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.
White House Economic Guru Stepping Down
Bloomberg
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Nov 28, 2007 8:13 AM CST
(Newser) -
Top White House economics adviser Al Hubbard will step down by year's end, the AP reports. Hubbard, who has expressed frustration over his inability to get Bush economic initiatives through the Democrat-controlled Congress, will be replaced by deputy Keith Hennessy. Hubbard's departure will boost the influence of less ideological, more pragmatic Treasury...
Feds Withdraw Amazon Subpoena
MarketWatch
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Nov 28, 2007 7:39 AM CST
(Newser) -
Federal prosecutors have withdrawn a subpoena seeking information on thousands of Amazon customers' book-buying habits, MarketWatch reports. The US Attorney's office had sought information on the purchasers of 24,000 used books in connection with a grand-jury probe of a third-party seller on Amazon. But the judge rejected the request, calling it "Orwellian."
2 Rebel Blasts Rattle Sri Lanka, Kill at Least 17
Bloomberg
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Nov 28, 2007 7:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
A blast in a suburb of Sri Lanka's capital killed at least 16 outside a popular restaurant during rush hour today, while earlier a female suicide bomber killed a bystander when she blew herself up in the offices of a Cabinet minister. The military blamed both attacks on the rebel Tamil Tigers, the AP reports, saying they bear "all the hallmarks...
Euro Slips on Interest Rate Speculation
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 7:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
The euro dropped against the dollar on speculation that the European Central Bank might hold off on raising interest rates, AP reports. The euro hit a record $1.4966 Friday as investors worried about US stability. It was down to $1.4732 this morning in European trading. Germany is feeling the pain of a strong currency, which hurts exports, and officials...
Koreas at Impasse on Fishing Zone
Reuters
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Nov 28, 2007 7:17 AM CST
(Newser) -
The second day of talks between North and South Korean defense ministers hit a snag today, writes Reuters, as efforts to find a compromise on the disputed maritime border fell short. The two ministers had also sought to begin steps towards a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War, but the North is unwilling to do so before a new border is...
Turley Tackles Player Poverty
Kansas City Star
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Nov 28, 2007 6:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kyle Turley is donating his game check for Dec. 23 to help retired NFL players, and he's urging others to do the same, reports the Kansas City Star . The Chiefs offensive tackle's pay for the Detroit game will go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which aims to help retired players struggling to make ends meet.
Helio Races to 'Dancing' Win
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 6:37 AM CST
(Newser) -
Spoiler Alert! Race car driver Helio Castroneves is the big winner in this season's "Dancing With the Stars," having beat out experienced dancer and Spice Girl Melanie Brown in the show's glittery finale. Brown may have brought more moves, but the two-time Indy-500-winning driver had the verve needed to impress both judges and fans, reports...
'Cyber Monday' Breaks Records
MarketWatch
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Nov 28, 2007 6:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
Online sales on Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, soared 21% over the previous year to a record-breaking $733 million, Marketwatch reports. Some 60% of the purchases were made from work, say comScore analysts; the average dollars spent per buyer decreased 12% from the same day a year earlier.
Red Cross Prez Forced Out for 'Relationship'
New York Times
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Nov 28, 2007 5:57 AM CST
(Newser) -
The president and CEO of the Red Cross was forced to resign yesterday for having an inappropriate "personal relationship with a subordinate employee" just six months after he was hired. "This is a huge punch in the stomach," said an organization official. Mark Everson was the Red Cross's third president in eight years.
22 Afghan Road Workers Killed in US Air Strike
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 5:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
A coalition air strike based on faulty intelligence killed at least 22 Afghan road workers today, said Afghan officials. The engineers and laborers were building a road for US forces in the mountains of Nuristan in the east. They were asleep in two tents when the bombardment killed all of them, said the company director.
