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White House Predicts Slower Growth in 2005

The Bush administration predicted on Friday that economic growth would slow next year but still be strong enough to reduce unemployment slightly.

American Express to cut 2,000 jobs

American Express Co said it will cut 2,000 jobs, or 2.5 per cent of its work force, in a restructuring designed to save more than USD 75 million a year before taxes.

NBA Wrap: Heat Tame Bobcats to Extend Winning Streak (Reuters)

Reuters - Dwyane Wade poured in 26 points and\dished out nine assists as the Miami Heat scorched the\expansion Charlotte Bobcats 113-90 in NBA action on Saturday,\to extend their franchise record win streak to 14 games.

Reports: Red Sox reach agreement with Clement

BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox apparently have moved quickly to address the loss of ace Pedro Martinez. According to multiple reports Friday, the Red Sox and veteran right-hander Matt Clement have come

Bangla bowlers send ripples; India 403 for six

CHITTAGONG: India received early blows from cricketing minnows Bangladesh on the second day of the second cricket Test here on Saturday.

Spotless Singapore cracks down after dengue outbreak (AFP)

AFP - Singapore homeowners found with mosquitoes breeding on their premises will be fined instantly after dengue fever cases hit a 10-year high in the city-state better known for its spotless streets.

Neighbors Honor Soldier Who Touched Many Lives

The funeral procession for Army Capt. Mark Stubenhofer was so long yesterday that his family had to wait a half-hour in blustery winds before the service could begin at Arlington National Cemetery.

U.S. Officials Point to Promise Of Session on Arab Democracy

The Bush administration, responding to negative reviews of an international conference on Middle East democracy last week in Morocco, said that the event provided a platform for human rights and other nongovernmental groups in the Arab world.

China Planning to Enact Law Against Secession

Analysts say the move could legally bind the Communist Party leadership to follow through on its long-standing threat to attack Taiwan if the island formally declares independence.

The chatty skies

THE WORLD does not need cellphones in the sky. They #39;re causing enough trouble on the ground. Here #39;s hoping the Federal Communications Commission gets a load of mail nixing its proposal to lift the current

Questions and Praise for Google Web Library

When Randall C. Jimerson, the president of the Society of American Archivists, heard of Google #39;s plan to convert certain holdings at Oxford University and at some of the leading research

The Fox Is in Microsoft #39;s Henhouse (and Salivating)

Published by the Mozilla Foundation, a nonprofit group supporting open-source software that draws upon the skills of hundreds of volunteer programmers, Firefox is a Web browser that is fast

Dravid falls for 160; India 413/7

Chittagong, Dec. 18. Rahul Dravid fell for 160 while Sachin Tendulkar exited after making 36 runs on the second day of the second and final test between India and Bangladesh here today.

Pfizer: Celebrex heightens heart risk

PHILADELPHIA - Pfizer Inc. said Friday that its popular pain-reliever Celebrex may double the risk of heart attack at high doses, triggering a torrent of new warnings about an entire class of drugs used by millions.

Iressa more trouble for AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca PLC #39;s shares plunged 7.7 percent Friday after a study found that its new lung-cancer drug Iressa failed to improve survival rates among patients.

The Glitch That Stole Holiday Buys (washingtonpost.com)

washingtonpost.com - Agonizingly slow Web sites. Maddening error messages. And, most frustrating of all, unavailable home pages.

Recording Industry Files Another 754 Copyright Lawsuits

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has announced that its member companies filed a new wave of copyright infringement lawsuits against 754 individual file-sharers.

Venezuela Revels in Fireworks Celebrations (AP)

AP - Whistling rockets streak through the sky each night, and firecrackers still echo through the streets in Venezuela this holiday season despite a long-standing ban and a new effort by authorities to crack down on the tradition.

Wizards Whip Lakers 120-116 in OT (AP)

AP - Gilbert Arenas scored 37 points, Larry Hughes had 31, and the Washington Wizards beat the Los Angeles Lakers 120-116 in overtime Friday night.

Mets set sights (quietly) on Beltran

The Mets stayed well under the radar for a good while with their stealth pursuit of Pedro Martinez, and it looks like they will try to take that approach again.

