TOKYO, (AFP) - Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday that it would suspend production at all of its domestic plants for 11 days between February and March in response to a slump in sales. (www.afp.com)

By HIROYUKI KACHI TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday announced further cutbacks in its domestic output and said it will halt production for 11 days in February and March, revealing growing pessimism about flagging global auto demand.Video: Chrysler, Toyota, Lead Declines in Auto Sales AssociatedPressToyota orders 11-day output halt as sales slu... (news.google.com)

Blockbuster The Dark Knight is among the films nominated for best picture by the Producers Guild of America. (news.bbc.co.uk)

Russia’s gas price dispute with Ukraine began to entangle more of Europe on Tuesday, as the Bulgarian and Turkish authorities said that Russia had completely suspended their gas supplies. (www.nytimes.com)

Many teenagers cleaned up their MySpace profiles, deleting mentions of sex and booze and boosting privacy settings, if they got a single cautionary e-mail from a busybody named "Dr. Meg." (feeds.cbsnews.com)

By Juliet Eilperin President Bush will create three new marine national monuments in the Pacific Ocean today, according to his top aides, a move that will help preserve sprawling sea and island ecosystems and cement the one aspect of his legacy that ...Bush to create three marine monuments Los Angeles TimesBush to establish 3 marine monuments in Pa... (news.google.com)

U.S. crude prices fell by more than $1 a barrel on Tuesday on profit-taking, after surging 5 percent overnight on fears that Israel's deepening incursion into Gaza and a spat between Russia and Ukraine over gas prices could spark severe supply disruptions. By 0800 GMT, U.S. crude oil futures for February delivery were down $1.04 a barrel at $47.77.... (www.boston.com)

AP Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.'s CEO, explained his noticeably thinner appearance in recent weeks as the result of a hormone imbalance.Jobs Health Still Concerns Investors Seeking Apple ‘Smart Guys’ BloombergWas Apple 'Adequate but Late' on Jobs? BusinessWeek (news.google.com)

By William Heisel The Beverly Hills financial advisory firm at the center of the investigation that derailed New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's hopes of becoming commerce secretary has had a series of run-ins with federal and state agencies -- and a ...Video: Richardson Addresses Withdrawing Nomination AssociatedPressRichardson, Obama Teams Trad... (news.google.com)

Consumers with analog televisions who tune in using antennas will need a digital converter box, left, once television stations stop broadcasting in analog Feb. 17.TV converter coupon program's out of cash; wait list started USA Today103000 on digital converter waiting list San Francisco Chronicle (news.google.com)

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine's state energy company Naftogaz said on Tuesday that Russia's Gazprom had cut gas supply to Europe via Ukraine to around a third of its normal flow and that the shortage would hit Europe in a few hours. (feeds.reuters.com)

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Batman blockbuster "The Dark Knight," slighted in earlier Hollywood honors, was among best-picture nominees Monday for the Producers Guild of America Awards.Producers Guild nominations announced Entertainment WeeklyProducers Guild of America nominations = Oscars' front-runners Los Angeles Times (news.google.com)

By ALEX BERENSON New York Times NEW YORK - Alleging that Bernard Madoff sent at least a million dollars’ worth of jewelry as gifts to family members and friends in December, federal prosecutors asked a magistrate on Monday to revoke his bail and send ...Madoff Sons Reported Jewelry Violations to US, Lawyer Says BloombergProsecutors Want Madoff’... (news.google.com)

Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points and had a season-high nine assists despite suffering a “probable” fracture in his right hand in the Denver Nuggets’ 135-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. (nbcsports.msnbc.com)

There are hundreds of George Bushes, scores of Fidel Castros, and dozens of Hugo Chávezes, all with prank profiles on the social networking website Facebook, but when someone tried to pass him or herself off as the president of Guyana the real president didn't see the funny side. (feeds.digg.com)

By Leslie Cauley, USA TODAY The government's $1.34 billion coupon program for digital converter boxes ran out of money on Sunday.103000 on digital converter waiting list San Francisco ChronicleTV Converter Program Runs Out of Coupons Washington Post (news.google.com)

Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points and had a season-high nine assists despite suffering a "probable" fracture in his right hand in the Denver Nuggets' 135-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. (www.newsvine.com)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Sponsors of California's voter-approved gay marriage ban accused Attorney General Jerry Brown on Monday of advancing a far-fetched legal theory to justify overturning it.California gay marriage battle turns to court role ReutersProp. 8 proponents call Jerry Brown 'profoundly wrong' San Francisco Chronicle (news.google.com)

