Newser Story Index from November, 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.
Poll: Holidays Not So Jolly for Americans
Reuters
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Nov 23, 2007 5:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
Americans are in a glum mood this holiday season and pessimistic about 2008, according to a survey conducted by Reuters and polling firm Zogby. Economic concerns ranging from the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis to the skyrocketing price of oil have dampened Americans' confidence, with 40% believing a recession will take hold within a year.
USC Blasts Past ASU 44-24
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Nov 23, 2007 4:17 AM CST
(Newser) -
It seemed like USC's costly losses had knocked them out of Rose Bowl contention earlier this fall, but a season of top-team upsets, coupled with the Trojans' blowout defeat of No. 6 Arizona State last night, have put Pasadena back on the table. "We didn't play good; they did," ASU coach Dennis Erickson admitted to the Arizona Republic....
Huckabee Foes Put Spotlight on Ethics
Politico
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Nov 23, 2007 4:14 AM CST
(Newser) -
As former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee moves to the front of the Republican field, rivals have been digging up ethics complaints from his time in office, reports Politico . Critics of Huckabee, who now trails only Mitt Romney in Iowa, have uncovered a host of complaints against him involving his management of campaign cash and destruction...
New Role for US Troops in Iraq
New York Times
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Nov 23, 2007 3:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
US combat brigades in Iraq may soon be given an expanded role in training and supporting Iraqis, reports the New York Times . Under the plan, not yet finalized, a quarter of US troops would be withdrawn next July but others would stay behind to help transfer more of the security role to Iraqis—while safeguarding gains made during the surge.
Kansas State Can't Catch George Mason
Associated Press
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Nov 23, 2007 3:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
Upstart George Mason had the advantage over No. 18 Kansas State from the beginning of last night's game, and held on to win 87-77, reports AP. John Vaughn, with 21 points, was just one of five starters scoring in the double digits as George Mason improved to 4-0 for the first time ever. On other college courts:
Predators Clip Red Wings to Win 3-2
Associated Press
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Nov 23, 2007 3:34 AM CST
(Newser) -
Martin Erat had a hand in all three of of Nashville's goals in the Predators' 3-2 defeat of the first-place Red Wings last night, AP reports. The Predators had six penalties in the first period alone, and both Detroit goals came on power plays. In other frosty Thanksgiving-day action:
Peterson Sightings Questioned
Chicago Tribune
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Nov 23, 2007 3:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Friends and family members are skeptical about supposed sightings of missing Illinois mom Stacy Peterson around the country, reports the Chicago Tribune . Husband Drew Peterson claims to have an unsigned letter, which he turned over to police yesterday, saying she was seen in a Peoria grocery store, and a tip line has had a call saying she was spotted...
Colts are Thankful for Manning's Arm
Indianapolis Star
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Nov 23, 2007 2:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
After blundering their way into a 10-0 hole, the Indianapolis Colts began to look more like the team that won last year's Superbowl. Surging to three touchdowns in the second quarter to get the Falcons on the run, the injury-plagued Colts finished up with a 31-13 win over Atlanta and on-again, off-again quarterback Joey Harrington, reports the Indianapolis...
Bone Marrow Breakthrough Gives New Hope
Guardian (UK)
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Nov 23, 2007 2:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
Scientists investigating bone marrow transplants have made a breakthrough that could one day help millions. Currently, before transplants occur defective cells are killed with radiotherapy or chemotherapy—which causes widespread damage and can have serious side effects. But researchers have found it's possible to pinpoint and destroy blood-forming...
Pens Win Wild One Over Senators
Associated Press
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Nov 23, 2007 1:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Pittsburgh Penguins twice overcame a two-goal deficit and defeated the Ottawa Senators, 6-5, on a shootout goal by Jarko Ruutu. In a see-saw game that kept fans on the edge of their seats and the coaches pacing, each team had a chance to win late in the game but was denied by the goalpost.
