Newser Story Index from October, 2007
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Devils Beat Up Bolts for First New Home Win
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 11:34 PM CDT
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The New Jersey Devils snapped their four-game losing streak with an offensive explosion to beat Tampa Bay 6-1. The Devils had scored only four goals during their skid but used a hat trick from Jay Pandolfo and three assists, plus a goal, from John Madden to prolong Tampa Bay’s own losing streak, which is currently at five games, reports the AP....
Jaguar Looking at Suspension
Florida Times-Union
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Oct 31, 2007 10:50 PM CDT
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One of the aging bulwarks of Jacksonville's stout defense, tackle Marcus Stroud has tested positive for an undisclosed banned substance, reports the Florida Times-Union. Stroud may appeal, but the team may have already decided he is better off serving his four-game suspension sooner rather than later in the season.
Court Blocks New Patent Rules
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 10:40 PM CDT
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A Federal judge has blocked the US Patent and Trademark Office from implementing tough new patent rules with a temporary injunction in a suit brought by GlaxoSmithKline. The Wall Street Journal reports the new rules would have limited the number of times patent holders may make minor changes to existing patent applications, known as continuances,...
Toronto Raps Philly in Opener
Philadelphia Inquirer
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Oct 31, 2007 10:31 PM CDT
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The Sixers season opener did little to prove wrong the prognosticators who forecast the team would struggle, as Philadelphia lost 106-97 to the Raptors in Toronto. The Raptors lead by as many as 22 in the third quarter, until Philadelphia fought to cut the lead to one midway through the fourth. But they could never overtake the defending division champions,...
Hillary Backs Licenses for Immigrants
New York Times
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Oct 31, 2007 10:16 PM CDT
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Hillary Clinton came out in support of drivers licenses for illegal immigrants today, in an effort to separate herself not so much from her competitors but her own flubbed answer to a question about them at Tuesday night's candidate forum. At the forum she drew gleeful opprobrium from the other candidates for flip-flopping; first she was for then against...
So Long? Schilling Files for Free Agency
Boston Globe
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Oct 31, 2007 9:51 PM CDT
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On the same day that duck boats paraded the World Series champion Red Sox around Boston the team’s veteran hurler, Curt Schilling, filed for free agency. Schilling was part of two championship teams in Boston, including the club’s first in 86 years, but told a radio audience that his return to the team is unlikely, reports the Boston Globe...
Bush Picks Ex-Governor to Head the Farm Team
New York Times
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Oct 31, 2007 9:25 PM CDT
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Edward Schafer has extolled the virtues of smaller government, but he is President Bush’s nominee to head the mammoth Agriculture Department, which employs more than 100,000 people and spends $90 billion a year. If approved by the Senate, the former North Dakota governor would likely be thrust into tense negotiations over a new farm bill, the...
New GM in the Cards: Mozeliak
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Oct 31, 2007 9:23 PM CDT
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After having forced out Walt Jocketty, St. Louis hired his protege, John Mozeliak, as their new general manager, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The move surprised some in the industry who expected 33-year-old Mark Antonetti, assistant general manager with Cleveland, to take the job. Antonetti apparently differed with the Cardinals on issues...
The Greatest Novel Never Read
Slate
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Oct 31, 2007 8:10 PM CDT
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Just because they're accomplished writers doesn't mean they've made it through Ulysses . Slate asks contemporary authors to confess to the must-read classics they've never read: Amy Bloom, Moby Dick Stephen Carter , Harry Potter Jennifer Egan , Buddenbrooks
'I Spy' With My Little Eye: an Elephant
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 7:27 PM CDT
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Robert Culp, best known for his 1960s TV show "I Spy," in which he starred with Bill Cosby, has sued the Los Angeles Zoo and accused it of being cruel to elephants. He seeks to stop the zoo from building a $40-million elephant exhibit. A judge allowed Culp's suit to proceed, and his lawyer called it "a great day for elephants."
