Game Day: So much on the line

PITTSBURGH - Banged up and perhaps emotionally drained, the Steelers (11-1) can set records and clinch a division title today by beating the New York Jets (9-3) in a 4 o #39;clock game at Heinz Field.


51-49 stakes seen in \$36 billion plan; rival bid could surface

Although a Sprint-Nextel combination is being characterized as a \$36 billion merger of equals, published reports describe the emerging transaction as a purchase by Sprint.


Lenovo Says It Doesn #39;t Plan to Fire IBM Unit Workers (Update3)

Mary Ma, Lenovo Group Ltd. Chief Financial Officer, said she doesn #39;t think employees will be fired when the company completes its \$1.25 billion purchase of International Business Machines Corp.


Wal-Mart says softness continues

Soft sales continued at Wal-Mart Stores in the latest week, the world #39;s largest retailer reported Saturday. Free! Sign up here to receive our Before the Bell e-Newsletter!


Klitschko defends WBC heavyweight title

LAS VEGAS Vitali (VIH #39;-tah-lee) Klitschko defended his WBC heavyweight title with a ninth-round TKO over Danny Williams last night in Las Vegas.


Barcelona beats Albacete, opens nine-point lead

FC Barcelona opened a 12-point lead in the Spanish league after Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez scored in a 2-1 win at 17th-placed Albacete on Saturday.


Peterson, White finish 2-3 in Heisman race

Jason White (right) congratulates USC quarterback Matt Leinart (left) moments after the announcement of Leinart as the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner.


Manning in line for clutch of honours

PEYTON MANNING, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, is poised to equal or overhaul the NFL record of 48 touchdown passes in a season this weekend, and there is no bigger admirer of his talents


Three top police officials among 19 killed in Iraq

MOSUL: A US aircraft dropped a half-tonne bomb on Mosul on Saturday after insurgents attacked a US patrol that was trying to capture an insurgent arms dump, a military spokesman said.


Mild U.S. Weather Bites Into Oil Prices (Reuters)

Reuters - U.S. crude futures skidded more than\half a dollar lower on Monday, as a mild New Year's weekend in\the United States and forecasts for above-average temperatures\were expected to cap heating oil demand, traders said.


Rangers win, then draw old rivals

GLASGOW, Scotland -- Rangers returned to the top of the Scottish Premier League with an impressive 3-0 win over struggling Dundee, then learnt that would face old firm rivals Celtic in the third round of the Scottish Cup.


The wrong person won the Heisman Trophy

Every year they bill this as the presentation of the biggest award in sports. It #39;s supposed to be a prestigious honor, meant to go to the best college player in the country.


All Yankees, All Red Sox All the Time

ANAHEIM, Calif. - So now the Red Sox rotation, with Curt Schilling, David Wells, Tim Wakefield and likely Pedro Martinez, is as old as Fenway Park.


Lankan police probe concert blast

Colombo: Sri Lankan police is probing the grenade attack on a concert of Bollywood mega star Shahrukh Khan in Colombo on Saturday, which killed two people and injured 19, including the wife of former cricketer Ravi Shastri, as the actor and his troupe


Australians may boycott Games Village

MELBOURNE: Australian athletes could boycott the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Village because of fears that it might be overcrowded, noisy and hot, a newspaper has reported.


Klitschko Stops Williams as a Boxing Fairytale Ends

In heavyweight boxing action, Vitali Klitschko stopped Danny Williams tonight in Las Vegas tonight to retain his WBC heavyweight title.


Sony PSP Draws Crowds and Lines on First Day (Reuters)

Reuters - Game fans stood in lines through a chilly\Tokyo night to be among the first in the world to get their\hands on Sony Corp.'s PlayStation Portable, the consumer\electronics firm's first handheld game machine.


Eastern Malaysia Suffers Flooding (AP)

AP - Floods caused by monsoon rains forced the evacuation of thousands in eastern Malaysia on Sunday.


Satellite Radio That's Well Received

With its somewhat bulky contours and shiny silver case, Delphi's MyFi portable satellite radio evokes an old transistor radio.-The Washington Post


Microsoft's Media Center Still Falls Short

Microsoft's Media Center edition of Windows XP has to rank as one of the company's bigger disappointments in a while.-The Washington Post


More Search Products Prowl for Market Share

The initial performance of two Web-query services launched last week, Accoona and Blingo, suggests market leaders Google and Yahoo don't have reason to worry yet.-The Washington Post


THE NASA DIET

Boosters of the international space station have justified the billions spent on the project with reasons ranging from scientific research in a weightless environment to providing the first base camp on the long trek to the moon and planets.


Pavano accepts Yankees #39; \$39 million

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Carl Pavano decided Saturday he wanted to pitch for the Yankees, and his agent and New York closed in on a four-year contract worth about \$39 million.


Celtics snap skid, beating Sonics 98-84

Gary Payton is way too much for second-year pro Luke Ridnour to handle. That #39;s why the Boston Celtics have notched two of Seattle #39;s four losses this season.


Concert bomb: 5 still critical

Colombo - Five people fought for their lives on Sunday a day after a grenade attack killed two concertgoers and wounded 17 at a controversial show featuring top Indian film stars in the Sri Lankan capital, police said.


Ecological forum gets greenhouse gas report

A new report on ecological damage from greenhouse gases dominated the sidelines of a UN conference on global warming Saturday as delegates from nearly 200 nations


Iraqi insurgents inflict relentless attack

Insurgents pressed their attack on US troops and Iraq #39;s security forces Saturday, killing five Iraqi police officers and wounding 14 American soldiers in a relentless effort to derail next month #39;s elections.


Giants Shift Blame from Coach to the Players

Tom Coughlin will not bear the brunt of the Giants' failure. The team is looking to the players that span two coaching staffs and two unbearable seasons.


United cuts flight capacity out of DIA

United Airlines will decrease capacity on about 30 routes from Denver as it reduces US flight capacity by 14 percent and adds international flights to focus on more profitable routes.


Little change seen in Dec. 14 statement

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - Every Federal Open Market Committee meeting contains a flavor of mystery as officials gather behind closed doors to hold crucial discussions about the economic forecast and to make decisions on interest rates.


Is Microsoft #39;s media center ready for prime time?

The traveling  #39; #39;Windows on Wheels quot; exhibition, parked at dusk outside the Micro Center electronics palace on Memorial Drive, is jam-packed with


Monty taming Tiger #39;s tournament

Scotland #39;s Colin Montgomerie fired a 4-under-par 67 to grab a two-stroke lead after the third round of the \$US7 million World Challenge golf tournament at Thousand Oaks in California.


Glasgow teams in cup clash

Celtic have been drawn against arch rivals Rangers in next month #39;s third round Tennent #39;s Scottish Cup. Martin O #39;Neill #39;s men will have home advantage against their Old Firm rivals.


In brief: Notre Dame reportedly near deal with coach

Notre Dame was close to hiring New England Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis as its new coach, a university source said Saturday night, but the deal was not complete and still could fall apart.


Lonard four back in pursuit of Slam

Australian David McKenzie, who missed qualifying for his US PGA tour card by one shot six days ago, had an 8-under-par 64 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the Australian Masters.


Brewers deal Kolb for top prospect

It did not take long for Brewers general manager Doug Melvin to pique the interest of the club #39;s presumptive new owner.  quot;On my way down here, Doug said he wanted to talk


NFL: Jets, Rams, Broncos and Vikings Complete Puzzle

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jeff Wilkins booted a clutch 31-yard  field goal to earn the St. Louis Rams a playoff berth with a  32-29 overtime victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, as the  NFL regular season came to furious conclusion.


Celtics hand Sonics first home loss

SEATTLE - Paul Pierce scored 22 points and Gary Payton had 21 against his former team as the Boston Celtics snapped a three-game losing streak, beating the streaking Seattle SuperSonics 98-84 on Saturday night.


Portugal #39;s prime minister announces government is quitting

Portugal, already reeling from an alarming economic decline, plunged deeper into crisis Saturday when the conservative government quit a day after the president dissolved parliament and called an early general election.


Peace talks on Darfur crisis to resume

AU-sponsored peace talks on Darfur crisis are to be resumed at the Nigerian capital, Abuja, a spokesman for the continental body told reporters.


Jaish-e-Muslimeen chief arrested in Karachi

KARACHI: Security forces have arrested the head of the Jaish-e-Muslimeen, Mohammed Akbar Agha, here in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He allegedly masterminded the kidnapping of three United Nations workers in Afghanistan.


Space Station Crew Must Cut Back on Food

A Russian-built cargo spacecraft, Progress 16, had been scheduled to deliver fresh food, water and other supplies to the ISS last month, but the mission was delayed until late December.


a gem of a meteor show

If you were disappointed with the meager showing put on by this years Leonid meteor shower, dont fret. What could be the best meteor display of the year is scheduled to reach its peak on Monday night.


Prem Preview: Southampton  Middlesbrough

Next in the hot seat we have Mr Redknapp. Your first question Mr Redknapp, for 3 points, is how on earth are you going to rescue Southampton from relegation this season?


LEINART #39;S LANDSLIDE

It started to sink in for Matt Leinart as he shook the hands behind the stage. About two dozen past Heisman Trophy winners gathered in a ballroom here at the Hilton New York last night to welcome the newest member of their fraternity.


Two Burmese dissidents freed in release of 5,000 prisoners

At least two Burmese dissidents are among thousands of prisoners being freed by the military government in a third mass release in less than a month.


UK Police probe alleged charity fraud plot

Police in Britain are questioning nine men in connection with an alleged plot to defraud hundreds of thousands of pounds from the UK national lottery and children #39;s charities.


Dens of ingenuity

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- One of the great things about being Kevin Casey is getting to tell your spouse: Honey, I need to get the 61-inch television. For work.


Is Microsoft's media center ready for prime time?

CAMBRIDGE -- The traveling ''Windows on Wheels quot; exhibition, parked at dusk outside the Micro Center electronics palace on Memorial Drive, is jam-packed with wary Christmas shoppers checking out Microsoft Corp.'s lit-up vision of their entertainment future.


Successful fund shifts strategy, targets losses

Near the end of a very good year for his mutual funds, Ron Baron is talking about cutting his losers.


Letters

Mellon Financial is good for Boston We take exception to Sasha Talcott's characterization of Mellon Financial in her story on corporate giving in Boston ( quot;Mergers pinching smaller nonprofits, quot; Nov. 21).


Pennies at a time, we chip away at long-distance firms

BigZoo.com, a popular California company selling prepaid long distance for as little as 2.9 cents a minute, is getting out of the business at the end of next month.


Scare tactics obscure Social Security debate

I haven't made up my mind on the subject of private accounts for Social Security. Unlike the Bush administration, I prefer to study the facts before leaping to conclusions. (For contrast, see the war in Iraq.)


Fidelity family deals probed

Federal regulators are investigating whether traders at Fidelity Investments improperly steered business to their brothers who work for brokerage firms that execute trades for the mutual fund giant, according to attorneys and others involved in the case.


