The Motion Picture Association of America is in talks with the Internet2 research consortium, hoping both to test next-generation video delivery projects and to monitor peer-to-peer piracy on the ultrahigh-speed network.

MPAA seeks research, P2P cop role on Internet2


The racist chanting by Spanish fans at Wednesday night #39;s friendly international in Madrid has left the government here red-faced and fearing a black-mark against the city #39;s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

Spain reflects on football racism row


Casey Mears set a track qualifying record and won his third NASCAR Busch series pole of the season Thursday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Mears wins Busch pole


A minister has launched a scathing attack on heir to the throne Prince Charles, accusing him of being  quot;very old fashioned quot; and out of touch in his views on teaching in schools.

Prince Charles chastised for  quot;old fashioned quot; views


Argentina recognized China as a market economy on Thursday, granting the Asian country a status it has been seeking worldwide to keep countries from imposing penalties on the dumping of Chinese exports.

Argentina Views China As Market Economy


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A final test is likely to confirm a  second U.S. case of mad cow disease, experts said on Thursday,  though they see a small possibility the animal, which tested

US May Have New Case of Mad Cow Disease


Britains top police officer today called for an urgent updating of the law to protect householders who use force to defend their homes against criminals - even if it involves killing the intruder.

Police Chief Backs Using Force Against Intruders


AFP - The Indian air force saluted pilots who rescued hundreds on the remote Nicobar islands despite losing family and colleagues when their base was destroyed by last week's deadly tsunami.

Bereft Indian pilots leaving Andamans are saluted by air force (AFP)


Ending three weeks of stalemate, European lawmakers have approved a new executive commission for the European Union. European MPs had refused to accept a new team of commissioners proposed by Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

MEPS APPROVE REVAMPED COMMISSION


Equatorial Guinea has told a court he and his comrades had been chained like animals and tortured into confessing. and hand-cuffs to plead their innocence on Thursday.

E. Guinea coup suspects say they were tortured


Sponsors of an internationally backed Mideast peace plan will send their foreign ministers to the region next week in hopes of restarting Israeli-Palestinian talks in the wake of Yasser Arafat #39;s death.

Palestinians to host Western diplomats


Reuters - Nike Inc.  co-founder\Philip Knight, who helped transform a small-start up business\into the world's biggest athletic shoe company, will step down\as chief executive officer, the company said on Thursday.

Nike Co-Founder Knight Steps Down as CEO (Reuters)


The co-founder of Nike Inc. Philip Knight has resigned from his position as chief executive officer, the company said on Thursday.

Nike CEO Philip Knight resigned


Reuters is reporting that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a possible second case of mad cow disease in the United States.

Is Mad Cow Disease Back?


AP - Frank Robinson has agreed to a one-year contract to return as manager of the Expos, although whether he actually manages the team next year will hinge on the pace of the team's sale and the whim of the new owners.

Expos Skipper Robinson OKs One-Year Deal (AP)


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co. <A HREF=

Disney Profit Up, TV Outshines Studio


Washington - An expert with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said on Thursday he was pressured by his agency to stifle study results showing the potential dangers of the anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx.

FDA stifled dangerous Vioxx results - expert


IBM (IBM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday its workhorse commercial computers have smashed the industry #39;s most demanding tests, which analysts said creates

IBM Says Swamps Rivals in Key UNIX Computer Test


The Spanish government responded to diplomatic pressure from Britain yesterday by starting a search for fans who racially abused England players during a  quot;friendly quot; football match with Spain.

Spain hunts for fans who racially abused England players


Kostas Kederis and Ekaterini Thanou, the sprinters who brought shame on Greece on the eve of the Olympics, are facing the end of their careers after being charged with missing a drug test and faking a motorcycle accident.

Disgraced Greek sprint pair charged


The 150 brokers and traders on the Iraq Stock Exchange are not waiting for the war to end, buying and selling orders a few hundred yards away from the fighting.

A Bit of Wall St. on the Tigris


The U.S. Air Force tomorrow plans to announce an enterprisewide Microsoft software initiative that some analysts see as a prime example of how users can leverage their spending power to force vendors to deliver more secure products.

Air Force to launch enterprise Microsoft initiative


For once, it was the English fans who could claim the moral high ground. The Spanish Football Federation now faces an official inquiry after several black players in Wednesday night #39;s England squad were subjected

Are the Spanish really racist?


The Bush administration yesterday accused Iran of attempting to develop missiles with nuclear warheads - a charge that could derail the European arms-control agreement struck earlier this week.

Powell accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear missiles


Using open-source modules instead of commercial alternatives -- even standards-based ones -- could save businesses money.

ObjectWeb adds portal content management middleware


Global warming needs more attention, according to John McCain, and President Bush needs to lead the way. I listened to some of the hearings on this subject this week, and I must say the people testifying are

McCain again opposes the president


Nike boss Phil Knight last night announced his decision to step down as chief executive of the footwear company he helped found 42 years ago.

Nike founder steps down


While assembling a new national security team, President Bush is confronting what could become the biggest challenge of his second term: how to contain Iran #39;s

Bush Confronts New Challenge on Issue of Iran


Kmart Holding Corp and Sears, Roebuck and Co said Wednesday that they are merging to form a new retail company called Sears Holdings Corp that will be the US #39; third-largest retailer with about US\$55 billion in annual revenues.

Kmart and Sears announce merger


AP - The United States and Australia have prevailed in an interim ruling by World Trade Organisation (WTO) in a dispute over the protection given by the European Union to its regional goods such as Champagne wine and Feta cheese, trade officials said.

Aussies battle EU over cheese, champagne


Some say a

A Fair Tax


American Airlines slashed its fares to Miami yesterday by as much as 85 percent from several cities including Washington's Reagan National Airport, possibly setting off a winter fare war on routes to Florida.

American Fare Cuts Presage Price War


GEORGETOWN, Del., Nov. 18 -- When Walt Disney Co. chief executive Michael D. Eisner and Disney President Michael S. Ovitz appeared on

Eisner Continues Defense of Hiring, Firing


By Lee Bowman. The ability to run long distances across the African savannah gave human ancestors an evolutionary advantage over other primates that walked upright, but could not run the mile or 20, researchers argue in a new study.

Running was a key human characteristic


president effective December 28 after more than a year-long search. Knight, 66, who also will give up his title of president,. chairman, quot; Knight said in a statement on Thursday.

Nike co-founder stepping down


The annual summer barbecues that Ralph Friedgen and Frank Beamer co-host at their lake homes in Georgia may be a little less cordial after the way Beamer #39;s Virginia Tech Hokies waxed Friedgen #39;s Maryland Terrapins 55-6 last night.

Hokies making statement about ACC title intentions


German Finance Minister Eichel called for the euro #39;s  quot;brutal quot; rise versus the dollar to be put on the agenda of the summit of G20 countries in Berlin this weekend amid concerns the greenback #39;s slide could hit EU growth.

Eichel Wants Strong Euro on G20 Agenda


JERUSALEM -- Israeli troops mistook three Egyptian police officers for Palestinian militants and shot them dead yesterday along the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt, increasing tensions between the neighbors.

3 Egyptian soldiers killed in Israeli error


Top-seeded Roger Federer overcame a second-set lapse and remained unbeaten in the ATP Masters Cup Championships with a victory last night over Carlos Moya.

Roddick breaks down Safin


The Philadelphia 76ers got a firsthand demonstration of why Tim Duncan might be the toughest player in the NBA to defend. Duncan scored a season-high 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Spurs to

Spurs 88, 76ers 80


SINGAPORE : Microsoft #39;s chief executive Steve Ballmer warned Asian governments on Thursday that they could face patent lawsuits for using the Linux operating system instead of Windows.

Microsoft warns Asian governments of potential Linux lawsuits


DETROIT -- New car and truck sales rose more than two per cent during the first 10 months of 2004, but many of the companies that supply parts to the big automakers have little to celebrate -- their profits are shrinking as raw materials costs rise and

Auto suppliers feel squeeze


and possibly dozens -- of pending criminal cases to determine whether critical evidence was tainted or falsified during

Lab used by LAPD falsified DNA data


The most desired electronic gift item for this holiday season is a plasma TV. You might, however, want to consider something that wasn't even in the running: L.C.D.

Dream TV Screen, Now in Size Large


PeopleSoft's chief executive accused Oracle of spreading misleading information about his stock sales and threatened to sue for defamation.

PeopleSoft Chief Threatens to Sue Over Oracle Statements


Hours after his close associate Howard Stern addressed a teeming crowd about the benefits of Sirius Satellite Radio, former Viacom Chief Operating Officer and President Mel Karmazin announced that he has signed onto the fledgling company as CEO.

First Howard, Now Mel: Karmazin Joins Sirius As CEO


Yahoo and SBC Communications have agreed to collaborate to extend some of the online services and content they currently provide to PC users to mobile phones and home entertainment devices.

Yahoo and SBC extend partnership and plan new services


SINGAPORE -- If you didnt think anybody else could possibly get any more spam than you, then think of Bill Gates. The Microsoft Corp.

So you think you get a lot of e-mail


The company said Thursday that it will release security bulletins and accompanying patches for its products on 18 January, 12 April, 12 July and 18 October.

Oracle gets with the patch programme


Brisbane - New Zealand batting hero Jacob Oram shunned comparisons with one of his country #39;s great all-rounders Chris Cairns after he bludgeoned the Kiwis into contention against Australia here on Friday.

Oram shuns Cairns comparisons


McLean technology consulting company BearingPoint Inc. said yesterday that its chief financial officer, Robert S. Falcone, would retire on Nov. 30.

BearingPoint CFO Out; Error Found


Brazil football great Socrates is set to make his debut for non-league Garforth Town on Saturday.

Football: Brazil legend's UK debut


Last year: Meg Mallon won the season-ending tournament for her lone 2003 title, beating Annika Sorenstam by a stroke. Last week: Heather Daly-Donofrio won the Tournament of Champions in Mobile, Ala.

This week #39;s golf tournaments


Company will report preliminary count of its \$8.8B hostile bid for PeopleSoft after 1 am ET. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oracle Corp. said it would report preliminary results of its \$8.8 billion hostile tender offer

Oracle tender results out Saturday


MADRID (Reuters) - The Madrid council has condemned the  racist behavior of fans that marred Wednesday's friendly  between Spain and England and said that the events should not  be allowed to harm the city's bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

Spain Condemns Racial Abuse, Defends Reputation


The Spanish FA apologises to its English counterparts following racist chanting.

Football: Spanish FA apologises


Reuters - TheStreet.com Inc. , the\financial news and commentary Web site, may be up for sale,\according to a report in Business Week, sparking a 7 percent\rise in its shares.

TheStreet.com May Be Up for Sale -- Report (Reuters)


photos There's also room in the humidor and the Darth Vader helmet. Take a gander at some strange and wonderful creations.

A PC in the toaster? How mod!


