DefenceLab/ag_news · Datasets at Fast360

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Three fans banned for racially abusing Yorke Three men have been banned from football matches for five years after Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke was racially abused at Blackburn Rovers last month, a court official said on Thursday.	1Sports
Golden State Warriors Team Report - December 16 (Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors lost to the New Orleans Hornets, 98-89, on Wednesday. The Warriors are 1-1 on their current four-game road trip.	1Sports
Soccer to become football in Australia Soccer will officially become football in Australia next year after the Australian Soccer Association announced Thursday it will change its name to Football Federation Australia.	1Sports
Bode Miller Faces a Tough Challenge American Bode Miller faces a challenge to his domination of the men #39;s World Cup when the speed events return with three days of racing in the Dolomites.	1Sports
Ayoob to play football at Cal With his infamous work ethic, Cal football coach Jeff Tedford isn #39;t really the kind of guy who goes for long, leisurely mornings in bed and afternoons spent napping on the couch.	1Sports
Houston Rockets Team Report - December 16 (Sports Network) - Tracy McGrady scored a game-high 25 points and added six rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets over the Atlanta Hawks, 92-69, on Wednesday at the Toyota Center.	1Sports
Barroso Urges Turkey to Go Extra Mile on EU Talks The European Commission president urged Turkey on Thursday to quot;go the extra mile quot; to show Europeans it is ready for EU membership talks as the bloc prepared	0World
Alleged Bin Laden Tape Targets Saudi Rulers An audio tape purportedly by Osama bin Laden praises gunmen who attacked a US consulate in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 6 and warns Saudi rulers they could be toppled like the Shah of Iran.	0World
Syria rejects US accusations of meddling in Iraqi affairs Syria on Thursday rejected accusations by US President George W. Bush and some Iraqi officials of meddling in Iraqi affairs as quot;groundless, quot; the official SANA news agency reported.	0World
Sudan will stop attacks if Darfur rebels do-official The Sudanese government will stop its military operations in the Darfur conflict zone in west Sudan if rebels in the area stop violating a ceasefire deal, a top official in Sudan #39;s ruling party said on Thursday.	0World
Japan urged to repeal Lee visit China strongly demanded Japan immediately repeal its decision to issue a visa to former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui, warning that if Tokyo allows the visit it will harm bilateral relations.	0World
Abbas #39; own militants reject call to end intifida Key Palestinian militant groups, including ones headed by Mahmoud Abbas, have rejected the leader #39;s calls to end their armed fight against Israel.	0World
NZ first in coastal security zone rule The Government may have been caught flat-footed by Australia #39;s announcement of a 1850km maritime security zone but it turns out New Zealand already has similar measures.	0World
Panthers Punter Sauerbrun Arrested for DWI (Reuters) Reuters - Carolina Panthers punter\Todd Sauerbrun was arrested Wednesday night and charged with\driving while impaired.	1Sports
Source: New Warrants for NYRA Tracks (AP) AP - Authorities are investigating whether bettors at New York's top thoroughbred tracks were properly informed when jockeys came in overweight at races, a source familiar with the probe told The Associated Press.	1Sports
Panthers Punter Sauerbrun Arrested for DWI CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers punter Todd Sauerbrun was arrested Wednesday night and charged with driving while impaired.	1Sports
Compensation for Pinochet Victims Approved (AP) AP - Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill granting money and other compensation to some 28,000 former political prisoners, most of them victims of torture during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.	0World
ADVISORY: Levi Strauss Story Withdrawn (Reuters) Reuters - The story headlined "UPDATE 1-Levi\Strauss Co says could face bankruptcy" is withdrawn. The\story was based on language included in a filing the company\made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such\language on risk factors is standard in most references to\indebtedness in regulatory filings by companies.	2Business
Iceland Offers Shelter to Fugitive Chess Player Fischer (Reuters) Reuters - Fugitive chess master Bobby\Fischer has been offered a new home in Iceland, where he won a\classic victory in 1972, but it is unclear whether he will be\able to make the move from his detention in Japan.	0World
Montreal man pleads guilty to arson in firebombing at Jewish school (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - A 19-year-old man charged in a firebombing at a Jewish elementary school pleaded guilty Thursday to arson.	0World
Symantec to Buy Veritas for \$13.5 Billion NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Symantec Corp. <A HREF="http://www.investor.reuters.com/FullQuote.aspx?ticker=SYMC.O target=/stocks/quickinfo/fullquote">SYMC.O</A>, the top global security software maker, on Thursday said it will buy Veritas Software Corp. <A HREF="http://www.investor.reuters.com/FullQuote.aspx?ticker=VRTS.O target=/stocks/quickinfo/fullquote">VRTS.O</A> for \$13.5 billion, expanding into the data storage and recovery business.	2Business
FedEx Profit, Outlook Up, Stock Down NEW YORK (Reuters) - FedEx Corp. <A HREF="http://www.investor.reuters.com/FullQuote.aspx?ticker=FDX.N target=/stocks/quickinfo/fullquote">FDX.N</A> said quarterly profit nearly quadrupled on in its international, ground and freight businesses, but the stock slipped on disappointment over the margins.	2Business
ADVISORY: Levi Strauss Story Withdrawn NEW YORK (Reuters) - The story headlined "UPDATE 1-Levi Strauss Co says could face bankruptcy" is withdrawn. The story was based on language included in a filing the company made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such language on risk factors is standard in most references to indebtedness in regulatory filings by companies.	2Business
Parmalat sues 45 banks over crash Parmalat sues 45 banks as it tries to reclaim money paid to banks before the scandal-hit Italian dairy company went bust last year.	2Business