Buying a necktie with Joseph Abboud

Stripes are back. Solid red is out. And purple (indigo, to you, buddy) is the new power blue.


Selling sentiment: the greeting-card industry

Mass-production greeting cards are store-bought sentiment. They are meant to convey endearing words to a friend or loved one on a special occasion.


CVS chief executive's prescription for growth

With the purchase of Eckerd Corp. for \$2.15 billion this year, Tom Ryan transformed Rhode Island's CVS Corp. into a national force with more than 5,000 drugstore s. Ryan began working at CVS as a pharmacist in Warwick, R.I., in 1978. Now, as chief executive, he is engineering the integration of 1,260 Eckerd stores. He spoke recently with Globe reporter ...


Avoiding future debt from holiday present

Anne Maneikis has a problem with the holidays. She goes crazy. The rest of the year, she is perfectly sane. Thirty-seven and single, she works as an account executive for an advertising agency, managing budgets.


Palestinian Militants Fire Rocket in Gaza (AP)

AP - Palestinian militants fired three mortar shells and a homemade rocket toward Jewish settlements in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday, the army spokesman said.


NBA: Pistons Down Celtics, Wizards Beat Hawks

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Sports Network) - Rasheed Wallace  racked up 23 points and 12 rebounds and five other Detroit  players scored in double-figures as the Pistons cruised to a  100-88 victory over Boston at the Palace at Auburn Hills.


Irish pluck Weis

When Charlie Weis puts on his headset on the Patriots sideline today, he'll hope the best academic high school football players in America will be watching. That's because Weis now has two jobs -- offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.


Epstein is being a smart shopper

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- He's making it look easy, as if he's strolling down a supermarket aisle, checking off the items on his grocery list as he lobs them into his cart. And while some of these transactions were not yet official as of yesterday afternoon, no one doubts that Theo Epstein will have enough dough when he gets to the ...


Shanahan tries hand at being a Mr. Fix-It

Kudos to Red Wings winger Brendan Shanahan for reaching into his own pocket last week to bring in a bunch of his pals for a hockey summit in Toronto. Finally, a member of the rank and file emerges as the conscience of the game, and at a time when the NHL product desperately needs propping up in the  quot;E quot; (for ...


Montgomerie leads World Challenge

Names Colin Montgomerie overcame a few obnoxious fans and a pairing with Tiger Woods to post a 4-under-par 67 and take a two-shot lead in the Target World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, Calif., yesterday. Montgomerie was hardly intimidated playing with the tournament host, needing only four holes to put four shots between them on the leaderboard of the 16-man tournament. ...


Cricket: Tendulkar sets new best

Sachin Tendulkar hits a career-best 248 not out as India gain a lead of 342 over Bangladesh.


At White House, harder line with Putin considered

WASHINGTON -- A debate is brewing at the highest levels of the Bush administration over whether to adopt a tougher stance toward Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, who has systematically rolled back democratic freedoms and tried to snuff out democracy in weak neighboring states with little American opposition, according to US officials and policy analysts.


Militant leader held in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- A man who launched a militant Islamic group to fight US forces in Afghanistan has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of three UN workers there in October, a senior Pakistani Cabinet minister said yesterday.


US-trained forces scour Sahara for terror links

NIAMEY, Niger -- A company of 150 soldiers from Niger has brought the war on terrorism to a new frontier, carrying out a three-week hunt for armed bandits linked to an Algerian terror group in the inhospitable terrain of the Sahara desert and the Sahel region.


After lynchings, Mexico looks inward

SAN JUAN IXTAYOPAN, Mexico -- A pair of wooden crosses outside the elementary school are all that mark the macabre site where, just weeks ago, an angry mob captured two federal police officers, beat them unconscious, and set them on fire.


Chen Dealt Setback In Taiwan Election

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Dec. 11 -- Taiwanese voted Saturday not to give President Chen Shui-bian the legislative majority he had sought in a hard-fought campaign as reinforcement for his leadership and endorsement of his plans to edge the self-ruled island closer to independence.


Is more desire for sex worth risk to the heart? The FDA says no

Many women, both surgically and naturally menopausal, probably were disappointed last week when a Food and Drug Administration advisory group recommended holding off approving a new libido patch to rev up womens low sex desire.


Cheetham Leads Dunhill After 3 Rounds

MALELANE, South Africa - England #39;s Neil Cheetham had the only bogey-free round Saturday, shooting a 3-under-par 69 that gave him a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Dunhill Championship.


Arabs slam US for policy on Israel

RABAT, Morocco -- Arab leaders rebuked the United States on Saturday for its policy on Israel, saying US efforts to curb Islamic extremism and promote democracy in the Middle East could not be taken seriously because of its one-sided stand in the Israeli


Two Myanmar dissidents freed in release of 5,000 prisoners <b>...</b>

YANGON : At least two Myanmar dissidents were among thousands of prisoners being freed after the military government announced it had begun releasing more than 5,000 detainees in a third mass release in less than a month, relatives and officials said.


Democratic Rep. Bob Matsui Dies at 63 (AP)

AP - Rep. Robert T. Matsui of California, who spent time in an internment camp for Japanese-Americans as an infant during World War II and went on to serve 26 years in Congress, has died of complications from a rare disease, his family said Sunday.


Israel's Labour Opens Way for Alliance with Sharon (Reuters)

Reuters - Israel's opposition Labour party said\on Sunday it had no preconditions for joining with Prime\Minister Ariel Sharon, paving the way for a broad new\government to push through his Gaza withdrawal plan.


A Mission Worth The Risk

A well-researched study by the National Academy of Sciences makes a persuasive case for refurbishing the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA, which is reluctant to take this mission, should rethink its position.


Torre the lure as Pavano opts for Yankees

As it turned out, Joe Torre trumped Curt Schilling in the Carl Pavano sweepstakes. Pavano #39;s agent, Scott Shapiro, said last night that the


Are steroids as bad as we think they are?

IT MAY NOT HAVE been the most substantive line in President Bush #39;s State of the Union address last January, but it had to be the least controversial.


Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Bollywood Concert (Reuters)

Reuters - Two people were killed and 11 wounded\when a hand grenade was lobbed into the VIP section of the\audience at a concert led by Indian film superstar Shah Rukh\Khan and two other actors, police said.


U.S. Gave  #36;1B in Faith-Based Funds in 2003 (AP)

AP - The government gave more than  #36;1 billion in 2003 to organizations it considers "faith-based," with some going to programs where prayer and spiritual guidance are central and some to organizations that do not consider themselves religious at all.


Grenade kills two at Colombo Bollywood concert (Reuters)

Reuters - Two people were killed and 11 wounded when a hand grenade was lobbed into the VIP section of the audience at a concert led by Indian film superstar Shah Rukh Khan and two other actors, police said.


Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Bollywood Concert

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Two people were killed and 11 wounded  when a hand grenade was lobbed into the VIP section of the  audience at a concert led by Indian film superstar Shah Rukh  Khan and two other actors, police said.


Chen Loses Taiwan Poll, China Strains Seen Easing

TAIPEI (Reuters) - The pro-independence party of Taiwan  President Chen Shui-bian suffered a surprise defeat in weekend  legislative elections that could ease tensions with China but  paralyze government on the democratic island.


Romania PM, Bucharest Mayor Face Off for Presidency

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian Prime Minister Adrian  Nastase and popular Bucharest Mayor Traian Basescu face off in  a presidential election runoff on Sunday seen as key for the  Balkan country's European Union accession path.


The US climate change vision

quot;The issue of climate change respects no border. Its effects cannot be reined in by an army nor advanced by any ideology. Climate change, with its potential to impact every corner


Unscrupulous financial advisers cash in on clients #39; home equity

By George Chamberlin , Daily Transcript Financial Correspondent. Rising residential real estate values have been a blessing for many households.


Sony takes on Nintendo in portable game console market with PSP

TOKYO : Sony has launched a frontal assault on Nintendo #39;s domination in the portable game console market by kicking off Japan sales of its new PlayStation Portable (PSP), drawing huge lines in Tokyo.


Driver #39;s seat is his Heisman win

This happened a year ago, after USC capped its regular season with an all-afternoon assault on the Oregon State end zone. Outside the Coliseum, the parents of some Trojans players celebrated


Manning #39;s ties closer to Fouts than Marino

As Peyton Manning zeroes in on Dan Marino #39;s long-standing record of 48 touchdown passes in a season, the comparisons between the two have become inevitable -- one generation #39;s gunslinger giving way to the next.


Risk-taker Miller in search of Euro win

The winner, Werner Franz of Austria, was second out of the starting gate, and did not suffer from the biting cold and harsh wind faced by the later runners.


Kaman itching to play despite recent surgery

As a perpetual losing franchise, the Clippers have been known to find motivation in strange places, especially when they are far out of the playoff race.


Hatcher, Blazers win D-II title

FLORENCE, Ala. - Chris Hatcher was atop NCAA Division II football as a player at Valdosta State in 1994. Now, the Macon native is at its pinnacle as the Blazers #39; coach.


IKEA Touts Its 'Democratic Design' (Reuters)

Reuters - The design chief of home\furnishing giant IKEA was recently asked in China, now home to\two of the blue and yellow warehouses selling the Scandinavian\lifestyle, if he was worried about being a "design\imperialist."


Labour in coalition talks with Sharon

Israel #39;s opposition Labour party says it has set no conditions for joining Sharon #39;s government, paving the way for a broad coalition that could pushthrough his Gaza withdrawal plan.


US soldiers wounded in Mosul fighting

A US aircraft dropped a quarter-tonne bomb on the northern Iraqi city of Mosul resulting in an  quot;unknown number of enemy casualties quot; and injuring eight American soldiers.


Political Prisoners Among Latest Freed in Myanmar

Two senior pro-democracy leaders jailed in 1995 for distributing anti-government pamphlets were freed in military-ruled Myanmar on Sunday, part of the junta #39;s latest release of more than 5,000 prisoners.


IKEA Touts Its 'Democratic Design'

ALMHULT, Sweden (Reuters) - The design chief of home  furnishing giant IKEA was recently asked in China, now home to  two of the blue and yellow warehouses selling the Scandinavian  lifestyle, if he was worried about being a "design  imperialist."


V. Klitschko punishes Williams in title defense

LAS VEGAS -- Vitali Klitschko made one statement with his fists, and another with his words. Both came through loud and clear in a dominating title defense that elevated him to the top of a crowded list of heavyweight champions.


CZAR: Week 14 viewer #39;s guide

Knowing he was a long-shot to land a high-paying NFL job in Miami or Cleveland, Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis made the smart move and went after the head coaching position at Notre Dame.


Lakers makes selves at home

The fact that Tomjanovich took no flight before the contest and actually was in Staples Center may have been lost on the Laker coach.