Nets: A STAR RISES, FADES IN CANADA

Vince Carter had everything a basketball player could want: A fat contract, highlight-reel talent and an entire nation that had anointed him as its favorite athlete not on ice skates.

Steelers #39; defense has rookie quarterback Eli Manning in its sights

So if the back-up nose tackle of the Steelers (12-1) gets a sack in the 1:30 pm game, you know it #39;s going to be another long day for Manning and the Giants (5-8).

U.S. Warns of Attacks in Indonesia (AP)

AP - The State Department on Saturday warned that terrorists were planning more attacks against Western targets in Indonesia over Christmas and New Years, reiterating advice to its citizens not to travel to the country.

Police Arrest Rio De Janeiro Drug Lord

Police said Saturday they have arrested one of Rio de Janeiro's most-wanted drug lords.

Rafique and Mortaza restrict India in second Bangladesh Test (AFP)

AFP - Mohammad Rafique and Mashrafe Mortaza shared five wickets as Bangladesh restricted India to 413-7 at lunch on the second day of the second and final Test here.

Pfizer leaves the arthritis drug on the market despite problems <b>...</b>

The nation #39;s top arthritis painkiller, Celebrex, raises the risk of major heart problems when taken at high doses, the drug #39;s maker said Friday.

Yukos auction is on despite order by Houston judge

Workers in Moscow, self-exiled executives in London and Houston and industry watchers the world over are waiting for the death knell for Russia #39;s second largest oil company.

Rivals hope for the worst

Looking for a cloud in Symantec #39;s latest silver lining, competitors are hoping the company #39;s acquisition of storage software maker Veritas will be a stumbling block for the security firm.

Sprint-Nextel merger widens gap to mobile #39;s #39;have nots #39;

Now that wireless is officially a land of giants, what happens to all the Lilliputians? With Sprint and Nextel announcing their merger Wednesday - \$35 billion deal

United pilots set to vote on pay cut

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Pilot leaders at United Airlines unanimously endorsed a tentative agreement that will cut pay by 15 percent, opting to accept management #39;s demands rather than risk the chance of losing more in federal bankruptcy court.

MLB Notebook: Johnson trade still in the works

The New York Yankees, Arizona and Los Angeles spent yesterday trying to put the finishing touches on the megadeal that would move All-Stars Randy Johnson, Shawn Green and Javier Vazquez.

A Test for Ravens #39; Offense

On Sunday night, all eyes will be on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning #39;s pursuit of Dan Marino #39;s single-season touchdown record and the Baltimore

EU, Turkey reach quot;historic quot; agreement on entry talks

The European Union (EU) and Turkeyreached an agreement on Friday to start talks next year on the country #39;s membership of the bloc.

Gunmen Demand Peru President's Resignation

President Alejandro Toledo declared a state of emergency in a remote highland province late Saturday after gunmen demanding his resignation seized control of a police station there and took several officers hostage, authorities said.

Troops Oust Haiti Rebels From Ex-Leader #39;s Villa

United Nations peacekeepers on Friday stormed the home of the former president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, to evict rebel former soldiers who seized the compound two days ago.

Group ratifies next-generation EPC specs

The global standard will drive commercialization of RFID and EPC worldwide, according to EPCglobal.

Clinical trial links Celebrex to heart risk

In an announcement that many doctors were waiting for, Pfizer Inc. said its top-selling painkiller Celebrex -- which is similar to Vioxx -- caused an increased risk of heart attacks when used in high doses during a clinical trial.

Russia rejects US order barring Yukos auction

MOSCOW - Russia is vowing to proceed with an auction of oil giant Yukos #39; key production subsidiary, saying a US court ban is irrelevant.

United Starts Financing Search

United Airlines has begun approaching potential lenders with its revamped business plan for financing to leave bankruptcy, the company said on Friday.

Hope Fades on Identifying Missing Foreigners

With thousands of decomposing bodies piled up in a temporary morgue on Thailand's southern coast, hope was fading Saturday that any of more than 6,000 foreigners still missing would be found alive.