Blackwater Guards on Steroids: Suit
CNN
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Nov 28, 2007 4:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
Private security contractor Blackwater fosters a "culture of lawlessness" among its guards, who are revved up on steroids and other "judgment-altering substances," claims a lawsuit filed by families of Iraqis killed by the guards. Plaintiffs include two survivors of a September shooting when the guards opened fire on a busy Baghdad...
Daly Defies Writers' Strike
E! Online
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Nov 28, 2007 3:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
NBC late-night talk show host Carson Daly will defy striking writers by becoming the first to resume taping new episodes since the union action pushed the network night programs into re-runs. Daly's decision comes after NBC threatened to lay off all non-writing staff, reports E! News. There's no sign that Jay Leno, David Letterman or Conan O'Brien...
Sonics Nearly Topple Lagging Lakers 106-99
Los Angeles Times
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Nov 28, 2007 3:38 AM CST
(Newser) -
It was two very young teams battling in the Staples Center last night, but the Lakers had Kobe Bryant on their side, while the SuperSonics just had a 12-loss monkey on their back, the Los Angeles Times reports. A 54-54 halftime tie evolved into a 106-99 Lakers victory, keeping Seattle definitively at the bottom of the NBA barrel.
Makes Cents: Final Five State Quarters Unveiled
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 3:35 AM CST
(Newser) -
The 50-state quarter program will wrap up next year when quarters for the final five states will be released. The US Mint revealed their designs yesterday: Oklahoma's quarter will feature the state bird, the scissortail flycatcher, and the state flower, the Indian blanket. New Mexico's coin will be marked with a Zia sun symbol. ...
Fouls Fail to Sink Pacers, Dunleavy
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 3:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Mike Dunleavy scored 30 points for the Pacers but almost gave the game away to Denver with a questionable foul of J.R. Smith in the dwindling seconds. Indiana had a three-point lead when Dunleavy committed what Pacers coach Jim O'Brien called "not a foul," but Smith bounced his third shot and Indiana kept the lead, AP reports.
Fear of Iran Driving Push for Peace
New York Times
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Nov 28, 2007 3:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
Fear of Iran and Islamic extremism is the catalyst that's bringing together delegates at the Mideast peace conference in Annapolis, the New York Times reports. Sunni Arab leaders see their young people becoming radicalized and Iran's influence expanding, and fear the region could be transformed in new and dangerous ways. Iran has strongly condemned...
Natalee Suspect Complains Of Mistreatment
CNN
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Nov 28, 2007 3:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
One of the three men arrested in the Natalee Holloway murder case is complaining about his treatment in an Aruban jail. Dutch suspect Joran van der Sloot, 20, is not allowed newspapers or magazines—not even the Bible—and no visits from his family, CNN reports. "These are tactics reminiscent of Nazi Germany," said his US...
Maple Leafs Again Short on Shootout
Globe and Mail
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Nov 28, 2007 2:28 AM CST
(Newser) -
Although they capitalized on two power plays with goals by Alex Kovalev, the Toronto Maple Leafs ultimately fell short of Montreal last night to drop their fourth straight game. The Canadiens cut their own losing streak off at two games, thanks largely to goalie Carey Price stopping four of Toronto's five shootout attempts, reports the Globe...
Musharraf Quits as Army Chief
BBC
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Nov 28, 2007 2:01 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf stepped down today as chief of his nation's military in a bid to ease the tensions gripping the country. He will be installed as civilian president for a five-year term tomorrow. His resignation officially marks the end of military rule, though the country remains in a state of emergency imposed by him. "I...
Bulls Start Slow Against Hawks, Finish Strong
Chicago Sun-Times
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Nov 28, 2007 1:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
Despite another sluggish start, with the aid of Luol Deng's 22 points and Ben Gordon's 21 the Bulls last night pulled out a solid 90-78 win against Atlanta, their third on the season, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. With the win, the Bulls snapped a four-game skid, coming back from an early 13-4 Hawks' lead to do it.