Celtics give Seattle first loss at home

During last season #39;s NBA Finals, Doc Rivers slid a note to his broadcast partner, Al Michaels, during a timeout.  quot;It just said Gary (Payton) can still play, quot; the Boston coach recalled the other day.


Romanians vote in presidential run-off

BUCHAREST (AFP) - Romanians went to the polls to elect a president in a second-round run-off vote pitting Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, the favourite, against Bucharest Mayor Traian Basescu.


Not running scared

FOXBOROUGH -- It's perhaps fitting that Rudi Johnson's middle name is Ali, because he will be in one corner, wearing an orangy uniform.


ANAHEIM, Calif. -- As it turned out, Joe Torre trumped Curt Schilling in the Carl Pavano sweepstakes.


Montana cruises to final

Craig Ochs passed for 204 yards and three touchdowns, and Montana forced four turnovers in a 34-13 victory over Sam Houston State in a Division 1-AA semifinal game yesterday in Missoula, Mont.


Erwin's shooting lifts ND

Crystal Erwin scored a career-high 24 points on 9-for-9 shooting and Jacqueline Batteast had 17 points and 10 rebounds, leading seventh-ranked Notre Dame to a 72-58 victory over Washington yesterday at South Bend, Ind.


Smith has finishing touch

Sean Marshall did the work in the first half, scoring 17 of his 19 points. Then Jared Dudley carried the load early in the second half, tallying 13 of his 17, including 9 in the first 8 minutes 48 seconds.


Leinart picks up Heisman

NEW YORK -- Matt Leinart replaced a Heisman Trophy winner and became one himself. The Southern California quarterback won college football's most prestigious individual award last night, beating out Oklahoma teammates Adrian Peterson and Jason White, last year's winner.


IT MAY NOT HAVE been the most substantive line in President Bush's State of the Union address last January, but it had to be the least controversial.  quot;The use of performance-enhancing drugs like steroids in baseball, football, and other sports is dangerous, quot; he intoned.  quot;And it sends the wrong message -- that there are shortcuts to accomplishment, and that performance ...


His credentials rock-solid

AKRON, Ohio -- Michigan multimillionaire Dan Gilbert wants into the club, and he's prepared to spend mightily to enter.


BC women get second wind

Once again, the Boston College women's basketball team started strong in the second half to blow open a close game, this time using a 15-4 run after intermission to stretch a 5-point halftime edge into an easy 78-49 win over the University of New Hampshire yesterday at Conte Forum.


Portuguese government resigns after snap vote call (AFP)

AFP - Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes has announced that he and his centre-right cabinet had submitted their resignations, the day after the nation's socialist president announced he would dissolve parliament and call an early vote.


Dealings With Putin Discussed

The political crisis in Ukraine has touched off a fresh debate inside the White House and foreign policy offices over how President Bush should handle Russian President Vladimir Putin's increasingly authoritarian rule at home and assertive presence abroad, according to administration officials.


Subdivision Blaze 'Was Truly an Awesome Sight'

When Wally Danielson's pager started rattling at 4:54 a.m. last Monday to report a fire of an undetermined nature at Hunters Brooke, the volunteer fire chief in Marbury didn't think much of it.


Tackling The Pros: Play Hardball

You don #39;t have to hit Major League Baseball or its Players Association over the head with a bat for them to take baseball #39;s drug problems seriously.


Philippine movie star, presidential candidate FPJ in coma after <b>...</b>

MANILA : Philippine movie star and former presidential candidate Fernando Poe has slipped into a coma after suffering a stroke, a spokesman said.


Holidays are a hit with thieves

When most of us contemplate the holidays, we think of friends, family and fellowship. But Susan Larson has phishing on her mind. Larson works for SurfControl, an Internet and e-mail security company.


Pavano picks Yankees; Red Sox grab Wells

Carl Pavano decided he wanted to be a Yankee, and his agent and team officials worked to complete a four-year deal for about \$39-million.


Voting starts in Romanian presidential run-off

Romanians started to cast ballots in a second-round run-off vote on Sunday to elect a new president for a five-year term. About 17,560 polling stations across the country


Victim swam in shark feeding frenzy

A MAN killed by a shark on the Great Barrier Reef was spearfishing amid a shark feeding frenzy, a crew sent to rescue him said today.


Test of Rocket Postponed

The Air Force scrubbed its planned launch of a new Delta 4 rocket on Saturday afternoon when engineers were unable to fix a computer system designed to fire the engines.


Neighbors of Burned Homes Pained by Suburban Sprawl

The fires set at a development on a wetland in Maryland have highlighted a long and contentious battle over whether the injection of suburban density belonged there.


Notebook: Teams have A #39;s on speed dial

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Oakland general manager Billy Beane has spent most of two days here sequestered in his hotel suite. Maybe there will be a puff of white smoke signaling a trade for right-handed ace Tim Hudson


SILVIO #39;S PAL IS JAILED

A CLOSE political ally and business associate of Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi was jailed for nine years yesterday for colluding with the Mafia.


Tendulkar, Pathan put India on verge of victory (Reuters)

Reuters - Sachin Tendulkar cracked a career-best 248 and Irfan Pathan grabbed his maiden 10-wicket haul to take India to the verge of victory at tea on the third day of the first test against Bangladesh on Sunday.


NBA Wrap: Finley, Nowitzki Lead Mavs Over Rockets

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Michael Finley had 26 points and Dirk  Nowitzki added 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Dallas  Mavericks crushed their state rivals, the Houston Rockets,  102-78 in National Basketball Association play Saturday.


Klitschko Retains WBC Heavyweight Crown

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko stopped  Britain's Danny Williams in the eighth round to retain his  World Boxing Council heavyweight crown on Saturday.


Sony #39;s PlayStation Portable goes on sale

TOKYO - Sony Computer Entertainment Inc entered the handheld video game market Sunday with the sale of its new PlayStation Portable, pitting it against competitors ahead of the holiday sales period.


Travel 101: Australia #39;s Great Barrier Reef

What: The Great Barrier Reef is actually a maze of about 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching along Australia #39;s east coast, from north of Brisbane to Papua New Guinea.


Microsoft WinFS delayed even beyond Longhorn

The so-called next-gen filesystem to come from Microsoft is really looking to earn that generational distinction, and in more ways than one.


Green strikes gold in MasterCard Masters in Australia

European Tour Member Richard Green finally enjoyed the taste of victory in 2004 when he has sunk a four foot birdie putt on the first play-off hole to capture the \$225,000 first prize in a dramatic conclusion to the 2004 MasterCard Masters at Huntingdale


Union #39;s reply to next league offer holds key

The dynamic 24 percent payroll rollback proposed by the NHL Players Association last week was simply another gambit in the NHL #39;s labor dispute.


Arabs: Support for Israel taints reform efforts

Arab leaders rebuked the United States yesterday for its policy toward Israel, saying US efforts to curb Muslim extremism and promote democracy in the Middle East could


ESPN.com news services

Round 1: Vitali Klitschko opened his WBC heavyweight title defense with a diet of left jabs, cutting Danny williams #39; right eye early.


Congo army factions clash

eastern town of Goma before the 11,000-strong UN force in Congo sent up a helicopter to have a look.  quot;We flew over the area and the situation was calm.


Seahawks' Robinson Inactive Vs. Falcons (AP)

AP - Koren Robinson is back in the dog house. Again. The talented but troubled receiver was inactive for Seattle's 28-26 win over Atlanta on Sunday for violating an undisclosed team rule.


Songs in the shade

It seems like a cool idea - sunglasses with a built-in digital music player and speakers. And if Thump, Oakley #39;s new breed of eyewear, retailed for about \$100, it might be an alternative to the rudimentary flash memory card music players on the market.


ROUND-UP Mixed fortunes for Irish as Spurs win

Robbie Keane was declared fit for Spurs clash with Manchester City on Saturday afternoon and Stephen Kelly made a half-time sub appearance for Martin Jols side, but neither enjoyed particularly memorable afternoons despite their sides third


Red Sox add Wells to cast of characters

The self-proclaimed  quot;bunch of idiots quot; at Fenway Park are getting a new ringleader. In a move sure to torment the Yankees, the Red Sox have reached agreement on a two-year contract with David Wells.


2 killed in Sri Lankan capital at Indian mega star show

Two fans attending a concert staged by a mega Indian film star were killed late on Saturday night with a dozen suffering injuries, police said early Sunday morning.


Canada confirms mad cow case

Canada confirms that a cow from the province of Alberta has tested positive for mad cow disease.


Weis decision: Irish make their move

After being turned down by Urban Meyer and spurned by other big-name coaches (in some cases before the coach even was contacted), Notre Dame officials concluded their search for a replacement for Tyrone Willingham as head football coach Saturday night by


Blast at Market in Southern Philippines Kills 13 (Reuters)

Reuters - A huge explosion rocked the southern\Philippine city of General Santos on Sunday, killing 13 people\and injuring at least 60 at a public market, police and\witnesses said.


Israel Cabinet Agrees to Free Jailed Palestinians

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's cabinet agreed on Sunday to  free dozens of Palestinian prisoners in a move meant to show  goodwill ahead of elections to replace Yasser Arafat, officials  said.


Blast at Market in Southern Philippines Kills 13

MANILA (Reuters) - A huge explosion rocked the southern  Philippine city of General Santos on Sunday, killing 13 people  and injuring at least 60 at a public market, police and  witnesses said.


Strike move in public pension row

Unions consider strike calls over government plans to raise public sector workers' pension age.


US stance on Hussein's oil sales eyed

WASHINGTON -- Saddam Hussein was dead broke, the result of UN penalties. Or so it was thought.


Colombia militias handing over guns

CAMPO DOS, Colombia -- As Javier Alfonso Vela watched 1,425 paramilitary soldiers turn in their weapons under a blazing sun Friday in Colombia's largest demobilization of combatants, the missionary wondered aloud whether disarming right-wing militias would be a first step to ending his country's 40-year-old conflict, or a dangerous opening for the return of leftist guerrillas to this provincial outpost ...


Arab countries say US support of Israel makes political reform a difficult task

RABAT, Morocco -- Senior Arab officials attending a US- sponsored conference to promote democracy in the Middle East emphatically rejected yesterday the Bush administration's assertion that greater democracy in the region would help end terrorism. They argued that the administration's strong support of Israel made it difficult to undertake political reform or to stop extremists driven by hatred of US ...


Distrust on Arafat's demise

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Yasser Arafat's nephew said yesterday his uncle may have died an  quot;unnatural quot; death, a statement certain to renew speculation among Palestinians and in the rest of the Arab world where many already believe the late leader was poisoned despite Israel's repeated and vehement denials.


Iranians see right to nuclear program as matter of national pride

TEHRAN, Iran -- From this country's divisive political sphere to its disaffected streets, one thing binds Iranians of all ideologies: a fervent belief in the Islamic Republic's right to its nuclear program.


Klitschko Batters Williams to Retain WBC Title

Ukraine #39;s Vitali Klitschko left Danny Williams battered and bruised on Saturday, stopping the Briton in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown.