Stormy year for property insurers A string of storms, typhoons and earthquakes makes 2004 the most expensive year on record for property insurers, according to Swiss Re.	2Business
UK Keeps Terror Suspects in Jail, Despite Judgement LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top court delivered a severe jolt to Prime Minister Tony Blair's post-Sept. 11 security policies on Thursday by ruling against the detention of nine foreign terrorism suspects without trial.	0World
Southwest Airlines Nears \$117 Million Deal for ATA Southwest Airlines was the apparent winner today in the bidding war for ATA Airlines, a low-fare carrier that sought Chapter 11 protection this fall.	2Business
Algeria Security Feared Behind 5,200 Deaths ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algerian security forces members are believed responsible for the deaths of 5,200 civilians who disappeared during a decade-long struggle with Islamic rebels and should face justice, a government-appointed official said.	0World
Update 1: Moscow Court Bars Yukos Meeting A Moscow court has barred the embattled Russian oil giant Yukos from holding an emergency shareholders meeting next week, a Russian oil company official said Thursday.	2Business
Symantec Will Buy Veritas for \$13.5 Billion in Stock (Update4) Symantec Corp., the world #39;s largest maker of anti-virus programs for computers, agreed to buy Veritas Software Corp. for \$13.5 billion, the biggest software purchase in six years.	2Business
FedEx Profit, Outlook Up, Stock Down FedEx Corp. (FDX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said quarterly profit nearly quadrupled on in its international, ground and freight businesses, but the stock slipped on disappointment over the margins.	2Business
Cendant Snags Another Travel Site The acquisition of privately held Gullivers, a wholesaler of hotels, travel packages and group tours, also includes online travel seller OctopusTravel.	2Business
Noble to Buy Patina Oil for Cash, Stock Oil and gas producer Noble Energy Inc. (NBL) agreed to buy Patina Oil amp; Gas Corp. (POG) in a cash and stock deal, helping it expand into the natural gas-rich Rocky Mountain region, the companies said on Thursday.	2Business
Yahoo adds traffic information to map service Yahoo is adding local traffic information to its map service in the US, including roadwork and accident reports as well as the approximate speed at which traffic is proceeding along specific roads.	3Sci/Tech
O2 and Nortel demo super-fast wireless broadband O2 and Nortel have completed live mobile test calls using an emerging technology known as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which the firms claim is three times faster than today #39;s commercial 3G networks.	3Sci/Tech
Three English fans get five-year bans for racist taunting Three soccer fans were fined and banned from attending games in England or Wales until 2009 after pleading guilty Thursday to racist taunting of Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke.	1Sports
US Intelligence Analyzing New Tape Attributed to bin Laden A US official says intelligence agents will analyze a new tape purportedly featuring the voice of Osama bin Laden. The message praises this month #39;s attack on a US consulate in Saudi Arabia and claims change is needed in the Saudi leadership.	0World
Turkey urged to recognise Cyprus The European commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, today urged Ankara to quot;go the extra mile quot; - including the recognition of Cyprus - to convince sceptics Turkey is ready to become a candidate for EU membership.	0World
Another wireless hookup Sprint #39;s acquisition of Nextel Communications is fueling speculation of more deals to come in a telecommunications industry roiled by intense competition and rapid technological change.	2Business
Time Warner to Pay \$510 Million to Settle AOL Charges with US <b>...</b> Media giant Time Warner will pay approximately \$510 million to settle various fraud charges regarding its America Online (AOL) unit with two US regulatory agencies, the company revealed this morning.	2Business
Lawyers Clear Krispy Kreme of Wrongdoing Troubled doughnut maker Krispy Kreme said Thursday that lawyers have concluded for a second time that no one at the company engaged in intentional misconduct related to the company #39;s acquisition of a Michigan franchise.	2Business
J amp;J Sets Pace With \$25B Guidant Deal NEW YORK -- Johnson amp; Johnson will acquire Guidant Corp., one of the world #39;s leading makers of cardiac devices, for about \$25.4 billion in cash and stock.	2Business
Cendant buying spree continues with \$1bn UK deal Cendant, the worlds largest travel group, continued its buying spree, saying on Thursday it had agreed to buy privately held Gullivers Travel Associates, the UK-based travel company, and Octopus Travel for about \$1.1bn cash.	2Business
Noble to Buy Patina Oil for Cash, Stock Oil and gas producer Noble Energy Inc. (NBL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) agreed to buy Patina Oil amp; Gas Corp. (POG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) in a cash and stock deal, helping it expand	2Business
P2P sites shut down, MPAA unleashes lawsuits worldwide In the beginning, there was Napster. And the lords of the music industry looked upon it and declared war. And the hordes of music fans fought back, using technology to the utmost in order to continually stay	3Sci/Tech
Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has acquired GIANT Company Software Inc., a provider of top-rated anti-spyware and Internet security products.	3Sci/Tech
Australia claw back after Langer smacks 181 Australia: The long-awaited showdown between two of the world #39;s best pace attacks did not disappoint on Thursday when first the ball, then the bat dominated proceedings on the opening day of the Test between Pakistan and Australia.	1Sports
I sacrificed career for little boy #39;s sake DAVID BLUNKETT, who dramatically quit as Home Secretary last night, has told how he sacrificed his career for the sake of his two-year-old love child.	0World
Iceland offers visa to chess wizard Bobby Fischer TOKYO - Iceland has offered a residency visa to Bobby Fischer, but the former US chess champion faces obstacles to get there because he remains in jail in Japan under an American deportation order.	0World