Mukasey Faces Uncertain Vote
Washington Post
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Oct 31, 2007 7:02 PM CDT
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A vote that could send the nomination of Michael Mukasey as US attorney general to the full Senate will come Tuesday, the Democrat in charge of the Senate Judiciary Committee said today. Once thought certain, Mukasey's confirmation now appears to hinge on his refusal to classify as illegal torture the technique known as waterboarding, the Washington...
German Town Wages Quirky War Against Neo-Nazis
Der Spiegel
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Oct 31, 2007 6:39 PM CDT
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Inhabitants of the small German town of Gräfenberg have taken up ideological arms against far-right demonstrators from the National Democratic Party, Der Spiegel r eports, running loud saws, blaring samba music, and projecting images of concentration-camp victims to disrupt their rallies. The conflict started when the town's mayor declared a...
The Best Abs Money Can Buy
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 6:04 PM CDT
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If you're not into crunches, you can suction your way to a six-pack. 'Abdominal etching' is a kind of precision liposuction that sucks out the fat that lies between your washboard stomach and the appreciative world. But surgeons caution that you have to have the right amount of fat to work with, about 1 to 2 pinchable centimeters, says the Wall Street...
Net-Access Tax Ban Extended
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 5:17 PM CDT
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President Bush today signed a seven-year extension for a bill that bans taxes on internet access, the AP reports. The ban was first approved in 1998, has been renewed twice since, and was to expire tomorrow. Both houses of Congress supported a permanent ban, but worries over the bill's effect on state and local governments forced a compromise.
Diplomats Raise Stink Over Iraq Assignments
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 5:02 PM CDT
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Foreign service officers vented anger today over the State Department's plan to require some to serve in Iraq, chewing out their director in a meeting. One senior officer called the “directed assignments”—which could force diplomats to take postings in Baghdad or outlying provinces—a “potential death sentence”; another...
Iran: US Attack Would Result in 'Quagmire'
Reuters
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Oct 31, 2007 4:45 PM CDT
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A US attack would lead to a "quagmire deeper than Iraq," an Iranian official warned today, reacting to intensifying rhetoric from the Bush administration. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany will meet Friday to discuss tougher sanctions against Iran. Meanwhile, Russia insists that dialogue is the best way to...
Canaries Get Company in Coal Mines: Recent Grads
Christian Science Monitor
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Oct 31, 2007 4:30 PM CDT
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Coal-mining companies are successfully recruiting college kids, promising better work conditions than the industry’s muddied image might suggest, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Some 60% of the current workforce could retire over the next decade, and jobs are suddenly abundant; young people are finding themselves explaining to their...
Ward Off Cancer by Staying Thin, Study Says
Guardian (UK)
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Oct 31, 2007 4:25 PM CDT
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Excess body weight and consumption of red meat can increase the risk of cancer, even for people within a healthy weight range, researchers reported today in a 40-year international study. Being within the healthy Body Mass Index range of 18.5-24.9 isn’t enough, the Guardian reports, because cancer risk, especially in the breast and pancreas,...
Padres CF Suspended for Speed
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 4:17 PM CDT
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Mike Cameron, Gold Glove-winning center fielder for the Padres, was suspended today for 25 games starting next season, the AP reports. Cameron tested positive twice for a stimulant banned by MLB, although he denies actual abuse, chalking the test results up to a tainted nutritional supplement. Cameron plans to file for free agency from the Padres.
US Troop Fatalities Down in Iraq
Christian Science Monitor
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Oct 31, 2007 4:15 PM CDT
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US troop losses in Iraq dropped in the past month, matching the levels of March 2006 and giving a tentative credit to the current US strategy, the Christian Science Monitor reports. Thirty-six deaths have been reported in October, a lull ascribed to weapons-cache finds, the disruption of bombmaking cells, and the troop "surge" completed...