By Zachary A. Goldfarb The inspector general of the Securities and Exchange Commission said yesterday that he is broadening his investigation into the agency's failure to detect the alleged fraud committed by Bernard L. Madoff, examining whether the ...Madoff Sons Told Prosecutors of Jewelry, Lawyer Says BloombergProsecutors Want Madoff’s Bai... (news.google.com)

By ANDREW E. KRAMER MOSCOW - Gazprom, the Russian gas monopoly, on Monday reduced deliveries of gas for transit through Ukraine to Western European customers, saying that it was seeking to make up for gas stolen by Ukraine.Video: Europe to monitor Ukrainian gas transit? RussiaTodayPutin Orders Cut in Gas Sent Via Ukraine as Disruptions Spread Washi... (news.google.com)

The US is to establish "the largest area of protected sea in the world", banning fishing and mining, around its Pacific islands. (news.bbc.co.uk)

State lawmakers have given initial approval of a relief bill for Springfield that is aimed at ultimately ending state oversight of its finances. (www.boston.com)

By David Glovin Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- The sons of Bernard Madoff, who is accused of orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme, alerted prosecutors last week that their father mailed them jewelry, watches and other items in violation of an asset freeze, ...Prosecutors Want Madoff’s Bail Revoked New York TimesUS govt to NY judge: Jail Madoff without bai... (news.google.com)

(01-05) 18:27 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- State Attorney General Jerry Brown was "profoundly wrong" and "invented an entirely new theory" when he urged the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8's same-sex marriage ban because voters can't be ...California gay marriage battle turns to court role ReutersProp. 8 ba... (news.google.com)

(Reuters) - Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC was examined at least eight times in 16 years by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulators, who often came armed with suspicions, the Wall Street Journal said. SEC... (feeds.digg.com)

By Kim Hart The government's billion-dollar program to help people prepare for the transition to digital television has run out of money, leaving millions of viewers without coupons to buy converter boxes they need to keep their analog TV sets working ...The Switch to Digital TV Hits a Snag Wall Street JournalRebate coin low for digital switch... (news.google.com)

By ALEX BERENSON, EDMUND L. ANDREWS and DAVID STOUT The disgraced financier Bernard L. Madoff tried to hide at least $1 million in watches and jewelry from government investigators and should have his bail revoked and sent to jail immediately, ...Madoff sightings cause heads to turn ReutersProsecutor wants Madoff jailed without bail The Associated ... (news.google.com)

By JOHN M. BRODER WASHINGTON - President Bush will designate vast tracts of American-controlled Pacific Ocean islands, reefs, surface waters and sea floor as marine national monuments on Tuesday, limiting fishing, mining, oil exploration or other ...Bush to establish 3 marine monuments in Pacific The Associated PressBush to declare Pacific areas pr... (news.google.com)

NEW YORK (AP) -- A prosecutor on Monday asked that Bernard Madoff be jailed pending trial, saying the disgraced financier violated an agreement with the court by mailing watches, jewelry, cufflinks and mittens worth more than $1 million to relatives and friends.... (hosted.ap.org)

Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it will suspend production at all of its Japanese plants for a total of 11 days in February and March because of faltering global demand. (www.newsvine.com)

Chargers Darren Sproles rushed for 105 yards, returned punts and kickoffs for 178 and caught passes for 45 more in Saturday's 23-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.Chargers’ Sproles Steps Into Tomlinson’s Lead Role New York TimesOne-On-One With San Diego's New Hero News 8 KFMB (news.google.com)

Gov. Bill Richardson's gold-plated resume had never been tarnished as he moved up the political ladder from congressman and diplomat to governor. (www.boston.com)

Proponents of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage filed legal briefs today urging the California Supreme Court to reject the novel legal argument put forth last month by state Atty.Prop. 8 backers blast Calif. Attorney General The Associated PressCalifornia gay marriage battle turns to court role Reuters (news.google.com)

By Jesse Westbrook and David Scheer Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- US lawmakers, critical of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s failure to uncover Bernard Madoff’s alleged $50 billion fraud, demanded the agency speed up an internal investigation of its ...Government Wants Madoff in Jail Now ABC NewsMadoff sightings cause heads to turn in New York... (news.google.com)

By Soyoung Kim DETROIT, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS), whose US sales dropped dramatically in December, has rolled out the first incentive program for US consumers that would allow them to return vehicles if they lose their jobs.Hyundai: Can't make car payments? Just return it ForbesHyundai offers free return? WSFA (news.google.com)

By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON, Jan 5 (Reuters) - US President George W. Bush will designate nearly 200000 square miles (518000 sq km) of the Pacific ocean on Tuesday as a protected region, White House officials said, making the areas hands-off for oil ...Bush moves to protect large areas of the Pacific The Miami HeraldBush to establish 3 marine monume... (news.google.com)