China vows to further anti-terror ties with Pakistan Beijing, Dec. 16 (PTI): China today said it opposed terrorism quot;in all forms quot;, and vowed to enhance cooperation with Pakistan to jointly fight against the menace as also to develop the quot;comprehensive cooperative partnership quot; with its quot;all-weather friend.	0World
Australian security plan worries New Zealand: World News: Wellington, Dec 16 : An Australian plan to boost coastal security with a vast surveillance net across the Tasman Sea has taken New Zealand by surprise.	0World
UN troops surround Aristide #39;s former compound seized by ex <b>...</b> PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Several hundred UN troops and Haitian police surrounded the estate of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on Thursday in a showdown with a band of former soldiers who seized the abandoned compound.	0World
Economic Data Triggers Huge Dollar Rally NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rebounded strongly on Thursday after the release of data showing the U.S. current account was narrower in the third quarter than many had feared, triggering a relief rally for the beleaguered U.S. currency.	2Business
Russia Duma election must stand Russia's Supreme Court rejects a claim to invalidate the results of the 2003 elections to the Duma.	0World
UK rejects North Sea fishing plan Plans by the European Commission to close some areas round British coasts to cod fishing will be opposed by the UK.	0World
Mystery Woman in Kerik Case: Nanny Little is known about the household employee at the center of the controversy enveloping Bernard B. Kerik, the former nominee for homeland security secretary.	0World
Star Alliance airlines may delay orders to hear more about Airbus <b>...</b> C-117 writes quot;The 15 Star Alliance member carriers decided to move ahead with a complete analysis and comparison of the Boeing 7E7 and Airbus A350, which could be seen as a setback for Boeing, as several airlines may delay potential orders while waiting	2Business
CORRECTED - UPDATE 2-Krispy Kreme lawyers found no purposeful <b>...</b> In CHICAGO story headlined quot;UPDATE 2-Krispy Kreme lawyers found no purposeful misconduct, quot; please read in paragraph 9 ... a former operating manager of a Northern California franchise ... instead of ... a	2Business
Goldman #39;s Profit Rises 23 on Oil Trading, Mergers (Update2) Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the third- largest US securities firm, said quarterly profit rose 23 percent, boosted by revenue from commodities and currency trading and fees from providing merger advice.	2Business
Noble to buy Patina Oil Gas for \$3.4bn Noble Energy Inc. said Thursday it was acquiring Patina Oil Gas Corp. in a deal valued at \$3.4 billion including the assumption of debt, helping it expand into the Rockies and mid-continent.	2Business
India 'delivers aid to islands' The Indian army says planes have delivered supplies to tsunami survivors on \all the Andaman and Nicobar islands.	0World
Microsoft Purchases GIANT Company Software for Anti-Spyware <b>...</b> This morning, Microsoft pleasantly surprised me by purchasing GIANT Company Software, which makes what I believe to be the best anti-spyware solution on the market.	3Sci/Tech
LEVEIN RELISHING DERBY CLASH Craig Levein hopes to give Leicester fans an early Christmas present when his side face local rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.	1Sports
Miller takes weekly honors with fifth, sixth wins com. How high have expectations risen for Bode Miller? The one-time slalom specialist finishes fourth in a World Cup downhill, and it #39;s reported as some sort of crushing loss.	1Sports
Boston Celtics Team Report - December 16 (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics found themselves on the wrong end of a 100-99 decision against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at the FleetCenter.	1Sports
Full Extent of Indonesia Disaster Slowly Revealed BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - Survivors huddle in clearings without food or shelter above the water-damage line all along the tsunami-ravaged coast of Indonesia's Aceh province, and corpses float for miles out to sea.	0World
EP Leaders Deliver Opinion: Let Negotiations Begin Without Delay The European Parliament (EP) has advised European Union (EU) leaders, who meet today at the EU summit, to begin full membership negotiations with Turkey immediately.	0World
Japan Approves Visa for Ex-Taiwan Leader Japan has decided to issue a visa for former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to visit this year, a government spokesman said Thursday, a decision that could exacerbate tense relations with China.	0World
Italian captive Santoro killed in Iraq An Italian captive identified as Salvatore Santoro has been killed by his captors in Iraq , Aljazeera television reported. Aljazeera on Thursday broadcast pictures of Santoro #39;s passport and showed him sitting	0World
PM says his Chinese visit to strengthen close ties ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (NNI): Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said his visit will China will go a long way to strengthen existing close ties between the two countries in all fields.	0World
Philips switches strategy pictures through flat screen disposal (AFP) AFP - The Dutch electronics group Philips said that it is selling its low-brand flat screens business group to TPV Technology of Taiwan as part of a strategic change of direction, and in line with a trend by big groups to use Asian partners to cut costs.	0World
Congressman's New Job Is Top Drug Lobbyist (Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON #8212; The pharmaceutical industry on Wednesday named as its top lobbyist a longtime congressman who had been among those overseeing it. The new job is said to come with a #36;1-million-plus salary.	0World
Gaza Plan May Bring Palestinian State-Sharon Aide JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's chief of staff on Thursday called a Gaza withdrawal plan a possible step toward a Palestinian state, in a clear sign of softening following Yasser Arafat's death.	0World
Bosnia Envoy Sacks Bosnia Serb Officials Over Hague SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia's peace overseer fired six Serb police officers and three other officials on Thursday to punish the Serb Republic for failing to arrest war crimes suspects and obstructing the process of hunting them down.	0World