Philippines Braces for Typhoon
Associated Press
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Nov 23, 2007 1:22 AM CST
(Newser) -
Typhoon Mitag is racing for the eastern Philippines as officials continue to evacuate almost 200,000 people, the AP reports. Blowing at more than 100 miles per hour, Miltag may become a "super typhoon" with 138mph winds before making landfall Saturday, one expert said. The Philippine region bracing for Miltag is still on the mend after fatal...
Struggling Capitals Fire Hanlon
Washington Post
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Nov 22, 2007 11:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
Despite spending money on free agents and the owner's claim before training camp that "the rebuild is over," the Washington Capitals' record hasn't improved this year - and it cost coach Glen Hanlon his job. The Caps, with a league-low 13 points in 21 games, today replaced Hanlon on an interim basis with the coach of their minor-league affiliate.
Cowboys Ground Jets in Big Way
Associated Press
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Nov 22, 2007 10:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
Quarterback Tony Romo had two touchdown passes and the Dallas Cowboys stifled the New York Jets' offense in a 34-3 Thanksgiving day victory in Texas Stadium. Terrell Owens was "held" to six catches and a TD, while Marion Barber and Julius Jones combined for 167 yards rushing, as Dallas improved to 10-1 for the first time in franchise history.
Online Suicide Brings Fury of Neighbors
Los Angeles Times
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Nov 22, 2007 10:33 PM CST
(Newser) -
The two parents who used MySpace to harass a teenage girl so relentlessly that she committed suicide are now the target of internet vigilantes, the Los Angeles Times reports. When prosecutors could not mount a case, angry neighbors posted the family's address, photos, and phone numbers on blogs. Their workplaces have been flooded with calls, protesters...
Angels Win Torii Sweepstakes
Los Angeles Times
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Nov 22, 2007 10:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Shocking other teams seeking the seven-time Gold Glover, the Los Angeles Angels nabbed free agent center fielder Torii Hunter with a five-year, $90 million deal, despite already having an excellent—and expensive—center fielder in Gary Matthews, Jr. The move is the second unconventional one of the week for LA's rookie GM Tony Reagins.
England Dumps McClaren
Times (UK)
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Nov 22, 2007 10:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
Steve McClaren has been fired as coach of England's soccer team after their failure to qualify for Euro 2008, reports the Times of London. England had been thrown a lifeline after Israel's surprise defeat of Russia, which gave them a chance to advance to the continental championships if they beat or drew with Croatia—but they slumped...
Favre Carves Up Lions for Thanksgiving
Associated Press
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Nov 22, 2007 9:58 PM CST
(Newser) -
Thanksgiving for Brett Favre was another career day in a surprising year filled with them; the signal-caller was 31-for-41 for 381 yards and three scores, at one point completing 20 straight passes. His fumble on the opening snap was his only gaffe, and even his opposite number conceded he was "the greatest ever."
Black Friday Getting Longer
Associated Press
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Nov 22, 2007 8:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
Stores will open earlier than ever on Black Friday, with midnight openings becoming more common, the AP reports. Wal-Mart, in fact, began its sales today. "You sell two sweaters and you've broken even,” said one analyst. But Gap chief Glenn Murphy will be out with the hordes, then crunching numbers. “There is a point from an industry...
Chavez Fired as Hostage Mediator
Reuters
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Nov 22, 2007 7:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
Colombia ended Hugo Chavez's try at freeing 45 hostages from Marxist rebels today, Reuters reports. The Venezuelan prez had been brokering their release for weeks when he apparently breached protocol by talking to a Colombian general. "Can you imagine (Russia's president) calling the chairman of the U.S. chiefs of staff and asking about things?"...
Ex-Agent Claims Twist in JFK Plot
ABC News
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Nov 22, 2007 6:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
Feds dug up a plot to ice JFK in Chicago three weeks before he was killed in Dallas, ABC news reports. JFK's trip to the Windy City was nixed, but agents never passed on data about a Cuban hit squad and an armed radical to federal agents in Dallas. Yet agent Abraham Bolden, who has written a book about the plot, did know: "When that bullet struck...
