La vedova Fortugno:si scavi su 'ndrangheta e politica"Ã stato un omicidio politico-mafioso ma su quel versante nessuna attivitÃ  giudiziaria"                                          "Su mio marito inchiesta monca deve indagare Pietro Grasso"                                                                                dal nostro inviato ATTILIO BOLZONI


Who needs technology when you can make beautiful drawings in dirt on the windows of an ordinary car?


The beefy   sitcom star has sued actress Julie Newmar for more than $4 million--the   complaint accusing TV's original Catwoman of being an extremely finicky   neighbor.


Midwest Airlines, which flies from Logan International Airport and Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn., to Milwaukee and also Logan-Kansas City, joined Northwest, Southwest, and US Airways in letting customers use PayPal to buy tickets online.


Maranello, 16:25 - F1, F2008; MASSA: PER NOI COME AVERE UN FIGLIO

Felipe Massa accoglie la F2008 come si fa con un figlio: "Non ho mai avuto un figlio - ha detto il p...


After theft, tech support call lands man in jail

A repeat ID-theft suspect who allegedly stole a specialized printer and PC setup from a Missouri government office was nabbed when he made a call to tech support seeking a license for the gear.


British health authorities yesterday issued stiffer warnings for antidepressants, but alarmed investors by singling out Wyeth's Effexor pill for the toughest restrictions.


SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Police accuse a man of stealing a house, after another man returned to his parents' home following his widowed mother's funeral and found someone living there.


Mexican President Delivers Text but No Address

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 1 -- For weeks, one question dominated political talk in Mexico: Would he or wouldn't he?


London: Sir Elton John, who was in London recently to attend the Q awards lashed out at pop diva Madonna, who he claims, cheating her fans by lip syncing during her Reinvention tour.


Mac Skeptic: Apple's ISight, a Webcam and More

Software developers have made the ISight good for much more than just video chat.


The chairman of the House tax-writing committee said Sunday that President Bush's drive to overhaul Social Security should lead to consideration of a value added tax or other ways to fund the entitlement program.


UA's Beard swims to silver in medley debut

ATHENS - American swimmer Michael Phelps collected two more gold medals Tuesday, but even he knew he wasn't the story of the day from the Summer Olympics in Athens.


Sharon Gives Military Free Rein Against Militants

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on  Sunday he was giving Israel's army free rein to battle  militants in Gaza and accused the new Palestinian leadership he  now shuns of doing nothing to stop attacks on Israelis.


Scientists show what happens when an infection-fighting antibody attacks a gap in HIV's formidable defences.


A 416GB flash drive--but probably not for you

Bitmicro's flash drives have capacity approaching that of conventional hard drives, but they're designed more for the military than for high-end PCs.


Andy Griffith says fathers should teach honesty

Andy Griffith, who has delighted audiences playing folksy, fatherly roles over more than 50 years in show business, says the key advice he gave to his children was to be honest.


Are More Hurricanes Connected to Global Warming?

Description: Not since the 1960s has Florida been battered by a rapid succession of hurricanes. Many people have been tempted to ask whether this has anything to do with a predicted increase in severe weather events associated with global warming.


Security Council laments lack of progress on Myanmar reforms

The Security Council has bemoaned the slow progress in initiating democratic reforms in Myanmar and pressed for an early visit to the country by UN mediator Ibrahim Gambari.


Michael Jackson has said in a TV interview that many of the news reports about him are "fiction".


NCAA Game Summary - Miami-Florida at Virginia

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Frank Gore rushed for 195 yards and a touchdown, Roscoe Parrish scored twice in the fourth quarter and No.


Shakhtar all but eliminates Celtic from Champions League

Brazilian midfielder Francelino Matuzalem scored twice in a five-minute span as Shakhtar Donetsk beat Celtic Glasgow 3-0 to maintain its slim hopes of progressing from Champions League Group F.


Per presidente Usa budget 2008 base per pareggio bilancio


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering the early release of more than 20,000 low-risk prison inmates from the nation's largest prison system as a way to save money amid a worsening budget crisis, a newspaper reported Thursday.


Roma, 21:09 - CALCIO, NAPOLI; MATARRESE: TRAGICA LA SITUAZIONE DEL SAN PAOLO

"La situazione del San Paolo è tragica". Lo ha detto il presidente della Lega, Antonio Matarr...


The Dallas Morning News Ray Sasser Column: TP&W Proposal Puts Javelinas in Crosshairs

By Ray Sasser, The Dallas Morning News  Feb. 18--I feel sorry for Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists. Trained as scientists, they are forced to ignore their training and defend bizarre wildlife proposals constantly tinkered to benefit the very wealthy.


ADV: Free Debt Consolidation Quote in 2 Min.

1 Click Debt Relief will match you with the top debt consolidation service in your area. No cost. You can be debt free faster than you may have believed possible while avoiding bankruptcy.


Israel tested a missile on Thursday, prompting Iran to vow retaliation if the Jewish state carried out recent veiled threats to launch strikes, possibly atomic, against Tehran's nuclear facilities.


BERNIE ECCLESTONE sounded the death knell for the British Grand Prix when he turned down a last-minute offer to save the nation's biggest motor race.


Years of ignoring or downplaying steroid use among athletes have come back to haunt baseball and Olympics officials. By STEVE WILSTEIN.


'Team America' Puppet Spoof Gets R Rating

Hollywood's film ratings board  reached accord with producers on Tuesday over how much puppet  sex moviegoers under age 17 are allowed to see in an upcoming  action-thriller spoof starring a cast of marionettes.


Hurricane John roars toward Mexican resort

LOS CABOS, Mexico  - A more powerful Hurricane   John roared toward one of Mexico's most exclusive beach resorts   on Friday, forcing hundreds of foreign tourists to flee ahead   of howling winds, angry seas and lashing rain.


Un diritto dei lavoratori e una necessita' per il Paese


A Nobel scientist who claimed Africans were less intelligent than Europeans quits a leading US research institution.


Attore romano da lunedi' al timone di Affari Tuoi su Raiuno


Harmony Gold Q1 headline loss misses expectations

South African miner Harmony, seeking to acquire rival Gold Fields, posted a first quarter headline loss per share of 110 cents on Monday, worse than expected.


Eisner Continues Defense of Hiring, Firing

GEORGETOWN, Del., Nov. 18 -- When Walt Disney Co. chief executive Michael D. Eisner and Disney President Michael S. Ovitz appeared on "Larry King Live" on Sept. 30, 1996, their corporate partnership was dissolving into an acrimonious disaster.


McDonald's Corp. (MCD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Monday President and Chief Executive Charlie Bell had stepped down to focus on his cancer treatment and that Vice Chairman Jim Skinner would replace him.


Dell founder sees gaming in PC industry future

AUSTIN, Texas  - Dell Inc. DELL.O founder and   Chairman Michael Dell sees computer gaming becoming a $4   billion-per-year industry by 2010 as consumers hook up to   high-speed Internet services to battle monsters on-line.


Oil Prices Rise Toward Record $54 A Barrel

NEW YORK -- Oil futures prices headed to a new high Monday as a strike began in Africa's largest exporter of crude oil. Crude for November delivery rose 33 cents to $53.


Telecoms Wait Nervously On $20 Billion Contract

Over the past 3 1/2  years, AT&T has spent several million dollars putting together two 5,000-page proposals detailing how it can upgrade phone lines, wireless networks and fire walls for the federal government. At one point, about 100 people toiled through the night in a Northern Virginia basement...


VATICANO - Dichiarazione del Card. Tarcisio Bertone, Segretario di Stato, circa alcuni passi del discorso pronunciato dal Santo Padre Benedetto XVI a Regensburg CittÃ  del Vaticano (Agenzia Fides) - La Sala Stampa della Santa Sede ha diffuso sabato 16 settembre, la seguente dichiarazione del Segretario di Stato vaticano, il Card. Tarcisio Bertone.   ÂDi fronte alle reazioni da parte musulmana circa alcuni p...


Dreamhost accidently bills customers a year in advance

What a difference an "8" makes Customers of the Los Angeles-based web hosting provider Dreamhost awoke to an unwelcome pang in their wallets today. A late-night accounting cock-up caused every customer to be charged a year's worth of truant payments when the wrong date was slipped in its automated billing program.â¦


Say what? When it comes to uptime, 'Second Life' founder is on cloud nine

Blog: Linden Lab CEO Philip Rosedale encourages users to be optimistic about the virtual world's frequent downages.


Radical cleric arrested under British anti-terror law; U.S. wants extradition

LONDON  - Police arrested a radical Muslim cleric Thursday on suspicion of preparing or instigating "acts of terrorism," a move that could delay U.S. attempts to extradite the suspect for allegedly trying to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon and on other charges.


Obese Kids Prone to Enlarged Hearts as Adults

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 24 (HealthDayNews) -- Obese children are more likely than normal-weight kids to have dangerously enlarged heart muscles as they enter adulthood, according to a Tulane University study in the November issue of the journal Circulation.


Acquires Belgian IT services outfit Telecoms giant BT has acquired Belgian-based network systems integrator INS Group S.A. as it continues to push the brand beyond British shores.â¦


Analyst says model may come out to attract iPod-loving consumers weary of Windows security issues. SAN FRANCISCO  - Apple Computer Inc.


Roma, 13:05 - Calcio, dilettanti: nuova trasmissione su Odeon tv

NovitÃ  per il calcio dilettantistico. E' stata presentata oggi, alla presenza del presidente della F...


By WILSON RING  WINDSOR, Vt. - At the Southeast State Correctional Facility, inmates are subjected to head counts several times a day. Not Ziggy, Marmalade, Smokey and Shane, though - they come and go as they please. They're prison cats - but only for now.


Using computers to read mammograms can significantly speed up the detection of breast cancer, according to UK research.


Straniero importunava sua fidanzata, vittima in auto con lui


Guidry Hopes Heâs Wearing Pinstripes in the Spring

Ron Guidry, dismissed as the Yankeesâ pitching coach after two seasons, is still hoping to be invited to spring training, a role heâs had every year since 1988.


Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan was ordered to spend one day in jail and serve three years probation after pleading no contest to charges of cocaine possession and drunken driving on Thursday.


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


Several die trying to board trains in India

NEW DELHI - Five women were killed Saturday when a stampede of thousands of train passengers crushed forward to board trains on two platforms, said India's railway minister.


Variety - BANGKOK -- Thailand's BEC Tero Entertainment has postponed film production after running up hefty losses on its recent slate, which included "Tears of the Black Tiger,'' ''Bang Rajan,'' ''Saving Private Tootie,'' ''Angulimara," and ''Siam Renaissance."