Duke Bedevils Wisconsin
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 12:46 AM CST
(Newser) -
Despite a significant size advantage, No.20 Wisconsin stood no chance against a ferocious Duke attack last night, led by Greg Paulus' 18 points. The No.7 Blue Devils won in an 82-58 blowout at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, the AP reports. Duke played Wisconsin evenly off the glass, and with an overwhelming first half, including...
FCC Chief Backs Down on Cable Plans
New York Times
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Nov 28, 2007 12:41 AM CST
(Newser) -
FCC boss Kevin Martin has lost a big battle in his attempt to tighten up regulation of cable TV, reports the New York Times . After strenuous efforts by cable lobbyists leading up to a heated meeting last night, Martin agreed to push back until next year a vote on expanding the FCC's powers to regulate the industry. Haggling with opponents on the...
Winehouse Whines About Jailed Hubby, Cancels Tour
Guardian (UK)
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Nov 28, 2007 12:12 AM CST
(Newser) -
Walking disaster Amy Winehouse canceled all remaining tour dates for the rest of the year, for what her label is calling "health issues." The singer says she can't perform while husband Blake Fielder-Civil is in prison. "I can't give it my all without my Blake," she said. "I don't want to do the shows half-heartedly; I love...
Davis Powers Miami Past Charlotte
Associated Press
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Nov 28, 2007 12:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
Ricky Davis had a season high 23 points off the bench, to help push the struggling Heat past Charlotte last night, 110-90, the AP reports. Rookie Daequan Cook missed only two shots en route to a career best 19 points, and stars Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal scored 13 and 15 points respectively, with limited playing time. In other action:
76ers Send Bucks to First Home Defeat
Associated Press
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Nov 27, 2007 11:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Philadelphia 76ers haven’t had a lot of success so far this year but tonight they accomplished something no other team had: they beat Milwaukee at the Bradley Center. The Sixers got contributions from everyone in the 114-99 victory as Samuel Dalmebert scored 22 points and Andre Iguodala added 20 to go along with 11 assists, according to the...
Detroit Douse Flames
Associated Press
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Nov 27, 2007 11:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Tomas Holmstrom scored his NHL-leading ninth power-play goal, and Pavel Datsyuk scored two goals of his own to push Detroit past Calgary 5-3, the AP reports. Kris Draper and Valtteri Filppula also scored for the Red Wings, and Holmstrom and Datsyuk each had an assist. Flames' goalie Miikka Kiprusoff was removed early in the second period after giving...
LeBron, Cavs Hand C's 2nd Loss
Associated Press
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Nov 27, 2007 10:39 PM CST
(Newser) -
LeBron James continued to play otherworldly basketball as he scored 38 points to lead Cleveland to a 109-104 overtime victory over the previously one-loss Celtics. James dished 13 assists on the night, and scored 11 points in the extra period. Ray Allen could have given the Celtics the lead with 22 seconds left in regulation, but uncharacteristically...
Frosh Gordon Leads No. 15 Indiana Past GT
Associated Press
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Nov 27, 2007 10:01 PM CST
(Newser) -
Eric Gordon continued his remarkable freshman campaign by scoring 29 points in No. 15 Indiana’s 83-79 victory over Georgia Tech. The Hoosiers played poorly for stretches but took the lead for good with 7:20 left in the game. It was their 21st straight regular-season win at Assembly Hall. Lewis Clinch scored 18 points for the Yellow Jackets in...
Creator of Gatorade Dies
Houston Chronicle
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Nov 27, 2007 9:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
The University of Florida researcher who invented Gatorade 40 years ago to hydrate his school football team died today at age 80. Dr. Robert Cade's first batch tasted a bit like "toilet bowl cleaner," but a little sugar and lemon juice fixed that. Today, the ubiquitous sports drink is a $5 billion industry unto itself, the Houston Chronicle...
Barkeep, Make That Cellphone a Double
San Diego Union-Tribune
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Nov 27, 2007 9:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Is that a beer belly or a Beerbelly? And is that guy drinking from a flip-flop? As more and more beaches try to enforce drinking bans, inventors are doing their boozy best to outwit them, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune. Flip-flop flasks, booze-filled fake cellphones, and soft drink covers that disguise beer cans are helping drinkers beat bans...