Commonwealth Boots Pakistan
Times (UK)
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Nov 22, 2007 6:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
Ten days after demanding democracy in Pakistan, the 53-nation Commonwealth yanked the country's membership today until Musharraf lifts military rule, the Times reports. The vote will nix hundreds of millions of pounds of investment and have "severe consequences for investment" for Pakistan's economy, a Commonwealth member said.
Lebanon Picks No Prez Today
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 22, 2007 5:40 PM CST
(Newser) -
Lebanon's parties failed to pick a new president today, leaving them 24 hours to find a replacement before President Emile Lahoud's term ends, the Wall Street Journal reports. Lahoud has said the army chief may take over if sides remain deadlocked tomorrow at midnight—a turn that could spark blocs to pick their own candidates and set off civil...
NYT 's Top Reads for 2007
New York Times
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Nov 22, 2007 5:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
Recent write-ups say Americans should read more—but where to start? Try the New York Times ' 100 notable books of 2007, ranging from fiction to poetry, essays to bios. Among the acclaimed page-turners: Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal , Ben Macintyre The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the...
Europeans Go for Coke
BBC
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Nov 22, 2007 4:46 PM CST
(Newser) -
Cocaine is "Europe's stimulant of choice," according to a new study that says nearly five million Europeans used coke this year—a million more than last. The Spanish and British used it most, BBC reports, but Danes and Italians increased their usage most in 2007. Two million Europeans used the drug overall in the last month. An EU drug...
Sex Scandal Roils Atlanta Megachurch
Associated Press
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Nov 22, 2007 3:59 PM CST
(Newser) -
Revelations was the theme of the day for a scandal-plagued Atlanta church as its archbishop had to admit that his "nephew" is really his son. And worse, he’d lied about it under oath, AP reports. A court-ordered DNA test showed Archbishop Earl Paulk fathered D.E. Paulk. Both work at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill Harvester...
Time to Stop Blaming the Turkey
LiveScience
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Nov 22, 2007 3:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
It's time to stop blaming the tryptophan for your post-feast snooze, says LiveScience Bad Medicine columnist Christopher Wanjek. The chemical, found in turkey, does affect sleep, but cheddar cheese is also packed with it and doesn't get the same bad rap. The real Turkey Day culprit is the "combination of booze, bad conversation, and a carbohydrate-heavy...
Chirac Faces Pilfering Probe
Independent (UK)
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Nov 22, 2007 3:12 PM CST
(Newser) -
A French magistrate launched a probe yesterday into claims that former President Jacques Chirac skimmed funds while in office, the Independent reports. Chirac, who turns 76 next week, is accused of using tax money to back friends and allies during his reign as mayor from 1977 to 1995. More accusations are said to follow against Chirac, the first...
End in Sight for French Strike
BBC
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Nov 22, 2007 2:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
The French transit strike slogged into its ninth day today, but the BBC reports that rail and union officials alike think an end is in sight to the commuter-crippling work stoppage. National rail company SNCF said two out of three TGV trains were operational today, and at least one in three Paris metro trains were reported to be running.
Two More Discs Missing in UK Data Fiasco
Times (UK)
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Nov 22, 2007 2:15 PM CST
(Newser) -
The fallout from the lost data fiasco in Britain continues, as the Times of London reveals that two more unencrypted discs containing sensitive personal information have been reported missing from the nation's tax agency. Gordon Brown faced down a furious opposition in Prime Minister's Questions yesterday. The PM has employed a "masochism strategy":...
$1.5B Bailout Gives Hope to Reeling Bond Insurers
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 22, 2007 1:29 PM CST
(Newser) -
A quiet infusion of $1.5 billion from two European banks will help bond insurer CIFG maintain its AAA credit rating, the Wall Street Journal reports. The move keeps at bay a crisis in the bond market that could cost investors $200 billion and might provide a bailout blueprint for other bond insurers struggling in the wake of the subprime mortgage...