Stationary bike: Hamilton in limbo

There is still the bike, always the bike. Tyler Hamilton opens the door to his hillside home above the spectacular Sunshine Canyon, puts on his racing helmet and hits the road for six hours, as he has most days for the past decade. One thing, at least, has not changed. One thing is not in doubt.


Barnicle finishes 6th in humid San Diego

All season, Chris Barnicle seemed prepared for just about everything, but the Newton North senior was not ready for the hot weather he encountered yesterday in San Diego at the Footlocker Cross-Country National Championships. Racing in humid conditions with temperatures in the 70s, the Massachusetts Division 1 state champion finished sixth in 15 minutes 34 seconds in the 5-kilometer race. ...


Irish in talks with NFL #39;s Weis

By wire services. Notre Dame #39;s search for a coach to replace ousted Tyrone Willingham appears to be nearing an end. According to the Chicago Tribune, the seven-member committee that voted to fire Willingham Nov.


Bangladesh crumble

Bangladesh slumped to 36 for five at tea on Sunday as India closed in on a victory which could yet be completed within three days.


Landmarks for India as Bangladesh Crumble

Bangladesh slumped to 36 for five at tea today as India closed in on a victory within three days. Sachin Tendulkars Test career-best 248 not out and Zaheer Khans world record 75 for a number 11 had taken


Myanmar to Release More Prisoners

Myanmar #39;s ruling military junta announced Saturday that more than 5,000 prisoners have had their sentences suspended and will be freed from various prisons around the


US begins operation to hunt Taliban

KABUL, Dec 11: The US-led military in Afghanistan has kicked off a new operation to hunt Taliban militants in their winter stronghold and force them to accept an Afghan government reconciliation offer, a US military spokesman said on Saturday.


Fugitive financier Frankel will seek reduced prison sentence

NEW HAVEN, Conn. The Connecticut financier who stole more than 200 (m) million dollars from insurance companies in Tennessee and other states to finance a lavish lifestyle will ask for a reduced prison sentence.


Red Sox, Yankees duel with free agents again

The way the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have sprung to life at baseball #39;s winter meetings, you #39;d swear they were again in a two-team contest.


Powell leaving, Mideast struggle staying

Rabat, Morocco -- Colin Powell ended what may be his last overseas trip as US secretary of state here Saturday, struggling with the same issues that consumed so much of his four years in office -- the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and peace and reform in


Israel #39;s cabinet agreed on Sunday to free dozens of Palestinian prisoners in a move meant to show goodwill ahead of elections to replace Yasser Arafat, officials said.


Romania PM, Bucharest Mayor Battle for Presidency (Reuters)

Reuters - Romanian Prime Minister Adrian


Australian Man Detained in Iraq (AP)

AP - An Australian man of Lebanese origin has been detained in northern Iraq by Kurdish militiamen and Australian officials are investigating whether the detainee has links to terrorists, Kurdish and Australian officials said Sunday.


Mandelson #39;s peace move in Airbus subsidies battle

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has launched top-level negotiations to avert a damaging economic war between America and Europe over subsidies for aircraft maker Airbus.


Ho, ho, ho! IRS has  #39;gift #39; for you

It #39;s soon to be income tax season. You are entering the Alternative Minimum Tax Zone. For a growing number of taxpayers, the AMT strips away your tax deductions and leaves you paying higher taxes.


Ukrainian Klitschko retains WBC heavyweight crown

Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine stopped Danny Williams of Britain in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown in Las Vegas on Saturday.


Indian envoy had narrow escape in Colombo blast

Dignitaries, including Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao, had a narrow escape in the grenade attack on a concert in Colombo that killed two people and injured 19 as Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan made 20,000 star-struck fans rock by screaming  quot;I


13 dead, 52 wounded in Philippine bomb explosion

COTABATO, Philippines: Thirteen people were killed and at least 52 others injured in a bomb attack in a public market in the southern Philippines Sunday, the military said.


Middle East ; Arafat could have died of poisoning, PLO official

Middle East News, Ramallah, Dec 12 (IANS) A top Palestinian official has said the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat could have died of poisoning, but there was  quot;no medical or political proof quot;, reports Xinhua.


Round Two in Romanian Presidential Ballot

These are important days for the future of Romania. Not only has the EU agreed to conclude membership talks with Bucharest, but Sunday also sees the second round of presidential elections.


US mobile firms 'close' to merger

Sprint and Nextel reportedly reach a "tentative agreement" on a merger which will create the third largest mobile phone operator in the US.


Yugo Entrepreneur Importing Chinese Cars (AP)

AP - The man who brought the Yugo and Subaru to this country has a new project  #151; becoming the first mass importer of low-cost Chinese-made cars.


LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko left Danny  Williams battered and bruised on Saturday, stopping the Briton  in the eighth round to retain his World Boxing Council  heavyweight crown.


Poutiainen Wins But Plays Down Cup Hopes

ALTENMARKT, Austria (Reuters) - Finland's Tanja Poutiainen  snatched back the women's World Cup lead with her third victory  of the Alpine ski season on Sunday but played down her chances  of winning the overall title.


Tendulkar, Pathan put India on verge of win

Defiant knocks by Manjural Rana and Nasif Iqbal helped Bangladesh survive another day of Test cricket in the first match of the series against India at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.


Yushchenko: Ukraine Events Are Like Fall of Soviets

VIENNA (Reuters) - Ukrainian opposition leader Viktor  Yushchenko, speaking after doctors said he was poisoned with  dioxin, on Sunday likened his country's upheaval over a rigged  election to the fall of Soviet rule or the Berlin wall.


Berlusconi Ally Gets 9-Year Prison Term for Links to Mafia

An Italian court has sentenced a close political ally of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to nine years in prison for working with the mafia.


We #39;ve convicted al-Qaida supporters, says Iran

Iran acknowledged for the first time today it has convicted some Iranians of supporting al-Qaida. A few pro-al Qaida Iranian nationals have been tried and convicted, said foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi.


Israeli cabinet authorizes release of Palestinian prisoners

The Israeli cabinet agreed Sunday morning to free dozens of Palestinian prisoners in a goodwill gesture ahead of the upcoming Palestinian presidential elections, officials said.


Israel Agrees to Free Jailed Palestinians

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel agreed on Sunday to free up to  200 Palestinian prisoners to show goodwill after Egypt freed a  convicted Israeli spy and ahead of elections for Yasser  Arafat's successor, officials said.


Iran Refuses to Give Up Nuclear Research-Diplomats

VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran intends to use Monday's talks with  France, Britain and Germany to ensure it has the right to go on  carrying out research with equipment that could be used to  develop nuclear weapons, Western diplomats said.


Grenade Kills Two at Colombo Bollywood Concert

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Two people were killed and 11 wounded  when a hand grenade exploded in the VIP section of the audience  at a concert led by Indian film superstar Shah Rukh Khan and  two other actors, police said.


Las Vegas Sands Looks for a Jackpot

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rolling the dice at a craps table or  wagering a paycheck playing poker may not be the most rational  use of money, but one casino operator is hoping investors will  find its stock a better bet.


MergerTalk: U.S. Distress Funds Eye Germany

NEW YORK (Reuters) - German banks, looking to put bad  investments behind them, are hanging 'For Sale' signs on  billions of euros in distressed loans in a move that's  attracting major U.S. vulture funds.


Daw Aung San Suu Kyi awarded Honorary Citizen of Paris

Burmas democracy leader, Nobel laureate and General Secretary of The National League for Democracy (NLD), Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the honorary citizen of Paris by its city council in a ceremony held on 10 December.


Israel agreed on Sunday to free up to 200 Palestinian prisoners to show goodwill after Egypt freed a convicted Israeli spy and ahead of elections for Yasser Arafat #39;s successor, officials said.


Peru Gunmen Seize Police Station (AP)

AP - Gunmen belonging to a nationalist group that seized a police station in remote southern Peru ambushed a police vehicle on Sunday, killing four officers and wounding several more, hospital officials said. One gunman was gravely wounded.


Kuwaitis Get Apology From Palestinians (AP)

AP - Palestinian leader Mahmound Abbas provided a long-awaited apology to Kuwaitis for the Palestinian support of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein after his army invaded Kuwait in 1990, making the remarks on arriving as part of a Middle East tour to repair relations with Arab nations.


Livewire: News and Info Junkies Take New Look at RSS (Reuters)

Reuters - News and information junkies are\taking a new look at RSS, a technology that helps them feed\their habit without getting overwhelmed in the clutter of the\information age.


PluggedIn: Digital Cameras All the Rage This Christmas (Reuters)

Reuters - When families and friends get\together for the holidays this year, many more of them will use\a digital camera to record those memories.


Flood at Chinese Mine Traps 36 Workers (AP)

AP - A flood at a mine in southern China trapped 36 workers on Sunday, the government said, the latest in a recent string of disasters in the country's perilous coal mines.


Microsoft's Improved Media Center Still Falls Short (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Microsoft's Media Center edition of Windows XP -- a special layer of software designed to let people enjoy their digital photos, music and videos from across the room -- has to rank as one of the company's bigger disappointments in a while. All the money Microsoft has thrown into promoting Media Center has yet to lend it any momentum in the market.


PlayStation Portable spoils gamers.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) made another hit. After optimizing the PlayStation 2 multiple times, they now decided to give the Portable market a chance.


Geminid meteor showers alarm area residents

WASHINGTON It #39;s a global celestial event and scientists say the annual Geminid Meteor Shower is the best astronomy show of the year.


Two Taliban commanders caught

US-LED and Afghan soldiers arrested two senior Taliban commanders and six militants during an operation in south-central Afghanistan, officials said today.


Star concert honours Nobel winner

Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey host a concert paying tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.


Salvation Army sees donation totals down

Christmas may be the season for giving, but the Lancaster Salvation Army will not be receiving as much in donations as in past years.


Europe ; Airbus Hopes for 50 Jet Orders by June

Philippe Camus, co-CEO of EADS, said the A350 was part of a long-term strategy for Airbus, taking both companies #39; needs and technological progress into account.


The Geminid Meteor Shower

Make hot cocoa. Bundle up. Tell your friends: the best meteor shower of 2004 is about to peak on a long cold December night. It #39;s the Geminids.


Miller Tops Dream Giant Slalom Podium

Bode Miller made his ambitions clear when he won his fifth World Cup race of the season in a giant slalom on Sunday ahead of the best two skiers of recent years.


Poutiainen Regains Women #39;s World Cup Lead

Finland #39;s Tanja Poutiainen clears a gate during the women #39;s slalom World Cup race in Zauchensee, Austria, on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004.


Burmese military #39;s move to free prisoners described as cynical

Burma #39;s military government has announced the release of five-thousand detainees, in a third mass release in less than a month.


