

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli police put nuclear  whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu under house arrest on Thursday  on suspicion of spilling more state secrets, seven months after  he completed an 18-year prison term for treason.


Playboy is a Mirror for Tomcat?

\\This is really strange.\\Today I wanted to download a Tomcat source tarball and it pointed me to this\mirror:\\mirrors.*playboy.com*/apache...\\The full link to the Tomcat tarball is here :\\Whats up with that?  \\More evidence that Tomcat  is just cat on the prowl for a kitten in need:\\caption: Can you pass the Tomcat Rorschach  test? \\


Another Rojo Review

\\It seems Slacker Manager has reviewed  Rojo (as well as a few other\aggregators:\\"I wanted a web-based one, since I want to get to it from home and work.  I\know there are a bunch of entries flooding this space these days, but here's\what I've tried: a customized Yahoo! page, Bloglines, Kinja and Rojo.  The\bummer is that they're each so different that it takes a while to decide\whether you like 'em or not.  I've been flipping through each of them off and\on for a while now, and I've decided that I really like Rojo.  They're a\relatively new entry, but the stuff they're offering is, so far, just what I'm\looking for.  They bill themselves as adding a social networking bit to the\RSS reading ...\\


The Netherlands: Death of Theo van Gogh

The internet #39;s bloggers soon got to grips with Rohan Jayasekera #39;s diatribe against the legacy of murdered Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh.


Israeli Nuclear Whistle Blower Arrested (AP)

AP - Heavily armed police commandos stormed a Jerusalem church compound and arrested nuclear whistle blower Mordechai Vanunu on Thursday, drawing harsh condemnation from the Anglican Church to which he belongs.


Blockbuster Offers  #36;700M for Rival Chain (AP)

AP - Blockbuster Inc., facing new attacks from big retailers and online operators, has offered  #36;700 million for rival Hollywood Entertainment Corp. in a bid to combine the two biggest players in the movie-rental industry.


Sears Up 5 Pct on Real Estate Enthusiasm (Reuters)

Reuters - Sears, Roebuck and Co.  shares\rose 5 percent on Thursday on continued investor enthusiasm\over the value of the retailer's property after last week's\disclosure that a real estate investment trust has more than a\4 percent stake in the firm.


Quechua 1.0: Microsoft to launch Windows in the language of the Inca (AFP)

AFP - Microsoft will translate its blockbuster computer software Windows and Office into Quechua, the language of the indigenous Inca, for Andean nations from Argentina to Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, where it is spoken, the company said.


Survey: Format Influenced Voter Priorities (AP)

AP - This presidential election has been described by many as one in which morality mattered most to voters. But that perception may be driven at least partially by how pollsters asked voters about their priority issues.


Sears Up 5 Pct on Real Estate Enthusiasm

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Sears, Roebuck and Co. S.N shares  rose 5 percent on Thursday on continued investor enthusiasm  over the value of the retailer's property after last week's  disclosure that a real estate investment trust has more than a  4 percent stake in the firm.


Microsoft Unveils Beta MSN Search Site

Microsoft on Thursday officially unveiled the new beta version of its MSN Search site, the company #39;s hotly anticipated attempt to take on Google for Web searching.


Wanted by the police: A good interface

SAN JOSE, Calif.--San Jose has a reputation as one of the safest large cities in the nation, with the fewest police officers per capita.


Crude futures fall despite renewed heating oil fears ahead of <b>...</b>

Oil prices fell Thursday after moving close to US\$49 a barrel as markets digested news of a rise in crude inventories but lower-than-expected US heating oil stocks.


Evansville Airline Pulling Out

Airline passengers flying out of Evansville will soon have fewer choices. Newswatch has learned one of the airport #39;s major carriers is pulling out.


Microsoft releases Beta MSN Search to counter Google

As announced earlier, Microsoft today released the second beta of their upcoming Search Engine, which would replace the current version running on MSN website.


Google Makes Gmail Portable

Google is rolling out POP support for Gmail, allowing customers to download messages to Outlook and other client-side applications.


Life-or-death UI issues

The San Jose Police Department offers an object lesson in how to build a poor user interface, as the New York Times #39; Katie Hafner reports.


Ga. evolution dispute embarrasses some

First, Georgia #39;s education chief tried to take the word  quot;evolution quot; out of the state #39;s science curriculum. Now a suburban Atlanta county is in federal court over textbook stickers


Arsenal peace pact with United

Arsenal today told the Football Association they do not need to arrange a peace summit before their Carling Cup quarter-final with Manchester United.


England v Canada (Sat)

England aim to launch a new era under coach Andy Robinson with a handsome victory over Canada in the first of three autumn Tests at Twickenham.


Johan Santana set the Twins #39; single-season club record with 265 <b>...</b>

MINNEAPOLIS -- For much of the 2004 season, Twins pitcher Johan Santana didn #39;t just beat opposing hitters. Often, he overwhelmed and owned them in impressive fashion.


The US team is set for Spain for the Davis Cup final

NEW YORK Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish will represent the United States in singles play at next month #39;s Davis Cup final against Spain.


Iran gives contradictory answer to European proposal

PARIS, November 11 (Itar-Tass) - Iran has given an official reply to the proposal of three Euroepan nations known as  quot;troika quot; to freeze its uranium enrichment program in exchange for broad cooperation with the European Union, including in nuclear energy.


Sharon says recent events may be turning point in Mideast

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday that the recent events could be a historic turning point for the Middle East, without mentioning the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.


Pakistan team to visit Ganguly #39;s restaurant, watch Mughal-e-Azam:

Sports India, Cricket: Kolkata, Nov 11 : The Pakistan cricket team will visit Indian captain Sourav Ganguly #39;s restaurant and watch a colour-version of the classic Indian film Mughal-e-Azam here Thursday.