European Union foreign ministers  agreed to lift an arms embargo on Libya on Monday, recognizing  Tripoli's renunciation of weapons of mass destruction and its  wish to move closer to the bloc.


Gates pushes for assault against Taliban

Pentagon Chief Robert Gates, in his push for a coordinated assault against the Taliban in Afghanistan this spring, is enlisting Pakistan's help and vowing better military coordination along the troubled border between the two countries.


Backstage banter at MTV Video Music Awards

MIAMI -- It's the stuff that doesn't make the national broadcast highlights. Backstage at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, the artists take the time to talk about upcoming projects, romantic situations and


Malaysian Court Upholds Anwar Ibrahim's Conviction

Malaysia's Federal Court upheld a corruption conviction against Anwar Ibrahim, a move which prevents the former deputy prime minister from making an immediate political comeback.


President Has 2 Moles Removed From His Face

President Bush had two moles removed from his left temple yesterday. His doctors say they expect tests on the skin growths to show that they are noncancerous.


Flood rescuers 'working to point of collapse'

The government was accused of underestimating the scale of the floods as fire crews describe rescue effort as biggest in peacetime history.


Federal Government Floats a Plan to Protect the Endangered Sawfish

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ Fishing for snook recently in Everglades National Park, charter Capt. Alan Sherman steered his boat toward a school of small fish and saw a prehistoric form swim into view: the smalltooth sawfish.


Even Elderly Benefit From Mediterranean Diet

TUESDAY, Sept. 21 (HealthDayNews) -- A Mediterranean diet, coupled with a few healthy lifestyle habits, can add years to the lives of even the elderly, a new Dutch study finds.


No New Closures of Japan Nuclear Reactors Needed

No more Japanese nuclear reactors need to be closed for inspections, electric power companies said on Wednesday after submitting reports ordered by the government following a reactor accident that killed four workers last week.


U.S. consumer confidence edged lower  in September for a second straight month as persistent worries  about the job market weighed on sentiment, a report on Tuesday  said.


Leftist rebels say they bombed Mexico pipelines

A leftist rebel group, the Popular Revolutionary Army, said it bombed Mexican oil and gas pipelines this week in the second such attack in two months, Mexican media said on Tuesday.


Analysts expect the European Central Bank to keep interest rates on hold as jitters continue to affect world markets.


Roma, 19:24 - CALCIO, SERIE D: IL 14 MARZO RECUPERO QUARTA DI RITORNO

Si recupererà mercoledÃ¬ 14 marzo alle 14:30 la 4/a giornata di ritorno del campionato di seri...


For US Airways employees, anxiety intensifies as the carrier takes its second dip into bankruptcy restructuring in two years.


It came down to the 4 x 400 relay. Junior Christina Izzicupo edged Bishop Feehan's Meg Looney in the anchor leg to give Stoneham the Division 3 state championship with 47 points at the Reggie Lewis Center yesterday.


[TS] Immortalized by a Moment of Perfection

The baseball playoffs begin, but this time each city team is dominant in its league. Nothing like this has happened since 1956, a year of magic.


Tra le case estere in luce la Ford con Fiesta e Focus


Co-op group is offering high street customers the chance to "offset carbon", to mitigate the environmental impact of flying.


Australian cricketers donates prizemoney

THE Australian cricket team has donated its winning prizemoney from the Boxing Day Test to the disaster relief funds of the South-East Asian tsunami and earthquake victims.


Cuba Stops Circulating U.S. Dollar After a Decade

Cuba ended circulation of the dollar on  Monday to reduce its vulnerability to U.S. sanctions, and  shops, restaurants, gas stations, hotels and other businesses  began accepting only Cuban convertible pesos.


AMERICA/VENEZUELA - In occasione del Natale, i Vescovi chiedono alla popolazione Âgesti concreti di avvicinamento, di dialogo e di riconciliazioneÂ oltre ad Âintensificare la preghiera personale e comunitariaÂ Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - La Presidenza della Conferenza Episcopale Venezuelana, nel messaggio diffuso in occasione del Natale ed intitolato ÂNatale di incontro, pace e speranzaÂ, ringrazia tutti i venezuelani Âper lÂesemplare giornata elettorale vis...


British national charity worker Margaret Hassan, murdered in Iraq, is honoured posthumously with a peace award.


Provvedimento adottato subito dopo il ritrovamento del corpo


Heroics of Ryder Cup inspire Stenson to victory

Having lost four of the last five Ryder Cups, an even bigger worry for American golf should be that they have lost the last three Walker Cups.


The Cubs' glass had to be half empty because these were two games they should have swept. The Marlins' wound up half full because these were two games they had every excuse to surrender.


Nearly 200 MPs, including David Cameron and Sir Menzies Campbell, back calls for nurses to get a full 2.5% pay rise.


Stocks Are Higher on Latest Economic Growth Reading

Stocks rose today as investors digested a jump in the second-quarter gross domestic product and kept a close eye on lower oil prices.


Roma, 18:51 - CALCIO, TERZO TEMPO; PREZIOSI: FORZATO E STRIDENTE

Il cosiddetto 'terzo tempo' non piace ad Enrico Preziosi. Nel giorno del debutto del nuovo cerimonia...


Blair to visit Bush over Mideast turmoil

President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair will teamed up against much of the world again, this time in their refusal to criticize Israel's offensive against Hezbollah guerrillas in southern Lebanon or to call for an immediate cease-fire in the Mideast fighting.


Davey Shafik's Blog: Next Generation REST Web Services Client

In his latest post, Davey Shafik talks about a web service client that he's been working up for the Zend Framework, specifically dealing with the consuming and creation of REST services.    I am currently working on a ton of Web Services related things for the Zend Framework, one of my favorite, is the almost complete, Zend_Rest_Client. This is a replacement for Zend_Rest (as we're adding a server also).   Whilst it is almost impossible to emulate the PHP 5 SOAP extension, it is still possible to get a nice interface.    He gives some examples of its usage:   creating a client with three lines of code showing off the "fluent API" of the component to make a REST request and a call normally, seperating the methods out into seperate lines  He also mentions that there's still a bit of work to be done, including returning the Zend_Rest_Server array responses back into normal PHP arrays.


Il primo el'ultimo oro azzurro: Bettini e Baldini

Pur mascherandosi dietro la soddisazione per un'Olimpiade ampiamente sopra le aspettative della vigilia, in termini di successi, il Coni tuttavia deve far buon viso a "cattivo bilancio", mai pensando di riportare in Italia cosÃ¬ tante medaglie.


Expanding space programmes need launch pads China is planning to build a fourth spaceport, or rocket launch pad, in line with its ever-expanding space exploration ambitions.â¦


Millions of Iraqis Vote; Attacks Kill 35

Millions of Iraqis flocked to vote in a historic election on Sunday, defying insurgents who killed 35 people in a bloody assault on the poll.


Genesis Space Capsule Crashes Into Desert

DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah - The Genesis space capsule, which promised scientists potential clues to the origin of the solar system, crashed to Earth on Wednesday after its parachute failed to deploy.    It wasn't immediately known whether the cosmic samples had been destroyed...


Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf is due in London to hold talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.


Atlantic Records founder Ertegun buried in Turkey

U.S. rock star Kid Rock and Turkish singer Tarkan were among those who paid tribute on Monday to Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who launched the careers of Ray Charles and Led Zeppelin.


U.S. arrests 8 in online sports betting operation

U.S. authorities arrested eight people on Monday in connection with a Costa Rica-based online sports gambling operation they said made millions of dollars in profits annually.


Study Shows Majority of Chinese Urban Dwellers Sick

A new study conducted by the Chinese Red Cross shows that some three-quarters of all Chinese city dwellers are in ill health and that life expectancies are declining for skilled and educated workers.


Direttrice delle Poste presa dal panico fa scattare allarme


VENEZIA - Il Carpaccio sta godendo di una insolita congiunzione astrale dopo una eclissi di 41 anni dallâunica, memorabile, mostra monografica a Palazzo Ducale di Venezia. Dopo un momento di notorietÃ  a


Vornado raised its bid to $56 a share in cash and stock, or $41 billion, topping a bid of $54 a share from the private equity giant Blackstone Group.


World's Fastest Men Take Center Stage at Games

For 10 pulsating seconds, the fastest men on earth take center stage on Sunday at the Olympics to run for the ultimate prize -- the 100 meters gold medal.


Qatar to Extradite Russians Who Killed Chechen Chief

Qatar said on Thursday it would hand over to Moscow two Russian spies serving life sentences in the Gulf Arab state for assassinating an exiled Chechen leader.


Schoolgirl goes toe-to-toe with golf's big names

While other golfers land lucrative contacts for playing in big tournaments, 11-year-old Ariya Jutanukarn's reward for reaching her first LPGA Tour event was an ice cream covered in chocolate sauce.


Open: Sharapova Fights Back to Beat Kuznetsova

Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova  fought back from a sloppy start to wear down fellow Russian  Svetlana Kuznetsova 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 Tuesday to reach the  Australian Open semi-finals for the first time.


Warner Music pulls suit against Web site

Warner Music Group Corp. said Thursday it dropped a copyright infringement lawsuit against the social networking Web site imeem and agreed to license its music and video content to the site for a slice of its ad revenue.


In a Daylong Drill, an Agency Tries to Prepare for a Real Outbreak of Avian Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted its first âfull functionalâ avian flu exercise to prepare what public heath experts consider a major threat.


Food: Celebrity Chefs Cook for the Starving

Celebrity chefs concoct fancy recipes using a food-ration substance to heighten awareness of global starvation.


For the first time in his life, he has sacrificed bits of his flamboyant lifestyle in the name of physical fitness. He has worked diligently on his game.


Urne aperte fino alle 15 per le elezioni suppletive in sette collegi, dove si devono sostituire i deputati che hanno optato per il seggio di Strasburgo. In forte calo il dato sull'affluenza. Ieri sera alle


ICANN moves to move VeriSign lawsuit to Paris

com November 12, 2004, 5:31 PM PT. This priority retains its ranking at number five as more and more companies deploy Web services to share business logic, data and processes with each other and with clients.


With Wall Street falling precipitously almost by the day, investors are asking what it will take to revive it. Market experts are increasingly coming to the same answer: Time.


Indian cinema had not witnessed the talented duo of Vidhu Vinod


Rough weather hampers bid to rescue disabled Canadian submarine

British ships battled through rough weather on Wednesday to reach a Canadian navy submarine with 57 crewmembers on board that was drifting in the Atlantic after an electrical fire that officials said was more severe than originally thought.


Missili nella cittÃ  vecchia. Colonne di fumo non lontano dal ...