Google Keeps Growing, Stock Keeps Rising
Reuters
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Nov 22, 2007 1:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
Google is already the US most popular search engine, but new data indicate it enjoyed a substantial jump in traffic this past month. Reuters reports that the search giant accounted for 58.5% of the American market. Google is trailed by Yahoo, Microsoft, IAC (the owners of Ask.com), and Time Warner (owner of AOL) for shares of the search market—and...
Amazon's E-Reader Sells Out Within Hours
Engadget
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Nov 22, 2007 12:34 PM CST
(Newser) -
Amazon’s pre-Thanksgiving launch of the Kindle, an electronic book reader, sold out in just five and a half hours, reports Engadget. The $399 device is able to download books directly from Amazon’s wireless network, which piggybacks on Sprint’s, bypassing Wi-Fi hotspots and making it independent of computers. Instead of a monthly...
Jelly-cide: 100,000 Salmon Killed
AFP
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Nov 22, 2007 12:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
An attack of killer jellyfish has wiped out Northern Ireland’s only salmon farm. More than 100,000 fish died in the seven-hour attack, causing estimated losses of $2.1 million, AFP reports. The 35-foot-deep wave of jellyfish covered 10 square miles. The mauve stinger normally prefers warmer Mediterranean waters and has never been seen off British...
Students Aim to Put Guns on Campus
Time
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Nov 22, 2007 11:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Thousands of college students think they have a way to make their campuses safer: more guns. Students with a license to carry concealed weapons should be able to do it on campus, argues the group Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. “It’s the basic right of self defense,” said one student. “Here on campus, we don’t...
US Ranks Third in GDP Per Person
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 22, 2007 11:42 AM CST
(Newser) -
The US trails only Luxembourg and Norway in GDP per person and has the second highest household spending rates among 55 nations in a new report, reports the Wall Street Journal. The GDP measures household and government spending as well as business investment and net exports. The US per capita GDP was 44% above the OECD average.
Meet Tom, Your New Pet
New York Times
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Nov 22, 2007 11:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
This is generally not the best of days for turkeys, though some have it better than others. The New York Times takes a look at several families who have spared turkeys the knife—by adopting them. "I instantly, totally fell in love, and now I just want to stay home with them," says one adoptive mother of two birds.
China Spoils Holiday Reunion for US Sailors
Reuters
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Nov 22, 2007 10:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
China put a damper on Thanksgiving for 8,000 US sailors and airmen, Reuters reports. Beijing denied permission for the USS Kitty Hawk and its support group to stop in Hong Kong, where hundreds of relatives had gathered for a holiday reunion. Beijing eventually relented, but it was too late—the ships were already on their way back to their Japanese...
Merkel's Grand Coalition Hits a Rocky Patch
Der Spiegel
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Nov 22, 2007 9:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
On the second anniversary of her taking office, the German media reports on new troubles for Angela Merkel's increasingly fractious grand coalition, which has two years to go but seems unlikely to push through the difficult reforms the chancellor promised. With last week's resignation of Franz Müntefering, the government's No. 2, Merkel has lost...
Grinch Can't Steal Christmas, Judge Orders
Associated Press
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Nov 22, 2007 9:11 AM CST
(Newser) -
A Manhattan judge ruled against some of Broadway's striking stagehands yesterday, ordering the musical "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" to resume performances tomorrow, the AP reports. The injunction, which may save the show from financial doom, also unleashed a flood of kid-lit wordplay on the unsuspecting public.
Fliers Thankful for Few Delays
New York Times
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Nov 22, 2007 8:37 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Thanksgiving travel rush was smoother than expected, reports the New York Times , thanks to good weather, added airline agents, and the federal government giving commercial airliners access to military airspace for the holiday. Many travelers helped reduce the crush Wednesday, the busiest single travel day of the year, by flying on...