Riots Spread to Toulouse
Associated Press
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Nov 27, 2007 9:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
Rioting continued in Paris tonight as youths fired shotguns and "urban guerillas" joined the melee, police said. Fighting also spread to the southern city of Toulouse, where rioters torched at least 20 cars and set two libraries briefly ablaze. Still, officials said violence was down overall as 1,000 officers patrolled the Paris flashpoint...
First Americans Migrated From Siberia
AFP
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Nov 27, 2007 8:29 PM CST
(Newser) -
Native Americans are descended from a single group that migrated from Siberia 12,000 years ago, new genetic research suggests. An alternate theory suggested that Native American ancestors migrated in several waves over land and sea from Asia, but the new study shows that native peoples from all over the Americas share a single gene mutation also seen...
Thousands Rally in Gaza
BBC
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Nov 27, 2007 8:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
Massive crowds demonstrated in Gaza today, condemning the Annapolis conference and chanting "Death to America!" Hamas leaders told tens of thousands of supporters that the peace summit was "doomed to failure" and vowed that "whoever thinks we will recognize a Jewish state are deluding themselves." A smaller, West Bank...
'08 Looking Tougher for GOP
Washington Post
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Nov 27, 2007 7:47 PM CST
(Newser) -
A spate of retirements has made it much trickier for the GOP to bounce back from congressional losses in 2008, reports the Washington Post . Trent Lott's announcement yesterday means that 6 GOP senators and 17 House members are retiring, and many of their seats face serious Democratic challenges. The few retirements on the Democratic side are in non-competitive...
No Muslims in My Cabinet, Mitt Says
Politico
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Nov 27, 2007 7:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mitt Romney says he won't put a Muslim in his cabinet if he wins in 2008, because US demographics just don't justify it. "But of course, I would imagine that Muslims could serve at lower levels of my administration," he added, according to an op-ed piece by a Pakistani-American businessman who says he put the question to Mitt at a fundraiser...
Ex-Getty Curator Ducks Relic Charge
Los Angeles Times
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Nov 27, 2007 6:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
Greek judges cleared a former Getty Museum curator today of buying a looted golden wreath, the Los Angeles Times reports. They said the statute of limitations had ended on the charge that Marion True okayed purchasing the illegally dug up Greek artifact. But "at no stage of these proceedings was any proof of a crime presented by Greek prosecutors,"...
Peterson Lawyer Hails FBI Joining in Wife Search
Chicago Tribune
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Nov 27, 2007 6:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
Drew Peterson’s lawyer praised the arrival of FBI assistance in the search for Stacy Peterson, the ex-Chicago police sergeant’s missing fourth wife. "My hope is that this will move from the witch hunt that it has become and go back to a missing person case," Peterson’s lawyer told the Chicago Tribune .
Oilman Gets Year in Prison for Iraq Deal
Houston Chronicle
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Nov 27, 2007 5:51 PM CST
(Newser) -
A prominent Texas oilman will spend about a year in prison for paying off Saddam's regime to secure a big oil contract. Oscar Wyatt, 83, admitting violating the UN's oil-for-food program by paying a secret Iraqi surcharge of $200,000—essentially a bribe. A judge sentenced Wyatt to a year and a day, though he can get about 2 months off for good...
Climate Time Bomb Ticking, UN Says
Reuters
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Nov 27, 2007 5:42 PM CST
(Newser) -
Global warming will wreak devastation on economies and living standards around the world within 10 years unless nations take steps now to curb carbon emissions, a UN report warns. The report, the latest in a series of dire warnings from international agencies, is intended to spur action at next month's UN climate summit in Bali, Reuters reports.