NAJAF - Aerei da combattimento americani hanno lanciato missili contro la cittÃ  vecchia di Najaf. Lo hanno riferito testimoni, secondo i quali una spessa colonna di fumo nero si leva non lontano dal Mausoleo


DigitalGlobe satellite images released on December 30, 2004 show the Grand Mosque of Banda Aceh on northern Sumatra in Indonesia, before and after the devastating tsunami that struck Asia.


Tehran Must Halt Its Nuke Plan, Insists Washington

Crawford (Texas), August 21 (NNN): Brushing aside Iranâs warning that it may resort to pre-emptive strikes to prevent an attack on its nuclear facilities, the United States has asked Tehran that it must end its pursuit of atomic weapons.


South Africa confirms graft trial for Zuma

South African prosecutors said on Tuesday that ANC leader Jacob Zuma would be charged with corruption in a case due to start in August, a move that could jeopardize his chances of becoming South Africa's president.


US Concerned About Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia

The State Department has added Saudi Arabia to its list of Countries of Particular Concern with regard to violations of religious freedom.


Genova, 13:38 - CALCIO, GENOA-SAMPDORIA: CODE DALL'ALBA PER I BIGLIETTI

Sale a Genova la febbre per il derby Genoa-Sampdoria di domenica prossima. Questa mattina allo stadi...


A driver caught speeding at 172mph - the fastest recorded by police in the UK - is to be sentenced.


The Motion Picture Association of America's war on piracy took an unexpected turn this week with a new lawsuit. This time, instead of targeting pirates directly the MPAA has sued two microchip makers, Sigma Designs, Inc.


Foreigners crowd airport for flights out of Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast - Frightened foreigners kept packing into Ivory Coast's international airport Saturday to be evacuated home, despite promises by President Laurent Gbagbo's government to protect them after a surge of anti-Western violence.


Guerrillas have shot dead 17 Iraqis working for the US army and killed a National Guard commander and three bodyguards in attacks north of Baghdad that take the toll from three days of violence to more than 70.


King's Widow Turns Focus on Voting Rights

The widow of Martin Luther King Jr. said the right to vote should be open to everyone in a democracy, including those who have been convicted of crimes.


IBM Opens Calgary Oil Sands Centre of Excellence

Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM) opened its US $2.6 million Oil Sands Centre of Excellence in Calgary, which aims to help petroleum producers test and use new technologies that will lower costs and make oil recovery easier, more efficient, and more intelligent.


Bangladeshi businesses, schools and shops are closed, as a second general strike in a week takes place. The strike is in protest at a grenade attack a week ago on a rally addressed by the opposition Awami


'Blue book': Stato dara' il 10%, aumento bollette del 27%


Sono 820.916 contenute in 207 scatole, pesano 2 tonnellate


Climate change is in the news again, with the Senate having held hearings and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change having issued its fourth five-year report in Paris.  It makes us wonder whether more worrywarts will be propelled by guilt into buying absolution.


'Viva preoccupazione' del Pontefice per quanto accade


The rapidly growing biofuel industry will push farm commodity prices higher in coming years, a study says.


France to withdraw special forces from Afghanistan

France has decided to pull its special forces out of Afghanistan after a NATO-led stabilisation force extended operations to the whole country, the French defense ministry said on Sunday.


Iran allowed a French-Iranian filmmaker to leave the country on Friday after preventing her departure for nearly a year, a media advocacy group said.


Linksys bows two Vista-friendly Media Center Extenders

Cisco's Linksys consumer networking brand announces two Media Center Extenders, including one with a built-in DVD player.


Israel Charges 'Jesus Box' Relics Ring with Fraud

Israeli prosecutors charged four  antiquities dealers on Wednesday with forging a slew of  biblical artifacts including a "Jesus box" that had been  claimed as proof of Christianity's origins.


Summary Box: Saving Hubble Will Be Costly

OUTLOOK FOR HUBBLE: The newest report on a plan to save the popular, aging space telescope by repairing it with a robot says it would cost $2 billion and have just a 50-50 chance of working.


If you plant some trees, is it OK to drive an Escalade?


InfoWorld - IBM, Google, Microsoft, Verisign, and Yahoo have joined the corporate board of theÂ OpenID Foundation, giving a boost to the group's efforts to simplify the process of signing into Web sites.


Social networks challenged to remain relevant

When an attendee at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Monday learned that the Caramel bar at the Bellagio hotel had mistakenly given someone else his corporate credit card, he didn't call American Express.Instead, he went to his room, fired up the Internet and searched his social networking sites to figure out where he might locate the person at the conference, using the name given to him by the Bellagio staff, which still had the other man's American Express card.The attendee, who asked not to be named, used his LinkedIn social-networking account to find out that the person he was looking for worked for wireless networking company Netgear and was also a CES attendee. He used this information to leave a voicemail message for the person at his office and send him an e-mail, and went to Netgear's booth to try to locate him. Eventually, the attendee was able to retrieve his card when the person who had it by mistake returned his messages.As the popularity of social-networking sites grows, so does the opportunity for Web users to access information about people both inside and outside their personal networks. While that information in and of itself can have relevancy in specific situations -- such as in the case of the attendee who lost his credit card -- not all of it is useful or interesting to either the users on the site or the advertisers who support the site's revenue structure.Now that social networks have reached a critical mass of users, their next challenge is to ensure they can continue to provide value to users and advertisers beyond giving people a crowd of online friends to boast about. At CES this week, executives from companies such as Yahoo, AOL, and iMeem discussed the next step for social networks as they continue to evolve and serve the changing needs of their communities.David Liu, senior vice president of social media, messaging and homepages at AOL, said Tuesday at CES that the key to the success of social networks is that they allow people to tell their "stories" online to make connections that can exist both online and in real life. Communities that allow people to do this in a user-friendly way will have the most success in the long run, he said."There's a tremendous opportunity for the community to do this the right way," Liu said. "I think the networks that will be successful and grow will be the ones that allow people to tell these stories in their own words with the most open ... platforms possible."However, the expectations of users differ from those of advertisers, and companies running those sites must serve them both. So while users may find personal information -- such as someone's vacation photos -- interesting and useful, advertisers probably will not, unless they help them target ads to those users.So far, the information gleaned from social networks has been largely untapped by advertisers, said Steve Jang, chief marketing officer and head of business development for social-networking site iMeem. iMeem provides a social-networking site based primarily on people's music interests, letting users post playlists and stream music and video content for free.There are a couple of reasons advertisers have not been able to take full advantage of targeted advertising on social networks, according to Jang. One is that people have been putting user-generated content into three buckets -- "one that is not that great or interesting to the user or advertiser, one that is mildly interesting and one that is universally well-received," Jang said. He said advertisers and social networking companies should broaden their preconceived notions of user-generated content to find new ways to create the right kind of advertising for their communities.Another reason it's been difficult to target ads is the "creepy" factor, said Alex Blum, CEO, of KickApps, which provides software for building online communities and social networks. He cited the controversy surrounding Facebook's Beacon online advertising engine, which reported users online behavior back to the company even when they weren't logged into the site.But there are other ways advertisers can glean information from social-networking sites and leverage "a tremendous opportunity that isn't viewed as creepy" to target users with ads, Blum said. By knowing what people like to do by viewing their publicly available tastes in books, music and films, companies can tailor ads related to those interests without making users feel as if their online behavior is being tracked, he said.Some factors that will contribute to the successful evolution of social networks are out of the control of the companies running those sites, said Leonard Brody, CEO and co-founder of NowPublic.com.Brody's organization collects information from citizen journalists and redistributes it on the Web, and has used Facebook as a way to gather information about news as it happens from people in online communities. Many people have not realized the power of online communities beyond their mere social aspects, he said, but once that changes those networks eventually will affect other areas of culture, such as the way people report and receive news."We look at these social networks the same way we look at Miami, London, and Dubai," he said. "(Facebook) is a city, and an incredible vehicle for people to create micro niches around news that is important to them."


Japan and the United States on Saturday agreed in principle to resume US beef imports as early as next spring, although a final accord on specific conditions for lifting the ban was left to further negotiations.


Con cinta di un accappatoio, cadavere trovato in infermeria


Laryngitis forced pop singer John Mayer to back out of a performance Saturday night.


A record number of stores will open on Boxing Day as shop owners hope for a positive end to the December slump.


The world's most popular search engine has launched a new tool to improve access to academic publications.


Russia's anti-trust body said on Saturday it had approved the state oil firm Rosneft's purchase on Thursday of the obscure buyer of the key production unit of beleaguered YUKOS oil company.


Six-way talks on ending North Korea's nuclear program resumed on Saturday with a dim promise of progress, but envoys remained cautious after many false dawns and at least one stumbling block across their path.


Imagine a wedding reception without food, music or Champagne, and you get an inkling of how a lot of Hollywood would view the Oscars without the Vanity Fair party. But Hollywood will no longer have to imagine it â the party is off. In sympathy with str...


Sources: Palestinian militant killed in Israeli airstrike

An Israeli aircraft attacked a car near Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Monday, killing a Palestinian militant and wounding four others, Palestinian security sources said.


Linux seller Red Hat reported on Wednesday that its third-quarter net income jumped 155 percent year-over-year to $10.8 million, as its software business matured.


'Strabiliante vedere che chi governa non ne azzecca una'


Visions of Greatness and a Touch of Gray at Metsâ Camp

With six players 40 or older, there are obvious health concerns at Metsâ camp. But their presence also adds a richer dimension to a team that integrated players young and old with great success last season.


Exercise routine 'reduces' elderly heart disease risk

Older people can cut heart disease and diabetes risks through regular exercise and weight loss, according to a new study. Research by Johns Hopkins University found that people between the ages of 55 and 75


AU blames Khartoum for worsening Darfur situation

The African Union (AU) on Saturday said the situation in Sudan's troubled Darfur region was worsening due to the return of re-armed Janjaweed militia and Khartoum's resolve to use military force.


America's secretive eavesdropping agency said Tuesday it had never targeted Princess Diana's telephone conversations for monitoring.


Lehman in Talks to Buy UK Hedge Fund-WSJ

Investment bank Lehman Brothers  Holdings Inc. is negotiating to buy GLG Partners, a leading  British hedge fund, the Wall Street Journal reported on  Thursday, citing unnamed sources.


Home Burglarized While Dead Man Lay Inside

Three men burglarized the home of Jack Whittaker, winner of the biggest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, as an acquaintance of Whittaker's lay dead inside, police said Tuesday.


At least one new variant of a worm spread rapidly from Asia and Europe to US computers, filling up people's email accounts, but otherwise causing little apparent damage.


Citigroup Posts $9.83 Billion Loss and Will Cut Jobs

Citigroup will write down $18.1 billion because of soured mortgage-related investments, cut its stock dividend and sell another stake to foreign investors.


The Claim: Calories From Alcohol Go to Your Midsection

But do calories from alcohol congregate at the midsection at a greater rate than others?