Statement From Demos On The Last Fed Rate Hike of 2004 quot;While the increase in the Federal Reserve rate might benefit individuals with long term investments or saving, millions of households in our deficit-spending culture will only experience its many pitfalls.	2Business
SEARCHING FOR A HOME? The deal to move the Expos to Washington, DC, is, as Mayor Anthony Williams puts it, quot;in jeopardy. quot; If it falls apart, baseball will not resume talks with other cities until after Dec. 31, and it #39;s unclear where the Expos would play this season.	1Sports
Promoter Wants More MLB Games in P.R. (AP) AP - The promoter who brought the Montreal Expos to Puerto Rico is talking with major league baseball to have other reams play on the island next season.	1Sports
Bed Bath Beyond Debt-Free The leading home-goods retailer keeps its balance sheet clean and delivers strong results.	2Business
Bush Says Social Security Is a Top Priority President Bush said Thursday that "now is the time to confront Social Security" to deal with a projected \$3.7 trillion, 75-year shortfall and give younger workers the ability to invest some of their contributions into personal accounts.	2Business
Sprint-Nextel: First Marital Tiff Technology problems arise as Sprint and Nextel merge. Also: Symantec buys Veritas.... Illinois' governor bans violent video games for minors hellip;. and more.	2Business
Symantec in \$13bn Veritas merger Global security software maker Symantec is to take over Veritas Software in a merger deal valued at \$13.5bn (7bn). The all-share deal will see Symantec swap 1.1242 shares of common stock for each Veritas share.	2Business
Oil futures stabilize after sharp rise on cold North Hemisphere <b>...</b> Oil futures steadied Thursday after a jump that reflected a drop in US crude and heating oil stocks amid rising demand fueled by cold weather spreading across the US Northeast and Midwest.	2Business
J amp;J Seals \$25.4 Bln Pact to Buy Guidant Johnson amp; Johnson has agreed to buy Guidant Corp. for \$25.4 billion in cash and stock, the companies said on Wednesday, giving the healthcare products maker a foothold	2Business
Cendant Corporation Acquires Gullivers Travel Associates And <b>...</b> NEW YORK and LONDON, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD) today announced that it has agreed to acquire privately held, UK based Gullivers Travel Associates, the trading name of Donvand Ltd.	2Business
Yahoo adds traffic information to maps service Yahoo Inc. is adding local traffic information to its maps service, including roadwork and accident reports as well as the approximate speed at which traffic is proceeding along specific roads.	3Sci/Tech
Warner Inks Mobile-Phone Music Deal biz. Warner Music Group has signed a global licensing agreement with Melodeo Inc., marking the Seattle-based mobile music platform provider #39;s first deal with a major label.	3Sci/Tech
IDC: Linux Market Will Surpass \$35 Billion by 2008 The combined worldwide market for desktops, servers and packaged software running on Linux is forecast to grow at a 2003-2008 compound annual growth rate of 25.9 percent worldwide, reaching \$35.7 billion by 2008.	3Sci/Tech
The two sides of Wenger Is the real Arsenal boss the fair-minded French Professor we have come to admire or the sore loser who is to face the FA today for calling Ruud van Nistelrooy quot;a cheat quot;?	1Sports
Kinnear resigns as Forest manager The City Ground side are languishing in 22nd place in the league and coach Mick Harford has taken temporary charge. quot;I feel it is in the best interests of the club that I resign and give my successor the chance to turn things around, quot; said Kinnear.	1Sports
Source: New Warrants for NYRA Tracks Authorities are investigating whether bettors at New York #39;s top thoroughbred tracks were properly informed when jockeys came in overweight at races, a source familiar with the probe told The Associated Press.	1Sports
Mort: Coach keeps NFL door open, leery of full-time Dave Wannstedt withdrew his name Thursday from the search for a new coach at the University of Pittsburgh, he told ESPN #39;s Chris Mortensen.	1Sports
American Stewart back with Venlo Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Sports Network) - American international Earnie Stewart has signed an 18-month contract with VVV Venlo, the club where the midfielder began his career.	1Sports
New York Knicks Billups scored 15 points, including a pair of free throws with 2.6 seconds left, as the Pistons rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat the Knicks, 94-93.	1Sports
Taylor wants #39;meaningful #39; world title SHANNAN Taylor plans to use his World Boxing Foundation (WBF) super middleweight title fight on Friday as quot;a battery charge quot; for his attempt on a far more prestigious and meaningful world title next year.	1Sports
Praise the lords The law lords have produced a historic, landmark judgment upholding fundamental rights. It is a decision which demonstrates how vital it is for us all that an independent judiciary is able to scrutinise every act and decision of government and parliament.	0World
Blunkett #39;s sacrifice DAVID Blunkett sacrificed his political career last night when he resigned as Home Secretary just days before an inquiry was due to report that the visa application for his former lover #39;s nanny was quot;fast-tracked quot; after all.	0World
Islamist group in Iraq claims killing of Italian hostage: TV DUBAI (AFP) - An Italian hostage identified as Salvatore Santoro has been killed by an Islamist group in Iraq, Al-Jazeera television said quoting a statement from the group and showing footage of the man.	0World
Midway Developing Mature-Rated Football Video Game (Reuters) Reuters - Midway Games Inc. plans to publish\a "mature"-rated pro football video game with the kinds of\violence and excess shunned by the National Football League,\the company said on Thursday.	1Sports
Gaza Plan May Bring Palestinian State-Sharon Aide (Reuters) Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's\chief of staff on Thursday called a Gaza withdrawal plan a\possible step toward a Palestinian state, in a clear sign of\softening following Yasser Arafat's death.	0World
Mid-Atlantic Factory Output Grows in Dec. (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. Mid-Atlantic factories kicked\production up a notch in December as orders for manufacturing\goods increased, a regional Federal Reserve bank said on\Thursday.	2Business