A planned sale of Russian energy giant Yukos #39; main asset has become clouded by confusion over the price, the participants and the legality of the sale.

Auction for Yukos core set for Dec. 19


Google has rolled out a new search tool called, Google Scholar. Google Scholar enables you to search specifically for scholarly literature, including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, abstracts

Google Launches New Search Tool For Academics


AH Jaffor Ullah. Yasser Arafat, the acknowledged leader of Palestinian people, lived amidst controversy all through his life. The cause of his death has now become a source of controversy amongst the departed leaders people all over Middle East.

A conspiracy theory : In the aftermath of Arafats passing


President Vladimir Putin rejected concern that he is beating a path toward authoritarianism, calling such criticism  quot;total nonsense quot; in an interview published Friday and saying Russia needs time to build democracy after centuries of heavy

Vladimir Putin: Claims of authoritarian drift  quot;total nonsense quot;


A new computer virus is catching people out by coming back from the dead.

Lazarus-like virus hits computers


NEW YORK, November 19 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus  amp; Company reiterate their  quot;outperform quot; rating on Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI.

Sirius Satellite Radio  quot;outperform, quot; target price raised


Orange are set to square off in the title game of the Coaches vs. Cancer. Classic. The Orange posted an impressive 71-58 victory over 12th-ranked.

GAME NOTES: The 24th-ranked Memphis Tigers and the fifth-ranked <b>...</b>


LONDON: EMI, the world #39;s third-largest music group, reported a drop in first-half profits on Friday but said the beleaguered industry was rebounding as online music sales start to take off.

Emi profits fall but online music market improving


AFP - US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan said the United States' huge current account deficit cannot be indefinitely financed by foreign countries and investors.

Greenspan issues new warning over US current account deficit (AFP)


NOVEMBER 19, 2004 (IDG NEWS SERVICE) - The California Employees #39; Retirement System (Calpers) is tendering its 1.5 million PeopleSoft Inc.

California employee pension fund tenders PeopleSoft shares to <b>...</b>


A favourite with the crowd during his time at Goodison Park, many fans will not forget Radzinskis comments prior to his 1.75 m move to the Londoners during the summer.

Prem Preview: Everton v Fulham


AFP - Pakistani security forces have arrested a key Al-Qaeda operative wanted in connection with attacks on Christian targets and a failed bid to kill President Pervez Musharraf, an official said.

Pakistan arrests key Al-Qaeda operative (AFP)


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush on Friday signed intolaw a measure authorizing an \$800 billion increase in thecredit limit of the United States, the White House said.

Bush Signs Into Law Debt Ceiling Increase


NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar sank across the board,  dropping to multiyear lows against the yen and the euro on  Friday, after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said  demand for U.S. assets could ease at some point given the size  of the current account deficit.

Dollar Plunges on Greenspan Comments


Problems with a \$50 million-plus rollout of SAP's ERP, CRM and other business apps in the city of Tacoma, Wash., have generated a storm of end-user complaints, bad press and a call for an independent audit of the situation.

Tacoma weathers ERP and CRM 'perfect storm'


There is no shortage of ways to measure Bobby Bowden #39;s stellar career as Florida State #39;s football coach. There are the 277 of his Division IA leading 350 wins here, which is

It takes 6 Gators to match Bowden


To kick off the availability of the new domain names, Microsoft will conduct a charity auction of what it believes will be the most sought after UK addresses.

Hotmail Fights Fraud and Gmail with New Domains


Federal regulators rejected on Friday the idea that allowing cable TV subscribers to pay only for channels they want would lower high cable bills.

FCC says allowing cable TV subscribers to choose their channels <b>...</b>


The United Nations has shelved efforts to draft a treaty banning the cloning of human embryos in a setback for the Bush administration.

UN deadlock defeats cloning ban


The U.S. Congress on Friday reinstated a ban on Internet access taxes after the House of Representatives agreed to extend it for another three years rather than make it permanent.

Congress Sends 'Net Access Ban to White House


Other than Comcast and ServiceMaster additions, it's been a quiet quarter of trading for this portfolio.

Gleaning Insights From Berkshire


In a burgeoning political and engineering scandal, Boston #39;s gleaming new underground Interstate 93 highway is riddled with hundreds of leaks.

Big Dig Tunnel Is Riddled With Leaks


Evander Holyfield just doesn #39;t get it. He #39;s beyond old for a fighter and seemingly hasn #39;t been able to punch his way out of a paper bag in years.

Holyfield #39;s effort to unify heavyweight title running out of time


SEOUL - Watchers of the reclusive North Korean regime are buzzing about reports that might indicate a change in the cult of personality surrounding Kim Jong Il.

North Korea-watchers ponder significance of Kim #39;s changed status


Police in tsunami-hit Thailand search for a Swedish boy feared kidnapped by child sex traffickers.

Kidnap fears for lost tsunami boy


Pressure? What pressure? Kurt Busch, last in the qualifying line and first in the NASCAR Nextel Cup points, waited out 54 other drivers Friday and then won the pole for the season-ending Ford 400, which will determine the 2004 champion.

Busch Wins Pole for Season-Ending Race


REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. Investors continue to bet today that most PeopleSoft shareholders will back Oracle #39;s nine-point-two (b) billion-dollar takeover bid for its bitter rival.

Investors expect PeopleSoft shareholders to back Oracle bid


The murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a young Muslim of Moroccan descent has shaken Holland to its very foundations. To most people, including the Dutch, the killing and its violent

Van Gogh #39;s murder brings out Holland #39;s contradictions


NEW YORK - Why has Carl Icahn set his sights on the relatively insignificant Mylan Laboratories, a generic drug company with just \$1.5 billion in sales and a \$4.3 billion market cap?

Icahn Takes The High River


The Nintendo DS includes a touch-sensitive screen and is geared for an older crowd.

Images: Nintendo grows up--a little


BANGALORE, INDIA - Peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing would never have gathered momentum if the music industry had adopted models for distribution over the Internet, said Intel Corp. Chief Executive Officer Craig Barrett, addressing IT executives in India Friday.

Barrett: Good business models vary widely


Glen McGowan had 22 points and little-used reserve Chase Griffin came off the bench to make two clutch free throws to help Pepperdine hold off Fairleigh Dickinson 80-79 Friday for fifth place in the BCA Invitational.

Pepperdine 80, Fairleigh Dickinson 79


An arrest warrant was issued Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, for Nebraska offensive lineman Darren DeLone, shown in this undated handout photo.

Nebraska Player Charged With Assault


Australia's IT News reports the findings of a recent survey in which more than 20 percent of company execs said they were considering or recommending offshore outsourcing. Outsourcing Blog

Hey mate, we're moving offshore too!


AP - In a prime-time television outburst, Bill Clinton ripped old nemesis Kenneth Starr and what the former president portrayed as a gullible media eager to report every

Clinton Rips Starr, Media on Prosecution (AP)


Russia pressed ahead yesterday with controversial plans to break up the country #39;s biggest oil company Yukos, setting a date of December 19 for an auction of its main production unit at a bargain basement starting price of \$8.65bn (4.88bn).

Yukos under the hammer at \$8.6bn


PC World - Apple's latest offers a brilliant color screen and photo capabilities, but the price is high.

First Look: iPod Brings Music to Your Photos (PC World)


The buzz over the greatly enlarged museum is expected to turn into a cacophony on Saturday.

Next Big Hit at the Modern: Its Reopening


A delegation that was paid to watch the Ukraine elections by a lobbyist affiliated with one of the candidates has some saying the move taints the process of promoting democracy.

Funding of Election Monitors A Concern


AP - Pittsburgh Steelers running back Duce Staley was downgraded to doubtful Friday with a sore hamstring, meaning he will almost certainly miss a third consecutive game Sunday.

Steelers' Staley Downgraded to Doubtful (AP)


Thousands of protesters marched peacefully through downtown Santiago on Friday, expressing anger at a weekend summit of Pacific Rim leaders, particularly President Bush. But violence later erupted at a rock concert.

Protesters Denounce APEC Summit in Chile


Consumers won #39;t have to pay a tax to log on to the Internet until at least 2007, after Congress voted Friday to renew a recently lapsed ban on Internet taxation.

No tax on Internet access until at least 2007


By all appearances, Steven Woghin was a lawyer at the top of his game. After years in government service, the former Justice Department attorney had worked his way up to a comfortable six-figure salary and the chief legal job at software maker Computer Associates International Inc.

Lawyers In the Limelight


With 48 hours left before its official opening, Apple gave us a sneak peek at the new Regent Street Store. Billed as  #39;a place to belong #39;, it #39;s staffed by the 138 successful candidates, whittled down from an original list of over 4000 applicants.

Inside Apple #39;s new Regent Street store


The devastating earthquake that struck the Indian Ocean probably caused some islands to move by several metres.

Earthquake 'redraws the map'


A glitch leaves customers of HSBC bank unable to use its internet services as well as cash machines.

System glitch hits HSBC


Despite announcing the biggest news in its short history, OSI Pharmaceuticals stock fell nearly 10 percent Friday, as some investors grew nervous about whether its newly approved cancer drug would be the bonanza they expected.

Market not ready to cheer


UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has praised the release of several political prisoners in Myanmar, the BBC reported Saturday. Annan also said he hoped others still behind

Myanmar frees nearly 4,000 prisoners


Fate may hold something of a pre-determined fragmentation for Linux operating systems, like Unix before them, that even standards efforts cannot undo.

Linux Core Consortium may not derail fate #39;s wheels


The world's oldest man, who gave up  driving at 108 because

World's oldest man dies aged 113


Lou Holtz wanted his South Carolina players to focus on their game against Clemson. They suddenly have a lot more on their minds. Holtz will retire as coach at South Carolina

Spurrier expected to replace Holtz


AP - Manchester United defeated Charlton 2-0 Saturday in the Premier League behind goals from Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. Charlton did little to test United's defense before 67,704 fans, and the only surprise was that Man United didn't score more.

Manchester United Beats Charlton 2-0 (AP)


(Sports Network) - The Toronto Raptors found themselves on the wrong end of a 101-94 decision against the red-hot Seattle SuperSonics on Friday at the Air Canada Centre.

Toronto Raptors Team Report - November 20


AP - Rallying a party stung by presidential and congressional losses, the incoming Senate Democratic leader reminded fellow lawmakers on Saturday of their shared commitment to help the nation.

Top Senate Dem Calls for Bipartisanship (AP)


Charlie Hodgson scores 27 points as England overwhelm the Springboks at Twickenham.

England humble Sprinboks


Police launched an investigation on Saturday into an extraordinary mass brawl involving players and fans at a game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers.

Police Join Probe Into Pistons-Pacers Mass Brawl


HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Sports Network) - Kevin Harvick held off  fellow Nextel Cup driver Jamie McMurray on three restarts over  the final 20 laps to capture the Ford 300. The No.29 Chevrolet  crossed the finish line 0.218 seconds ahead of runner-up  McMurray.