Soccer: Newcastle into UEFA Cup knockout after thrilling 4-0 win ...

SOCHAUX : Newcastle on Thursday recorded their first win over French opposition in UEFA competition with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sochaux to progress to the Cup knock-out phase.


From the queen of soul to a king of comedy, celebrities are set to fete the opening of the Clinton Library. The week's excitement will come to a peak Thursday when former President Bill Clinton's library is dedicated.


Brain stimulation may ease headaches, studies find

Stimulating the brain with implanted electrodes appears to help ease the pain of cluster headaches, two separate teams of researchers reported on Wednesday.


The European Commission widened its investigation to determine if Intel pressured an electronics retailer to exclude chips made by Advanced Micro Devices.


IMPASSE CONTINUES: Ukraine's parliament declared the country's disputed presidential election invalid Saturday amid international calls for a new vote.


Cabinet of Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri resigns

The office said Hariri would not form the next government. The outgoing prime minister has led Lebanon for most of the time since the end of the civil war in 1990.


Ukraine parliament approves Tymoshenko as PM

Yulia Tymoshenko, ardent advocate of Ukraine's "Orange Revolution", won parliament's backing on Tuesday to return as prime minister and vowed to clean up the country's finances and hold talks with Russia on the gas trade.


Arts & entertainment: Organiser Michael Eavis to stick with elaborate ticketing system for summer festival


Nine states vote to ban same-sex marriage

Voters in nine states approved constitutional amendments Tuesday to ban same-sex marriage, in most cases by overwhelming margins. Opponents of the bans held out hope that Oregon, where results were not yet in, would buck the trend.


Finanziaria. Il Senato ha dato il via libera alla manovra

Ã legge la manovra economica per il 2005. Il Senato ha dato il quarto e ultimo via libera alla Finanziaria con 164 si', 72 no e 2 astenuti. Al termine del travagliato percorso della manovra di bilancio, il


Oltre 500.000 addetti, cabina di regia contro lavoro nero


Southern Utah University received an "F" grade Wednesday from the Black Coaches Association for the way it hired its most recent head football coach, Wes Meier.


At least 46 people have died in violence in Haiti's capital since Sept. 30. Hospital records showed Tuesday that 17 victims have been shot and killed this week.


President Vladimir Putin on Thursday inspected Russia's top-of-the line intercontinental ballistic missiles, hailing their ability to penetrate prospective missile defenses.


Ferguson defends Rooney following Bolton incident

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has defended teenage striker Wayne Rooney in wake of an incident involving Bolton Wanderers defender Tal Ben Haim during their weekend English Premier League match.


September job growth weaker than expected

US businesses added just 96,000 jobs to payrolls in September, the government reported on Friday, a weaker-than-expected total that was expected to sharpen a presidential debate later in the day over the economy's direction.


Nationals first baseman Travis Lee is being held out of drills with a strained oblique muscle on his right side and won't be able to participate in the first several games of Grapefruit League action.


PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18  - While Terrell Owens never said he was sorry for his flashy touchdown celebrations, he did apologize Thursday to anyone offended by his role in a steamy segment with the actress Nicollette Sheridan for the introduction to "Monday Night Football.".


For Motorola, Symbol Deal is All Business

By Mike Hughlett, Chicago Tribune  Sep. 20--Sure, a bar code reader lacks the "wow" appeal of a sleek cell  phone, but Motorola Inc. needs gadgets to beef up sales to business, too, not  just consumers.


Thousands of flag-waving protesters filled streets in yet another city in Turkey on Saturday, accusing the government of trying to impose Islamic values on the country's Western way of life.


BMW says group unit sales rise 0.5 pct in January

BMW, the world's largest premium carmaker, posted a 0.5 percent rise in group sales to 94,276 vehicles in January, the company said on Wednesday while forecasting continued growth this year.


Sen. Richard Lugar, a senior Republican and a reliable vote for President Bush on the war, said Monday that Bush's Iraq strategy was not working and that the U.S. should downsize the military's role.


Scuole, strade e quattro stazioni della metro chiuseIl quartiere di Trastevere off limits per dodici ore                                          Bush a Roma, la cittÃ  in allerta tutte le misure di sicurezza                                                                                Per l'Air Force One si ferma l'aeroporto di Fiumicino


WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush signed into law today legislation that will enact some of the most far-reaching changes to the US intelligence community in decades (see GSN, Dec. 9).


'Blair wanted Diana to be ambassador for Britain': report

The forthcoming diaries of Tony Blair's former press chief contain details about how the former prime minister wanted princess Diana to be an ambassador for Britain, the Daily Mirror said Saturday.


Kidnappers holding two Chinese engineers in Pakistan threaten to kill one unless authorities lift a siege on their base.


Nasa says work on the space shuttle's fuel sensors will delay lift-off of the Columbus lab to perhaps  February.


Britain's leading private equity firms accept a change to the tax breaks they receive is "inevitable" reports say.


Yankees manager Joe Torre called George Steinbrenner to wish him a happy 76th birthday. He might want to wait a while before picking up the phone again after New York was routed 19-1 by Cleveland on Tuesday night.


CHICAGO -- President Bush said Monday that economic indicators are "increasingly mixed," causing anxiety for many Americans. But he said the economy is resilient and the U.S. has dealt with anxiety before.


Alternative Medicine Slips Into the Mainstream

By Holly VanScoy, HealthDay Reporter    Doctors are combining time-honored therapies with conventional treatments     HealthDayNews -- In medical circles, what was once considered either old-fashioned or "far out" is getting another look. And sometimes that new look can bring about different ways to treat diseases and conditions...


An engineer working with Indian firm Tata says he plans to sell an emission-free car that runs on compressed air.


Si' all'indipendenza del Kosovo, Serbia guardi al futuro


down on Tuesday, killing at least 89 people, to avenge the killing of Muslims in Russia's rebel Chechnya province. But it said on Friday it had identified "a number of people with possible links to the terrorist act".


NTT DoCoMo and Motorola teams up on 3G Phones

NTT DoCoMo, top mobile phone carrier in Japan, and Motorola Inc., worldâs number two cell-phone maker, plans to develop third-generation cell phones that allow subscribers in Japan to use services in other parts of Asia and Europe.


Anthony Carter hit a floater in the lane with 0.8 seconds left in double overtime to give the Denver Nuggets a 112-111 win over the shorthanded Houston Rockets on Thursday.


London - All eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend as Manchester United bid to end Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten league run - and breathe new life into the English Premiership race.


Courtney Love Regains Custody of Daughter

Singer Courtney Love has regained full custody of her 11-year-old daughter, her attorney said. Love, 40, lost custody of Frances Bean Cobain, her daughter with late Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain, in 2003 after she overdosed on painkillers in front of the girl.


It's official Bond 22 is now officially Quantum of Solace, the film's producers announced today.â¦


by our Internet desk, 14 September 2004. The European Union has renewed its threat of sanctions against the Sudanese government unless it takes action to disarm Arab militias threatening refugees in the western Darfur region.


Rooneyâs Champions League hat-trick: reaction from Nistelrooy ...

Manchester, 1:30pm GMT - Wayne Rooney's Man United debut in the 6-2 Champions League rout of Fenerbahce saw Sir Alex Ferguson and Ruud van Nistelrooy speculating on record breaking things to come from the England 18 year-old star.


Man gets death in China brickworks slavery scandal

China sentenced a man to death and jailed another 28 people for up to life on Tuesday for their roles in a massive slavery and child labor scandal involving scorching brickworks.


Police find bomb in London, launch terrorism probe

British police defused a bomb in an abandoned car in London's theatre district on Friday and launched a counter-terrorism investigation.


New Namibia president remains in Nujoma's shadow

Hifikepunye Pohamba, elected the next president of Namibia according to official results on Sunday, spent most of his country's freedom struggle and all of its independence in the shadow of outgoing President Sam Nujoma.


Mayor Robert Pastrick will not finish his ninth term in office after conceding defeat in a court-mandated special Democratic primary ordered because of corruption allegations.


Question of Timing on Bushâs Push on Earmarks

President Bush has never shown much distaste for Congressional pork. But he declared Monday that he had had enough.


British Grand Prix saved; five-year deal reached to keep race at ...

The British Grand Prix, threatened with cancellation in recent months, will remain on the Formula One calendar for the next five years at Silverstone.


Latvia's president acknowledged Monday that her bid to become the next U.N. secretary-general is a long shot, but she said women must break into the "all-boys club" that has dominated the selection of the U.N. chief for the last 60 years.


Health expert says no cause for alarm on meningococcemia (1:40 pm)

MANILA -- A medical specialist of the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday assured the public not to be alarmed with the reported cases of meningococcemia, a bacterial blood disease.


A high school history teacher survived more than two days dangling from a tree in his single-engine plane after it crashed during a cross-country trip.


'Planet Earth' looks great in HD - and to the BBC

Natural beauty is a high-tech hit. The hottest thing going in high-definition DVDs is a high-dollar collection of nature documentaries - from England. Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series, from BBC Video, has become the biggest moneymaker yet to hit Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD, the rival formats that Hollywood hopes will one day replace ordinary DVDs.


Athens Paralympics Closes on Tragic Note

Tragedy marked the closing of the Paralympics in Athens, when seven Greek schoolchildren were killed in a car accident Monday on their way to the competition.


Nevada officials back e-vote systems for primary, general election

Nevada election officials are confident that an electronic voting system being used in the Sept. 7 primary and the November election will work as expected, despite a problem that occurred during a demonstration of the technology in California.


Five Palestinians are killed after the Israeli army entered the Khan Younis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.


Baycol statin drug should have been pulled from market sooner ...

A new study states that Bayer AG was too slow in withdrawing Baycol, a cholesterol-lowering medicine called a statin, from the market.


Yahoo profit falls, CEO Yang sees 2008 "headwinds"

Yahoo Inc  reported a drop in quarterly profit on Tuesday and its shares fell nearly 7 percent as Chief Executive Jerry Yang predicted a tough 2008 amid a weakening U.S. economy.


Flunk out of Electoral College? Here's primer

WINNER-TAKE-ALL: The popular vote for president is interesting, but the real electing ballots are cast by the members of the Electoral College.


Paris Hilton parts ways with talent agent

She's been jailed for just a week -- not including a day of house arrest -- and already celebrity heiress Paris Hilton has parted ways with the Hollywood talent agency that represented her for two years.


The Carolina Panthers waived special teams standout Jarrod Cooper on Thursday after police issued an arrest warrant alleging he gave false information to an officer.


Police: 3 dead in Tel Aviv suicide bombing

At least three people were killed and 32 others wounded in a suicide bombing at an open-air market in Tel Aviv on Monday, Israeli police and ambulance services said.