Schools Ban Wikipedia
Seattle Times
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Nov 27, 2007 5:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
Wikipedia's so quick and easy—too easy, ruled a New Jersey school district, the latest of many to ban use of the popular online encyclopedia by its students and block it on school computers, fearing potentially erroneous information from the communally edited site will pollute minds and papers. “Kids just take it for gospel, they really...
The Shins Are In Demand—and Competing Ads
GigaOm
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Nov 27, 2007 5:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
You might not want it, but competing music-player advertisers are betting The Shins will change your mind, reports GigaOm blogger Chris Albrecht. The alt-rock band is currently featured in ads peddling both Apple's iPhone and Microsoft's Zune, leading the blogger to wonder which product the band actually uses.
Google Searches Green Energy
MarketWatch
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Nov 27, 2007 5:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
Google is making a huge financial push to replace coal with cleaner, cheaper renewable energy. The company says it will invest "tens of millions" in the search next year, starting with solar, wind, and geothermal technology, and hundreds of millions more in subsequent years, MarketWatch reports. The company says it can reach its goal “in...
Get The Best Tech for Your $$$
BusinessWeek
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Nov 27, 2007 5:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
Some technologies are worth it, others are a waste of your dime. BusinessWeek selects the most valuable for your small business: Increase your network bandwith. Set up remote access. Focus on a few key reports from your database system.
Does Judith Regan Have a Smoking Gun?
New York Observer
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Nov 27, 2007 5:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Axed publisher Judith Regan sees herself as “the prom queen who got tripped up by the vicious meanies at News Corp,” the New York Observer posits, but nobody who knows her underestimates Regan's skills as a fighter. Either she really does have damaging secrets about Rudy Giuliani behind her defamation and discrimination lawsuit, or she's...
General's Anti-War Turn Thrills Dems
Washington Post
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Nov 27, 2007 4:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Nancy Pelosi has made one of her strangest alliances yet with ousted Iraq commander Ricardo Sanchez, and their bring-the-troops-home alliance thrills Democratic leaders but baffles others, the Washington Post reports. Sanchez, forced to retire over the Abu Ghraib scandal, delivered last weekend’s Democratic radio address and blasted President...
When Life Gives You Grapefruits...
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 27, 2007 4:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Doctors have known for years that grapefruit juice can boost the effects of some drugs to toxic levels, but they're now purifying the compounds responsible to make weak medicines stronger. Florida researchers have used the extracts to pump up an anti-HIV drug, reports the Wall Street Journal. "This is definitely a lemons to lemonade story,"...
Dreams Come True for Enchanted Star
MTV
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Nov 27, 2007 4:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
Movie princess Amy Adams can't wait to see what happens after her fairy tale's "happily ever after" ending, she tells MTV. Her hit musical Enchanted pulled in $50 million over the Thanksgiving weekend and looks like an early awards favorite, meaning the the veteran actress-turned-overnight sensation's years in the background may be over.
Stocks Rebound After Correction
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 27, 2007 3:47 PM CST
(Newser) -
Stocks bounced back today after yesterday's correction with help from an injection of cash for Citigroup and lower oil prices. "The market isn't up on a cheerful consumer—it's oversold and looking to bounce," an analyst tells the Wall Street Journal . The Dow was up 215.00 to 12,958.44, the Nasdaq 39.81 to 2,580.80, and the S&P...
Verizon Opens Up Wireless Network
Wall Street Journal
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Nov 27, 2007 3:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
On the heels of Google's plans for an open-source wireless platform, Verizon Wireless has announced that it will open up its own network to any compatible phone and will allow access to third-party applications. Sprint is currently the only other major carrier using CDMA technology, and Verizon had been fiercely protective of its network, reports the...
Heirloom Harmonicas Head Overseas
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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Nov 27, 2007 3:15 PM CST
(Newser) -
The twin sons of the late entertainer Herb Shriner, after finding 400 antique harmonicas among their dad's effects, have a morale-boosting plan: They want to send them to US troops overseas, reports the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "It beats sending them tubas," said son Wil, the actor/director. "They're pretty easy to pick up and play."