Harvick Holds Off McMurray for Busch Series Win


Michigan State #39;s Liz Shimek (52) starts a fast break trailed by Central Connecticut State #39;s Gabriella Geugbelet, left, and Michigan State #39;s Kelli Roehrig, right, during the second half Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, in East Lansing, Mich.

Michigan St. Beats Central Conn. St.


NASA #39;s Swift satellite successfully launched today aboard a Boeing Delta 2 rocket at 12:16 pm EST from Launch Complex 17A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

NASA Successfully Launches Swift Satellite


The Rest of the World face an uphill task in their bid to win the UBS Cup for the first time after the United States took the second day fourball session 4-2 to establish a 6  - 5  lead going into the final day singles at Kiawah Islands Cassique

United States Edge Ahead at Kiawah Island


Houston, TX (Sports Network) - World No. 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland and third-seeded Lleyton Hewitt each posted straight-set wins and advanced to Sunday #39;s final at the lucrative 2004 Tennis Masters Cup.

Federer to meet Hewitt in Masters Cup final


CLEMSON, SC South Carolina and Clemson duked it out in the closing minutes of today #39;s game at Clemson. Police, security and coaches tried to separate the teams, who scuffled before the game started and continually pushed and showed each other throughout.

Gamecocks, Tigers brawl


Reuters - The rebels emerge from the desert\haze like ghosts. First one, silhouetted atop a sand dune and\holding a grenade launcher, then a dozen more, their shadowy\figures appearing in unison.

African Troops Begin with Small Steps to Calm Darfur (Reuters)


Rescuers in northern China look for dozens of miners thought to be trapped after a fire broke out.

China miners 'trapped by fire'


A Spanish court remands Tayseer Alouni and eight others in custody ahead of their trial for suspected al-Qaeda links.

Al-Jazeera man remanded in Spain


Leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee asked the Defense Department on Friday to have its inspector general #39;s office investigate the Air Force #39;s effort to

Senators Want Boeing Deal Investigated


League leaders Chelsea allowed Bolton Wanderers to recover from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in one of two major surprises in the Premier League on Saturday.

WRAPUP 1-Careless Chelsea and Arsenal let victories slip


Debuts are rarely pretty, especially for rookies such as Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who will make his first start Sunday.

With a Rookie Quarterback in the N.F.L., Call It in the Air


No. 2 Auburn rallies in the second half and defeats rival Alabama, 21-13, Saturday to keep its national championship hopes alive.

Auburn Stays Perfect


You can #39;t get much clearer than No. That was the strongly implied response of the US Treasury secretary, John Snow, to Europe #39;s growing cries that he help it deal with a weakening dollar by intervening to stop the slide.

ViewPoints: Just say  #39;No #39;


BAGHDAD, IRAQ - Insurgents continued to strike against coalition targets in Iraq Saturday, resulting in the deaths of one US soldier and four government employees in Baghdad.

Iraq continues battle against insurgents


The US space agency, NASA, launched a satellite Saturday that scientists hope will help them locate the sources of mysterious gamma ray explosions, the

US Spacecraft to Probe Origin of Gamma Rays Far Beyond Our Galaxy


Legendary explorer Robert Ballard was nervous this summer as he prepared to return to the Titanic for the first time since he discovered the famous shipwreck nearly two decades ago.

Titantic is a treasure to be protected, explorer says


Reuters - The U.S. Congress asked the\Securities and Exchange Commission on Saturday to send\lawmakers a report justifying a new rule forcing mutual fund\boards to have independent chairmen.

Congress Asks SEC for Mutual Fund Study (Reuters)


Glenn McGrath, thoroughbred fast bowler for a decade, embarked on a new career as an all-rounder in his 102nd Test match at the Gabba, hitting his first half-century as Australia

All-rounder McGrath


AP - LeBron James scored 25 points, Jeff McInnis added a season-high 24 and the Cleveland Cavaliers won their sixth straight, 100-84 over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night.

Cavs Beat Bobcats for Sixth Win in Row (AP)


COLUMBUS, Ohio (Sports Network) - Troy Smith threw for 241  yards and two touchdowns and ran for 145 yards and a score to  lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to a 37-21 victory over No. 7  Michigan in the final game of the regular season for both  teams.

Michigan Gets Rose Bowl Berth Despite Loss to Ohio St.


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress asked the  Securities and Exchange Commission on Saturday to send  lawmakers a report justifying a new rule forcing mutual fund  boards to have independent chairmen.

Congress Asks SEC for Mutual Fund Study


Annika Sorenstam could only manage a level-par 72 on day three of the ADT Tour Championship in Florida but it was enough to maintain a one-stroke lead.

Sorenstam maintains Florida lead


To coordinate and cooperate or not to, that is where the rub is, and that is the key issue when it comes to answering the question whether there will be peace in the Great Lakes region.

Will there be peace in Great Lakes region?


AFP - Leaders from Spain, Portugal and their former colonies in Latin America urged Britain and Argentina to renew their dialogue on the Falkland islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.

Leaders of Spain, Portugal, Latin America urge Falklands dialogue (AFP)


FOGGIA, Italy Eight people have been killed in an explosion that leveled a two-story apartment building in southern Italy. Firefighters are investigating whether a gas leak is to blame.

Explosion in southern Italy kills eight, gas leak possible cause


Florida State #39;s Chauncey Stovall, left, comes down with a fourth-quarter-touchdown catch as Florida defender Vernell Brown, right, falls down, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004, in Tallahassee, Fla.

Florida Upsets No. 10 Florida State 20-13


Look for David Stern to come down hard on the principals in Friday #39;s Pacers-Pistons brawl. With the NBA #39;s image possibly at stake, many around the league expect him to send a strong message when he makes his final ruling.

Fans are to blame, but players will face biggest penalties


In these times of financial wrongdoing and subsequent systemic changes, it's only natural to wonder what a perfect investment world would look like.

Dreams of perfect market are fine, as long as they don't come true


Thirty-eight raucous days of picket lines, tough talk and the angst of 4,300 San Francisco hotel workers locked out of their jobs with the holidays nigh were put aside Saturday when negotiators for the hotels and the workers #39; union agreed to a 60-day

Hotel workers #39; lockout off for now Employers, union OK 60-day <b>...</b>


SUN CITY, South Africa (Reuters) - Briton Lee Westwood  closed in on his first title of 2004 when he claimed the  third-round lead in the Sun City Golf Challenge Saturday.

Westwood Closes in on First Title of 2004


Drug giant Merck pulled its painkiller Vioxx because it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Now the company may face thousands of lawsuits.

Lawyer says we #39;re good guys


Patriots fans had one of their own working Sunday's regular-season finale against the 49ers. Fox producer P.T. Navarro considers himself a New Englander, even though he moved around the country as the son of college football coach Frank Navarro (Columbia, Wabash, Princeton).

Local knowledge produced benefits


It #39;s the age old question:  quot;What do you give to the man who #39;s been everything? quot;. Only time will tell whether Phil Knight #39;s retirement will be as long-lived as so many players he paid to endorse Nike.

Special to ESPN.com


Miyazaki - Tiger Woods shot a 3-under 67 Sunday to win the Dunlop Phoenix for his first title since February and first victory in Japan.

Woods wins Dunlop Phoenix


Dan Orlovsky threw for 283 yards and a touchdown in his final home game yesterday to lead Connecticut to a 29-0 victory over Buffalo, assuring the Huskies of a winning record and making them eligible for a bowl bid.

Huskies blank Buffalo


For one half Saturday, the controversy over the Bowl Championship Series looked like it might disappear in the dampness of Bryant-Denny Stadium as undefeated Auburn found itself in a fight with archrival Alabama.

AUBURN 21, ALABAMA 13 Auburn #39;s Strong Second Half Keeps It in <b>...</b>


The British Army secretly restricted numbers of ethnic recruits, according to official files just released.

Army restricted ethnic recruits


COLUMBUS - It had been awhile since anyone had slammed the door on Michigan phenom Mike Hart. The freshman running back established a school record by rushing for 150 or more yards in five straight games entering

Ohio State defense keeps Hart in check


BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Gunmen killed the Baghdad governor in  Iraq's highest-profile assassination in eight months and a  suicide bomber killed 10 people near the Green Zone on Tuesday  in an escalating campaign to wreck a Jan. 30 election.

Baghdad Governor Assassinated; Bombing Kills 10


Shares of Taser International Inc. (TASR.O: Quote, Profile, Research) have jumped 20 percent since early last week as the stun gun maker issued a slew of announcements

Taser Execs Selling Heavily on the News


Negotiators met Friday at the World Trade Organization for formal farm talks, capping a weeklong series of informal discussions on ways to reach a wider-ranging liberalization accord by the end of 2005.

Update 1: Negotiators Meet at WTO for Farm Talks


Football coaches, especially those at Michigan, continually stress the importance of preventing the big play. A lot of players didn #39;t get the message on Saturday.

Ohio State #39;s big plays kill Wolverines


(November 21, 2004). Ronald Winky Wright successfully defended his 154 lb. title for the sixth time in the highly anticipated rematch with the formerly sweet Sugar Shane Mosley

Sugar Shane Not so Sweet


Remember John Edwards Two Americas campaign theme? It occurred to me how well that theme fits the corporate world. For proof, look no further than the stockholder lawsuit against Walt Disney Co.

Rats in Mouse #39;s house?


A powerful early-morning earthquake in Costa Rica shook presidents and prime ministers from their beds while damaging houses and frightening several people into heart attacks.

Costa Rica quake


Patrick Vieira has fiercely criticised Spain #39;s record in combating racism in football and paid tribute to England #39;s record in acting against it.

Vieira slams Spain #39;s stance on racism


AP - Utah beat rival Brigham Young 52-21 Saturday, completing its first unbeaten season since 1930 and putting the Utes one step closer to the first appearance in the Bowl Championship Series for a team from a mid-major conference.

Utah Caps Unbeaten Season With Rout of BYU (AP)


An anonymous reader writes  quot;NEC and Panasonic have developed three Linux-powered 3G mobile phones to be introduced in Japan in the coming months -- NEC #39;s N900iL, NEC #39;s N901iC, and Panasonic #39;s P901i.

Three More Linux mobile Phones Coming in Japan


Las Vegas, NV: You have to give credit to Sugar Shane Mosley. For the second time in his career, the former world champion valiantly tried to reverse a thorough beating by jumping headfirst into an immediate rematch.

Mosley Unable to Escape Winkys Jab


AFP - After a decade of silence, Cambodia's movie industry is enjoying a boom due to a dash of Hollywood attention, burgeoning nationalism and cheaper production costs, industry insiders say.