The latest natural-gas spat between Russia and Ukraine reveals at least two things: that Gazprom learns from its mistakes, and that Europe does not.Video: Europe to monitor Ukrainian gas transit? RussiaTodayFrench Fin Min: Gas Supplies To France Not At Risk CNNMoney.com (news.google.com)

WASHINGTON (AP) - President-elect Barack Obama plunged into rare pre-inaugural crisis talks with congressional leaders Monday, declaring the national economy was "bad and getting worse" and embracing tax cuts now expected to reach $300 billion.Video: Obama: Economy 'bad and Getting Worse' AssociatedPressObama Is Said to Favor Stim... (news.google.com)

Longtime Server and Tools unit head Bob Muglia is now president of the company's server unit. (news.cnet.com)

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors asked a judge to jail accused swindler Bernard Madoff on Monday, saying he sent jewelry and other items worth more than $1 million to family and friends in violation of his bail. (feeds.reuters.com)

By Howard Mintz Another wave of legal arguments hit the California Supreme Court today in the battle over Proposition 8's ban on gay marriage.Proposition 8 backers attack Brown's efforts to keep gay marriage Los Angeles TimesSanta Clara County challenges Prop 8 Gilroy Dispatch (news.google.com)

Prosecutors asked that Madoff be detained after he and his wife sent watches, jewelry and other heirlooms to his brother, his sons and a couple in Florida. (feeds.wsjonline.com)

The Producers Guild listed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Frost/Nixon, Milk, and Slumdog Millionaire as their five nominees today, further sharpening this year's Oscar race.Producers Guild of America nominations = Oscars' front-runners Los Angeles TimesHollywood producers unveil best film nominees Reuters (news.google.com)

A group of Republicans and Democrats may vote for Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell to be the new House speaker in shows of defiance against their own party's leadership.Video: Obama: Economy 'bad and Getting Worse' AssociatedPressObama begins Hill meetings on economic recovery USA Today (news.google.com)

The following recalls have been announced: (www.newsvine.com)

NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors on Monday said disgraced financier Bernard Madoff violated bail conditions by mailing about $1 million worth of jewelry and other assets to relatives and should be jailed without bail. (feedproxy.google.com)

The government said Monday it had supplied another $15 billion to seven banks in the latest round of payments from the $700 billion rescue fund. (www.newsvine.com)

Most of the Producers Guild of America nominees tend to line up with the Oscar high five, but sometimes the guild is known to toss in surprises like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002) and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001).Hollywood producers unveil best film nominees Reuters`Dark Knight' vies for Producers Gu... (news.google.com)

By Bob Tourtellotte LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Producers Guild of America on Monday unveiled nominees for their film and television awards with "The Dark Knight" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" among nominees for best-produced movie.Producers guild unveils nominations Hollywood ReporterPGA unveils film nominations Var... (news.google.com)

By Kristina Fiore, Staff Writer, MedPage Today SEATTLE, Jan. 5 -- Teenagers freely post personal information about sex, substance abuse, and violence on social networking sites, researchers reported here.MySpace Medical NewsweekTeens Reference Risky Behavior on Social Networking Sites Like ... Insidermedicine (news.google.com)

Deputies investigating a sewer problem at a Minnesota home smelled something amiss — a strong odor of marijuana. Grant County Sheriff Dwight Walvatne said deputies went to the home in Herman this week intending to cite the owner for failing to connect to the city's main sewer line, in violation of a public health ordinance. (www.newsvine.com)

A one-time motel in a small central Maine town could soon be offering an eye-opening way to start the day — topless coffee shop waitresses. The Vassalboro Planning Board on Tuesday will consider a business permit request for a topless coffee shop on busy Route 3. (www.newsvine.com)

If you haven't ordered a coupon for a converter box to prepare for next month's switch to digital television, you may have trouble getting one before the Feb. 17 deadline.Early digital TV converter box buyers get more channels now USA TodayDigital TV converter coupons in short supply Broadcast Engineering (news.google.com)

India wants to prosecute perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks in its own courts. (feedproxy.google.com)

By Jay A. Fernandez The Producers Guild of America on Monday morning announced the film and television nominees for its 20th annual awards.PGA unveils film nominations VarietyWhy So Sunny? Dark Knight's a PGA Nominee E! Online (news.google.com)

Wizards interim coach Ed Tapscott says Gilbert Arenas is showing "signs of progress" as he works to return from knee surgery. (www.newsvine.com)

The SEC's top watchdog said the regulatory system "failed miserably" in the Madoff case and called for a major agency overhaul, during a House hearing. (feeds.wsjonline.com)