Two Las Vegas schools locked down on gun report

Two Las Vegas area schools were locked down early on Monday morning as police searched for an armed youth, local television reported, in what would be the third gun incident at a U.S. school in a week.


BAGHDAD -- A Sunni police chief praised by US forces for clearing his city of insurgents has been arrested following an investigation into alleged murder, corruption and crimes against the Iraqi people, the US military said yesterday .


Germany ups stakes with Poland in EU treaty talks

EU president Germany proposed on Friday launching negotiations on a treaty to reform European Union institutions without Poland's assent unless Warsaw accepted a compromise deal on the voting system.


Bombs kill scores in Iraq as voting nears

Car bombers struck crowds in Najaf and Karbala in Iraq on Sunday, killing at least 61 people and wounding about 120 in the two holy Shiite cities only days into Iraq's six-week election campaign.


Oct. 28, 2004 -- Being overweight after age 40 could double a man's stroke risk, a new study shows. It's more evidence that obesity is a major -- but modifiable -- risk factor for numerous chronic health problems


Bachchans keep quiet on Thackeray controversy

Amitabh Bachchan, who is away in Shimla for a film shoot, stays away from the controversy.


A mother reacts angrily after the trial of a man accused of abusing her daughter and four other girls collapses.


Opera files EU antitrust suit against Microsoft

Opera Software has filed an antitrust suit against Microsoft in the European Union, accusing it of stifling competition by tying its Internet Explorer Web browser to Windows, the Norwegian company said Thursday.


France gained some payback Wednesday for its loss in the World Cup final with a 3-1 victory over Italy in European Championship qualifying, while Germany routed San Marino by a championship record 13-0.


Restaurant franchisor AFC Enterprises Inc. said Wednesday that it is selling its Cinnabon stores to Focus Brands Inc. for $30.25 million in cash.


Colony Capital to buy 4 Harrah's, Caesars casinos

An affiliate of Colony Capital LLC will buy Harrah's casinos in East Chicago, Ill., and Tunica, Miss., and Caesars-owned Bally's casino in Tunica and the Atlantic City Hilton in New Jersey for $1.


Increasing numbers of men in the Chinese city of Shanghai are going under the knife for bigger chests.


Striking writers union reaches deal with Letterman

Late-night TV comedian David Letterman has reached a deal with the union representing striking screenwriters that will let his show return to the air next week with his writing staff, the union said on Friday.


The message flickered into Cindy Fleenor's living room each night: Be faithful in how you live and how you give, the television preachers said, and God will shower you with material riches.


Suicide blast wounds three in Afghan restaurant

KHOST, Afghanistan  - A suicide blast at a restaurant wounded three people on Wednesday in the southeastern Afghan town of Khost, a police official said.


Mosca, 17:11 - VOLLEY, EUROPEI: ITALIA BATTUTA DALLA BULGARIA 3-0

La nazionale italiana di volley è stata clamorosamente battuta dalla Bulgaria agli Europei in...


The tropical storm Jeanne has hit Haiti, killing at least 90 people with many more still missing. Jeanne has already destroyed hundreds of houses in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, leaving 11 dead.


Gunman shoots into Australian mosque, narrowly missing worshippers: police

CANBERRA, Australia  - An unidentified gunman fired into a mosque in western Australia packed with hundreds of Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan, but no one was hurt, police said Saturday.


In Cairo, dignitaries converge to pay tribute

Although he did not live to see Palestinian statehood, Yasser Arafat was given a funeral yesterday worthy of a head of state and attended by kings and presidents from around the world.


In Role Reversal, China Blocks  Some U.S. Meat

SHANGHAI, July 15 -- China announced Saturday that it was blocking imports of some U.S. processed meat that showed signs of contamination, turning the tables on critics who in recent months have questioned the safety of Chinese exports and making good on a warning that it would apply greater...


British Hostage's Mom Pleads for His Life

LONDON Sept. 23, 2004 - The 86-year-old mother of a Briton held hostage in Iraq pleaded with his captors to free him Thursday, days after they beheaded two Americans kidnapped along with him.


U.S. urges speedy conclusion to North Korea talks

The U.S. envoy to six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear arms program said on Sunday it was time to wrap things up and reach a resolution but South Korean and Japanese delegates held out little hope.


By SONJA BARISIC  ATLANTIC, Va. - Spectators cheered as a rocket carrying two experimental satellites blasted off Saturday in the first launch from the mid-Atlantic region's commercial spaceport, creating a blazing streak across the sky just before sunrise.


Thousands of workers who lost their pensions when firms went bust are expected to be given more financial help.


Ukraine, Azerbaijan Discuss Oil Pipeline

September 7, 2006 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko arrived in Baku today for talks on economic cooperation.


For Indonesian Survivors, Constant Reminders of Havoc

For the survivors, the many bodies that lay strewn among the debris in this provincial capital provide a constant reminder of the havoc wrought by the earthquake


A former Michigan State assistant coach testified Tuesday in federal court that he was made aware that money was given to a high school coach to sway a recruit's choice.


Genova, 14:32 - CALCIO, ATALANTA; GENOANO SANTOS: PREGO PER IVAN RUGGERI

Fu Ivan Ruggeri a portarlo in Italia. Per questo oggi prega per lui. E' il difensore brasiliano Glei...


Jet zooms into record books - at 7000mph

A TINY unmanned jet has soared above the Pacific Ocean at nearly ten times the speed of sound - almost 7000mph - in a record-breaking demonstration of a radical new engine technology.


Blog: Coca-Cola targets teens with cell phone social network, parents guard your pocketbook.


Prayers are said in churches across Liverpool for 11-year-old Rhys Jones who was shot dead in Merseyside.


E3: Commodore unveils its US desktop line-up

Blog: The resurgent Commodore brand unveils its US PC line-up for 2007.


Aiming to create the first generation in which all Americans serve their country, Democratic presidential hopeful Chris Dodd is offering a range of initiatives to encourage — and in some cases compel — community service.


Shaquille O'Neal donned his new Miami Heat uniform Monday and fielded dozens of serious-sounding questions. Few merited serious replies.


Under a little-known project called Xenon, several nations are deploying sophisticated bots to troll web businesses in search


WASHINGTON  - The nation's top TV regulator said it would be difficult for the Federal Communications Commission to take action against ABC stations that aired "Good Morning America" on Tuesday when actress Diane Keaton used the f-word.


Mexico extradites major drug gang brother to U.S.

Mexico extradited one of the   infamous Arellano Felix drug-smuggling brothers to the United   States on Saturday in a rare hand-over of a major Mexican   trafficker.


Jerez, 18:35 - F1: FERRARI, TEST GOMME E MOTORE A JEREZ

Prima giornata di test per la Ferrari a Jerez de la Frontera. Il programma di lavoro prevede svilupp...


A top Iranian cleric hails a "victory" over the US after the UN said it would not punish Iran with sanctions.


Prince Harry urged to apologise in public for Nazi outfit gaffe

Britain's Prince Harry came under intense pressure to make a public apology after being pictured in Nazi military outfit just a fortnight before the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.


Per il 2005 previsto un mercato stabile in Europa


Director comes to "Rescue" of dating memoir

Director Frank Darabont  has optioned the comedic memoir "Rescue Me, He's Wearing a  Moose Hat: And 40 Other Dates Over 50."


Parigi, 13:25 - CALCIO, L'EQUIPE: PERRIN NUOVO ALLENATORE DEL LIONE

Alain Perrin è il nuovo tecnico del Lione. Secondo il quotidiano sportivo francese L'Equipe i...


British censors are seeking a judicial review to block the sale of controversial video game Manhunt 2.


World demand for oil will rise more than expected while supplies will remain tight up to 2012, experts say.


A COLLAPSE at a construction site at Dubai airport has killed more five people and injured 12 others today, a contractor said. Early reports put the death toll at eight and numbers of injured at many more.


Oil: Oil rebounds on supply woes, election jitters

Oil prices bounced back on Friday, ending this week's 8 per cent slide on renewed winter supply fears and jitters ahead of next week's US presidential election.


Dell aims to become "carbon neutral" in 2008 by zeroing out carbon emissions, implementing recycling program, according to newspaper report.


5200 B.C. Is New Date for Farms in Egypt

A discovery may provide insights about the farmers and some answers to the questions of how, why and when Egyptians adopted farming.


Periodo nel mirino dei giudici contabili parte dal 2001


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


Japan's NEC Elec could miss profit forecast: Paper

TOKYO: Japan's NEC Electronics Corp is likely to miss its operating profit forecast for the year to March by 40 %due to sluggish demand for microchips, a Japanese newspaper said on Saturday.


Volo record della Nasa: lo "scramjet" viaggia a 11mila km/h senza ...

Gli occhi degli uomini in sala controllo inchiodati sullo schermo, il fiato sospeso. 90 secondi di ansia, poi l'applauso liberatorio. La Nasa festeggia un nuovo successo: un jet sperimentale senza pilota ha


Feticide means 7,000 fewer girls a day in India

Seven thousand fewer girls are born in India each day than the global average would suggest, largely because female fetuses are aborted after sex determination tests, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.


Dan Marino's record for touchdown passes in a season has stood for 20 years. So what's another week?


Malaysian Astronaut Candidates to Go to NASA for Training

Malaysian astronaut candidates to go to NASA for training    KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's astronaut candidates were expected to undergo training at the National Space and Aeronautics Administration (NASA) in the United States, a Malaysian official said here on Tuesday.


The Toronto Raptors signed free agent center Loren Woods on Wednesday.


Calcio: Como, il programma di Corrado per evitare la cancellazione

Francesco Corrado, nominato curatore fallimentare del Como Calcio 1907 dal Tribunale, ha spiegato quali saranno le mosse per cercare di non far sparire la squadra. "Da parte mia intendo mantenere la squadra


How to Find an Audience? Try a Zoom Lens

If the movie business is to keep making smart dramas in which actors and filmmakers aim for awards, it will have to sharpen its message and narrow the targets.


League One side Bristol Rovers join Barnsley and three other Championship clubs in the FA Cup quarter-final draw.


Interview With Mandriva CEO, FranÃ§ois Bancilhon

Linux Journal recently caught up with Mandriva CEO, FranÃ§ois Bancilhon, to find out more about a recently announced partnership between Mandriva of France and Turbolinux of Japan. read more


Official: New York to be ringed by nuke detectors

New York City will be protected by a ring of devices to detect nuclear or dirty bombs before the end of the year, the Department of Homeland Security said Friday.


Three Austrian cross-country skiers have appeals against lifetime Olympic bans for doping dismissed.


The Italian government gives its backing to Air France-KLM's bid to buy a chunk of national airline Alitalia.


