G.O.P. Oregon Senator Has a Gay-Friendly Campaign. Senator Gordon H. Smith, Republican of Oregon, is expanding the definition of compassion in the Republican lexicon by advertising his support for gay issues in his campaign. By Katharine Q. Seelye. [New York Times: Politics]

Arafat rejects Israeli demand. The Palestinian leader refuses an Israeli demand for a list of all those sheltering with him in his headquarters¸ as Kofi Annan makes a new plea for peace. [BBC News | WORLD]

HP dumps Evo notebook for tablet PC. The company plans to swap its Evo N200 lightweight notebook for its upcoming tablet PC for business. Will customers bite? [CNET News.com]

Bush to Outline Doctrine of Striking Foes First. Today, the Bush administration will publish a comprehensive explanation for shifting military strategy toward pre-emptive action against hostile states and terrorist groups. By David E. Sanger. [New York Times: Politics]

Experts say White House protocol upgrade advice is serious. Cost and red tape get in the way [The Register]

Ellison resigns from Apple board. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is stepping down from Apple Computer’s board of directors, saying he no longer has the time to devote to the company. [CNET News.com]

Gates and Ballmer Get Pay Raise. SEATTLE (AP) — Microsoft Corp.’s top two executives received 13 percent raises in the past year, with chairman Bill Gates and chief executive Steve Ballmer each earning $753,310 in salary and bonuses, the company disclosed Thursday. By The Associated Press. [New York Times: Technology]

US threat to stop Iraq inspections. America threatens to stop weapons inspectors returning to Iraq unless the UN adopts a new resolution. [BBC News | WORLD]

Israeli troops besiege Arafat HQ. Israeli tanks enter Yasser Arafat’s Ramallah compound and demand the surrender of about 20 militants¸ hours after a Tel Aviv suicide bombing. [BBC News | WORLD]

EE Times: Sun sketches Infiniband plans for servers, adapter cards. [Hack the Planet]