Privacy Groups Want Online ‘Do Not Call’
Washington Post
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Oct 31, 2007 3:59 PM CDT
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Consumer and privacy advocates have proposed a voluntary online “Do Not Track” list that would bar companies from monitoring web traffic for the purpose of targeting ads. Modeled on the popular “Do Not Call” list, which blocks phone telemarketers, the new proposal wouldn’t outlaw ads altogether, the Post and Times ...
Stocks Up on Fed's Rate Cut
Bloomberg
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Oct 31, 2007 3:46 PM CDT
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Stocks rose today on the heels of the Fed's quarter-point cut of a key interest rate and good news about the GDP. "The Fed may be done here," a Boston strategist told Bloomberg. "We don't need them anymore, and the market is taking consolation in that." The Dow was up 137.54 to 13,930.01, the Nasdaq 42.41 to 2,859.12, and the S&P...
Senator Has Hots for Anti-Sex Ed
Politico
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Oct 31, 2007 3:37 PM CDT
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Arlen Specter has won over $8 million in earmarks for abstinence education in Pennsylvania, sparking jibes from critics and accusations of political pandering. The moderate Republican senator supports abortion rights and sex education, Politico reports, leading some to cry hypocrisy when he directs money to no-sex-until-marriage projects like Coolvirginity.com.
Soundtrack Dylan Covers Score
Pitchfork
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Oct 31, 2007 3:23 PM CDT
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In keeping with the movie it supports, the soundtrack for Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There is packed with imitators. Twenty-nine singers cover Dylan tracks on the 34-song tribute, which traces every phase of Dylan’s career—from folk highs to gospel lows—proving each to be “as potentially rewarding as any other,”...
RIP Che, but Not in His Tomb in Cuba
New Republic
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Oct 31, 2007 3:11 PM CDT
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Thousands came to Che Guevara's Cuban mausoleum in July to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the revolutionary’s death—but they were paying respects at the wrong resting place. A French journalist claims that Fidel Castro’s government never actually found the Argentine’s body—as was triumphantly announced 10 years ago—and...
Fake Teeth Recalled on Halloween
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 2:55 PM CDT
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How's this for last-minute: The US government issued a recall of Chinese-made fake teeth—costume—today. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall for the $2 "ugly teeth" because of high levels of lead, the AP reports. The agency estimates that 43,000 packs of eight sets of the teeth have been sold since January.
NASA Reconsiders, Will Release Scary Air Survey
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 2:46 PM CDT
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NASA's director reversed course today in testimony before Congress, saying the agency will release data showing that near air accidents are more common than previously realized. NASA feared releasing the information would upset travelers and hurt airline profits. "I regret any impression that NASA was in any way trying to put commercial interests...
Noel Deaths and Damage Mount
Miami Herald
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Oct 31, 2007 2:29 PM CDT
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The death toll from Tropical Storm Noel rose to 59 in the Caribbean today, with the storm moving on from Cuba and headed towards the Bahamas, the Miami Herald reported today. The Dominican Republic's government reported 41 dead with 20 more missing, and Haitian authorities, who had previously reported no deaths from the storm, confirmed 18 fatalities.
Repairs Throw Wrench Into Spacewalk Plan
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 2:16 PM CDT
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A ripped solar wing on the international space station has fouled NASA's spacewalk plans for the crew of its shuttle Discovery—and could send ripples through schedules for future shuttle missions and hinder station construction. Today's scheduled spacewalk has been canceled; one scheduled for Thursday to inspect a broken rotary joint was moved...
Designer Confirms J.Lo Pregnancy
People
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Oct 31, 2007 2:01 PM CDT
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Roberto Cavalli, who designs clothes for Jennifer Lopez, has confirmed that the star is pregnant. When asked by People about his celebrity clients, he said, "Well Jennifer Lopez, at this moment, she requests something very special because she is waiting for the baby." Cavalli has been designing loose, flowing clothes for the pop star, who...