Blair calls on Labour faithful to occupy political centre

Prime Minister Tony Blair called on his party's activists to campaign from the centre in the build-up to a spring general election which many expect the Labour leader to win easily.


England inched their way to 56 for two at lunch on the fifth and final day of the third Test against West Indies at Old Trafford here.


Real Madridâs Michael Owen refused to contemplate what his role will be in next weekendâs showdown with arch-rivals Barcelona after mixed news for the England forward in Real Madridâs 6-1 rout of Albacete.


Malaysia issues highest warning over typhoon Durian

Malaysia's meteorology department has issued its highest alert for strong winds and rough seas off the country's eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak as destructive typhoon Durian made its way through the region.


Japan Navy Mobilized After Sub Seen in Japan Waters

Japan's navy was mobilized on Wednesday  after an unidentified submarine was found in Japanese waters,  the top government spokesman said, confirming a report by  public broadcaster NHK.


Bush to Khalilzad: "I'll Take Care of Politics"

In his first interview since returning from Washington to Iraq, U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad tells TIME how the President told him not to worry about the midterm elections effecting the U.S. commitment to Iraq.


O'Neill hails Celtic performance in Barcelona

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has hailed his team's performance as "phemomenal", as they kept their European hopes alive.


NestlÃ© shifts Smarties production to Germany

First the hexagonal tube, now this... It's enough to have any true patriot choking into his or her beef pie of olde England: NestlÃ© has announced that it has decided to shift Smarties production from York to Hamburg, in the process axing 645 jobs at the Rowntree chocolate factory which it acquired in 1988.â¦


U.S. Women at Greatest Risk of Sexual Disease: Study

Americans, and especially women, are three times more likely to suffer premature death and adverse health due to sexual activity than people in other rich nations, scientists said on Thursday.


Ichiro smacks 2 more hits in Sisler chase

SEATTLE - CC Sabathia threw a five-hitter for his second career shutout and Omar Vizquel hit a two-run homer to lead the Cleveland Indians over the Seattle Mariners 5-0 Monday night.


Ieri sera nel crotonese, dopo lite forse per futili motivi


BRASILIA, Brazil  - Airborne searchers found the wreckage of a Brazilian passenger plane on Saturday that crashed a day earlier in Amazon jungle with 155 people on board and the chances of anyone surviving were slight, officials said.


Grim search for corpses as Chinese media demands investment in ...

BEIJING  - Rescue teams resigned themselves to pulling only corpses from a mine where 103 workers remained trapped after a gas blast, as Chinese media demanded investment to mechanize the industry and improve safety.


Baghdad (BBC) -- Several leading Iraqi political parties have called for the national elections scheduled for 30 January to be delayed.


Pope Meets Muslims in Bid to Defuse Anger

Pope Benedict XVI told ambassadors from 22 Muslim countries that Âintercultural dialogue is a necessity.Â


The Russians were angry. The South Koreans were angry. The Greeks were angry. Nobody paid for it more than Paul Hamm. For 10 solid minutes, the crowd booed and whistled, creating a deafening roar.


Aggadan, the 3-5 favorite, runs all out to hold off an spirited effort from Irish Colony to win by half a length at the $100,000 Jennings Handicap on Saturday.


Roche says cancer drug MabThera extends survival

Roche Holding AG on Monday said new data  showed cancer drug MabThera significantly extended survival and  cured more patients with aggressive lymphoma than chemotherapy  alone.


Vijay Tendulkar's play is running to rave reviews in New York


Ice knocks out power in northern Portugal, strands seven hikers

Snow and sleet have pelted northern Portugal, knocking out power to three villages, causing traffic accidents and stranding seven hikers on the nation's highest mountain range.


Seven weeks after imposing a ban on nearly all liquids in airline travelers' carry-on bags in response to terrorism fears, US transportation officials today will begin letting passengers carry on small amounts of personal-care products, as well as drinks bought in secured zones of airports.


Gunmen kill Hamas leader in West Bank; Rice to visit

QALQILYA, West Bank  - Three masked men shot and killed a Hamas leader as he left a mosque in the West Bank on Wednesday, witnesses said, a day after gunmen from a rival Palestinian faction threatened to kill senior Hamas members.


MetroStars midfielder Guevara named major league soccer's MVP

Guevara, who helped his team to a second straight playoff appearance, led the MetroStars in assists (10) and points (30), while tying for the team lead in goals (10) during his second season in the league.


Earlier Contamination Found At British Plant That Made Flu Vaccine

American drug inspectors found contamination and other problems in 2003 at a British plant that manufactures the flu vaccine that were similar to conditions that resulted


Four Huskies suspended for unsanctioned summer play

Four Washington players will miss the season opener against Seattle Pacific after being suspended for playing in unsanctioned summer games -- a secondary NCAA rules violation.


Forty years on, Palestinians recall Israeli victory

RAMALLAH, West Bank  - Marking 40 years of Israeli occupation, President Mahmoud Abbas said on Tuesday internal fighting had brought Palestinians to the brink of civil war.


Accusa, associazione a delinquere per traffico stupefacenti


Disney Wonders if a Mermaid Can Follow a Trail Blazed by a Lion

While âThe Lion Kingâ on Broadway took everyone by surprise, âThe Little Mermaidâ comes with one question: Can Disney ever do that again?


China Vice President out of new Party lineup

China's Communists began winding up a five-yearly Congress on Sunday by announcing the Vice President was out of the new Party lineup, making way for President Hu Jintao to install potential successors.


AUSTRALIAN Pharmaceutical Industries has acquired New Price Retail in an attempt to bolster its retail presence amid growing competition from Woolworths and Coles.


N.C. Researchers Give Weather Perspective

By Bruce Henderson, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.  Feb. 2--ASHEVILLE -- Today's release of a milestone report on global  warming can be traced in part to a modern slab of a building in this funky  downtown.


PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon has narrowly survived three parliamentary no-confidence votes sponsored by opposition parties over deepening poverty in Israel.


Sudanese leaders fail to agree reforms for unity government

Crisis talks between Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir and southern leader Salva Kiir ended Thursday without agreement on getting his former rebels to rejoin the unity government they quit a week ago.


When Kevin Spacey looks at the life and work of Bobby Darin, he sees more than just a pop singer. He sees quite a bit of himself. "I almost look at his music as a social


The board of Airbus parent EADS approved a restructuring plan for the troubled European aircraft maker Monday, breaking a weeklong deadlock over job cuts and future jet programs between France and Germany.


The cost of pasta in Italy is set to rise because durum wheat is increasingly being used as a bio-fuel, manufacturers say.


IBM, Yahoo Team on Free Enterprise Search

IBM OmniFind Yahoo Edition nudges Google Mini at low end of search.


NEW CARROLLTON, Md. -- Mudafer al-Ziyadi, an Iraqi-American from Weymouth, endured a 10-hour van ride and a snowstorm Saturday night because he wanted to send a message to President Bush through a ballot box.


Ma solo il 18 settembre saranno tutti a regime


Microsoft Corp  posted a rise  in quarterly profit on Thursday, boosted by healthy demand for  personal computers loaded with its Windows operating system and  strong sales of its "Halo 3" video game.


Karzai aborts trip to Afghan city after rocket hits near landing ...

A rocket slammed into the ground near where Afghan President Hamid Karzai's helicopter was approaching to land in an eastern city Thursday, forcing him to return to Kabul, officials said.


Prime Minister Tony Blair says he will go into hospital today to correct recurrent heart palpitations, but he vows to serve a full third term in office if he wins an election expected next year.


Gene May Account for Range of Ills, Study Finds

A rare genetic mutation may help  explain why some people get hit with a triple whammy of high  blood pressure, cholesterol and a tendency to gain weight  easily, U.S. researchers reported on Friday.


At Last! PC Industry Gets Serious About Good Design

Computer makers have discovered that good industrial design sells -- and some, like Dell and Hewlett Packard, are making well-designed products a priority.


Marines Find Alleged Iraqi Torture Chamber

Down a steep staircase littered with glass shards and rubble, U.S. Marines descended Thursday to a dark basement believed to have been one of Fallujah's torture chambers. They found bloodstains and a single bloody hand print on the wall — evidence of the horrors once carried out in this former insurgent stronghold.


Separatists call for a strike as Indian PM Manmohan Singh begins a visit to the troubled state of Manipur.


Once Again, Having Its 7 Minutes of Flame

The Christmas morning yule log special on WPIX Â a four-hour tape of a log blazing brightly in a fireplace Â is not for the fainthearted.


Inquiry Concludes Dianaâs Death Was an Accident

A British police inquiry concluded that allegations of murder in a 1997 Paris car crash are unfounded.


Insurgency leaves Mosul ill-prepared for elections

With only two months to go until Iraq's general elections, the local government has yet to devise a plan for registering voters in one of the country's largest cities.


At a key juncture in the Iraq war, the military chiefs conveyed to President Bush on Friday their concern about a growing strain on troops and their families from long and repeated combat tours.


AMERICA/BRASILE - ÂDio ama senza frontiere: dall'Amazzonia al mondo interoÂ Ã¨ il tema della prossima Giornata Missionaria in sintonia con la Campagna di FraternitÃ  2007 Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) - Con lo slogan "Dio ama senza frontiere: dall'Amazzonia al mondo intero" la Chiesa del Brasile celebrerÃ  la Giornata Missionaria Mondiale domenica prossima, 21 ottobre. Il tema fa riferimento alla Campagna di FraternitÃ  2007...


What's the best way to sue my neighbor? How big is Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum? Is surgery necessary to remove a bunion? Am I pregnant?


Deputy Coroner Accused of Stealing Drugs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - An El Paso County deputy coroner is accused of stealing and selling prescription drugs collected from the homes of dead people.  Leon Carl Moynier, 32, was arrested last week on suspicion of distributing prescription drugs.


The answer to Tom Jones' immortal question: What's new,   Pussycat, could be you.


Public urged not to jam Asia quake hotline with travel queries

The government urged the British public not to jam the hotline for the Asian tidal wave disaster with travel inquiries after families desperate for news of missing loved ones had trouble getting through.


Arsene Wenger had the look of a man who had just had his pocket picked and was trying to work out how and when it happened. Just as Arsenal's unbeaten half century looked


Mourning Takes It Easy in First Practice

Alonzo Mourning wasn't ready Tuesday to put too much strain on his body, and the New Jersey Nets weren't rushing Mourning along in his attempt to become the second NBA player to return after a kidney transplant.


US filmmaker Steven Spielberg withdraws as an artistic adviser to the Olympics over China's role in Darfur.


Vote observers: access to US polling places difficult

International observers invited for the 2004 US election found access to polling stations difficult in Florida and Ohio, a watchdog group said.