Three fans banned for racially abusing Yorke Three men have been banned from football matches for five years after Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke was racially abused at Blackburn Rovers last month, a court official said on Thursday.

1Sports

Golden State Warriors Team Report - December 16 (Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors lost to the New Orleans Hornets, 98-89, on Wednesday. The Warriors are 1-1 on their current four-game road trip.

1Sports

Soccer to become football in Australia Soccer will officially become football in Australia next year after the Australian Soccer Association announced Thursday it will change its name to Football Federation Australia.

1Sports

Bode Miller Faces a Tough Challenge American Bode Miller faces a challenge to his domination of the men #39;s World Cup when the speed events return with three days of racing in the Dolomites.

1Sports

Ayoob to play football at Cal With his infamous work ethic, Cal football coach Jeff Tedford isn #39;t really the kind of guy who goes for long, leisurely mornings in bed and afternoons spent napping on the couch.

1Sports

Houston Rockets Team Report - December 16 (Sports Network) - Tracy McGrady scored a game-high 25 points and added six rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets over the Atlanta Hawks, 92-69, on Wednesday at the Toyota Center.

1Sports

Barroso Urges Turkey to Go Extra Mile on EU Talks The European Commission president urged Turkey on Thursday to quot;go the extra mile quot; to show Europeans it is ready for EU membership talks as the bloc prepared

0World

Alleged Bin Laden Tape Targets Saudi Rulers An audio tape purportedly by Osama bin Laden praises gunmen who attacked a US consulate in Saudi Arabia on Dec. 6 and warns Saudi rulers they could be toppled like the Shah of Iran.

0World

Syria rejects US accusations of meddling in Iraqi affairs Syria on Thursday rejected accusations by US President George W. Bush and some Iraqi officials of meddling in Iraqi affairs as quot;groundless, quot; the official SANA news agency reported.

0World

Sudan will stop attacks if Darfur rebels do-official The Sudanese government will stop its military operations in the Darfur conflict zone in west Sudan if rebels in the area stop violating a ceasefire deal, a top official in Sudan #39;s ruling party said on Thursday.

0World

Japan urged to repeal Lee visit China strongly demanded Japan immediately repeal its decision to issue a visa to former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui, warning that if Tokyo allows the visit it will harm bilateral relations.

0World

Abbas #39; own militants reject call to end intifida Key Palestinian militant groups, including ones headed by Mahmoud Abbas, have rejected the leader #39;s calls to end their armed fight against Israel.

0World

NZ first in coastal security zone rule The Government may have been caught flat-footed by Australia #39;s announcement of a 1850km maritime security zone but it turns out New Zealand already has similar measures.

0World

Panthers Punter Sauerbrun Arrested for DWI (Reuters) Reuters - Carolina Panthers punter\Todd Sauerbrun was arrested Wednesday night and charged with\driving while impaired.

1Sports

Source: New Warrants for NYRA Tracks (AP) AP - Authorities are investigating whether bettors at New York's top thoroughbred tracks were properly informed when jockeys came in overweight at races, a source familiar with the probe told The Associated Press.

1Sports

Panthers Punter Sauerbrun Arrested for DWI CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sports Network) - Carolina Panthers punter Todd Sauerbrun was arrested Wednesday night and charged with driving while impaired.

1Sports

Compensation for Pinochet Victims Approved (AP) AP - Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill granting money and other compensation to some 28,000 former political prisoners, most of them victims of torture during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

0World

ADVISORY: Levi Strauss Story Withdrawn (Reuters) Reuters - The story headlined "UPDATE 1-Levi\Strauss Co says could face bankruptcy" is withdrawn. The\story was based on language included in a filing the company\made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such\language on risk factors is standard in most references to\indebtedness in regulatory filings by companies.

2Business

Iceland Offers Shelter to Fugitive Chess Player Fischer (Reuters) Reuters - Fugitive chess master Bobby\Fischer has been offered a new home in Iceland, where he won a\classic victory in 1972, but it is unclear whether he will be\able to make the move from his detention in Japan.

0World

Montreal man pleads guilty to arson in firebombing at Jewish school (Canadian Press) Canadian Press - MONTREAL (CP) - A 19-year-old man charged in a firebombing at a Jewish elementary school pleaded guilty Thursday to arson.

0World

Symantec to Buy Veritas for \$13.5 Billion NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Symantec Corp. <A HREF="http://www.investor.reuters.com/FullQuote.aspx?ticker=SYMC.O target=/stocks/quickinfo/fullquote">SYMC.O</A>, the top global security software maker, on Thursday said it will buy Veritas Software Corp. <A HREF="http://www.investor.reuters.com/FullQuote.aspx?ticker=VRTS.O target=/stocks/quickinfo/fullquote">VRTS.O</A> for \$13.5 billion, expanding into the data storage and recovery business.

2Business

FedEx Profit, Outlook Up, Stock Down NEW YORK (Reuters) - FedEx Corp. <A HREF="http://www.investor.reuters.com/FullQuote.aspx?ticker=FDX.N target=/stocks/quickinfo/fullquote">FDX.N</A> said quarterly profit nearly quadrupled on in its international, ground and freight businesses, but the stock slipped on disappointment over the margins.

2Business

ADVISORY: Levi Strauss Story Withdrawn NEW YORK (Reuters) - The story headlined "UPDATE 1-Levi Strauss Co says could face bankruptcy" is withdrawn. The story was based on language included in a filing the company made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such language on risk factors is standard in most references to indebtedness in regulatory filings by companies.

2Business

Parmalat sues 45 banks over crash Parmalat sues 45 banks as it tries to reclaim money paid to banks before the scandal-hit Italian dairy company went bust last year.