Fed Slashes Key Interest Rate Another Quarter-Point
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 1:42 PM CDT
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The Federal Reserve cut its key lending rate today by 25 basis points, to 4.5%. The expected reduction is the second of the federal funds rate in two months. The board asserted, however, that growth and inflation risks are now “roughly balanced,” a signal that further cuts shouldn’t be taken for granted. The discount rate was also...
No Love for Would-Be Mile-High Clubbers
Reuters
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Oct 31, 2007 1:25 PM CDT
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Singapore Airlines is throwing a wet towel on hopes that the double beds and private suites on the new Airbus A380 would revolutionize high-altitude romance. The airline today asked passengers to “observe standards that don’t cause offense.” Cabins are private, but not sound-proof or sealed, Reuters reports. No word on the availability...
Dermatologist Says Marxism Is Only Skin-Deep
Times (UK)
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Oct 31, 2007 1:10 PM CDT
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A specter is haunting the history of communism: the specter of skin disease. In the latest post-mortem assessment of the health of great historical figures, a British dermatologist has concluded that Karl Marx suffered from hidradenitis suppurativa, an ailment afflicting the sweat glands that results in blackheads and boils. It also produces psychological...
Chinese Drugs Go Unchecked
New York Times
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Oct 31, 2007 12:54 PM CDT
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China’s massive prescription drug industry has an equally massive flaw: pharmaceuticals made by chemical companies are not held to regulatory standards. Of nearly 500 Chinese companies at a recent drug trade show, 82 were unregulated and uncertified, the New York Times discovered. “This is definitely against the law,” said one drug...
Sprint Joins Verizon in Google Phone Talks
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 12:48 PM CDT
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Following up on earlier reports that Google was in intense talks with Verizon about building a phone based on Google software, the Wall Street Journal reports that Sprint Nextel is also talking to the search giant. Google is expected to reveal its gPhone in the next two weeks, and a deal with either wireless company might bring phones to consumers...
Alzheimer's Less Prevalent Than Suspected
Reuters
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Oct 31, 2007 12:39 PM CDT
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A new study estimates that 2.4 million people, or 9.7% of Americans over age 71, have Alzheimer's disease, fewer than originally suspected. Unlike prior studies, which have focused on a small region or select cities, researchers assessed seniors in 42 states to arrive at the "best" estimates to date, reports Reuters . The data also shows...
It's Down to Rudy and Mitt
Weekly Standard
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Oct 31, 2007 12:24 PM CDT
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The baffling race for the GOP nomination is now down to two, argues the Weekly Standard ’s Fred Barnes: Only Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani have what really matters in the primary fight—“credible” paths to victory. Mitt’s the early-state favorite, the man to beat if he captures Iowa and New Hampshire. Rudy’s “scenario”...
25 Films Worth Screaming About
Time
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Oct 31, 2007 12:10 PM CDT
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You're never too old to go trick or treating. Well, yes you are. So instead of fighting the little ones for the next sugar high, you can check out Time's top 25 scary movies: Shaun of the Dead, 2004 Red Dragon, 2002 Audition, 1999
Google Out to Smite Facebook Software Platform
New York Times
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Oct 31, 2007 11:56 AM CDT
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Google couldn't buy a piece of Facebook, so it's going after the social networking site's software platform instead. Tomorrow a Google-led alliance will introduce a common platform for software developers to write programs for Google's social site, Orkut, along with LinkedIn, hi5, Friendster, Plaxo, Ning and others. The hope is to one-up Facebook,...
Poll Confirms: Brown Bubble Has Burst
Guardian (UK)
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Oct 31, 2007 11:41 AM CDT
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The "Brown Bounce" is over, says the Guardian . A sobering new poll puts Labour five points behind the Tories, the lowest showing for the party since Gordon Brown entered No. 10. Based on the distribution of seats, Labour would have remained the largest party in the Commons but lost its majority had tomorrow's canceled general election taken...