Fiat and GM Set for Showdown (Reuters)

Reuters - Fiat and General Motors head for a\showdown this week as a one-year truce expires, opening the way\for them to go to court over whether Fiat can force the U.S.\group to buy its loss-mired car unit.


Las Vegas Sands Looks for a Jackpot (Reuters)

Reuters - Rolling the dice at a craps table or\wagering a paycheck playing poker may not be the most rational\use of money, but one casino operator is hoping investors will\find its stock a better bet.


Meteor shower to light the sky

Because skipping across the heavens like celestial sparklers will be hundreds of shooting stars during the annual Geminid meteor shower.


NASA telescopes find dust rings around

For the first time, scientists have found rings of dust around planet-bearing stars - an important confirmation of theories about how planets form, NASA announced Thursday.


Yushchenko thanks medics for care

Ukraine's opposition leader thanks doctors who treated him for suspected poisoning, as officials reopen the case.


Dhaka the best wicket in Asia - Pathan

Dhaka: After claiming his first 10-wicket haul in Tests at Dhaka, Irfan Pathan on Sunday said the Bangabandhu National Stadium wicket is the best he has seen in Asia.


Opposition parties begin talks for coalition Israeli Government

The opposition Labour Party in Israel has begun coalition talks with the Prime Minister Ariel Sharon #39;s Likud Party. Labour leader Shimon Peres says negotiations to establish a coalition government could be completed within a few days.


11 killed in Philippines blast

An explosion in a public market in the southern Philippines on Sunday killed at least 11 people and injured nearly 30 others, police said.


Fiat and GM set for showdown over Fiat Auto sale

Fiat (FIA.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) and General Motors (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) head for a showdown this week as a one-year truce expires, opening the


Geminid Meteor Showers Alarm Area Residents

WASHINGTON -- A meteor shower that had some startled motorists calling police is expected to continue over the next few days. Saturday night #39;s light show was part of the Geminids meteor shower, News4 reported.


Robbers Scared by GTA

HellSpam writes  quot;Some robbers tried to burglarize a poor old lady and her 3 grandsons. Her grandsons happened to be playing Grand Theft Auto:San Andreas, and the sounds of the police from the game scared them away!


Mob rule takes a hit as Italy fights back

MAFIA investigators christened him The Ambassador. After a seven-year trial in the bunker of a Palermo jail, Sicilian senator Marcello Dell #39;Utri, an old friend and political patron of Italian Prime Minister


Bush Bikes Ahead of Christmas Celebration (AP)

AP - President Bush attended church and went mountain biking Sunday before heading to a Christmas celebration.


Abbas apology to Kuwait over Iraq

Mahmoud Abbas apologises to Kuwait for the Palestinians' support of Saddam Hussein's invasion in 1990.


US Fed set to serve up another small rate hike

Federal Reserve officials are expected to nudge interest rates up on Tuesday for a fifth time this year, another small step in a campaign to gradually lift borrowing costs before inflation rears its head.


Fiat ready to test GM buyout option

DETROIT Sergio Marchionne, the new chief executive of Fiat Group, has said that his company plans to vigorously defend its right to sell its auto business to General Motors, a move that GM has said it will contest in court if need be.


Dubai to enter US cargo security program

The United Arab Emirates is the first country in the Middle East to participate in a US program intended to safeguard sea cargo from terrorists, US customs officials said Sunday.


Nasa head to quit - reports

Washington - Nasa administrator Sean O #39;Keefe is expected to resign his job at the helm of the US space agency this week, according to news reports on Sunday.


Abbas to seek aid during Kuwait visit

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said he would seek financial aid during his visit to Kuwait on Sunday, the first such trip by a top Palestinian official since the 1990-91 Gulf War soured Kuwaiti-Palestinian ties.


The last presidential match

The televized debate between presidential candidates Adrian Nastase and Traian Basescu didn #39;t have a winner from the very beginning.


Robot lets down fans of telescope

Trying to save the famed Hubble Space Telescope with a robot would cost \$2 billion with just a 50-50 chance of success, an aerospace research group is advising NASA in the coming days.


Abbas apologizes to Kuwait over PLO stand on 1990 Iraqi invasion

Visiting Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) executive committee chairman Mahmud Abbas here Sunday apologized to Kuwait for PLO #39;s past stance on the 1990 Iraqi invasion against the emirate.


PLO leader apologizes to Kuwait

PLO leader Mahmud Abbas on Sunday apologized to Kuwait for the organization #39;s support of the 1990 Iraq invasion after arriving on a landmark visit to the emirate.


Derby win for Birmingham

London - Birmingham City defeated Aston Villa 2-1 on Sunday to claim the second city derby, taking the match on first-half goals from Clinton Morrison and David Dunn.


EDITORIALSPrepare for post-Kyoto

The Kyoto Protocol, a global agreement on reduction of greenhouse gases, comes into force on Feb. 16 next year, seven years after it was negotiated.


Fed Seen Nudging Rates Higher (Reuters)

Reuters - Federal Reserve officials are\expected to nudge interest rates up on Tuesday for a fifth time\this year, another small step in a campaign to gradually lift\borrowing costs before inflation rears its head.


Fed Seen Nudging Rates Higher

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve officials are  expected to nudge interest rates up on Tuesday for a fifth time  this year, another small step in a campaign to gradually lift  borrowing costs before inflation rears its head.


Gunners vs. Blues: Soon there may be only one contender

Chelsea and Arsenal may be the only true contenders for the Premier League title. After Sunday, there could be only one left. If league-leading Chelsea beats the Gunners at Highbury, the Blues


Romanians Vote in Tense Runoff Ballot

Voters in Romania are going to the polls in the final round of a presidential runoff which will determine who will lead the former Communist nation into the European Union in 2007.


NASA #39;s O #39;Keefe to Resign; Ex-Missile Defense Chief Tops List of <b>...</b>

NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe will resign this week, and the retired director of the Pentagon #39;s Missile Defense Agency tops a list of five men that President Bush is considering


Premiership race heats up

CHELSEA go to Highbury today knowing a win will open up an eight-point advantage over Premiership champs Arsenal. And we want YOUR views on the title race as soon as the final whistle blows in north London.


Roundup: Miller stretches lead with giant slalom triumph

World Cup overall leader Bode Miller won a giant slalom for the second time this season Sunday, rallying from fourth place in the opening leg.


Tendulkar, Pathan give India scent of Test win (LEAD):

Sports India, Cricket: Dhaka, Dec 12 : Pacer Irfan Pathan claimed his first 10-wicket haul and Sachin Tendulkar cracked a career-best unbeaten 248 to bring India within two wickets of victory on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh here


Scuffles Hit Iraq: Several with Police Chief Killed in Blasts

SAMARRA (Iraq): With renewe d wave of skirmishes between the Iraqi insurgents and the US-led coalition marines, several people including top police officers were put to death on Saturday.


Turkish Premier Slams German Opposition

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out in a Sunday newspaper interview at Germany #39;s conservative opposition for its drive to torpedo Turkey #39;s EU membership bid, accusing it of populism.


Explosion Rips Through Israeli Checkpoint (AP)

AP - A tunnel filled with explosives detonated Sunday under the Israeli checkpoint on the Gaza-Egypt border near the town of Rafah, causing casualties, military officials said.


Sharman witness: Tech can control illegal swapping

Sharman Networks has called former Napster expert witness Justin Tygar to give his testimony during the ongoing trial against the parent company of Kazaa for alleged copyright infringement.


Action film star who lost Philippines' presidential election suffers stroke (Canadian Press)

Canadian Press - MANILA, Philippines (AP) - An action film star who narrowly lost this year's presidential elections in the Philippines suffered a stroke and slipped into a coma, his spokesman said Sunday.


Superman is 'greatest superhero'

Superman comes top of a public vote to find the greatest fictional superhero of all time.


25 Years Later, a Different Revolution

Victoria's Secret has arrived in Tehran. So have the Gap, Diesel, Benetton and Black   Decker. A quarter-century after a mass movement inspired by Islam ended 2,500 years of monarchy, Iran's revolutionary society is moving on.


Roadside Bomb Kills One U.S. Soldier

A U.S. soldier died of wounds sustained when a roadside bomb hit his patrol in Baghdad, the U.S. military said Sunday. Three other American soldiers were slightly wounded in the same attack but returned to duty.


US officers to check US-bound cargo shipped from Dubai port

DUBAI (AFP) - Dubai port, a leading world operator, signed a deal with the United States under which US officers will help screen US-bound containers that have been identified as a potential terrorist risk.


NASA Chief Applies for Job at LSU

NASA (news - web sites) Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe has applied for a new job, as chancellor of Louisiana State University, and he is among the search committee #39;s top candidates.


FC Porto Wins Toyota Cup (AP)

AP - European champion FC Porto won the Toyota Cup on Sunday, defeating Colombia's Once Caldas 8-7 in a penalty-kick shootout in a game between the top club teams from Europe and South America.


Ft Aston Villa 1 Birmingham 2

Carter was booked for not retreating 10 yards at a free-kick but Birmingham looked to have weathered the Villa storm. The Blues started to come forward more, although Morrison was high and wide from 20 yards


EX-BLUES: Chelsea will RISE to the heights

FORMER Chelsea defender Paul Elliott believes Jose Mourinho #39;s table-toppers have the self-belief to end their miserable league run at Highbury.


Inside the NFL - Manning playing as well as any quarterback ever

Dan Marino, one-time recordsetting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins but now an analyst for CBS sports, tried in an interview earlier this season to get Colts quarterback Peyton Manning


Christmas cheer to flow from OPEC oil price cuts

DRIVERS can look forward to cheaper petrol in the new year, with price cuts expected of up to 10c a litre. Oil ministers of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) agreed in Cairo on Friday


Caribbean Island Revelers Mourn Victims (AP)

AP - Thousands of partygoers showed up for this sleepy island's annual New Year's Eve bash that is the talk of the Caribbean, swelling the population twentyfold. But this year the merriment came under the shadow of the Asian tsunami.


The Coming Week: Fed Focus

The action should come fast and furious, with retail sales figures kicking off Monday morning and a Federal Reserve event grabbing traders #39; attention Tuesday.


Hitting The Jackpot

NEW YORK - Las Vegas Sands #39; IPO is a good bet to open strongly and perform well in the aftermarket. It #39;s a profitable company in a solid sector, and it #39;s going public in a strong IPO market.


Dolphins WR Boston Suspended Four Games (AP)

AP - Miami Dolphins wide receiver David Boston was suspended by the NFL for four games for testing positive for steroids, but he will not miss any games because he is out for the season with a knee injury.


Afghan President: Bin Laden Is Nearby (AP)

AP - Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Sunday that Osama bin Laden is "definitely" in the region and eventually will be caught, even though American and Pakistani generals admit the trail is cold.


Explosion rocks Israel checkpoint

A number of Israelis are hurt in a blast on the border between the Gaza strip and Egypt, Israeli officials say.