2Business

Stormy year for property insurers A string of storms, typhoons and earthquakes makes 2004 the most expensive year on record for property insurers, according to Swiss Re.

2Business

UK Keeps Terror Suspects in Jail, Despite Judgement LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top court delivered a severe jolt to Prime Minister Tony Blair's post-Sept. 11 security policies on Thursday by ruling against the detention of nine foreign terrorism suspects without trial.

0World

Southwest Airlines Nears \$117 Million Deal for ATA Southwest Airlines was the apparent winner today in the bidding war for ATA Airlines, a low-fare carrier that sought Chapter 11 protection this fall.

2Business

Algeria Security Feared Behind 5,200 Deaths ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algerian security forces members are believed responsible for the deaths of 5,200 civilians who disappeared during a decade-long struggle with Islamic rebels and should face justice, a government-appointed official said.

0World

Update 1: Moscow Court Bars Yukos Meeting A Moscow court has barred the embattled Russian oil giant Yukos from holding an emergency shareholders meeting next week, a Russian oil company official said Thursday.

2Business

Symantec Will Buy Veritas for \$13.5 Billion in Stock (Update4) Symantec Corp., the world #39;s largest maker of anti-virus programs for computers, agreed to buy Veritas Software Corp. for \$13.5 billion, the biggest software purchase in six years.

2Business

FedEx Profit, Outlook Up, Stock Down FedEx Corp. (FDX.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said quarterly profit nearly quadrupled on in its international, ground and freight businesses, but the stock slipped on disappointment over the margins.

2Business

Cendant Snags Another Travel Site The acquisition of privately held Gullivers, a wholesaler of hotels, travel packages and group tours, also includes online travel seller OctopusTravel.

2Business

Noble to Buy Patina Oil for Cash, Stock Oil and gas producer Noble Energy Inc. (NBL) agreed to buy Patina Oil amp; Gas Corp. (POG) in a cash and stock deal, helping it expand into the natural gas-rich Rocky Mountain region, the companies said on Thursday.

2Business

Yahoo adds traffic information to map service Yahoo is adding local traffic information to its map service in the US, including roadwork and accident reports as well as the approximate speed at which traffic is proceeding along specific roads.

3Sci/Tech

O2 and Nortel demo super-fast wireless broadband O2 and Nortel have completed live mobile test calls using an emerging technology known as High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which the firms claim is three times faster than today #39;s commercial 3G networks.

3Sci/Tech

Three English fans get five-year bans for racist taunting Three soccer fans were fined and banned from attending games in England or Wales until 2009 after pleading guilty Thursday to racist taunting of Birmingham City striker Dwight Yorke.

1Sports

US Intelligence Analyzing New Tape Attributed to bin Laden A US official says intelligence agents will analyze a new tape purportedly featuring the voice of Osama bin Laden. The message praises this month #39;s attack on a US consulate in Saudi Arabia and claims change is needed in the Saudi leadership.

0World

Turkey urged to recognise Cyprus The European commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, today urged Ankara to quot;go the extra mile quot; - including the recognition of Cyprus - to convince sceptics Turkey is ready to become a candidate for EU membership.

0World

Another wireless hookup Sprint #39;s acquisition of Nextel Communications is fueling speculation of more deals to come in a telecommunications industry roiled by intense competition and rapid technological change.

2Business

Time Warner to Pay \$510 Million to Settle AOL Charges with US ... Media giant Time Warner will pay approximately \$510 million to settle various fraud charges regarding its America Online (AOL) unit with two US regulatory agencies, the company revealed this morning.

2Business

Lawyers Clear Krispy Kreme of Wrongdoing Troubled doughnut maker Krispy Kreme said Thursday that lawyers have concluded for a second time that no one at the company engaged in intentional misconduct related to the company #39;s acquisition of a Michigan franchise.

2Business

J amp;J Sets Pace With \$25B Guidant Deal NEW YORK -- Johnson amp; Johnson will acquire Guidant Corp., one of the world #39;s leading makers of cardiac devices, for about \$25.4 billion in cash and stock.

2Business

Cendant buying spree continues with \$1bn UK deal Cendant, the worlds largest travel group, continued its buying spree, saying on Thursday it had agreed to buy privately held Gullivers Travel Associates, the UK-based travel company, and Octopus Travel for about \$1.1bn cash.

2Business

Noble to Buy Patina Oil for Cash, Stock Oil and gas producer Noble Energy Inc. (NBL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) agreed to buy Patina Oil amp; Gas Corp. (POG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) in a cash and stock deal, helping it expand

2Business

P2P sites shut down, MPAA unleashes lawsuits worldwide In the beginning, there was Napster. And the lords of the music industry looked upon it and declared war. And the hordes of music fans fought back, using technology to the utmost in order to continually stay

3Sci/Tech

Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has acquired GIANT Company Software Inc., a provider of top-rated anti-spyware and Internet security products.

3Sci/Tech

Australia claw back after Langer smacks 181 Australia: The long-awaited showdown between two of the world #39;s best pace attacks did not disappoint on Thursday when first the ball, then the bat dominated proceedings on the opening day of the Test between Pakistan and Australia.

1Sports

I sacrificed career for little boy #39;s sake DAVID BLUNKETT, who dramatically quit as Home Secretary last night, has told how he sacrificed his career for the sake of his two-year-old love child.

0World

Iceland offers visa to chess wizard Bobby Fischer TOKYO - Iceland has offered a residency visa to Bobby Fischer, but the former US chess champion faces obstacles to get there because he remains in jail in Japan under an American deportation order.