Govt plans to auction Rp3 trillion bonds on Oct. 26

JAKARTA (Dow Jones): The Indonesian government plans to auction around Rp3 trillion ($329 million) worth of bonds Oct. 26, Anggito Abimanyu, the head of fiscal analysis in the finance ministry, said Monday.


McClaren spikes up England mix with Barton call-up

Joey Barton, the Manchester City midfielder who has as much bite with his tongue as he does in the tackle, has won a first international call-up in England's squad to face Spain in a friendly at Old Trafford next week.


Peru thrash Uruguay 3-0 in the first match of the Copa America, while hosts Venezuela draw 2-2 with Bolivia.


Bush To Give CIA Chief Temporarily Expanded Powers

WASHINGTON, Aug 27  - US President George W. Bush will issue executive orders Friday to establish a national counter-terrorism center and temporarily expand the CIA director's powers to oversee intelligence, his spokesman said.


Rodriguez Misses Game Because of Frances

Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez stayed with his family in Florida because of Hurricane Frances, forcing him to miss Monday's game against the Kansas City Royals.


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


Strong sterling not to be taken for granted

WATCHING markets and economic data on a daily or even an hourly basis is sometimes like a slow-motion action replay where the result is a foregone conclusion yet takes ages to unfold.


eBay Dumps Passport, Microsoft Calls It Quits

eBay says it will soon drop support for Microsoft's Passport for log-in to the site and discontinuing alerts sent via Microsoft's .


FEMA Suppressed Health Warnings for Workers, Katrina Victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has suppressed warnings from its own Gulf coast field workers since the middle of 2006 about suspected health problems that may be linked to elevated levels of formaldehyde gas released in FEMA-provided trailers, lawmakers said today.


Celebrity fashion? No thanks, we're Zara

ARTEIXO, Spain  - There are no celebrities in the studios of Spanish fashion chain Zara, just hundreds of twenty-something designers copying catwalk lines faster than their labels can sell them.


There has been an explosion at a British base near Basra injuring nine soldiers, the Ministry of Defence confirms.


Intel confirms dual-core desktop 'Smithfield'

But is it two Prescotts in one package or a single-die part?


At an EU-China Summit on Wednesday, the EU said now was not the time to lift its arms embargo on China. However, EU leaders held out the prospect of ending the ban perhaps next year, despite opposition from the US.


Lo strano processo politico agli ex radicali e sessantottini divenuti ministrie il nuovo saggio di Zagrebelsky sulla difficile passione per la repubblica                                            Libri, gli idealisti al potere e la fatica della democrazia                                                                                Tra le novitÃ  anche "Erasmiani" di Dahrendorf: gli intellettualiche seppero resistere alle sirene del totalitarismo


Second seed Lleyton Hewitt booked his place in the semi-finals of the Washington Open, but had to work hard to oust Cyril Saulnier 6-3 3-6 7-6.


NATO soldier killed in southern Afghanistan

A NATO soldier was killed in southern Afghanistan on Monday after an explosion, the alliance's U.N.-mandated Afghan security force said on Tuesday.


Legislative Elections Give Boost To Sarkozy

PARIS, June 10 -- French voters reinforced President Nicolas Sarkozy's mandate for major reform of the nation's moribund economy and government, giving his ruling party and its allies an estimated 46 percent of the vote in Sunday's first round of parliamentary elections, according to nearly compl...


Jays Claim Song Off Waivers From Montreal

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed right-hander Seung Song off waivers from the Montreal Expos on Saturday.


Wireless vendors pledge hurricane relief

Cingular and Nextel step in to aid those recovering from Hurricane Charley in Florida.


Martinez, Groenefeld Advance in Thailand

Conchita Martinez reached the Volvo Open final when Russia's Evgenia Linetskaya quit during the second set Saturday because of heat exhaustion.


Europe May Be Gaining in Smart Home Tech

From the outside, it looks like just another house on an upscale residential street outside Barcelona. But inside this "smart house," its creators say, is the most advanced domestic technology in Europe.


Global warming severest in Arctic: study

A comprehensive scientific study of the Arctic climate has confirmed what Canadian Dene and Inuit have been saying for years: the North is melting, and faster all the time.


Thiago Pereira swam away with two more gold medals on Friday, securing his status as the undisputed star of the Panamerican Games and a place in Brazilian sporting history.


Maoist leader Prachanda says he expects to be Nepal's first president after its monarchy is abolished.


Mixed response to Tony Blair as special envoy for Middle East

The Christian Science Monitor - The tapping of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who stepped down from his post on Tuesday, as special envoy for the Middle East has generated mixed emotions from the Middle East and observers.


CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Pitcher Jason Grimsley is lost to the Baltimore Orioles until next June at the earliest after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery Wednesday.


Its legal battles over, the software vendor will focus on sales until the market ripens.


Dozens of girls have been skipping school in this Pakistani Kashmir mountain town, but neither bullies nor boredom is to blame. Teachers say pupils fear being crushed in an earthquake like the one that killed 80,000 people one year ago Sunday.


Demonstrator throws egg at Schroeder on east German trip

WITTENBERGE, Germany  - A protester threw an egg at Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during a visit to an eastern German town Tuesday, but missed him and hit a police officer.


President Umaru Yar'Adua revealed personal wealth of $5 million on Thursday, saying public financial disclosures should be standard practice as Nigeria battles official corruption.


Google in talks to buy Web video site YouTube: report

Internet search leader Google Inc is in talks to buy popular Web video site YouTube Inc. for close to $1.6 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing a person familiar with the matter.


The confusion of combat during an intense firefight in Afghanistan five years ago has led to conflicting testimony that is complicating the case of a Canadian terror suspect, opposing attorneys agree.


Dow Closes Up 40 on Bullish Ford Outlook

NEW YORK - Investors looked past a spike in oil prices Friday, sending stocks higher on the strength of Ford Motor Co.'s bullish profit outlook. The major indexes finished the week mixed...


Jamaican opposition party appears to win election

The opposition Jamaica Labour Party appeared to win power by a narrow margin on Monday, ending an 18-year reign by the ruling People's National Party, which served notice it would likely challenge the result.


Pistoia, 15:09 - CALCIO, PISTOIESE: E' BRACCIALINI IL NUOVO PROPRIETARIO

La Pistoiese calcio ha reso noto oggi che Romano Braccialini è il nuovo proprietario della so...


Thailand made an uneasy return to democracy Wednesday with the swearing-in of a Cabinet dominated by loyalists to the prime minister ousted 19 months ago in a military coup.


Tracing a 20-Year Odyssey Across Hope and Despair

Jonathan Caouette's autobiographical film is one of the strangest and most interesting movies of the year.


Christian Democrats Gain in Dutch Voting

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's center-right Christian Democrats had a clear lead Wednesday over the leftist Labor Party, early returns suggested _ but not enough for a majority in the next parliament.Comment


The Bush administration won a commitment today from China to move "firmly and steadily" to a flexible currency, though the Chinese did not offer a firm timetable.


Pope, Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad meet

Pope Benedict XVI met Saturday with the Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad, the Vatican said.


The canceled sci-fi series enjoys a fan base as dedicated as the show's run was short. Now Firefly fanatics will be able to live in a massively multiplayer online universe carved from Joss Whedon's vision. A Wired News exclusive by Mark Wallace.


Aviator soars in Golden Globe nominations

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio's The Aviator shared the limelight with indy road-trip movie Sideways in this year's Golden Globes nominations.


TONGCHUAN, CHINA - A gas explosion tore through a coal mine in China's Shaanxi province, trapping as many as 170 miners underground.


Actor Snipes Loses Bid to Nullify Arrest Warrant

Actor Wesley Snipes lost a bid on Wednesday to get a federal judge to cancel an arrest warrant stemming from an Indiana paternity case.


Baseball Already Knew of Rise in Exemptions

After it was disclosed at a Congressional hearing that there had been a substantial increase in the number of players claiming therapeutic-use exemptions for attention deficit disorder, T.U.E. became the newest abbreviation in the baseball world.


In a statement reflecting the growing distrust between Moscow and the West, a top Russian general on Monday warned that Poland and the Czech Republic risk being targeted by Russian missiles if they agree to ...Comment


Controversial comedian Bernard Manning dies at the age of 76, his venue in Manchester confirms.


A 32-year-old alcoholic is jailed for life for the murder of her drinking partner in a south Belfast squat.


Napoli, 18:06 - CALCIOPOLI: INCHIESTA A GIP DE GREGORIO, UDIENZA A FINE ANNO

Il procedimento sugli illeciti nel calcio, per cui ieri i pm Filippo Beatrice e Giuseppe Narducci ha...


Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. on Monday said it agreed to buy Stasys Ltd., a Britain-based technology and consulting firm specializing in network communications and defense interoperability.


South Korea says the North attempted to develop a second, secret uranium enrichment programme.


The Moment | Advertising Guru John Jay Blogs

The advertising agency honcho and pop culture vulture John Jay blogs about Japanese youth culture.


Yellow River Dam Backers, Water Management Team Look for Common Ground

By Jeff Ayres, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach  Feb. 23--CRESTVIEW -- The Yellow River Reservoir Committee and the Northwest Florida Water Management District have different ideas on how to ensure a plentiful future water supply in Okaloosa County.


Targetâs First Quarter Profit Up 18 Percent

The Target Corporation said today its quarterly profit rose almost 18 percent, helped by its credit card business and strong sales at established stores.


Japanese megabank and merger target UFJ unveils huge losses and a $6.4bn cash injection from its favoured suitor.


A man has died following what police described as a "disturbance" at a Butlins holiday resort.


OPEC Can Raise Output Capacity by 1 Mln Barrels/Day

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which supplies a third of the world's crude oil, can raise production capacity by 1 million barrels a day by year-end, OPEC President Purnomo Yusgiantoro said.


Film Academy Honors Six Writers with Nicholl Award

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences kicked off its run up to the Oscars, the U.S. film industry's top awards, by honoring six fledgling screenwriters Thursday night with its annual Nicholl Fellowship and a check for $30,000.


Campagna parte da Torino, aderiscono anche Letta e Veltroni


Hill sees no progress in N.Korea talks so far

The top U.S. negotiator in bruising nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea said on Tuesday he saw no progress yet and urged Pyongyang to come to the table with a realistic offer and a festive spirit.


A balancing act: Australia's diplomatic relations

HAMISH ROBERTSON: The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, sparked quite an argument last week with his comments in Beijing about whether Australia would side with the United States in any war over Taiwan.


Justice Secretary Jack Straw urges lawyers to help bring down the legal aid bill.


Conn. Governor Has Breast-Cancer Surgery

Connecticut Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell is seen in her office at the Capitol in Hartford, Conn. in this Tuesday, June 22, 2004 file photo.