After a decade of silence, Cambodia's cinema enjoys resurgence (AFP)


MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: The stage is set for a family meeting of the Ambanis here on Monday on the ownership issue in the Rs 80,000 crore-Reliance group of industries as Mukesh Ambani returned from the US even as his brother Anil is understood to have

Anil Ambani authorises mother to take decisions on his behalf


A China Eastern Airlines commuter plane crashed into a frozen lake in northern China this morning, killing all 53 people on board and 1 on the ground, state media and the airline said.

Commuter Plane Crashes in China, Killing 54


AFP - Halliburton, the oil services giant once run by US Vice President Dick Cheney, has emerged as a leading contender to manage the construction of two British aircraft carriers, The Sunday Telegraph said.

Halliburton leading contender in construction of British aircraft carriers: report (AFP)


SHAHE, CHINA - Nine people were confirmed dead and 57 remained missing late Sunday after a fire swept through five iron ore mines in northern China, the Xinhau news agency said.

Deadly fire sweeps through China mines


Bolstered by investors, Oracle Corp. appears destined to complete its long-sought takeover of PeopleSoft Inc. unless its rival becomes more profitable and proves it #39;s worth more than the \$9.2 billion bid currently on the table.

Update 2: Oracle Poised to Pounce on PeopleSoft


Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have announced plans to sell millions of shares in the web search company they launched in 1998.

Google creators in share sell-off


By Sammy Rozenberg (AP Staff Writer/BoxingScene Staff Writer). BoxingScene was ready and willing to engage in conversation during the post-fight press conference following the Shane Mosley-Winky Wright rematch.

Backstage Pass; Mosley-Wright 2


Nineteen countries, including Australia, have agreed to cancel 80 per cent of the debt Iraq owes them. The deal secured for the Paris Club of creditor nations ends a trans-Atlantic dispute and probably sets

Australia cancels 80pc of Iraqi debt


PARIS - Nasser al-Kidwa, nephew of the deceased Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, arrived in Paris from Cairo Sunday to pick up a copy of Arafat #39;s medical records.

Arafat nephew set to pick up medical chart


Striking a personal chord, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today invited ULFA in Assam and other insurgent groups in the North East to shun violence.

PM invites North East groups for talks


US Secretary of State Colin Powell has launched a new Middle East peace drive by saying he will press both Israeli and Palestinian leaders for steps to help Palestinians elect a successor to Yasser Arafat.

US urges Israel to help Palestinian vote


AP - Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson didn't travel with the team for Sunday's game against Miami because of a bruised right elbow.

Iverson Misses Game Against Heat (AP)


The head of Iran #39;s nuclear energy organisation said work would stop at two nuclear facilities in the central cities of Isfahan and Natanz.

Iran pledges to halt nuclear work


Europe and Japan failed yesterday to persuade the United States to address the decline in the dollar, despite talks at a fractious meeting of the Group of 20 industrialised and developing nations.

No deal on dollar as US shrugs off European pressure


US national team candidates expected to begin training in Los Angeles this week for the start of the final round of World Cup qualifying. Instead, the training camp has been postponed because of a contract dispute between the US Soccer Federation and the US National Soccer Team Players Association.

For Dempsey, soccer impasse qualifies as a concern


New police powers to prosecute offenders for possession if they test positive for drugs when they are arrested, even if the only drugs they have are in their bloodstream, are to be announced this week.

Blunkett gets tougher on drugs


Jeff Raikes was working at Apple Computer in the early 1980s when a guy named Steve Ballmer called and asked him to interview for a product-management job at a small software outfit in the Seattle area.

Top exec shares business lessons


quot;NVIDIA and Intel Corporation announced that the companies have signed a broad, multi-year patent cross-license agreement spanning multiple product lines and product generations.

NVIDIA and Intel sign broad cross-license and chipset license <b>...</b>


Pacific Rim leaders pledged Sunday to shore up global security and push ahead with the World Trade Organization's negotiations on lowering global trade barriers.

APEC Leaders Vow to Scrap Trade Barriers


Human Genome Sciences Inc. plans to announce today that it has hired a 20-year product development veteran from Abbott Laboratories Inc. as chief executive. H. Thomas Watkins, 51, will face the challenge of completing the Rockville company's makeover from gene hunter to drug marketer.

HGS Picks Watkins as New Chief Executive


CINCINNATI - Jerome Bettis ran for 129 yards and the Pittsburgh Steelers #39; blitzing defense created havoc in the second half in a 19-14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday.

Bettis, Steelers post eighth straight win


SYDNEY (Dow Jones)--Australian building products manufacturer James Hardie Industries NV (JHX) surprised investors Monday by reporting a 9.5 drop in net profit for

UPDATE:James Hardie 1H Net Disappoints; Cuts FY Forecast


With the Texans nursing a second-half lead, the stage was set for another Packers' comeback, authored by Brett Favre. The result: a 16-13 Green Bay win.

Favre Does It Again


SEATTLE -- Not too long ago, Google Inc. seemed little more than a pesky insect to Microsoft Corp.'s 800-pound gorilla.

Google targets software giant


Considering how poorly the Texans #39; defense played in the first halves in blowout losses to the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts the previous two weeks, Sunday night #39;s performance was encouraging.

Defense finally craters against Favre


President Bush, trying to mend relations with Latin America, pledged Sunday to make a fresh push for stalled immigration reforms and defended the U.S. invasion of Iraq, saying that

Bush Tries to Mend Ties With Latin America


398,000 Bumble Bee toys distributed by Graco Children #39;s Products. Graco received 26 reports of antennae breaking off the toys, including five reports of children who started to choke on the broken parts.

Toy Safety Glance


Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said a surge in after-Christmas shopping spurred December same-store sales gains of about 3 percent, at the high end of its forecast. Kmart Holding Corp. said profit rose 10 percent during the holiday season after it limited deep discounts.

Holiday sales results lift Wal-Mart, Kmart


Users with Symbian-based mobile phones have been hit by malicious code that disables smartphone features. Skulls, a Trojan horse program that poses as gaming software, is one of the first examples of malicious code to successfully infect mobiles.

Skulls Trojan keelhauls Symbian phones


Feyenoord boss Ruud Gullit has launched a stinging attack on his players after watching them crash to their third defeat of the season against FC Groningen.

GULLIT TO TAKE ACTION AFTER DEFEAT


Iran on Monday froze sensitive nuclear work including uranium enrichment in a move likely to thwart US efforts to report the Islamic state to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.

Iran Suspends Key Nuclear Work to Avoid Sanctions


The national passenger rail service risks a

Amtrak Infrastructure On Brink, DOT Warns


Swiss firm Xstrata relaunches a takeover bid for Australian mining company WMC Resources by appealing directly to its shareholders.

Xstrata in new bid for mines firm


CELTIC lost ground in the title race today after Rangers won a heated Old Firm encounter that will be better remembered for its sending offs and scuffles.

Nine men Bhoys fall at Ibrox


Shane Mosley gave Winky Wright his big chance. After beating Mosley a second time, Wright is now ready to cash in on it. Wright pronounced himself one of boxing #39;s elite contenders Saturday night after beating

Wright ready to cash in after win


BEIJING (Reuters) - The death toll from a fire that swept  through an iron mine complex in the northern Chinese province  of Hebei rose to 57, with three miners still missing, Xinhua  news agency said on Monday.

China Iron Mine Fire Death Toll Rises to 57


\US and Afghan forces raid houses in Kabul as part of a hunt for three UN workers kidnapped last month.

Raid in hunt for Afghan hostages


Microsoft Corp. on Friday said that together with Dell Inc. it will provide the Air Force with software and related support services to simplify the acquisition process in an agreement worth up to \$500 million over six years.

Microsoft and Dell Get Air Force Pact


AstraZeneca intends to invest over 120m in Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) through an innovative five-year research collaboration and a 75m equity

CAT and AstraZeneca enter \$175m collaboration


PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Donald Trump's casino operations  filed for bankruptcy Sunday in a long-expected move that would  allow the real estate maverick to restructure the company's  debt and overhaul its aging casinos.

Trump's Casinos File for Bankruptcy


Swiss mining group Xstrata PLC Monday launched a hostile 7.4 billion Australian dollar (US\$5.8 billion; euro4.4 billion) bid for uranium and copper miner WMC Resources LTD, increasing pressure on the independent Australian miner.

Xstrata Makes a Bid for WMC Resources


Hong Kong #39;s Disneyland theme park will open on Sept. 12, 2005 and become the driving force for growth in the city #39;s tourism industry, Hong Kong #39;s government and Walt Disney Co.

HK Disneyland Theme Park to Open in September


Ryanair is making Liverpool #39;s John Lennon Airport its 12th European base. The low fares airline is investing \$240m in four new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will launch nine new European routes from the airport.

Ryanair names Liverpool airport as 12th base


Ziff Davis - Trapeze Networks this week will announce upgrades to its wireless LAN switch software.

Trapeze Software Eases Services Delivery (Ziff Davis)


Reuters - Shares of GenCorp Inc.  fell 5.6\percent before the opening bell on Monday after investment fund\Steel Partners withdrew its proposal to acquire the aerospace\and real estate company.

Before-the-Bell: GenCorp Falls 5.6 Pct. (Reuters)


A new study ranks St. Louis as the fourth most dangerous city. Camden, New Jersey came in first, followed by Detroit and Atlanta. The rankings are in Morgan Quitno #39;s  quot;City Crime Rankings, quot; an annual reference

Study Ranks St. Louis as Fourth Most Dangerous City


Troubled German retailer KarstadtQuelle AG said Monday it is selling its 82 percent stake in a three-year-old joint venture with coffeehouse chain Starbucks Coffee International to the US company.

KarstadtQuelle Sells Stake in Venture


Was this what Microsoft (Steve Ballmer) was growling and threatening about, when he told Asian countries:  quot;nice little Linux OS you have here.

Panasonic braves Linux-fuelled wrath of Ballmer


While Yasser Arafat #39;s nephew says toxicology tests on his uncle show no poisons were found in his system, Arafat #39;s nephew isn #39;t ruling that out as a cause of death.

Arafat #39;s nephew not ruling out poison as cause of death


Russian president Vladimir Putin visits Brazil for talks on its space programme and the sale of fighter planes.

Putin in Brazil for space talks


Iraq: Iraq geared up Monday for its first post-Saddam Hussein elections on January 30 despite relentless nationwide violence, as world powers gathered in Egypt for a conference on the country #39;s future.

Iraq gears up for elections


CBN.com - (CBN News) -ERUSALEM  -h the death of Yasser Arafat behind them, the Palestinians and Israelis are now facing an historic opportunity to move forward in peace.

Powell Meets with Middle East Leaders


International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei angrily rejected allegations that he had collaborated with Iran ahead of releasing investigation reports about Tehrans nuclear program.

ElBaradei strongly rejects charges of collaboration with Iran


Campbell Soup Co. (CPB.N: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday posted a better-than-expected 9 percent rise in profit, sending shares to a near three-year high, as heavy promotions and product improvements spurred soup sales.