Kangaroo Court Clears Way For Musharraf's 2nd Term
Reuters
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Nov 22, 2007 8:12 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pervez Musharraf's kangaroo court wasted little time today in dismissing the last challenge to his October election victory, Reuters reports. The move paves the way for Musharraf to quit as army chief and assume a post as civilian president—which will dull international condemnations since he imposed emergency rule. In reaction, Imran Khan's...
Saudis, Libyans Fighting in Iraq
New York Times
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Nov 22, 2007 7:47 AM CST
(Newser) -
Most of the foreign insurgents fighting American troops in Iraq come from two so-called US allies in the war on terrorism—Saudi Arabia and Libya. Evidence was discovered in a September raid on a desert terrorist base that produced a mother lode of intelligence on the identities and hometowns of 700 foreign fighters entering Iraq since August...
No. 10 Duke Snags 4th Maui Title
Honolulu Advertiser
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Nov 22, 2007 7:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
Duke pulled off its fourth championship at the Maui Invitational, giving the Blue Devils twice as many titles as the next most-decorated teams in the 24-year-old tournament. The victory came by a hotly contested game against Marquette that came down to Kyle Singler's final field goals, reports the Honolulu Advertiser.
Walk It Off: Pedometers Push People to Lose Weight
ABC News
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Nov 22, 2007 7:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
New research suggests that wearing a pedometer can significantly increase a person's daily physical activity, which in turn can lower weight and blood pressure. Pedometers, small devices worn on the hip that count steps, can cost as little as $15. Overall, pedometer users increased their physical activity by 26.9%, according to the study published...
Hpy Thxgvng: Text Your Troops
ABC News
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Nov 22, 2007 7:06 AM CST
(Newser) -
A college freshman has helped the Department of Defense launch a project to send text messages of support to US troops, reports ABC. Cell companies are backing the "Giving Thanks" initiative, allowing participants to send free messages to the number 8-9-2-7-9 until midnight Thanksgiving Day.
MLB's Future in Venezuela Uncertain
ESPN
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Nov 22, 2007 6:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Baseball is big in Venezuela, and vice versa: 200 Venezuelans have played in MLB, including 50 who are currently active. You’d expect clubs to be racing to the country in search of talent, but concerns about Venezuela’s political climate are actually scaring them away: The Padres, Orioles, Red Sox, and Indians have all discontinued formerly...
Mavs Rally to Smoke Rockets
Houston Chronicle
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Nov 22, 2007 6:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Houston Rockets had a five-point lead going into the final two minutes of last night's game, but the Mavericks took advantage of fouls and missed shots to rally back, 100-94. Dirk Nowitzki, finally playing more like an MVP, led Dallas on big scoring drives to turn a 17-point third-quarter deficit into a win, reports the Houston Chronicle .
Bengalis Fight for Survival
Associated Press
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Nov 22, 2007 6:11 AM CST
(Newser) -
Fights broke out among cyclone survivors desperate for meager supplies as aid agencies struggled to get food to the hungry, reports the AP . Cyclone Sidr killed thousands in Bangladesh last week, and food and drinking water shortages could bring a second wave of death—this time from hunger and disease.
Spurs Ride Parker, Ginobili Past Magic
San Antonio Express-News
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Nov 22, 2007 6:11 AM CST
(Newser) -
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of his team's 128-110 defeat of the Orlando Magic that "to win the game we were going to have to score." And scoring is what he got: 32 points from Tony Parker, 27 from Manu Ginobili, and 20 from Tim Duncan, reports the San Antonio Express-News . Elsewhere in the paint:
Harry Charms Students Into Success
Time
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Nov 22, 2007 5:42 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry it is not, but a suburban Nottingham school is using Harry Potter’s magic to get results. Primary students chose JK Rowling’s enchanted novels as their curriculum theme, a system school officials launched to raise lagging test scores. Subjects are laced with riffs on the books, and activities...