Former PGA Champion Harper passes away

Among the players Harper beat at the PGA Championship, which was contested in match play at the time, were Dick Metz, Bob Toski, Lloyd Mangrum and Jimmy Demaret.


S Korea chided for nuclear tests

The UN nuclear watchdog says South Korea's illegal nuclear tests were on a bigger scale than declared.


Otellini: soft-spoken, ruthless and an Intel lifer

Intel selects consummate insider as next CEO. Can he take Intel beyond the PC?


US Airways to end flights to Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- US Airways will discontinue service in Evansville beginning Dec. 19, Evansville Regional Airport officials said.


Schwab plans new, smaller branches

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Charles Schwab  amp; Co. is opening new offices that are smaller than its current branches as part of a plan to cut costs and compete with discount-brokerage rivals, the company said Thursday.


UPDATE 1-Schwab adjusts branch network to save costs

Charles Schwab Corp. (SCH.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the discount brokerage giant, said on Thursday it will merge 19 branches into existing offices and open 54 satellite offices


Courts not convinced in Apple DRM battle

Virgin #39;s attempt to force Apple to open up its digital rights management (DRM) technology has failed. The French Competition Council has dismissed a Virgin France case that alleged Apple had abused market dominance.


Gunners, Devils to call truce

With Arsenal set to meet Manchester United in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup, the Football Association is keen for the two clubs to call a truce following their fiery league game last month.


Tokyo battered by record winds; 14 injured

Record-breaking winds struck Tokyo on Sunday, beaching a tanker, toppling trees, halting trains and injuring at least 14 people in and near the capital, police and weather officials said.


Arafat #39;s death critical time for Palestinian people - Goff

The death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was a critical time for his people who must now address the question of his successor, Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said today.


Tech Stocks at 7-Month High as Oil Drops

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite  stock index rose to a 7-month high on Thursday as crude oil  prices tumbled, alleviating worry that high energy costs will  erode corporate profits.


Gap's gadget garment blasts your favorite tunes

Wearable tech goes mainstream as the Gap introduces jacket with built-in radio.\


Intel's Pentium M finally attracts US consumers

Intel Corp.'s Pentium M mobile processor is finally starting to gain ground against older mobile technologies in the eyes of U.S. consumers, 18 months after it was introduced to rave reviews, according to recent data from Current Analysis Inc.


A Hollywood Blockbuster

Blockbuster tries to remove Hollywood Entertainment from its list of ferocious competitors.


Intel's Extreme Makeover

Plus, Coke loses some fizz, PeopleSoft sort of says no, and has Starbucks' value peaked?


Global Wi-Fi Access Deal Makes World Wireless

Agreement creates instant access to 20,000 wireless hotspots in 11 countries.


No. 2 Oklahoma Wins Big 12 Title Game Over Colorado

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sports Network) - Adrian Peterson rushed for 171 yards and three scores, as the second-ranked Oklahoma Sooners likely punched their ticket to the Orange Bowl with a 42-3 pasting of the Colorado Buffaloes in the Big 12 championship game.


S.E.C. Warns American Exchange Officials of Civil Charges

The top three executives of the American Stock Exchange may face civil charges for failing to properly enforce the exchange's rules.


Clinton vs. the evil alien overlords

Microsoft isn't the only company soaking up the gravy from this week's release of "Halo 2", the smash successor to the company's breakthrough shooting game for its Xbox console. Missing Links


Dell Profit Rises

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dell Inc.DELL.O, the world's largest  personal computer maker,  on Thursday posted a higher quarterly  profit, helped by market share gains and lower component costs  despite slowing demand for corporate PCs.


Inuit Seek to Pressure U.S. to Slow Arctic Thaw (Reuters)

Reuters - Inuit hunters threatened by an\accelerating thaw of the Arctic want to amend a U.N. convention\to put pressure on Washington to do more to slow global\warming, an Inuit leader said on Thursday.


Finding No Fish, Ghanaians Turn to Bushmeat, Report Says (Reuters)

Reuters - Overfishing by subsidized European\fleets off the coast of West Africa is hurting local fisheries\and forcing people to slaughter wildlife to get enough to eat,\researchers said on Thursday.


Fed makes it four in a row

: The Federal Reserve on Wednesday nudged US interest rates up a quarter percentage point for the fourth time this year, citing healthier job markets and indicating it will press on with a rate-rise campaign.


Dell reports strong third-quarter profit

NEW YORK - Dell Inc., the worlds largest personal computer maker, Thursday posted a higher quarterly profit, helped by market share gains and lower component costs despite slowing demand for corporate PCs.


Analysis: Intel #39;s new CEO faces big challenges

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Intel Corp. #39;s long-awaited executive changes were viewed as a net positive by analysts, although the new guard faces some major challenges amid a difficult period for the chip giant.


S amp;P may cut Blockbuster #39;s rating

Standard  amp; Poor #39;s on Thursday said it may cut its ratings on Blockbuster Inc.(BBI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) deeper into junk, citing the company #39;s offer to buy competitor Hollywood Entertainment Corp.


Sino-Brazilian ties enter new era

Relations between China and Brazil have remarkably improved since the two countries established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, and both sides hope their ties will be strengthened in a time of challenges and opportunities.


Nortel Misses Third Refiling Deadline

Nortel Networks Corp. (NT) warned on Thursday it will again delay filing restated financial results, shaking investor confidence in the leading telecom equipment maker and sending its stock lower.


Report: Telecordia to be Bought for \$1.3B

Warburg Pincus Equity Partners and Providence Equity Partners are reportedly in negotiations to buy Telecordia Technologies for \$1.