Campbell 9 Pct. Profit  #39;Hmmm Hmmm Good #39;


The legal battle for control of Formula One gets underway in earnest today, with Bernie Ecclestone and the three German banks that make up the major shareholding in the sport going to court to decide who has the right to power.

F1 power struggle now in session.


Reuters - Stelco Inc.\(STEa.TO) has lost a contract to supply steel to General Motors\Inc. , its biggest customer, because the insolvent\Canadian steelmaker failed to strike a deal with its workers,\the union at Stelco said on Monday.

Stelco Loses Contract to Supply GM Steel (Reuters)


AP - French technology company Thomson SA said Monday it was joining Microsoft Corp. and Time Warner Inc.'s proposed venture to make anti-piracy software, a move that could relieve European Union concerns about the pending deal.

Thomson Joins Microsoft-Time Warner Deal (AP)


Thomson joined Microsoft and Time Warner on Monday in trying to take control of U.S. digital rights management (DRM) company ContentGuard Holdings.

Thomson joins takeover bid for ContentGuard


Attacks exploit IE flaw, and allow attacker to gain complete control of your PC.

Bofra Worm Spreads by Banner Ads


Google Founders Selling Off Stock\\Is this a sign that Google stack is overpriced? Or does it just mean that since there is so much interest in Google and its shares right now that the founders decided to sell off a big part of their holdings with the search engine. Dow ...

Google Founders Selling Off Stock


An Israeli military court has charged an army officer with illegally using his weapon when he allegedly shot a Palestinian girl who was already dead.

Israel trial over slain Gaza girl


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Paul McCartney will headline the 2005 Super Bowl halftime show as the National Football League goes mainstream after the controversy over this year #39;s show.

McCartney to headline Super Bowl halftime in  #39;05


Reuters - Stelco Inc. (STEa.TO) has lost a\contract to supply steel to its biggest customer General Motors\Corp. , the company said on Monday, after the insolvent\Canadian steelmaker failed to strike a deal with its workers.


Burned, looted shops dot the commercial capital. European airlines have suspended flights. And only a few ships remain in what was one of West Africa #39;s busiest ports.

Ivory Coast violence deals economic blow


Three banks go to the High Court in London seeking a ruling which could lead to Bernie Ecclestone losing control of Formula One racing.

Banks seek court ruling over F1


Hackers may be using banner ad servers to multiply the impact of the Internet Explorer virus, security experts warn.

Bofra burrows in through banner ads


Certain Pioneer TVs have a faulty power supply. An upgrade is available.

Pioneer replaces plasma TV power supplies


AP - Colorado athletic director Dick Tharp resigned Monday, ending a nine-year tenure sullied by accusations of recruiting violations and fiscal mismanagement.

CU Athletic Director Dick Tharp Resigns (AP)


Reuters - Nike Inc.  boosted its\quarterly dividend by 25 percent on Monday, citing strong cash\flow and growth prospects as the world's biggest athletic shoe\company has racked up record revenue and soaring profits the\past few years.

Nike Boosts Dividend by 25 Percent (Reuters)


NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose on Monday as a higher  price target for shares of Apple Computer Inc. <A HREF=

Stocks Finish Up, Apple Provides a Lift


TiVo Inc.(TIVO.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , maker of digital television recorders, on Monday said its quarterly net loss widened as it boosted spending to acquire customers, but subscribers to its fee-based TV service rose

TiVo Net Loss Widens; Subscribers Grow


quot;A spokesman for the president #39;s brother, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., called the game  #39;despicable. #39; The Glasgow-based firm Traffic said  quot;JFK Reloaded quot; was an educational  quot;docu-game quot; that would help disprove conspiracy theories about Kennedy #39;s death.

Company launches Windows-only JFK Assassination game via online <b>...</b>


COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Danish electronics equipment maker  RTX Telecom <A HREF=

RTX Provides Cordless Phones for Net-Based Calls


Survey by Intelligent Decisions indicates that patch management leaves less time for chief information security officers to work on improving overall security.

Federal CISOs Rank Patch Management As Biggest Obstacle


AP - Seattle receiver Koren Robinson was suspended without pay Monday for the next four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

NFL Suspends Seattle Receiver Four Games (AP)


PeopleSoft executives said over the weekend that they won't discuss a sale to Oracle at a price of \$24 per share but would consider an offer at a higher price.

Update: PeopleSoft board won't negotiate Oracle takeover


NEW YORK (Sports Network) - Seattle Seahawks wide receiver  Koren Robinson has been suspended without pay for four games by  the league for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Seahawks Receiver Robinson Suspended by NFL


Reuters - Alamosa Holdings Inc.  said\on Monday it made an unsolicited bid for AirGate PCS Inc.\ worth about  #36;380 million, which would create one of\the largest sellers of wireless telephone service under the\Sprint  brand.

Alamosa Offers to Buy AirGate (Reuters)


LONDON: In an unusual departure from the tradition of regal silence and the stiff upper lip, Prince Charles fought back Monday against accusations by a government minister who called his views on education  quot;old fashioned quot; and  quot;out of time.

Forgoing stiff upper lip, Charles jousts with critics


Computer Associates is set to name a recently departed IBM executive as its new chief executive officer, The Wall Street Journal reported online on Monday.

Report: IBM software executive to become CA CEO


EUROPES biggest defence contractors will have the chance to bid for a \$23 billion (12 billion) air refuelling contract for the US Air Force that has been withdrawn from Boeing.

Defence contractors chase \$23bn deal


Xstrata yesterday took its \$5.8 billion (3.1 billion) cash bid for Australian miner WMC hostile, laying the ground for another major takeover clash between the old guard and the new of the mining world.

Xstrata puts \$5.8bn bid to shareholders


ST. LOUIS Pulitzer Incorporated shares spike more than 17 percent on news that the publisher of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and two Arizona newspapers is considering a possible sale.

Pulitzer shares surge on possible sale


AP - Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Fidel Castro Monday for talks focusing on the broadening ties between Cuba and China, which has become the island's third-largest trading partner.

Chinese President Meets With Castro (AP)


Reuters - Conservationists launched a\three-year project on Tuesday to protect millions of migrating\birds which are indiscriminately targeted by hunters in North\Africa and the Middle East.

Measures Aim to Stem Middle East Bird Slaughter (Reuters)


A prehistoric neck bone found 12 years ago by amateur fossil hunters in Britain belongs to the biggest dinosaur ever discovered in the UK and possibly Europe, a report published in the Cretaceous Research Journal said today.

Britain #39;s Biggest Dinosaur Found in Isle of Wight (Update1)


NEW YORK (Ticker) - Ron Artest received the longest suspension in NBA history Sunday as he was banned for the rest of the season for his role as the ringleader in what amounted to a riot.

Artest banned for season; Jackson gets 30 games, O #39;Neal 25


Donald Trump #39;s flagship casino business yesterday filed for bankruptcy as part of a financial restructuring aimed at easing \$1.8bn (1m) debt.

Trump #39;s casinos file for bankruptcy


OAK BROOK, Ill. Cancer has forced Charlie Bell to step down as CEO of the restaurant chain to which he #39;s devoted most of his working career.

McDonald #39;s CEO Charlie Bell devoted working career to McDonald #39;s


AFP - Workers at South Korea's largest automaker Hyundai Motor will go on strike Friday to oppose proposed government labor reform legislaton, union leaders said.

SKorea's Hyundai Motor to join strike against labor reform bill (AFP)


It is as much a rite of the New York holiday season as sidewalk Santas or crowded Fifth Avenue sidewalks: the proliferation of hawkers selling counterfeit products like the fake Fendi handbag, the replica Rolex watch and the pirated DVD.

The Handbag? Total Knockoff. The Price Tag? All Too Real.


NOVELL Inc has announced the availability of the Novell Linux Desktop 9, powered by SuSE Linux. Backed by Novells extensive enterprise-level support, training and consulting services, Novell Linux Desktop

Novell ships Desktop Linux for the enterprise


Patrick Ramsey can picture each long pass he threw during his first start this season. The five deep throws came on tight spirals that were only a tad off.

Ramsey, Redskins Come Up A Little Short in First Start


Mining giant BHP Billiton has completed a bigger-than-expected A\$2.27 billion (950 million pound) share buyback, driving up its stock price as investors reinvest profits from the tax-efficient deal.

BHP stock boosted by share buy-back


An adult publishing company sued Google last week, alleging a dozen counts of copyright infringement. Perfect 10, a Beverly Hills, CA-based publisher of an adult-oriented magazine and Web sites, asserts that

Publisher Files Copyright Suit Against Google


Sports India: Cricket  gt; Kanpur, Nov 22 : South Africa declared their first innings at 510 for nine on the third day of the first cricket Test against India here today.

SA-India Test: South Africa declare at 510 for 9 :


After a year of wrangling over NASA #39;s \$16.2 billion budget, lawmakers have delivered in a big way, giving the space agency its full funding request and unprecedented spending flexibility.

Lawmakers give the space agency greater flexibility in its new <b>...</b>


The war of words between Mylan Laboratories Inc. and the company #39;s largest shareholder over Mylan #39;s \$4 billion deal to acquire King Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Icahn blasts CEO Coury after Mylan rejects stock buyout offer


Following this year #39;s  quot;Nipplegate quot; affair with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, the organisers of half-time entertainment at the Super Bowl aren #39;t taking any chances in 2005.

Paul McCartney To Perform at Super Bowl


The organisers of the half-time entertainment for next year #39;s Super Bowl have signed a deal with Sir Paul McCartney to entertain millions.

Paul McCartney to perform at Super Bowl


Trailing by 12 points with 4 minutes, 27 seconds left, having gone longer than that since they last scored, the Minnesota Timberwolves could have been thinking about finally getting home after a week on the road.

Timberwolves go all way back


USC vs. Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl appears to be three victories away - two by USC and one by the Sooners. USC and Oklahoma held the top two spots in the Bowl Championship

Notebook: USC, Sooners in control of BCS


GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli soldiers shot dead five  Palestinians in north Gaza on Tuesday after mortar fire from  Palestinian militants wounded two people in a nearby Jewish  settlement, medics on both sides said.

Israel Kills 5 Palestinians in North Gaza -- Medics


\\I hear that we have a new word - vlog.  The amount of confusion this will result\in should be terrifying.\\My appologies to Abbott and Costello...  I couldn't resist.\\Abbott: I say Blogs's on first, Vlogs's on second, and Blogosphere's on third.\\Costello: Is Blog the publisher?\\Abbott: Yes.\\Costello: Is Blog going to have the video too?\\Abbott: Yes.\\Costello: And you don't know the fellows' names?\\Abbott: Well I should.\\Costello: Well then Blogs publishing the story?\\Abbott: Yes.\\Costello: I mean the persons's name.\\Abbott: Blog.\\Costello: The guy on first.\\Abbott: Blog!\\Costello: The first publisher.\\Abbott: Blog.\\Costello: The guy writing...\\Abbott: Blogs the publisher!\ ...\\

The Blog Confusion


Outfielder Gabe Kapler became the first player to leave the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, agreeing to a one-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants in Tokyo.