0World

China vows to further anti-terror ties with Pakistan Beijing, Dec. 16 (PTI): China today said it opposed terrorism quot;in all forms quot;, and vowed to enhance cooperation with Pakistan to jointly fight against the menace as also to develop the quot;comprehensive cooperative partnership quot; with its quot;all-weather friend.

0World

Australian security plan worries New Zealand: World News: Wellington, Dec 16 : An Australian plan to boost coastal security with a vast surveillance net across the Tasman Sea has taken New Zealand by surprise.

0World

UN troops surround Aristide #39;s former compound seized by ex ... PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Several hundred UN troops and Haitian police surrounded the estate of ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on Thursday in a showdown with a band of former soldiers who seized the abandoned compound.

0World

Economic Data Triggers Huge Dollar Rally NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar rebounded strongly on Thursday after the release of data showing the U.S. current account was narrower in the third quarter than many had feared, triggering a relief rally for the beleaguered U.S. currency.

2Business

Russia Duma election must stand Russia's Supreme Court rejects a claim to invalidate the results of the 2003 elections to the Duma.

0World

UK rejects North Sea fishing plan Plans by the European Commission to close some areas round British coasts to cod fishing will be opposed by the UK.

0World

Mystery Woman in Kerik Case: Nanny Little is known about the household employee at the center of the controversy enveloping Bernard B. Kerik, the former nominee for homeland security secretary.

0World

Star Alliance airlines may delay orders to hear more about Airbus ... C-117 writes quot;The 15 Star Alliance member carriers decided to move ahead with a complete analysis and comparison of the Boeing 7E7 and Airbus A350, which could be seen as a setback for Boeing, as several airlines may delay potential orders while waiting

2Business

CORRECTED - UPDATE 2-Krispy Kreme lawyers found no purposeful ... In CHICAGO story headlined quot;UPDATE 2-Krispy Kreme lawyers found no purposeful misconduct, quot; please read in paragraph 9 ... a former operating manager of a Northern California franchise ... instead of ... a

2Business

Goldman #39;s Profit Rises 23 on Oil Trading, Mergers (Update2) Goldman Sachs Group Inc., the third- largest US securities firm, said quarterly profit rose 23 percent, boosted by revenue from commodities and currency trading and fees from providing merger advice.

2Business

Noble to buy Patina Oil Gas for \$3.4bn Noble Energy Inc. said Thursday it was acquiring Patina Oil Gas Corp. in a deal valued at \$3.4 billion including the assumption of debt, helping it expand into the Rockies and mid-continent.

2Business

India 'delivers aid to islands' The Indian army says planes have delivered supplies to tsunami survivors on \all the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

0World

Microsoft Purchases GIANT Company Software for Anti-Spyware ... This morning, Microsoft pleasantly surprised me by purchasing GIANT Company Software, which makes what I believe to be the best anti-spyware solution on the market.

3Sci/Tech

LEVEIN RELISHING DERBY CLASH Craig Levein hopes to give Leicester fans an early Christmas present when his side face local rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

1Sports

Miller takes weekly honors with fifth, sixth wins com. How high have expectations risen for Bode Miller? The one-time slalom specialist finishes fourth in a World Cup downhill, and it #39;s reported as some sort of crushing loss.

1Sports

Boston Celtics Team Report - December 16 (Sports Network) - The Boston Celtics found themselves on the wrong end of a 100-99 decision against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday at the FleetCenter.

1Sports

Full Extent of Indonesia Disaster Slowly Revealed BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - Survivors huddle in clearings without food or shelter above the water-damage line all along the tsunami-ravaged coast of Indonesia's Aceh province, and corpses float for miles out to sea.

0World

EP Leaders Deliver Opinion: Let Negotiations Begin Without Delay The European Parliament (EP) has advised European Union (EU) leaders, who meet today at the EU summit, to begin full membership negotiations with Turkey immediately.

0World

Japan Approves Visa for Ex-Taiwan Leader Japan has decided to issue a visa for former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to visit this year, a government spokesman said Thursday, a decision that could exacerbate tense relations with China.

0World

Italian captive Santoro killed in Iraq An Italian captive identified as Salvatore Santoro has been killed by his captors in Iraq , Aljazeera television reported. Aljazeera on Thursday broadcast pictures of Santoro #39;s passport and showed him sitting

0World

PM says his Chinese visit to strengthen close ties ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (NNI): Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said his visit will China will go a long way to strengthen existing close ties between the two countries in all fields.

0World

Philips switches strategy pictures through flat screen disposal (AFP) AFP - The Dutch electronics group Philips said that it is selling its low-brand flat screens business group to TPV Technology of Taiwan as part of a strategic change of direction, and in line with a trend by big groups to use Asian partners to cut costs.

0World

Congressman's New Job Is Top Drug Lobbyist (Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Times - WASHINGTON #8212; The pharmaceutical industry on Wednesday named as its top lobbyist a longtime congressman who had been among those overseeing it. The new job is said to come with a #36;1-million-plus salary.

0World

Gaza Plan May Bring Palestinian State-Sharon Aide JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's chief of staff on Thursday called a Gaza withdrawal plan a possible step toward a Palestinian state, in a clear sign of softening following Yasser Arafat's death.

0World

Bosnia Envoy Sacks Bosnia Serb Officials Over Hague SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia's peace overseer fired six Serb police officers and three other officials on Thursday to punish the Serb Republic for failing to arrest war crimes suspects and obstructing the process of hunting them down.

0World

Statement From Demos On The Last Fed Rate Hike of 2004 quot;While the increase in the Federal Reserve rate might benefit individuals with long term investments or saving, millions of households in our deficit-spending culture will only experience its many pitfalls.