Regulators Question Fannie Mae Accounting

Description: Fannie Mae, the nation's largest source of financing for home mortgages, faces accusations of pervasive accounting problems.


First came green homes. Now comes a mortgage to match. So-called green mortgages are the latest innovation in the push to promote more energy-efficient houses, whose owners enjoy lower utility costs thanks to solar panels, improved insulation, thermopane windows, and other money-saving products. Also called energy-efficient mortgages, they allow home buyers to qualify for larger loans on the premise that ...


Millions are at risk from different CJD strain

MILLIONS of people thought to be less vulnerable to the human form of âmad cowâ disease may be at risk of developing a different strain, according to research.


The race is on to create a gadget to outgun the iPod - playing not only music but movies - and usurp it as the ultimate icon for Christmas shoppers.


Europe Bloc Says Turks Can Apply; Long Road Seen

The European Union said Friday that Turkey could join its ranks as soon as 10 years from now, but warned that it must overcome widespread public opposition to a Muslim country's entering the European fold.


'Incredibles' creator makes a mark at Pixar

While a live action Hollywood blockbuster can take a year to complete, a film like "The Incredibles," the much-anticipated new animated family comedy from Pixar opening nationwide Friday, can


Con questa edizione la guida compie 30 anni


President Bush named former Sen. Bob Dole and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala on Tuesday to lead an investigation of problems at the nation's military and veterans' hospitals


Condoleezza Rice tells a US Senate confirmation hearing that the "time for diplomacy is now".


BROKEN BOW, Neb. - Custer County Chief publisher Deb McCaslin admits her newspaper, at least for a week, was leftist...


People in India and Pakistan struggle to cope with the effects of three days of rain that left 350 dead.


LOS ANGELES -- For a while, it appeared as though Kobe Bryant wouldnât make it out of the first quarter -- let alone come up with his most productive game of the season.


Don't get burned by a high-cost mortgage -- you may qualify for better rates

Psst . . . Have I got a deal for you: a dirt-cheap mortgage that lets you decide how much to pay each month. And don't worry about your lousy credit rating . . .


UPDATE: Australia's Foodland Net Up 19% On Asset Sales

PERTH (Dow Jones)--Buoyed by one-off gains from the sale of property assets and a New Zealand department store business, Australasian retailer Foodland Associated Ltd.


WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- A severe storm has been battering much of New Zealand, leaving the capital Wellington all but cut off.


Most remaining Pakistani prisoners held at the US Guantanamo Bay prison camp are freed, officials say.


Music biz agrees: stop shooting self in foot

Users are not our enemy At the Norwegian summer resort of Kristiansand in Norway last week, representatives of all corners of the British (and global) music business came together to think the unthinkable.â¦


PeopleSoft chief fired for remark to analysts

WILMINGTON, Delaware A director of PeopleSoft said that Craig Conway, the company's chief executive, was fired on Friday in part because he made false statements at an analysts' conference in September 2003.


Bonds No Threat To Bull Market, Analysts Say

Citigroup strategists argue bond yields have a long way to rise before they threaten equities.


Patriots right cornerback Randall Gay realizes he has been the opposition's No. 1 target, and will remain so in Sunday night's game against Buffalo.


Mexico's oldest cantina, a classic drinking dive patronized by dozens of past presidents and Cuban leader Fidel Castro when he was in exile here, has closed its doors after more than 150 years.


Officials in Pakistan say 278 people have died as a result of a week of torrential rains and snowstorms.


Milano, 15:44 - CALCIO, GILARDINO: IL PROCURATORE: OGGI E' DEL MILAN

Alberto Gilardino oggi è un giocatore del Milan e difficilmente andrà alla Juventus. E...


Phil Knight stepped down Thursday as president and chief executive officer of Nike Inc., the $12 billion athletic shoe and clothing company he co-founded and built into the world's largest shoe maker and one of the best-known brands.


As Iraqis prepare for a democratic vote, the U.S. is still struggling to prevent insurgents from destroying it


Rebel attacks hit Baghdad as Rumsfeld visits

"They know they cannot defeat us militarily. But they are hoping they can win the test of wills. It's a battle of morale.


Roger Clemens has been named by a former trainer as a steroid user, both in the report former Senate majority leader George J. Mitchell issued for baseball officials and in testimony to congressional lawyers. He has defended himself on his Web site, in a television interview, during a news confer...


Rank to Sell Deluxe Movie Business After Profit Drop

Rank Group Plc, a UK distributor of movies for half a century, plans to exit the film industry after losses at its DVD and cinema production business.


Saboteurs Attack About 20 Iraq Pipelines

Saboteurs have attacked multiple pipelines in southern Iraq, a top oil official said Thursday.


Javier Valentin's three-run homer keyed a five-run ninth Wednesday night, giving Cincinnati an 11-8 win over Atlanta. Valentin had four hits to help the Reds win for the second time in seven games.


Bill Gives Lawmakers Access to Tax Returns

Congress passed legislation Saturday giving two committee chairman and their assistants access to income tax returns without regard to privacy protections, but not before red-faced Republicans said it was all a mistake and would be swiftly repealed.


Morto in pompa di benzina a Somma Vesuviana


Putin Says Russia Faces Full 'War' to Divide Nation

President Vladimir V. Putin acknowledged failures of leadership as the toll from the end of a school siege rose to 330.


Fergie facing months without Van Nistelrooy

Manchester United's Premiership and European hopes were dealt a blow today after manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he will be without star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy for eight weeks.


Homework Problems? Help Is a Click Away.

If you are like many parents, there's a good chance you can't remember the last time you solved for X, were never really confident about the rules for when to use a comma, and find that the hourly rate for private tutors can be a bit daunting.


Glasgow attack suspects' family complains of media harassment

The Indian family of British terror plot suspects Kafeel and Sabeel Ahmed say they are suffering from severe media harassment, according to the family's lawyer.


NYC's Freedom Tower wins Spitzer's blessing

New York's $3 billion Freedom Tower won the backing of Gov. Eliot Spitzer on Tuesday, ending speculation he might demand an overhaul of the iconic skyscraper that will replace the Twin Towers.


European Union leaders endorsed a reform treaty Friday to replace their failed European constitution and give the 27-nation union a more influential say in world affairs, diplomats said.


The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates on Tuesday by a quarter percentage point as expected, the third straight rise in a bid to keep a lid on inflation pressures despite some signs of economic softness.


South Africa's Jacques Kallis scored his 34th test half-century despite an England fightback on the second day of the second test.


Dopo una lite lo ha colpito con alcune coltellate


Las Vegas Sands seeks to work with fellow casino winner Genting: report

Las Vegas Sands says it is looking forward to working with Malaysia's Genting International, which was awarded Singapore's second gaming licence earlier this month, a report has said.


Asset Sales May Not Help US Air -Analysts

US Airways Group Inc. UAIR.O,  desperately trying to slash costs in bankruptcy to ensure  survival, may not be able to find much relief through a  potential sale of its assets, analysts said on Tuesday.


US, Iraqi Forces Attack Insurgents in Samarra

US and Iraqi forces have pushed into the insurgent stronghold of Samarra, north of Baghdad and taken control of key government buildings and religious sites.


Clashes in Haitian capital kill at least 14

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Three politicians allied with former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide were led away in handcuffs after a six-hour standoff at a radio station, and gunfire erupted today in Haiti's capital where political clashes have left 14 dead


An inquiry into allegations by Kenyan women of rape by British soldiers finds insufficient evidence for prosecution.


Br, inquirenti: dopo Banelli forse altri collaboratori

La decisione di collaborare di Cinzia Banelli, la "compagna So" delle nuove Br, potrebbe provocare "un terremoto" nei brigatisti che sono in carcere. Gli inquirenti si dicono fiduciosi del fatto che la contestazione


At his urging, the Democratic-controlled Congress pulled back on an Armenian genocide measure, withdrew a surveillance oversight bill and, in a high-stakes showdown, sustained his veto on spending for a children's health insurance program.


DPRK accuses IAEA of taking "unjust attitude" toward nuclear ...

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of taking an unjust attitude toward the nuclear issues of the Korean Peninsula.


Nick Halstead's Blog: Boycott WordPress?

With all of the push to move to PHP5 these days, some people are asking more questions of some of the most common PHP applications as to how they plan to proceed. Nick Halstead asks his question on his blog today - should the community boycott WordPress?   Technology moves forward and PHP will long term lose its dominant position unless it gets everyone to move along with it. [...] Frankly I use WordPress because it has the best plugins but it is no coding wonder and Matt [Mullenweg]'s energies would be better placed helping to move it to PHP 5 only.   The reference there is to a post from Matt (from the WordPress project) going after the community a bit for trying to force a move to PHP5 and that it's "not a big deal" like some are making it out to be. Nick feels that, if it's the case that Matt doesn't even see the move to PHP5 as a big deal, maybe WordPress shouldn't be the one of the blogging tools of choice.


Leader Udc, il governo cadra' con un lavoro parlamentare


COL BKB: Mississippi St. 74, Fairfield 49

Ontario Harper scored a career-high 17 points Thursday night in helping Mississippi State fight off an upset bid with a 53-49 win over Fairfield.


Two Las Vegas schools locked down on gun report

Two Las Vegas area schools were locked down early on Monday morning as police searched for an armed youth, local television reported, in what would be the third gun incident at a U.S. school in a week.


The kidnapping of an Italian national in Lanao del Norte in the middle of a supposed ceasefire between government forces and Muslim secessionists while peace talks are ongoing to bring peace to the south suggests there are some quarters who do not want


Unnamed groups are bringing arms into Guinea, which remains under martial law, the new prime minister says.


The Washington Post\\'s ongoing investigation of the state of medical care and facilities at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the overall military and VA health care systems.


E' presto per dire che sara' duratura in Eurolandia


There was little doubt the Patriots felt they could throw the ball against the Kansas City defense Monday night, especially with the return of top receiver Deion Branch , whose bursts of speed and cutting ability seemed to belie the fact that he missed nine weeks with a knee injury.


Four dead, 16 missing in another China mine disaster

Four workers are dead and 16 are missing after a fire at a mine in central China, as rescuers continued efforts to reach 36 miners unaccounted for after a flood in the country's southwest.


U.S. stocks futures tumbled on  Thursday after drug company Merck & Co. MRK.N announced it  was recalling a key drug, indicating the market would open  lower.


Students working at companies like Google enjoy lots of perks and hands-on training. But a stint at Microsoft gets you a date with Bill Gates.


Kerry victory could take heat off Fannie, Freddie

A victory on Tuesday for Democratic presidential contender John Kerry could herald an about-face in efforts to rein in embattled mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, analysts say.