The Talk Shows

<em> Guests to be interviewed today on major television talk shows:</em>

Yes, Options Really Are an Expense

One of my favorite pastimes as the final ruling on expensing stock options came upon us has been to read the increasingly hysterical opinion pages of the San Jose Mercury News, the newspaper of record for Silicon Valley.

Firm looks to acquire Jersey #39;s top utility

Public Service Enterprise Group, a heavyweight in setting public policy and promoting economic development in the state, is in talks to be acquired by a giant Chicago gas and electric company

Engineer #39;s thoughts drift toward Saturnian moon

In less than a month, a little piece of Centennial engineer Laura Ellen Dafoe will parachute to the frigid surface of Saturn #39;s moon Titan.

Quarter of world #39;s bird species face extinction threat

A tenth of the world #39;s bird species are likely to have vanished by the year 2100, with another 15 on the brink of extinction, a group of scientists have warned.

Asian Stocks Had Biggest Weekly Gain in 7 Months; Sony Rises

Asian stocks had the biggest gain in seven months on optimism the US economy is growing after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates and a government report showed an unexpected increase in retail sales last month.

FOOTBALL: MOURINHO: BEAT BARCA? NOU PROBLEM

JOSE MOURINHO last night promised Barcelona that as far as football is concerned, his side can prove that size doesn #39;t matter.

Red Sox miffed by parting shots

Feeling he had been a good teammate and friend to Pedro Martinez and had gladly accepted being the No. 2 pitcher behind him, Curt Schilling expressed surprise

Tinsley #39;s big 2nd half lifts Pacers to win

INDIANAPOLIS Jamaal Tinsley scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half to lead the Pacers to an 89-86 victory over the Raptors, who traded All-Star Vince Carter to New Jersey earlier Friday.

Miller fourth in Italian super-G race

VAL GARDENA, Italy - Bode Miller finished fourth Friday in a super-G while Michael Walchhofer led Austrians into the top-three places.

Roethlisberger-Manning matchup calls for measuring stick

Eli Manning, the No. 1 pick of the New York Giants (and vice versa), is struggling in his role as the starter. Ben Roethlisberger, the 11th overall pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has won a rookie-record 11 straight starts.

Void is filled with Clement

With the supply of attractive pitching options dwindling daily -- they lost Pedro Martinez to the Mets, missed on Tim Hudson, and are resigned to Randy Johnson

Insider Preview - Sonics vs. Suns

On Dec. 23, the Phoenix Suns and new Coach Mike D #39;Antoni traveled north to Seattle to take on the SuperSonics. The Suns were barely in a 116-90 loss, dropping to 10-19 on the season, an incredible disappointment

Saban, Dolphins wait out NFL process

BATON ROUGE - The Miami Dolphins may be saying their pursuit of LSU coach Nick Saban is on hold for the time being, but LSU #39;s search party is not sitting on its hands waiting for the signal to look for a new coach.

Zito, Mulder may be on trading block too

A #39;s general manager Billy Beane might not stop with his trade of ace right-hander Tim Hudson. Beane figures to make at least one more significant deal this off-season, and one of his two prized left-handers

Palestinian death toll rises to nine in Israeli raid in Gaza

GAZA CITY - The Palestinian death toll during an Israeli army incursion in Khan Yunis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip has risen to nine, Palestinian medical sources said.

Scientists pinpoint Yushchenko poison

Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with TCDD, the most harmful known dioxin and one contained in Agent Orange, a scientist who analyzed his blood said yesterday.

Thai PM vows to step up arrests of separatists as rescue worker <b>...</b>

BANGKOK: Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra vowed to continue arresting ringleaders of separatist attacks as a volunteer rescue worker became the latest victim of violence that has claimed more than 560 lives this year.

Chiofaro to keep stake in towers

Developer Donald J. Chiofaro will hang onto partial ownership of the two International Place office towers under an agreement reached yesterday in his high-profile bankruptcy case.

Job figures disappoint in Mass.

The Massachusetts economic recovery remained stagnant last month as the unemployment rate dipped slightly, but employers sliced payrolls for the third time in four months, the state reported yesterday.

EUROPE MARKETS

LONDON (CBS.MW) -- European stocks were mixed Friday, with Paris-listed stocks failing to shine but German stocks were boosted after business sentiment increased during November.