By Martin Z. Braun Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson withdrew his name from consideration to be President-elect Barack Obama’s commerce secretary amid a federal investigation into how a political contributor won state financial ...Video: Mr. Obama Goes To Washington CBSRichardson to Address Questions About Withdrawing Nomi... (news.google.com)

Things are looking good for The Dark Knight's possible Best Picture nomination at the Oscars as The Producers Guild of America has just nominated the movie for its annual Producers Guild Awards taking place Saturday, January 24 at the Hollywood ...“Dark Knight” Crashes Producers Guild Nomination List New York Times BlogsActions films punch ... (news.google.com)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A congressional hearing into the alleged $50 billion Bernard Madoff fraud provided a platform on Monday for proponents of sweeping financial oversight reforms. (feeds.reuters.com)

By SARAH N. LYNCH and SIOBHAN HUGHES WASHINGTON -- The top watchdog at the Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday he plans to broaden the investigation into why his agency repeatedly failed to uncover Bernard L. Madoff's alleged $50 billion ...Congress looks for answers in Madoff scandal CNNMoney.comBernard Madoff to Appear in Court fo... (news.google.com)

The Batman blockbuster "The Dark Knight" is among the films competing for best-picture honors from the Producers Guild of America. (www.newsvine.com)

An independent team is expected to review scientific and commercial data to determine whether to grant federal protection for the Atlantic wolffish. (www.boston.com)

A community art project has left a lasting impression on the 86th Street station on the Upper West Side, as well as on the students who created them. (www.nytimes.com)

Freescale has unveiled an ARM-based, Ubuntu-toting netbook reference design, claiming it will bring cheap internet devices to the younger, more widget-centric generation. (news.zdnet.com)

The state's high court has prohibited three Southern California parishes who left the U.S. Episcopal Church over its ordination of gay ministers from retaining ownership of their church buildings and property. (www.newsvine.com)

Boston College could soon be looking for a new football coach. (www.newsvine.com)

US construction spending continued to fall in November, but the slowdown was much less than expected. The US Commerce Department reported a 0.6 percent drop from October to November of last year.US Construction Spending Falls Less Than Forecast BloombergConstruction spending stronger than expected CNNMoney.com (news.google.com)

US construction spending continued to fall in November, but the slowdown was much less than expected. The US Commerce Department reported a 0.6 percent drop from October to November of last year.US Construction Spending Falls Less Than Forecast BloombergConstruction spending stronger than expected CNNMoney.com (news.google.com)

Russia's Gazprom says it will cut the amount of gas it ships to Europe through Ukraine to make up for what it says Ukraine has stolen in recent days from pipelines crossing its territory. (www.newsvine.com)

By Brian Prince A phishing campaign targeting Twitter has morphed, according to researchers at Sophos. Phishers are now using accounts compromised in the initial campaign launched over the weekend to snare Twitter users lured by the promise of an ...Stephen Fry hit by Twitter ID hack ITworld.comTwitter hit with phishing scam NetworkWorld.com (news.google.com)

Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph Kennedy says Citgo has suspended its free heating oil program for low-income residents. (www.newsvine.com)

Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph Kennedy says Citgo has suspended its free heating oil program for low-income residents. (www.newsvine.com)

President George W. Bush, in his first public reaction to Israel's ground invasion of Gaza, said Monday that the Jewish state was justified in protecting itself against Hamas militants. (www.boston.com)

A Lynchburg-based company that specializes in technology services in the nuclear field has acquired a Tennessee-based nuclear fuel provider. (www.newsvine.com)

A Virginia company that specializes in nuclear technology services has completed its acquisition of Tennessee-based Nuclear Fuel Services Inc. for an undisclosed price, the companies announced Monday. (www.newsvine.com)

Iran says it will provide security for Nobel Peace Prize-winning lawyer Shirin Ebadi, amid global concern for her safety. (news.bbc.co.uk)

The chief executive of Apple, Steven P. Jobs, announced that he was being treated for a “hormone imbalance” but was staying on as head of the company. (www.nytimes.com)

I toted Olympus' top-end SLR through Argentina's cityscapes and wildlands. It's a camera that stands up to the tough conditions with aplomb. (news.cnet.com)

Waterford Wedgwood PLC, for centuries a name synonymous with luxury,  filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday after attempts to restructure the struggling business or find a buyer failed. (www.msnbc.msn.com)

Gov. Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination as President-elect Obama's new Commerce Secretary over a legal inquiry in NM Some feel this is a sign there may be flaws in Obama's vetting process.Video: Richardson Quits As Cabinet Pick CBSCommerce Pick Richardson Withdraws, Citing NM Probe Washington Post (news.google.com)