Sox lose Kapler to Japan


Reuters - Peruvian authorities have detained a\former army major who led a three-day uprising in a southern\Peruvian town and are preparing to storm the police station he\took over with 200 supporters, a government source told Reuters\early on Tuesday.

Peru Arrests Siege Leader, to Attack Police Post (Reuters)


A VIDEO games company from Scotland is causing outrage in America with a title called JFK Reloaded, which allows players to look through the crosshairs of Lee Harvey Oswalds rifle and assassinate the late US President.

Family of JFK attacks Dallas death game


The insurance company has agreed to pay about \$80 million to settle investigations into insurance sales that were used by companies to manipulate their earnings.

A.I.G. Will Accept Monitor and Pay \$80 Million to Close Inquiries


AP - Video games that have players shoot rival gang members, watch bare-breasted women and recreate the assassination of President Kennedy were criticized Tuesday by advocacy groups that said, at the least, they should be kept away from children.

Group Cites Video Games for Violence, Sex (AP)


AP - It's been six years since Valve Corp. perfected the first-person shooter with

REVIEW: 'Half-Life 2' a Tech Masterpiece (AP)


Reuters - Cingular Wireless will cut about 7,000\jobs, or 10 percent of its work force, to cut costs as it\integrates recently purchased AT T Wireless, the company said\on Tuesday.

Cingular to Cut About 7,000 Jobs (Reuters)


NewsFactor - Open-source software is carving a larger niche in the mobile realm, with electronics firms NEC (Nasdaq: NIPNY) and Panasonic rolling out Linux-based handhelds for Japanese telecom giant NTT DoCoMo (NYSE: DCM).

Phone Makers Embrace Linux (NewsFactor)


Arnold Schwarzenegger married a Kennedy. Michael Jackson married a Presley. And Kazaa married an Internet phone company. Beginning Monday, the latest version of the embattled file sharing companys software

Bride of Kazaa


The governments of Serbia and the Bosnian Serb enclave of Bosnia-Herzegovina have failed to bring war crimes suspects to the United Nations tribunal, Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte told the Security Council.

Serbia, Bosnian Serbs Fail to Help War Crimes Tribunal, UN Says


Reuters - Sea temperatures in the southeastern\Pacific show no sign of bringing extreme

No Sign of El Nino in Pacific for Now - Scientists (Reuters)


AP - A unique subspecies of fox that is about the size of a house cat is back from the brink of extinction on Santa Catalina Island and can survive on its own thanks to a captive breeding program, the head of a nonprofit group that manages most of the island said Tuesday.

Catalina Foxes Back After Near Extinction (AP)


In comparison to its contemporaries it could be termed a modern marvel, an example of how to do things right when everyone else was doing things wrong.

Arrowhead: It still is pointing the way


Cingular Wireless LLC, the nation's largest cell phone company, will cut about 10 percent of its 68,000 jobs over the next 12 to 18 months as it combines operations with the recently acquired AT T Wireless, Cingular's chief executive said Tuesday.

Cingular to Reduce Work Force by Roughly 10 Percent, CEO Says


Four men are arrested over the suicide bomb attack on the Australian embassy in Jakarta, police say.

Four men held over Jakarta bomb


BOSTON - Citrix Systems is buying Net6, a privately-held maker of SSL (Secure Socket Layer) VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology, for \$50 million cash, Citrix said Tuesday.

Citrix buying VPN company Net6 for \$50 million


Don't junk that GameCube: Metroid Prime 2 provides gorgeous atmosphere, a sweet score and fun gameplay to create a winner. By Chris Kohler.

Echoes Repeats Success


MADRID (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's  fence-mending visit to Spain sparked political uproar on  Tuesday when Madrid for the first time backed his allegations  that the former Spanish government backed a coup against him.

Chavez Visit to Spain Sparks Coup Controversy


WASHINGTON: The 41st anniversary of President John F Kennedy #39;s assassination passed on November 22 - a lot more quietly than earlier ones.

JFK killing fades in intensity


Three men were arrested Tuesday night for trying to extort \$3 million from Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony. Joubert Santos and Jason Pabon of the Bronx

Three arrested after demanding money from NBA star


AFP - EasyGroup, the holding company of no-frills British airline easyJet, is close to striking a deal to launch a low-cost mobile telephone service in Britain, the Financial Times reported.

EasyGroup close to launching low-cost mobile phone service (AFP)


Unable to reach an agreement on a one-year deal that pleases both sides, Al Leiter and the Mets finally were able to come to terms on something: It #39;s time both sides stop talking to each other and start looking elsewhere.

They #39;re not on same side


SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- For the second time in less than a month, the Notre Dame football team returned to the practice field Tuesday after a bye week preceded by a frustrating home loss.

Been there, won that: ND hopes USC game mirrors effort vs. <b>...</b>


(Columbia-AP) Nov. 24, 2004 - Friends and colleagues of South Carolina #39;s new coach Steve Spurrier say he is a family man who jokes around and likes to play golf, just like his predecessor Lou Holtz .

Gamecocks can expect fun, intensity from new Coach Spurrier


MELBOURNE, Australia (AFP) - Cricket Australia said it was better off hiring full-time coaches than employing bowling great Dennis Lillee, who has abruptly ended his long coaching involvement with the body.

Cricket-Lillee a victim of generational change, says spin guru


A British television station and a newspaper are reporting that British security services believe they have thwarted several major attacks planned by terrorists linked to Osama bin Laden #39;s al-Qaida organization.

British Media: Security Stopped Several Major Terrorist Attacks


Harry Redknapp has quit as manager of English soccer Premiership club Portsmouth and said he wants a complete break #39; #39; from the game, the club Web site reported.

Portsmouth Manager Redknapp Resigns to Take Break #39; From Soccer


SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea gave a visiting U.N. official  a

U.N.: N.Korea Sends Positive Message on Nuke Talks


Traditionally, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year, and the American Automobile Association expected travel this year to hit pre-Sept.

Travelers Stuff Roads, Terminals


Nortel Networks Corp. (NT.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday that a far-reaching revision of its faulty financials will not require accounting changes for sales of certain fiber optic equipment.

No Changes for Certain Nortel Accounting


The UN workers, who helped to run a presidential election won last month by US-backed incumbent Karzai, discussed their ordeal with him at his presidential palace in the morning.

Asia ; Freed UN Hostages Say Humbled by Support in Ordeal


London -- Invoking a global threat of terrorism, the British government announced plans Tuesday to introduce national identity cards for the first time since the World War II era.

Britain plans national ID cards


AP - The swamps, bayous and rice fields of Louisiana's Cajun country have emerged as the site of the nation's latest political battleground.

La. Becomes Latest Political Battleground (AP)


CINCINNATI University of Cincinnati quarterback Gino Guidugli (guh-DOO #39;-lee) has a broken bone in his throwing hand, and may miss Saturday #39;s game at number-seven Louisville.

Bearcat qb has broken bone in throwing hand


Three UN election workers who were freed yesterday nearly a month after being abducted in Afghanistan have spoken of their gratitude to the Afghan people for supporting them during their plight.

#39;Grateful #39; Kabul hostages look forward to returning to work


The World Trade Organization held off Wednesday on approving stiff sanctions on US exports - ranging from cod to mobile homes - intended to punish Washington until it repeals the so-called Byrd amendment.

World Trade Organization holds off on sanctions over US anti <b>...</b>


AP - Iran sought on Wednesday to partially roll back its commitment to freeze all uranium enrichment programs, demanding the right to run some equipment that can be used to produce nuclear arms.

Iran Seeks to Amend Nuclear Freeze Deal (AP)


Vulnerable groups such as the elderly should be helped to buy digital TV equipment, a report says.

Elderly 'need digital TV funds'


Microsoft (Quote, Chart) and representatives of the European Union #39;s Competition Commission will sit down at the table together on Thursday, but it won #39;t be to eat.

Microsoft, EU Officials in Procedure Meeting


U.K. users will be able to replace pirated versions of Windows that they have purchased.

Microsoft Will Replace Fake Copies of XP


Travelers faced weather delays across the US as they took to the highways and airways today to begin what industry experts say will be the biggest Thanksgiving travel weekend since 2000.

US Travelers Face Weather Delays on Holiday Journey (Update2)


The judge considering Microsoft Corp. #39;s appeal against European Union sanctions has called a closed meeting for Thursday to decide what action to take after two more major

Hearing Set After Microsoft Rivals Quit


MyTravel Plc, an unprofitable UK tour operator, got the go-ahead from a London court to meet creditors for approval of a refinancing plan after it submitted a revised version.

MyTravel Wins Court Approval for Creditor, Shareholder Meeting


InfoWorld - Online phishing schemes increased significantly in October as financial institutions struggled to combat attempts to steal private account information from online consumers, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).

Phishing on the increase, group says (InfoWorld)


ICQ, an IM service provider owned by America Online, and Mail2World Inc., a provider of messaging and collaboration services, this week revealed a free upgrade to the ICQmail service that

E-Mail And IM Get Closer


Russian and Western leaders are sharply at odds over the country's election crisis.

The East-West stakes over Ukraine


Liberian legend George Weah returns to Liberia to launch his bid for the country's presidency.

Weah returns to Liberia


A crucial legal ruling in Oracle's takeover bid for Peoplesoft is delayed after a judge says he needs to hear more evidence.

Ruling delayed in Peoplesoft case


Juliana Sasaki did not bother checking out Sony #39;s digital music player in Tokyo before buying her iPod mini.  quot;I knew Sony and other companies had MP3 players, but they can #39;t beat the mini, quot; says Sasaki, 23, a language teacher.

Apple iPod holds sway in Japan


AP - The intense rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan has gone to the dogs  #151; bomb-sniffing ones.

Ohio State Bomb Dogs Irk Michigan Coach (AP)


The Securities and Exchange Commission and Time Warner Inc. are nearing agreement on a deal in which the media giant would pay about \$750 million to settle wide-ranging allegations

Time Warner, SEC near deal on AOL troubles


England #39;s tour to Zimbabwe was on the brink of cancellation last night after David Morgan, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, instructed Michael Vaughan #39;s team not to board a flight to Harare an hour before it was scheduled to leave

Zimbabwe cricket tour collapses


Luton Airport was bought by the Spanish yesterday as part of a 551m takeover deal which will net the men who run it almost 60m.

Spanish buy Luton airport operator in 551m deal


Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich participated in practice Wednesday and is expected to start this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jags #39; Leftwich likely to start on Sunday


Reuters - U.N. Secretary-General Kofi\Annan on Monday chose the high-profile British head of a key\agency as his new chief of staff, the start of a reshuffle\aimed at instituting U.N. reforms and combating scandals.