American Express to eliminate 2,500 jobs in restructuring

New York (Dow Jones) -- American Express Co. said Friday it will cut 2,000 jobs, or 2.5 percent of its work force, in a restructuring designed to save more than \$75 million a year before taxes.

FCC May Allow Cell-Phone Use on Airplanes

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to consider eliminating its ban on the use of cell phones on airplanes. The agency instituted the ban because of potential interference with ground-based cell systems.

Offering could bring in \$850 million; Wasserstein prevails

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Lazard, the last major privately held European investment bank, filed late Friday with US regulators to raise up to \$850 million in an initial public offering, apparently a victory for dealmaker Bruce Wasserstein.

New IE Exploit Spoofs Web Sites

Security researchers have uncovered a spoofing flaw in Internet Explorer that could turn out to be the perfect holiday gift for scammers.

Robinhos mother released unharmed

SAO PAULO: The mother of Santos striker Robinho was released unharmed yesterday, 40 days after she was kidnapped at a family gathering.

Green has reasons to move

Shawn Green would consider leaving Los Angeles for Arizona, which means a proposed three-team trade sending Randy Johnson to the New York Yankees is very much alive.

Indian army chief to visit China from December 22 in first trip for decade (AFP)

AFP - India's army chief General Nirmal Chandra Vij will pay a week-long visit to China this month in the first such visit for a decade, reports said.

US Not Aiming to Topple N.Korean Regime-Report

TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States has decided to aim for a gradual transformation in North Korea rather than seek to topple North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's regime, a Japanese newspaper said Saturday.

'Artificial life' comes step closer

Researchers at Rockefeller University make small synthetic vesicles that resemble a crude kind of biological cell.

Afghan troops storm Kabul jail; eight killed

KABUL -- Afghan troops stormed a notorious prison in a hail of gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades yesterday, ending a 10-hour standoff that began when four inmates once suspected of belonging to Al Qaeda tried to escape. Four inmates and four guards were killed in the day's violence.

Deadly ambush on a street in Mosul

BAGHDAD -- Insurgents killed four foreigners yesterday in Mosul, a northern city that became a stronghold after Fallujah fell to US and Iraqi forces. Militants also set ablaze a pipeline near the capital -- a rare attack on oil infrastructure in a populated area.

Name of hostage confirmed

BAGHDAD -- The US Embassy confirmed the name of an American kidnapped six weeks ago in a deadly attack in the Iraqi capital, and his family pleaded yesterday for his release.

US forgives \$4.1b Iraq debt

WASHINGTON -- The United States yesterday forgave \$4.1 billion Iraq owed it and urged other nations not part of an international debt relief agreement to follow suit.

Scientists pinpoint Yushchenko poison

LONDON -- Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with TCDD, the most harmful known dioxin and one contained in Agent Orange, a scientist who analyzed his blood said yesterday.

Full Extent of Indonesia Disaster Slowly Revealed

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (Reuters) - Desperate survivors huddle in clearings without food or shelter above the water line all along the tsunami-ravaged coast of Indonesia's Aceh province, and corpses float as far as 20 miles out to sea.

Future looks bleak for Yukos

HAMISH ROBERTSON: But first to Moscow where the future of Russia #39;s largest oil company, Yukos, isn #39;t looking too bright this weekend.

Raptors Send Carter to Nets for 3 Players (AP)

AP - After dismantling the team in the summer and aggravating Jason Kidd, the New Jersey Nets began the job of rebuilding as well as repairing their relationship with their best player.

Stock Mutual Funds Perform Well in 2004 (AP)

AP - Wall Street's fourth-quarter rally gave stock mutual funds a solid performance for 2004, with small-cap equity funds and real estate funds scoring some of the biggest returns. Large-cap growth equities and technology-focused funds had the slimmest gains.

Governor Wants Fines for Selling Violent Games to Kids

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich wants tougher penalties aimed at keeping violent and sexually explicit video games out of the hands of kids.

Soaring toward extinction

The next century definitely will not be for the birds as the changing world takes a toll on many species. By 2100, about 10 percent of all bird species probably will be extinct, killed off by habitat loss, hunting

Saban to Have Competition in Coach Search (AP)

AP - The Miami Dolphins' coaching search will include more than one candidate, even though LSU's Nick Saban remains the front-runner.