Green Wins Australian Masters; Randhawa Victory: Golf Roundup

Richard Green, 33, won golf #39;s Australian Masters at the first extra hole in a three-way playoff with fellow Australians David McKenzie and Greg Chalmers.


FC Porto wins Toyota Cup

European champion FC Porto won the Toyota Cup on Sunday, defeating Colombia #39;s Once Caldas 8-7 in a penalty-kick shootout in a game between the top club teams from Europe and South America.


USC #39;s Matt Leinart Wins College Football #39;s Heisman Trophy

Matt Leinart of the University of Southern California won the Heisman Trophy last night, becoming the second Trojans quarterback in three seasons to capture college football #39;s most prestigious award.


Ten Israeli Casualties in Gaza -Military Sources

A Palestinian bomb attack caused 10 casualties at an Israeli army post along the Gaza Strip-Egypt border on Sunday, military sources said.


18,000 troops begin winter offensive in Afghanistan against <b>...</b>

The 18,000 US troops in Afghanistan have begun a new offensive to hunt Taliban and al-Qaida militants through the country #39;s harsh winter, aiming to sap their strength ahead of planned spring elections, the American military said Saturday.


Israel to release prisoners in gesture to Egypt and Palestinians

The Israeli Cabinet agreed in principle on Sunday to release scores of Palestinian prisoners as a gesture to Egypt and Palestinian officials in the run


Signatures with Russia after December 17

Agreements concerning significant issues, which were reached as a consensus between Ankara and Moscow during the historical visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, will be left until after the December 17 Summit in order to avoid reactions.


JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A Palestinian bomb attack caused 10  casualties at an Israeli army post along the Gaza Strip-Egypt  border on Sunday, military sources said.


Abbas Apologizes to Kuwait for 1990 PLO Stand

KUWAIT (Reuters) - Mahmoud Abbas, on the first visit by a  top PLO official to Kuwait in 14 years, apologized to the Gulf  state for the Palestine Liberation Organization's failure to  condemn Iraq's 1990 invasion of its small neighbor.


Sprint, Nextel close to sealing merger

Sprint Corp and Nextel Communications have tentatively agreed on key terms in a \$US35 billion (\$47billion) merger deal that would create a giant mobile phone carrier with nearly 39 million subscribers.


We let fans down - O #39;Leary

David O #39;Leary believes his Aston Villa side let their supporters down in today #39;s 2-1 defeat at home to arch rivals Birmingham.


FC Porto defeats Once Caldas on penalties to win Toyota Cup

Pedro Emanuel scored the winning goal Sunday as Portugal #39;s FC Porto defeated Colombian side Once Caldas 8-7 in a penalty shootout to win the final Toyota Cup.


Oil Supply Exceeding Demand After Cuts, Qatar Says (Update1)

The supply of oil is still outstripping demand after OPEC, the producer of more than a third of the world #39;s output, begins to reduce production to prop up falling prices, the Qatari oil minister said.


Hyatt buys AmeriSuites chain for \$600 million

Hyatt broadened its high-end hotel brand Thursday by purchasing the 143-hotel AmeriSuites chain for \$600 million. The acquisition from private equity investor Blackstone Group increases Hyatt #39;s existing 90,000


Euro Slips, Yen Steady in Start to 2005

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The euro weakened half a percent  while the Japanese yen held its ground against the dollar as  trading in 2005 got off to a quiet start in Asia on Monday.


Coke, Rivals Betting on Flavored Water

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Since the 1990s, bottled water has  become a fixture in American health clubs, offices and sports  stadiums, emerging as one of the most popular and fast-growing  drinks on the market.


China tightens up TV ad rules

China is to strengthen controls on TV advertising to avoid affronts to national dignity after a row over a Nike ad campaign.


OFT probes online grocers bills

The Office of Fair Trading is investigating  UK supermarkets' online shops over alleged unfair pricing policies.


China #39;s high-tech hero

Liu Chuanzhi,chairman of Lenovo, theChinese computer company, clearly recalls his early tentative dealings with International Business Machines, the mighty US technology group, in 1985.


Grizzlies Drop Pistons' Record to 10-10 (AP)

AP - Pau Gasol scored 20 points and Shane Battier hit four free throws in the final 20 seconds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 72-68 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.


Rookie wins Dunhill in playoff

Malelane - For the third successive year the Dunhill Championship had to be decided by a playoff, but for the first time, it went to a South African.


Bode Miller continues dominant run on ski circuit

CBC SPORTS ONLINE - It was a sight skiing fans have become all too familiar with this season - Bode Miller standing on top of the medal podium.


Germans secure place in next Champions Trophy

Lahore - Two second-half goals from Florian Keller helped Germany beat New Zealand 2-1 on Sunday at Pakistan #39;s National Stadium in the city of Lahore, guaranteeing its place in the men #39;s field-hockey Champions Trophy next year.


PA given Arafat #39;s medical records

Yasir Arafat #39;s nephew has turned over his medical records to the Palestinian Authority, giving it a first glimpse of the file since the Palestinian leader #39;s death.


US denies Saddam on hunger strike

The US military denies reports Saddam Hussein is on hunger strike, but says some former aides are refusing food.


Cowboys RB George Sits for First Time in Career (Reuters)

Reuters - Dallas Cowboys running\back Eddie George was inactive for Sunday's game against New\Orleans as a healthy scratch and missed a game for the first\time in his NFL career.


Ukraine opposition leader urges investigation after poison report (AFP)

AFP - Ukraine's opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko said he was not yet ready to blame the ruling elite with trying to poison him after doctors confirmed he was disfigured by ingesting a massive dose of a deadly toxin.


NASA chief applies for job as chancellor of Louisiana State <b>...</b>

The Houston Chronicle says Sean O #39;Keefe is poised to step down as NASA #39;s administrator, and that an announcement regarding his future could come as early as tomorrow.


Sony PSP goes on sale in Japan

Having done all it can with the PS2, Sony has today launched the PSP to a waiting Japanese market. Roughly 1,300 impatient people waited their turn at an outlet of Yodobashi in Shinjuku district while the


Geminid Meteor Showers Alarm Area Residents

Bright flashes in the sky had residents in the Washington region calling 911 Saturday night for what was actually the annual Geminid Meteor Shower.


Barghouti to Drop Out of Palestinian Race (AP)

AP - Imprisoned uprising leader Marwan Barghouti is dropping out the Jan. 9 election to replace Yasser Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority, associates said Sunday.


New Orleans vs. Dallas

IRVING, Texas (Ticker) -- The Dallas Cowboys looked to be out of the playoff race before receiving a jolt from rookie running back Julius Jones.


Tyson Complaint Over Car Dropped in Ariz.

Mike Tyson answers questions following his workout, July 1, 2004, at the Central Boxing Club, in Phoenix. The former heavyweight champion was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor criminal damage for allegedly


Sri Lankan driver held in Iraq says was treated well (Reuters)

Reuters - A Sri Lankan truck driver held hostage by militants in Iraq for six weeks was reunited with his wife and three sons on Sunday, saying he had been beaten up at first but was then treated "very well".


India's Randhawa Wins Masters of Asia (AP)

AP - India's Jyoti Randhawa won his first title of the year, capturing the Volvo Masters of Asia on Sunday by beating Australia's Terry Pilkadaris on the second playoff hole.


Israeli soldiers  quot;killed in Gaza blast quot;

Palestinian militants have blown up explosives in a tunnel near an Israeli army post on the Gaza-Egypt border in a coordinated attack that Arabic Al Jazeera television says killed four soldiers.


Romanians vote for president

outspoken Bucharest Mayor Traian Basescu in a key vote for the Balkan country #39;s European Union accession path. mountain of reforms necessary for its planned 2007 EU entry.


Berlusconi ruling may extract poison from politics

The decision by a Milan court to clear Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of a raft of corruption charges marks the end of a decade-long legal battle and perhaps the beginning of a more peaceful era for Italian politics.


New Congressmen, Brothers, Room Together (AP)

AP - Colorado's newest congressmen didn't have to look far for roommates. Rep.-elect John Salazar and his younger brother, Sen.-elect Ken Salazar, have rented an apartment together on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington.


Blasts Near Gaza-Egypt Border, Several Casualties

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian militants blew up an Israeli  army post on the Gaza-Egypt border on Sunday and at least four  Israeli troops were reported killed in the deadliest attack  since Yasser Arafat died a month ago.


Arsenal hold Chelsea

A gripping game between Arsenal and Chelsea ends with the honours finishing even at Highbury.


Week in review: Big Blue bids adieu to PCs

IBM, the company that helped usher in the age of the personal computer nearly 25 years ago, stunned the tech world with the announcement that it would largely be bowing out of the business.


Schwartzel wins on home soil after play-off

South Africa #39;s Charl Schwartzel birdied the first hole of a sudden-death playoff with England #39;s Neil Cheetham to win the 958,945 dollar Dunhill championship at Leopard Creek Country Club today.


Lampard closing in on Henry

IT has been touted as the biggest game of the season so far when some of the Actim Index #39;s star performers lock horns as Arsenal host leaders Chelsea at Highbury tomorrow.


Lounge owner will pay for damage

PHOENIX -- An Arizona man has dropped his complaint against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson after being reimbursed \$1,400 for damage to his car.


US Troops, Iraqi Police Killed In Attacks

12 December 2004 -- Insurgents in Iraq conducted attacks across the country today, killing two US soldiers and an Iraqi policeman.


US denies Saddam on hunger strike

The US military in Iraq has denied reports that the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is on hunger strike. But a spokesman told the BBC that some of his former aides who are also in custody, including  quot;Chemical


Insurance experiment a costly lesson for town Gardena near <b>...</b>

A little over a decade ago, the small working-class city of Gardena was having trouble getting liability insurance, like a lot of other California towns, and it decided to take the kind of entrepreneurial leap municipalities were being encouraged to


NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe to Depart Soon

Sean O #39;Keefe will soon step down as NASA Administrator. The formal announcement is expected this coming week. Where O #39;Keefe will be heading and exactly when he will leave remain to be determined however he


Chelsea still on course after Arsenal draw

Chelsea have preserved their five-point lead over champions Arsenal after their pulsating London derby finished 2-2 at Highbury. Thierry Henry, who scored both the home side #39;s goals, took


Kuwaitis Get Apology From Palestinians

KUWAIT CITY Dec 12, 2004 - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas apologized to Kuwaitis on Sunday for the Palestinians #39; support of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein after the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, making a gesture many here have long demanded as he


Portugal #39;s Porto win World Club Cup on penalties

Porto of Portugal outscored Once Caldas of Colombia 8-7 from penalty shootouts to win the World Club Cup in Yokohama, Japan on Sunday.


George inactive against Saints

Eddie George missed the first game of his NFL career Sunday after playing in 140 straight, made inactive by the Dallas Cowboys not because of injury but because he wasn #39;t needed.


Chelsea maintain lead with Arsenal draw

English Premiership leaders Chelsea stayed five points clear of reigning champions Arsenal following a 2-2 draw away to their London rivals at Highbury.