Annan Starts Reshuffling UN Staff for Reform Push (Reuters)


Luton, Cardiff and Belfast International airports are to fall into the hands of a Spanish toll motorways operator through a 551m takeover of the aviation group TBI by a Barcelona-based Abertis Infrastructure.

Spaniards to run Luton airport after 551m deal


The judge who presided over the Securities and Exchange Commission #39;s fraud suit against MCI, the long-distance telephone company, threatened to punish the company yesterday for ignoring his

Judge Threatens to Punish MCI Over Fees It Has Paid


The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission lost about \$2 million in revenue Wednesday as thousands of holiday travelers zipped through the toll booths for free.

Agency sustains \$2 M hit


Collard greens and black-eyed peas, a New Years tradition, on a chefs site; Virtual-Bubblewrap.com lets you punch holes with your mouse; KnowItAllVideo.com, where amateur instructional videos are posted and rated.

Good Luck and Bubblewrap.com


You see it every time Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning steps to the line of scrimmage before taking the snap. It #39;s like he #39;s going through his own little workout routine.

Lions have their work cut out for them against Manning


AP - Ben Gordon scored a career-high 22 points, including four free throws in the final minute, to lead the Chicago Bulls past the Utah Jazz 101-99 Wednesday night to avoid an 0-10 start that would have been the worst in franchise history.

Chicago Bulls Silence Utah Jazz, 101-99 (AP)


Science News, Iceland, What are the words used by indigenous peoples in the Arctic for  quot;hornet, quot;  quot;robin, quot;  quot;elk, quot;  quot;barn owl quot; or  quot;salmon?

Science ; As ice thaws, arctic peoples at loss for words


Millions of holiday travelers nationwide are experiencing an all-too-intimate form of security screening that some say amounts to sexual groping - a  quot;pat-down quot; by government officials.

TSA  #39;pat-downs #39; cross the line for some fliers


PETALING JAYA: Virus experts at British software security firm Sophos Plc have advised customers not to panic, following media reports of a Trojan horse which infects cellphones.

Skulls on your Symbian phone? Don #39;t panic!


The fourth-quarter deluge of top-quality games continued today, with Atari announcing that Sid Meier #39;s Pirates! had shipped to stores.

Sid Meier #39;s Pirates! sets sail


An innovation called the CableCard, which slides into a slot on the back of many new TV sets, is meant to eliminate the cable box. So why aren't cable customers hearing more about it?

Streamlined Cable TV in a Card


The dollar hits yet another record low against the euro, causing concerns about the German and wider eurozone economies.

Dollar drops to new overnight low


Deion Branch lists the Revolution among his favorite soccer teams in his press guide biography. And Branch's Patriot season has mirrored that of the Revolution -- a long-term injury sustained in the second game, followed by a spectacular recovery after the halfway point in the season. Branch strained his knee in the Patriots' 23-12 win at Arizona Sept. ...

Here's the catch: Branch is back


Arsene Wenger is confident that Arsenal will make the knockout stages of the Champions League, despite needing to beat Rosenborg to make sure.

Cocky Arsene


Such has been Chelsea #39;s dominance of their Champions League group that the other three teams including holders Porto are still all vying for a place in the knockout stage going into their final games next month.

PSG lead race for second Group H berth


QUETTA, Pakistan - A bomb fixed to a bicycle killed one man and injured 15 people in southwestern Pakistans restive desert province of Baluchistan on Thursday, police said.

Blast kills one, injures 15 in southwest Pakistan


The UK's largest supermarket - Tesco - says strong petrol sales aided a rise in third quarter sales across all parts of its business.

Petrol sales boost Tesco turnover


AFP - Tesco, Britain's biggest supermarket chain, said that group sales grew by 12.2 percent in the third quarter, driven by strong performances from its stores at home and abroad.

British grocer Tesco sees group sales rise 12.0-percent (AFP)


Bunnatine Greenhouse, chief contracting officer of the Army Corps of Engineers, is seen in her official undated government photo. FBI agents recently spent a day interviewing Greenhouse, the Army contracting

FBI Interviews Halliburton Whistleblower


After writing about hundreds of individual and class-action lawsuits that have been filed on behalf of consumers who developed cancer, suffered heart attacks or other medical problems from hormone replacement therapy drugs and Vioxx, an FDA employee now

More harmful drugs may be on the market


A federal court Wednesday barred No. 2 US long-distance carrier MCI Inc. from making further payments to cover more than \$25 million in unauthorized expenses related to bankruptcy of predecessor WorldCom.

Court bars MCI from making payments


MOSCOW, November 25 (Itar-Tass) - A special task force unit freed both women who were held hostage by two armed army deserters in the Moscow region.

Abductor kills self in Moscow region hostage freeing operation


UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw lays a wreath at the grave of former Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat.

UK minister visits Arafat grave


NEW YORK A federal judge in Manhattan says MCI may have violated a court order by paying more than 25 (m) million dollars in professional services fees as part of its bankruptcy proceedings in excess of caps on such fees.

Judge: MCI may have violated court order on certain fees


One person killed and 15 injured as bomb went off in a market in district Khuzdar of Balochistan, reports The News. According to police officials, the bomb was planted in a cycle.

One killed, 15 injured in Khuzdar bomb blast


Justin Gray leads Wake Forest with 21 points despite suffering a gashed face as the top-ranked Demon Deacons beat Providence, 79-67.

Deacons Defeat Friars


SiliconValley.com - Intel is making a big push to help personal computer makers in China and India offer the Linux operating system on machines powered by the company's chips.

Intel puts in plug for Linux (SiliconValley.com)


TechWeb - Chipmaker provides Linux tools to reach growing market there.

Intel Helps Asian PC Partners Ship With Linux (TechWeb)


Defending champion France surged into the Fed Cup final, completing a 5-0 sweep of Spain on Thursday behind singles victories by Nathalie Dechy and Tatiana Golovin.

France surges into Fed Cup final


In a move that has been dubbed as  #39;disastrous #39; by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Exeter University is to drop the teaching of chemistry as a subject.

Exeter uni cans chemistry department


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - A group which advocates legalized marijuana says a new poll shows federal pot policies are out of touch with public opinion.

Pro-pot groups says federal policies out of step with Canadians (Canadian Press)


AP - Nintendo Co. returned to profit in the first half of the fiscal year from a loss a year ago as the Japanese video-game maker erased foreign exchange losses and turned more profit with game-software sales.

Nintendo Returns to Profit (AP)


Rwanda insisted on Thursday that it would soon attack rebels inside the Democratic Republic of Congo unless they were disarmed, as the United Nations Security

UN urges dialogue after Rwanda vows action


Former Birmingham striker Luciano Figueroa has returned to the elite of European football with a move to Spanish club Villarreal. The Argentina international was signed by the Blues for 2.5million before

Blues Misfit Joins Villarreal


They may not have exorcised their demons but Celtic certainly laid one ghost with a towering performance to come from behind to draw with Barcelona in the Nou Camp and take their

Hartson #39;s goal gives Celtic hope in Europe


25/11/2004 - The first in a completely new class of drug for multiple sclerosis has been approved in the US, opening up a new avenue of treatment for sufferers of the debilitating diseases and potential blockbuster revenues for developers Elan and Biogen

New drug extends multiple sclerosis options


The World Trade Organization has ruled against European Union claims that the Korean government provided illegal subsidies to its shipbuilding industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said today.

WTO backs Korea in shipbuilding dispute with EU


MOSCOW (AFP) - Tatiana Golovin and Nathalie Dechy led holders France to a 5-0 mauling of Spain to set up a Fed Cup final clash against Russia.

Golovin and Dechy lead France into Fed Cup final


Summary - (Nov 25, 2004) Cassini took this amazing photograph of Dione, one of Saturn #39;s larger moons, on October 27 when it was 1.2 million km (746,000 miles) away.

Detailed View of Dione


In a pace-setting adventure next January that could herald a new beginning in the Middle East or spell disaster for all is the election of a Palestinian successor to the charismatic Yasser Arafat and a new Baghdad regime that could bring to an end the

US-Israel ties hang on Palestinian Vote


AP - Candice Wiggins is a walking advertisement for the anti-drug effort. A star freshman for Stanford's basketball team, she showed up for a recent practice wearing a T-shirt reading:

Wiggins Siblings Honor Dad by Playing (AP)


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - Deputy prime minister Anne McLellan has applauded the intervention of Ukraine's supreme court in that country's disputed presidential election.

Deputy prime minister lauds decision of Ukrainian court in disputed election (Canadian Press)


AP - Harry Statham thought he was making a temporary stop when he took over as McKendree College's basketball coach in 1966. His dream was to win a state high school championship, but jobs at the premier high schools were hard to come by, especially for a young coach. Statham figured if he could put a few successful seasons together at McKendree, his alma mater, he'd be able to land a better job.

NAIA Coach Nears Matching Smith's Total (AP)


The organisers of Madrid #39;s bid complained that Paris had broken the rules by using France #39;s embassies in Oslo and Kuwait to hold events to promote its candidacy, the newspaper said.

Madrid miffed!


The head of the Senate Finance Committee called on the US Department of Health and Human Services to launch a probe of allegations that the US Food and Drug Administration went out of its way to discredit a whistleblower.

Probe Sought on Charges FDA Discredited Whistleblower


A football supporter who racially abused Dwight Yorke, the Premiership striker, was banned yesterday from every soccer stadium in England and Wales for five years.

Monkey chant fan banned from football for five years


A SOCCER fan was fined \$2400 and banned from soccer grounds for the maximum five years yesterday when he pleaded guilty to racially abusing Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke.

Racist Blackburn fan cops five-year ban


LIVINGSTON have sacked Allan Preston as manager. The former Hearts and St Johnstone defender and his assistant, Alan Kernaghan, were dismissed after a run of seven defeats left the club

Brown in line after Livingston sack Preston


The sensitivity of a homing pigeon #39;s beak could provide an answer to the complicated story of how it finds its way home. Scientists have shown for the first time that homing

all in the beak: scientists find secret of homing pigeons #39; <b>...</b>


AP - Freshman guard Matee Ajavon scored 29 points to lead Rutgers over South Dakota State 68-50 on Thursday in the opening game of the Paradise Jam tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

No. 17 Rutgers Stops South Dakota State (AP)


AFP - Hundreds of Canadians, many of Ukrainian descent, braved freezing temperatures to protest what they consider to be the fixed outcome of the Ukrainian presidential election.

Protests in Canada over Ukraine crisis (AFP)


DAMASCUS, Syria - Syrian President Bashar Assad is ready to resume peace talks with Israel  quot;without conditions, quot; a top UN envoy said yesterday.

Syria says it is ready for talks on peace


The expected withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is substantively different from that which Israel will carry out in the northern West Bank, in the area of Jenin.

A threat to the West Bank pullout


Russian oil company Yukos, with shares near all-time lows and its bosses in exile, warned last night it is being driven toward bankruptcy.