GDP Grows at 3.9% Clip Despite Housing Crunch
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 11:27 AM CDT
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The US economy grew at a brisk 3.9% pace in the third quarter despite the credit and housing turmoil buffeting Wall Street, according to Commerce Department figures released today. Overall construction spending was up—with record commercial and government spending offsetting the housing slide—while individuals increased spending 3% and...
Bush Loses Another From Inner Circle
Associated Press
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Oct 31, 2007 11:26 AM CDT
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Karen Hughes—one of President Bush's few remaining advisers from his Texas days—plans to leave her job as undersecretary of state at year's end. The former television reporter and media adviser spent the past two years leading efforts to improve the US' image abroad. Hughes will return to Texas, where she first began working with Bush in...
Internet Running Out of IP Addresses
BBC
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Oct 31, 2007 11:26 AM CDT
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By 2010, new computers won’t be able to get online, warns Internet co-inventor Vint Cerf, unless ISPs adopt IPv6, a new system of assigning IP addresses. IP addresses are unique number strings devices need to get online, but most of the 4 billion numbers possible under the current system are taken. Routing devices are ready for IPv6, but providers...
Battle Axe Gods in Latest Guitar Hero
Ars Technica
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Oct 31, 2007 11:21 AM CDT
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The latest game in the Guitar Hero franchise is out and reviewers are shredding to it already. Ars Technica says Guitar Hero III hasn’t suffered from Neversoft’s loss of Harmonix, the original developers. In this release, wireless guitars are standard, more rock songs are included, and the career mode of the game includes a ‘battle”...
Oracle CEO Sells Off $500M, With More To Come
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 11:10 AM CDT
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The CEO of Oracle sold off half a billion dollars of stock, but analysts contend that the liquidation shouldn't worry investors. Markets noticed when Larry Ellison sold 26 million shares of the software company he founded in 1977. But the Wall Street Journal writes that past sell-offs haven't triggered broad declines - and Ellison plans to unload...
US Military to Oversee Blackwater Convoys
New York Times
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Oct 31, 2007 11:10 AM CDT
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The military is taking control of State Department security convoys in Iraq, supervising Blackwater and other contractors, the New York Times reports. State had fought a losing battle to keep control of Blackwater after it was involved in a September incident that left 17 Iraqis dead. Now, the military will oversee contractor recruitment, training,...
Bernanke: How's He Doing?
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 11:05 AM CDT
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As the Fed rolls out another anxiously awaited decision on rate cuts, the Wall Street Journal does a play-by-play analysis of Ben Bernanke's handling of the three-month old credit crisis with an eye to what we've learned about the new Fed boss. For starters, he's more open and collaborative than his predecessor. "There's more of the economic...
Harry, Pal Eyed in Shooting of Rare Birds
Guardian (UK)
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Oct 31, 2007 10:54 AM CDT
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Prince Harry and a pal were grilled by police after two rare birds of prey were killed last week on an estate belonging to the British royal family. The prince was out shooting when witnesses saw two hen harriers hit, a crime punishable by six months in prison or a £5,000 fine. Harry and his friend denied any involvement.
Buffett: I Should Pay More Taxes
Guardian (UK)
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Oct 31, 2007 10:41 AM CDT
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America’s second-richest man, Warren Buffett, stood up for the little guy last night, telling NBC that he and über-wealthy people like him should pay more taxes. The system has dramatically “tilted toward the rich and away from the middle class,” he said. Surveying his office, Buffett found his 17.7% tax rate was less than anyone—“from...
Dell Refiles SEC Statements
Wall Street Journal
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Oct 31, 2007 10:23 AM CDT
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After a yearlong internal audit and SEC probe, Dell yesterday refiled financial statements that blamed methods of recording software and warranty sales on a $92 million profit reduction from 2003 to the first quarter of this year, the Wall Street Journal reports. The reduction was about 1% of the Texas-based company's $12 billion net income for the...