2Business

SEARCHING FOR A HOME? The deal to move the Expos to Washington, DC, is, as Mayor Anthony Williams puts it, quot;in jeopardy. quot; If it falls apart, baseball will not resume talks with other cities until after Dec. 31, and it #39;s unclear where the Expos would play this season.

1Sports

Promoter Wants More MLB Games in P.R. (AP) AP - The promoter who brought the Montreal Expos to Puerto Rico is talking with major league baseball to have other reams play on the island next season.

1Sports

Bed Bath Beyond Debt-Free The leading home-goods retailer keeps its balance sheet clean and delivers strong results.

2Business

Bush Says Social Security Is a Top Priority President Bush said Thursday that "now is the time to confront Social Security" to deal with a projected \$3.7 trillion, 75-year shortfall and give younger workers the ability to invest some of their contributions into personal accounts.

2Business

Sprint-Nextel: First Marital Tiff Technology problems arise as Sprint and Nextel merge. Also: Symantec buys Veritas.... Illinois' governor bans violent video games for minors hellip;. and more.

2Business

Symantec in \$13bn Veritas merger Global security software maker Symantec is to take over Veritas Software in a merger deal valued at \$13.5bn (7bn). The all-share deal will see Symantec swap 1.1242 shares of common stock for each Veritas share.

2Business

Oil futures stabilize after sharp rise on cold North Hemisphere ... Oil futures steadied Thursday after a jump that reflected a drop in US crude and heating oil stocks amid rising demand fueled by cold weather spreading across the US Northeast and Midwest.

2Business

J amp;J Seals \$25.4 Bln Pact to Buy Guidant Johnson amp; Johnson has agreed to buy Guidant Corp. for \$25.4 billion in cash and stock, the companies said on Wednesday, giving the healthcare products maker a foothold

2Business

Cendant Corporation Acquires Gullivers Travel Associates And ... NEW YORK and LONDON, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD) today announced that it has agreed to acquire privately held, UK based Gullivers Travel Associates, the trading name of Donvand Ltd.

2Business

Yahoo adds traffic information to maps service Yahoo Inc. is adding local traffic information to its maps service, including roadwork and accident reports as well as the approximate speed at which traffic is proceeding along specific roads.

3Sci/Tech

Warner Inks Mobile-Phone Music Deal biz. Warner Music Group has signed a global licensing agreement with Melodeo Inc., marking the Seattle-based mobile music platform provider #39;s first deal with a major label.

3Sci/Tech

IDC: Linux Market Will Surpass \$35 Billion by 2008 The combined worldwide market for desktops, servers and packaged software running on Linux is forecast to grow at a 2003-2008 compound annual growth rate of 25.9 percent worldwide, reaching \$35.7 billion by 2008.

3Sci/Tech

The two sides of Wenger Is the real Arsenal boss the fair-minded French Professor we have come to admire or the sore loser who is to face the FA today for calling Ruud van Nistelrooy quot;a cheat quot;?

1Sports

Kinnear resigns as Forest manager The City Ground side are languishing in 22nd place in the league and coach Mick Harford has taken temporary charge. quot;I feel it is in the best interests of the club that I resign and give my successor the chance to turn things around, quot; said Kinnear.

1Sports

Source: New Warrants for NYRA Tracks Authorities are investigating whether bettors at New York #39;s top thoroughbred tracks were properly informed when jockeys came in overweight at races, a source familiar with the probe told The Associated Press.

1Sports

Mort: Coach keeps NFL door open, leery of full-time Dave Wannstedt withdrew his name Thursday from the search for a new coach at the University of Pittsburgh, he told ESPN #39;s Chris Mortensen.

1Sports

American Stewart back with Venlo Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Sports Network) - American international Earnie Stewart has signed an 18-month contract with VVV Venlo, the club where the midfielder began his career.

1Sports

New York Knicks Billups scored 15 points, including a pair of free throws with 2.6 seconds left, as the Pistons rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to defeat the Knicks, 94-93.

1Sports

Taylor wants #39;meaningful #39; world title SHANNAN Taylor plans to use his World Boxing Foundation (WBF) super middleweight title fight on Friday as quot;a battery charge quot; for his attempt on a far more prestigious and meaningful world title next year.

1Sports

Praise the lords The law lords have produced a historic, landmark judgment upholding fundamental rights. It is a decision which demonstrates how vital it is for us all that an independent judiciary is able to scrutinise every act and decision of government and parliament.

0World

Blunkett #39;s sacrifice DAVID Blunkett sacrificed his political career last night when he resigned as Home Secretary just days before an inquiry was due to report that the visa application for his former lover #39;s nanny was quot;fast-tracked quot; after all.

0World

Islamist group in Iraq claims killing of Italian hostage: TV DUBAI (AFP) - An Italian hostage identified as Salvatore Santoro has been killed by an Islamist group in Iraq, Al-Jazeera television said quoting a statement from the group and showing footage of the man.

0World

Midway Developing Mature-Rated Football Video Game (Reuters) Reuters - Midway Games Inc. plans to publish\a "mature"-rated pro football video game with the kinds of\violence and excess shunned by the National Football League,\the company said on Thursday.

1Sports

Gaza Plan May Bring Palestinian State-Sharon Aide (Reuters) Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's\chief of staff on Thursday called a Gaza withdrawal plan a\possible step toward a Palestinian state, in a clear sign of\softening following Yasser Arafat's death.

0World

Mid-Atlantic Factory Output Grows in Dec. (Reuters) Reuters - U.S. Mid-Atlantic factories kicked\production up a notch in December as orders for manufacturing\goods increased, a regional Federal Reserve bank said on\Thursday.

2Business