Yukos bosses in exile, its survival in doubt


AFP - Attempts to mediate the political crisis in Ukraine are gathering pace with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski expected in Kiev.

Mediation efforts to end Ukraine crisis step up as Solana due in Kiev (AFP)


WASHINGTON: A US State Department official who worked with the Iraqi ministers of education and higher education was murdered in Baghdad by a group linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the group claimed on Thursday.

US official murdered in Baghdad


KABUL -- Two US soldiers died and another was injured when a bomb ripped through their patrol in southern Afghanistan yesterday. The troops were attacked near Deh Rawood, a town 400 km southwest of Kabul where

Two US soldiers killed


Arsenal striker Thierry Henry is doubtful for Sundays Barclays Premiership trip to Liverpool with a calf injury. The Frenchman aggravated the problem during Wednesday nights ill-tempered Champions League

Henry doubtful for Anfield clash


Prince Harry flew back to the UK from Argentina today amid reports of a plot to kidnap him. Local media said that gunshots had been heard at a polo ranch where he was working.

Harry Flies Home after  #39;Kidnap Plot #39; Claims


As the final seconds ticked down on the last home game of his high school career, Larry Abare glanced up the hill at the far end of Edward M. Leary Field and watched all the little boys in blue jeans and Acton-Boxboro jerseys, one of them scrambling through the leaves with a football tucked carefully under his arm. ...

Eras blend together perfectly


WALTHAM -- Paul Mayberry was dripping, Luis Cotto was weeping, and Alex Russo was kneeling on the sideline.

Brockton upset makes Waltham's day


For the last six years, the Leominster Blue Devils have endured a Thanksgiving Day filled with frustration instead of celebration.

Cordio paves the way


For years, Shawsheen Tech and Greater Lowell have battled for the William J. Collins Cup on Thanksgiving Day.

Marzeoti (4 TDs) paces Shawsheen


Melrose entered its Thanksgiving Day matchup with Wakefield as an undefeated powerhouse bound for the postseason. But Wakefield has tripped up the Red Raiders in recent years -- and yesterday was no exception.

Melrose comes up short


Ask anyone associated with the Acton-Boxboro football program about the secret to its success, and they'll say it's rooted in a winning tradition established long before members of the 2004 team ever strapped on a helmet.

A traditional victory for A-B


Jim McLeod has a great day job, but a seasonal sideline is his  #39; #39;tree #39; #39; calling. Throughout the year, he #39;s president and owner of a software company called InfoCode Corp.

Douglas, Fraser, and blue await you


Minnesota Timberwolves center Michael Olowokandi was arrested early yesterday after police used a stun gun to subdue him when he refused to leave an Indianapolis club.

Police use stun gun to subdue T-Wolves #39; Olowokandi


A man broke into a school dormitory and stabbed eight sleeping children to death before fleeing. The murders at the Ruzhou No2 Senior Middle School in Pingdingshan, in the central province of Henan, was the

Eight children stabbed to death as they sleep


One rebel group in Sudan #39;s troubled Darfur region Thursday pledged to fully respect a truce with the Sudanese government amid contradictory statements and international concern about an escalation in fighting.

Darfur rebel group promises to respect truce


Ever since last Friday night #39;s NBA brawl in Detroit, I have tried to make sense out of the whole mess. I have watched replay after replay of the ordeal, hoping to come up with some sort of reason

NBA brawl sends wrong message to all of us


AP - Some 450 right-wing paramilitary fighters left Colombia's crowded battlefields, turning in their weapons and asking society to let them back into its fold.

450 Colombian Paramilitaries Disarm (AP)


AP - California quarterback Aaron Rodgers will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

Cal Quarterback to Enter NFL Draft (AP)


A lieutenant of Iraq's most feared insurgent leader, Abu Musab Zarqawi, was captured this week, the country's national security minister said Thursday.

Top Zarqawi Aide Captured in Iraq


Shareholders in Yukos are considering liquidation or filing for bankruptcy, after deciding against a rescue plan for the embattled Russian oil firm.

Yukos considers self-destruction


The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is developing mobile phones designed to learn users #39; daily habits so that they can predict what users will do, reports The Register.

Behaviour control by smartphone


The Wall Street Journal reports that the carrier #39;s largest creditor has agreed to an aircraft leasing and financing deal that would give US Airways a financial lifeline.

US Airways, GE reach accord on airplane leasing and financing


AP - Normally at this time of the year, labor contractor Jose Luis Avalos would be assembling a crew of workers who could each earn  #36;1,500 to  #36;2,000 a week in the area's abundant citrus groves.

Four Hurricanes Hurting Florida Economy (AP)


BRITISH Telecom today announced the sale of its stake in one of the worlds largest satellite companies for 363 million. The telecoms giant said it was offloading its 15.8 per cent holding in Paris-based

BT sells off stake in Eutelsat


Comments attributed to Nintendo #39;s Shigeru Miyamoto in this week #39;s Famitsu magazine indicate that the company is planning to bring its systems online within a three to four year timescale, with DS leading the way.

Nintendo moving into online within 3 to 4 years


Iran #39;s chief negotiator to the United Nations nuclear agency says Tehran is committed to the freeze on uranium enrichment agreed earlier this month.

Iran  #39;committed #39; to nuke freeze


ST. PAUL - Salvation Army officials say they #39;re worried that they may not meet their holiday fund-raising goal because they won #39;t have bell-ringers outside of Target stores.

Salvation Army says Target policy threatens fund-raising


AFP - Russia will allow Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to visit a southern Buddhist Russian region for the first time, the foreign ministry said in a move certain to anger China.

Russia agrees to Dalai Lama visit despite certain anger from China (AFP)


Spirit of Australia was on the skids last night after another example of double standards by the home side marred the opening day of the second cricket test against New Zealand in Adelaide.

Hayden walks into strife


The European Union, Japan and others will be able to impose heavy sanctions against US firms dumping goods from early next year.

WTO approves sanctions against US


City officials hope there are people willing to pay plenty of money to own a vintage Playboy Bunny costume, toss green dye into the Chicago River or throw a dinner party prepared by Oprah Winfrey's chef.

Chicago to Hold EBay Auction to Raise Money for Cultural Programs


A mortar attack killed four employees of a British security firm and wounded 15 others in the Baghdad #39;s Green Zone, a fortified area that houses the

Four employees of British security firm slain by mortar attack in <b>...</b>


Despite a new call Friday for a postponement of the Iraqi elections, President Bush said he hopes they still go forward. Seventeen political parties say the election should be put off for at least six months

Parties call for postponement of elections


India has successfully test-fired a surface-to-air missile from a site in the eastern Orissa state on Friday, a government official said on condition of anonymity.

India test-fires surface-to air missile


mmO2 and NTT DoCoMo are reportedly planning to launch a UK i-mode mobile service. November 26, 2004 4:35 PM GMT (Datamonitor) - The much-touted tie-up between NTT DoCoMo and mmO2 to bring i-mode mobile content to the UK looks to be a done deal.

mmO2: i-mode launch looks certain


Canadian Press - OTTAWA (CP) - The Mounties provided information on Maher Arar to American authorities but were left in the dark when the U.S. deported the Canadian citizen to Syria, newly released documents show.

Mounties left in dark by U.S. on deportation of Syrian-born Canadian (Canadian Press)


Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Dallas to a 92-83 win over Portland at American Airlines Arena.

NBA Game Summary - Portland at Dallas


The next chapter in the global legal battle between the recording industry and file-sharing services is due to unfold here Monday when the owners of the hugely popular Kazaa software go on trial on civil copyright infringement charges.

Recording Industry, File-Share Face Off


Mumbai, Nov. 26: Mukesh Ambani apparently commands the full support of the board on all recent decisions, including the controversial one that elevated him to the final authority in the group.

Board with Mukesh: Reliance


David Beckham prevented a major incident between England #39;s fired-up players and their aggrieved Spanish counterparts in Madrid, according to an England insider yesterday.

Winter on Saturday: Peace initiative in Spain shows Beckham #39;s <b>...</b>


Beijing - Chinese police have detained a man who they say murdered eight teenagers and injured four others in a school dormitory overnight, state press said late on Friday.

Man held for slashing teens


checking for them by hand before buying -- because children could choke on them, consumer advocates said in an annual warning on toy safety.

Toy Safety Report Released


The falling dollar reached new depths against the euro today as the dollar's status as the premier international reserve currency is growing more precarious.

Dollar Drops Further as Central Banks Reassess Reserves


BOSTON CELTICS_Activated G Delonte West from the injured list. Placed F Justin Reed on the injured list. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS_Activated G Aaron McKie from the inujred list.

Frisday #39;s Sports Transactions


Business India: Mumbai, Nov 26 : The much talked about family feud over the control of Reliance Industries, India #39;s largest industrial house, is set to turn into a full-fledged boardroom battle that may entail a revamp of the company #39;s management.

Reliance battle seen getting messier in days ahead:


The World Trade Organization authorized about \$150 million in trade sanctions on the U.S. in retaliation for an import duties law that has been ruled illegal.

W.T.O. Authorizes Trade Sanctions Against the United States


Land Rover will launch a sports tourer next year in a what is likely to be a test of British carmakers #39; ability to compete in the US.

Land Rover aims new model at US


Zastrossi writes  quot;According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishing sites--the practice of making sites that look and act like popular sites such as banks in order to steal personal information from customers--rose from 543 sites in September to

Gone Phishing?


By Bloomberg News. WR Grace  amp; Company, a producer of chemicals and building material that filed for bankruptcy protection in 2001 amid thousands of asbestos-related claims, said yesterday

WR Grace Is Likely to Face Indictment in Montana Case


TORONTO -- The weather won't be the only thing that's cool when President Bush visits neighboring Canada next week.

Forecast Frosty for U.S.-Canadian Ties


In an attempt to become more useful, US researchers are developing new smartphone software which watches users calling and usage patterns and tries to learn how best to help.

SmartPhones Get Smart


NEW DELHI, Nov 26: India on Friday test fired Akash, the indigenously developed surface-to-air missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur-on-sea, about 14km from Balasore (Orissa).

India test-fires missile


National Guard troops arrested two brothers Friday in connection with a state prosecutor's killing, just days after two suspects in the car bombing case were shot dead by police, authorities said.

2 Ex-Officers Nabbed in Venezuela Slaying


Stocks finished mixed in post-holiday trading Friday as Wall Street meandered through a shortened session. The major indexes ended the week higher as investors looked forward to the results of the first weekend of holiday shopping and a key jobs report next week.

Stocks Finish Mixed in Early Close


New coach John Thompson III gets his first victory as Georetown routs the Citadel, 69-34, behind 23 points from Brandon Bowman.

Hoyas Beat The Citadel


Justin Gray went down to the Madison Square Garden court as soon as Mustafa Shakur inadvertently kicked him in the face while going for a loose ball.

Gray was selected tourney MVP