Manning Breaks Record for Multi-TD Games (AP)

AP - Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning broke an NFL record with his 13th straight multi-touchdown passing game Sunday.


US Fed confidence in outlook grows

US Federal Reserve officials are growing more confident about the economic outlook. The economy, which grew at a 3.9 per cent annualised rate in the third quarter and is expanding


Chargers Go for Rare 10-Win Season (AP)

AP - Although the resurgent San Diego Chargers can't clinch a playoff berth Sunday, they can continue to rehabilitate their image. Sad sacks just a year ago, the Chargers (9-3) have at least clinched a winning season. If they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) at home, they'll have won 10 games for the first time since 1994, when they were 11-5 and made their only Super Bowl appearance.


German swoop on online piracy site nets thousands of user names (AFP)

AFP - German police said they had exposed the names of thousands of users of illegal Internet piracy sites as part of a crackdown on swapping bootleg copies of movies, computer games, software and music.


NASA chief to resign

Sources inside NASA told CNN Sunday that O #39;Keefe will accept an offer from Louisiana State University to be its chancellor. O #39;Keefe #39;s decision, the sources said, was made for personal and financial reasons


Germany's Siemens mulling options for loss-making mobile phone unit (AFP)

AFP - German electronics giant Siemens said it is considering options for its loss-making mobile phone unit but declined to comment on a report that China's Ningbo Bird is a potential buyer.


Six pupils injured by Israeli tank shell in Gaza school <b>...</b>

GAZA CITY (AFP) -- Eight Palestinian schoolboys and one of their teachers were wounded on Sunday after Israeli troops opened fire at their primary school in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medical sources said.


NASA Chief O'Keefe to Resign (Reuters)

Reuters - NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe\plans to resign as head of the U.S. space agency, an official\familiar with the decision said on Sunday.


NASA Chief Applies for Job at LSU (AP)

AP - NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe has applied for a new job as chancellor of Louisiana State University's main campus after nearly four years leading the space agency through a tumultuous period marred by the Columbia shuttle disaster.


Barghouti 'pulls out of election'

An aide says jailed Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti has withdrawn from the presidential campaign.


Oil price  #39;will stabilise #39;

CAIRO - Giant oil producer Opec expects prices to recover from the second-largest drop this year as members enforce their decision to lower output.


Chelsea draws with Arsenal; Birmingham City stuns Aston Villa

Eidur Gudjohnsen #39;s equalizer 31 seconds into the second half gave league-leading Chelsea a 2-2 draw on Sunday at Arsenal, neutralizing two surprise goals by Gunners #39; striker Thierry Henry.


Barghouthi Pulls Out of Palestinian Election

Jailed Palestinian uprising leader Marwan Barghouthi has pulled out of a Jan. 9 presidential election to succeed Yasser Arafat, a close aide said on Sunday.


Klitschko visits hospital but no bones broken

After returning from the hospital at around midnight, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko met with the press to discuss his eighth-round knockout victory over Danny Williams Saturday night on HBO Pay-Per-View at Mandalay Bay Resort  amp; Casino, his


Collins slapped with 8-year ban Sprinter, 33, faces end of her <b>...</b>

If Michelle Collins were a Major League Baseball player, she would have received a slap on the wrist for using banned performance-enhancing drugs.


Young gun Schwartzel wins the Alfred Dunhill as Els and others <b>...</b>

South Africa #39;s 20-year-old Charl Schwartzel captured the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday for his first European Tour title, recovering from a poor finish in regulation to win the first playoff hole against England #39;s


Imprisoned uprising leader to drop out of race to replace Arafat

RAMALLAH, West Bank Associates of an imprisoned uprising leader say he #39;s dropping out of the race to replace Yasser Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority.


Summary: Chile's Privatized Pension System (AP)

AP - PRIVATE PENSIONS: Chile privatized its social security system more than 20 years ago, requiring a percentage of each paycheck to go into bank accounts that workers manage themselves. Now, about 7 million Chileans have such accounts.


Barghouthi Drops Out of Palestinian Election


Gaza Militants Kill 4 Israelis, Barghouthi Withdraws

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian militants blew up an Israeli  army post on the Gaza-Egypt border on Sunday, killing at least  four Israeli troops in the deadliest attack since Yasser  Arafat's death a month ago kindled new hopes of peace.


Saddam Aides Refusing Food, U.S. Military Says

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Several of Saddam Hussein's jailed  deputies have been refusing food but Saddam himself is not on  hunger strike on the eve of the first anniversary of his  capture, an officer in charge of detainees said on Sunday.


US to Screen Sea Cargo from Dubai Port

The United Arab Emirates has become the first Middle East country to join a US program aimed at protecting US-bound sea cargo from terrorists.


NASA Chief O #39;Keefe to Resign

NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe, whose tenure has been shadowed by the 2003 Columbia disaster, plans to resign as head of the US space agency, an official familiar with the decision said on Sunday.


Wolfsburg jumps to fourth by beating Bielefeld

Wolfsburg crushed Arminia Bielefeld 5-0 and jumped to fourth place in Sunday #39;s final Bundesliga round before the winter break.


Saddam Aides Refusing Food, US Military Says

Several of Saddam Hussein #39;s jailed deputies have been refusing food but Saddam himself is not on hunger strike on the eve of the first anniversary of his capture, an officer in charge of detainees said on Sunday.


AOL Creates Its Own Browsing Software (AP)

AP - As part of its reincarnation, America Online Inc. is creating its own software for browsing the Web and playing movies and songs. It's a question of staying relevant in an increasingly broadband world.


Chelsea ties Arsenal in Premier League

Eidur Gudjohnsen scored 31 seconds into the second half for league-leading Chelsea, helping offset two first-half goals by Arsenal #39;s Thierry Henry.


Battle of titans ends in draw

London, England (Sports Network) - Leaders Chelsea and defending champions Arsenal played to an intense 2-2 draw in a London derby Sunday at Highbury.


Romania Presidential Runoff Seen Too Close to Call

Exit polls from Romania #39;s presidential run-off on Sunday showed the race between Social Democrat Prime Minister Adrian Nastase and opposition leader Traian Basescu was too close to call.


Textile limits imposed to ease trade concerns

Textile concerns among China #39;s trading partners in the coming integration of global trade have made the nation determined to control its exports.


Sony debuts PSP game console in Japan

Sony said it will make half the console #39;s components, compared with 40 percent for the PlayStation 2, to set itself apart from competitors.


Sunglasses-plus-MP3 player are anything but a bargain

It seems like a cool idea -unglasses with a built-in digital music player and speakers. No headphone cables to untangle as with most portable players.


Grand Theft Auto will outperform the rest of the industry

The body count is high in two new video games,  quot;Halo 2 quot; and  quot;Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. quot;. Those two hit games also are making casualties of their competition on the sales racks.


Williams rejects retirement

In the world #39;s gambling capital, a city built on the back of so many broken dreams, Danny Williams #39;s mission to win the world heavyweight title ended in a painful, humiliating and bloody defeat at the Mandalay Bay Hotel where he was utterly outclassed by


Celtic goes top with road win

Dunfermline, Scotland (Sports Network) - Celtic re-gained its one point edge over rivals Rangers with a 2-0 win at East End Park Sunday.


A more cautious Miller wins another giant slalom

Bode Miller put his go-for-broke style temporarily in check Sunday and won a World Cup giant slalom for the second time this season.


Filipinos killed in market bomb blast

Manila: An explosion rocked a market packed with Christmas shoppers in the southern Philippines yesterday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 52, the military said.


Jailed Palestinian won #39;t run for leadership

RAMALLAH, WEST BANK - A Palestinian serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail will drop out of the race to replace former leader Yasser Arafat, he indicated in a statement on Sunday.


Falcons Top Raiders, Win NFC South Title (AP)

AP - T.J. Duckett set a team record by rushing for four touchdowns and the Atlanta Falcons clinched just the third division title in franchise history, wrapping up the NFC South with a 35-10 rout of the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.


1,000 Protesters Oppose Mubarak in Cairo (AP)

AP - About 1,000 people gathered downtown Sunday, many with their mouths covered by yellow stickers reading "Enough," to protest the possibility that President Hosni Mubarak might run for a fifth term or that his son, Gamal, might succeed him.


Heat Top Raptors; Shaq, Wade Each Net 20 (AP)

AP - Shaquille O'Neal had 20 points and Dwyane Wade added 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Miami Heat won their fourth straight, 106-98 over the struggling Toronto Raptors on Sunday.


Bomb scare at Madrid stadium

Spectators are evacuated from Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium following a bomb scare.


Cancer? Suicide? Politics? That's Hilarious!

As much as ever, George Carlin builds his humor around the taboo  his current routine includes long riffs on cancer, natural disasters and teenage suicide and yet somehow manages to get laughs.


Yushchenko Poisoning Investigation Resumes

The Ukrainian prosecutor general's office has re-opened a criminal investigation into the disfiguring illness that struck presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko. The decision followed the announcement by Austrian doctors Saturday that Yushchenko was poisoned by the toxic substance dioxin.


Chile's Pension System Gets High Marks

Instead of paying social security taxes and wondering whether the government will ever deliver promised retirement benefits, Chilean workers bankroll their own retirements and manage their nest eggs.


Bomb threat clears Madrid stadium

MADRID, Spain -- A bomb threat forced authorities to evacuate about 75,000 spectators from Madrid #39;s Bernabeu stadium during a match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.


Disappointed Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was disappointed with the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, despite seeing his side twice come from behind.  quot;If youd told me before it would be a draw, I would have said its not a bad result, quot; said Mourinho.


US denies Saddam #39;s on hunger strike

Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is not on hunger strike though a number of his jailed deputies are refusing food, according to an officer in charge of the detainees.


Wizards Pound Hornets

Washington forces a sloppy New Orleans team into 33 turnovers and claims an easy 88-69 victory Sunday at MCI Center.


Tricks Alleged in Ex-Kmart Execs' Case (AP)

AP - Another accounting sleight of hand has been exposed in the latest charges against former executives of Kmart Corp.: the allegedly premature booking of millions in promotional payments to the retailer from chips and soda suppliers.


Weekend Holiday Shopping Appears Mixed

NEW YORK Dec 12, 2004 - With less than two weeks of shopping left until Christmas, the nation #39;s malls and stores stepped up discounts over the weekend, but business appeared to be mixed, according to analysts.


Sony #39;s PSP Hits the Streets

Long lines form in Japan where shoppers finally get their hands on the portable gaming device. Sony Computer Entertainment #39;s long-awaited PSP (PlayStation Portable) went on sale in Japan Sunday to long lines


Boeing Scrubs Planned Heavy-Lift Rocket Launch

Boeing Co. scrubbed a planned launch of a Delta IV heavy-lift rocket on Sunday as engineers sought to determine what caused a temperature control system to malfunction after an aborted launch on Saturday.