Red Sox introduce Renteria to Boston

BOSTON -- A year ago, the anticipated press conference to herald the arrival of Nomar Garciaparras replacement at shortstop never happened.

Rafique and Mortaza strike, but India pass 400

Mohammad Rafique and Mashrafe Mortaza shared five wickets as India reached 7 for 413 at lunch on day two of the second and final Test in Chittagong.

Jones Is a Tough Test for Eagles (AP)

AP - The Philadelphia Eagles were 28 points better than Dallas last month. Julius Jones could change that for the Cowboys this time around.

Europe and US reach Kyoto compromise

Europe and the United States reached an 11th-hour compromise late last night at the UN climate change conference in Buenos Aires. The two sides were locked in disagreement on future efforts to reduce harmful

Israeli Military Escalation Undermines Palestinian Elections IOF <b>...</b>

In an ongoing invasion of the southern Gaza Strip refugee camp of Khan Yunis, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) tanks and warplanes have killed 9 Palestinians, wounded 22 others, demolished at least 38 Palestinian houses and forced hundreds of families

Wake Forest Hopes to Bounce Back (AP)

AP - Like most of his peers, Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser wants more than victories from his early schedule.

Red Sox miffed by parting shots

Feeling he had been a good teammate and friend to Pedro Martinez and had gladly accepted being the No. 2 pitcher behind him, Curt Schilling expressed surprise and disappointment yesterday over Martinez's parting shots at him, general manager Theo Epstein, and manager Terry Francona.

Jazzy win for Celtics

Doc Rivers does not ordinarily spend the fourth quarter sitting on the bench. The Celtics coach prefers to pace the sideline shouting instructions, offering encouragement, and challenging referees. But last night's game against Utah offered Rivers a considerable amount of down time, particularly in the second half. He spent much of the fourth in his seat, learning back and shaking ...

Poole is out for the year

The Patriots seemed to have reason for optimism following Tyrone Poole's return to action last Sunday and the upgrading of Ty Law to doubtful for the team's visit to Miami Monday. But the situation changed yesterday. Poole was placed on the injured reserve list and is out for the season, according to Patriots spokesman Stacey James.

Presidents look to rule

Bob Fisher, the legendary coach who guided Rockland for more than 30 years and won a state title last season, left the Bulldogs and appeared to ride off into the sunset.

Tigers' Gurley elevates his game

Elevation. Everyone's familiar with it, but only a rare breed can attain it. It's the intangible that allows a player to make his teammates play beyond their natural abilities.

Antonio Tarver-Glen Johnson; Round By Round Coverage

Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson are set to meet in order to prove who is the best light heavyweight in the world. Both fighters are coming off the biggest wins of their careers against the same man.

Taiwan Says China Forming Legal Basis to Attack

Taiwan condemned China #39;s plan to draft an anti-secession law, describing it Saturday as a move to establish a legal basis to attack the self-ruling, democratic island that Beijing claims as a province.

iRiver H10

Finally, the wait is over. After a long wait, iRiver has finally decided to challenge the might of Creative and Apple in the 5 GB portable music player department.

Red Sox reel in Cubs #39; Clement

It was a busy day for Red Sox brass, who also introduced new shortstop Edgar Renteria. By GARRY BROWN. Free agent pitcher Matt Clement apparently will be coming to the Boston Red Sox to plug the last open spot in their starting rotation.

Post-Kyoto climate talks end on a low

UN talks on climate change have ended with few steps forward after the United States, oil producers and developing giants slammed the brakes on the European

Afghan Jailbreak Inmate to Be Questioned

An inmate injured in a deadly Afghan prison shootout will be questioned to determine if he and four comrades, all once suspected of belonging to al-Qaida, were trying to escape or were attempting to attack three American prisoners, the jail warden said

Chinese secession law may seek legal basis for use of force <b>...</b>

BEIJING, (AFP) - A secession law being drafted by China could provide the legal basis for using force against Taiwan, but it is unlikely to include a clear deadline for when reunification must take place, analysts said.