IBM launches virtualization assault on EMC

IBM on Friday took aim at its primary competitor, EMC, by announcing storage virtualization software that allows EMC users to utilize storage systems from EMC, Hitachi, or IBM.


Longhorn Server to have one version for many roles

Microsoft will let customers configure the next major release of Windows Server for specific server tasks, rather than selling a host of different Windows Server Longhorn editions tailored to those tasks.


NFL Game Summary - Cincinnati at New England

Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - Tom Brady went 18-of-26 for 260 yards with two touchdowns to lead New England to a 35-28 win over Cincinnati at Gillette Stadium.


Dunfermline v Celtic

Celtic sent out a chilling winter message to rivals Rangers by responding to their European failure with one of their best performances of the season to return to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League table with a comfortable 2-0 win at East End


US Denies Saddam on Hunger Strike

The US military is denying a report that Saddam Hussein has begun a jailhouse hunger strike, and says the ousted Iraqi leader had eaten on Sunday.


Hamas #39; choice: Learn from Sharon #39;s politics or face the political <b>...</b>

As Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Palestinians alike are struggling with issues of political life and the forming of functioning governments, it is the former who may offer a lead to elements of the latter.


Four die in bombing of Israeli checkpoint

At least four Israeli soldiers were killed and eight wounded on Sunday in a Palestinian bomb attack on an Israeli checkpoint at the Rafah border terminal on the southern Gaza Strip border with Egypt.


KGB legacy of poison politics

Doctors confirm that dioxin poisoned Ukraine's opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko.


US pushes for more economic reform in Mideast

This week the US and Egypt plan to sign a trade agreement worth \$500 million annually.


Spanish leader makes bid to reshape the war on terror

Prime Minister Zapatero testifies Monday before the commission examining the March 11 terror attacks.


When saving the world with song, mind the lyrics

Critics have raised an eyebrow at the revival of the fundraising anthem, citing its outdated, insensitive lyrics.


NASA Chief Said to Be Top Contender for L.S.U. Job

Sean O'Keefe has sought and become the top contender for a high-level job at Louisiana State University, according to NASA and university officials.


Airborne Cell-Phone Ban Likely to Remain for Now

Hopes -- and worries -- that US regulators will soon end the ban on using wireless phones during US commercial flights are likely at least a year or two early, government officials and analysts say.


Colts 23, Texans 14

Peyton Manning broke one of Dan Marino #39;s touchdown records, just not the one everybody has been talking about. But Manning got the only things that really matter to him -- an Indianapolis win and a playoff berth.


Finding a Power Stroke When Most Hitters Start to Fade

One question that arises whenever a player is linked to steroids is, "What would he have done without them?" Baseball history whispers an answer.


Terps Burn Bulldogs

Maryland shoots a season-high 55 percent from the field and John Gilchrist drops in 22 points as the Terps dominate UNC-Asheville, 96-72, on Sunday afternoon.


Stanford Hires Harris

Pittsburgh head coach Walt Harris will go from the Fiesta Bowl to Stanford after accepting their head coaching position on Sunday.


Christmas Shoppers Flock to Stores

Shoppers flocked to Britains stores for the busiest weekend so far this Christmas, retailers said. Early indications show pre-season sales bucked takings at the tills compared to the same time last year.


Probe Into Yushchenko Poisoning Reopens (AP)

AP - Ukrainian prosecutors reopened their investigation into allegations Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned after doctors treating the opposition leader confirmed he had been slipped the toxic chemical dioxin, as Yushchenko returned home Sunday to campaign for this month's presidential runoff vote.


Meteor shower coming up Monday morning

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Most people have a hard enough time getting out of bed on Monday morning, let alone before dawn in the middle of December.


Real game halted after bomb threat

Real Madrid #39;s Primera Liga match against Real Sociedad was abandoned on Sunday after police received a warning that a bomb would explode at the stadium.


US denies Saddam on hunger strike

BAGHDAD (AFP) - The US military in Iraq denied that ousted president Saddam Hussein , captured a year ago and awaiting trial for crimes against humanity, was on hunger strike in his secret American detention centre.


Premier faces Bucharest mayor in Romania

Romanians returned to the polls Sunday for a presidential runoff between their leftist prime minister, formerly a member of the communist elite, and the capital #39;s Western-leaning mayor.


Barghouti withdraws from race replace Arafat

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Marwan Barghouti, the imprisoned leader of the Palestinian uprising, is dropping out the Jan. 9 election to replace Yasser Arafat as head of the Palestinian Authority, his campaign manager said Sunday.


Yushchenko, Back Home, Says Authorities Poisoned Him

KIEV (Reuters) - Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko said  on Sunday he was certain Ukraine's authorities had poisoned him  with dioxin and hoped prosecutors would establish the truth  after this month's re-run of a rigged presidential election.


Romania Presidential Race Too Close to Call

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romanian Prime Minister Adrian  Nastase and centrist opposition leader Traian Basescu emerged  neck-and-neck from the second round of presidential elections  on Sunday, exit polls showed.


Knicks Down Nuggets

New York gets 57 combined points from its starting backcourt of Jamal Crawford and Stephon Marbury and tops Denver, 107-96.


Barghouti Drops Out of Palestinian Election

Associates of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences on terrorism charges in an Israeli jail, said Sunday that he is withdrawing from the Jan. 9 election for president of the Palestinian Authority.


Colombians Still Thirsty for Brewpubs

The two brewpubs were brimming with Saturday night drinkers when rebels tossed hand grenades, killing one person and wounding 72.


Sony PSP Provides Stylish Curves and Sharp Screen

There #39;s no denying that the PSP is a slickly designed gadget with a certain fashionable cachet. The images are breathtaking. Not that there #39;s anything new here in terms of graphics, but seeing


NASA Administrator Applies for Louisiana State Job, School Says

NASA Administrator Sean O #39;Keefe, who led the US space agency #39;s reorganization after the space shuttle Columbia disaster, applied to be chancellor of Louisiana State University #39;s main campus in Baton Rouge, a school spokesman said.


Vincent Takes Center Stage

Bills defensive back Troy Vincent returns to the lineup and stars, recording an interception, a sack and a fumble recover as Buffalo beats up on Cleveland, 37-7, on Sunday.


Rating the relevance of the US Federal Reserve

THE TIMES is running a fortnightly series of economic briefings alongside Target Two Point Zero, the competition for sixth-formers run in conjunction with the Bank of England.


Jyoti burns brightest at the end

NEW DELHI: The steel in Jyoti Randhawa came to the fore once again as the Indian golf star clinched the \$5,50,000 Volvo Masters of Asia title at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.


Philippine actor-presidential candidate Poe in coma

MANILA - Movie star Fernando Poe, Jr, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo #39;s main challenger in the May presidential election, is in a coma after suffering a stroke, an opposition congressman said Sunday.


Almost half a million homeless in Britain: NGOs (AFP)

AFP - Britain has almost half a million homeless people, two non-governmental organisations said, describing the official number of 100,000 given by the government as the tip of the iceberg.


Honeywell to Buy UK's Novar for \$1.5 Bln

LONDON (Reuters) - Diversified U.S. manufacturer Honeywell  has agreed to buy Novar Plc, a British industrial holding  company, for 798 million pounds (\$1.53 billion), a source  familiar with the situation said on Sunday.


Ugandan rebels kill seven in raid

Fighters of the Lord's Resistance Army hack seven villagers to death in southern Sudan despite a truce.


Business hopes Bush will forgo tax reform

By Andrew Balls, James Harding and Christopher Swann in Washington. US business has little appetite for fundamental tax reform, seeing deficit reduction and government entitlement programmes as priorities for President George W Bush #39;s second-term agenda.


Sony PlayStation Portable is out

Sonys PlayStation console has been so popular that it feels strange that PSP is their first attempt at the handheld gaming market.


Walt Disney behind Blu-ray DVDs

BURBANK, CALIF: The Walt Disney Co. will back the high-definition Blu-ray disc developed by Sony over a competing HD DVD format, setting in place a high-stakes battle between Hollywoods leading studios with only one format likely to survive.


Richard Green grabs first gold jacket

Left-hander Richard Green has sunk a four-foot putt on the opening playoff hole to capture his first gold jacket and the \$225,000 first prize in a dramatic 2004 Mastercard Masters at Huntingdale.


Nastase and Basescu in close finish in Romanian presidential vote

BUCHAREST (AFP) - Romania #39;s presidential election ended in suspense as exit polls disagreed on whether Prime Minister Adrian Nastase had won narrowly or tied with his centre-right rival Traian Basescu.


No. 14 Vanderbilt Tops Saint Louis, 94-51 (AP)

AP - Ashley Earley scored 20 points and Carla Thomas added 19 to lead No. 14 Vanderbilt to a 94-51 victory over Saint Louis on Sunday.


Novar keen to accept 800m bid from Honeywell

NOVAR, the UK conglomerate, is recommending that its shareholders accept an 800 million cash bid from Honeywell International, the aerospace to transport multinational.


Nothing dull about McKenzie

Trevor Grant THE tension was palpable in the hot, steamy air at Huntingdale, even before the tournament contenders had strapped on their spikes yesterday.


Jailed Palestinian Leader Drops Out of Race to Replace Arafat

Marwan Barghouti's withdrawal leaves Mahmoud Abbas without a serious challenger in the Jan. 9 vote to choose the head of the Palestinian Authority.


Iverson Carries Sixers

Allen Iverson scores a season-high 40 points and Marc Jackson chips in with 28 to lead the Sixers past the Bucks, 107-101, on Sunday.


Threat Clears Stadium

A bomb threat forces the evacuation of a Madrid soccer stadium on Sunday night during a game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.


Sony's PSP Hits the Streets

Long lines form in Japan where shoppers finally get their hands on the portable gaming device.


We Test Drive Sony's PSP

The portable gaming device is finally available, and looks to be worth the wait.


Report: Honeywell Poised to Bid for Novar

Honeywell International of the United States is to make a US\$1.5 billion (euro1.14 billion) takeover bid for Novar PLC, the Financial Times reported Sunday.


Stolen away by Grand Theft Auto #39;

Jake Stephens, a senior in my AP English class at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., is hooked.  quot;The narrative is so exciting you lose all track of time, quot; he said to me last week.


Wild monkeys seen using tools, researchers report

Wild South American monkeys routinely use fist-sized rocks to crack open seeds and to dig in dry Brazilian soil for grubs and edible tubers, researchers report in the journal Science.


Soccer stars caught in bomb hoax

MORE than 70,000 fans were forced to evacuate Real Madrid #39;s Santiago Bernabeu stadium after a bomb scare today. It came in the name of ETA Basque separatist guerrillas and forced the game with Real Sociedad to be abandoned three minutes from time.


All square after love and war

HANG ON A MINUTE, WASNT this supposed to be a derby match, packed with grunts, grimaces, full of ugly, clumsy and petulant tackles and a general lack of oxygen available for the players to feed to their brains?