Newser Story Index from December, 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.
'Skins Steamroll Cowboys 27-6
Associated Press
|
Dec 30, 2007 9:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Cowboys have already clinched their top seed, so today's blowout loss to the determined Redskins won't influence Dallas's playoff schedule. It may affect egos, however: the Cowboys managed a single rushing yard and Tony Romo threw for just 86 yards and a pick, AP reports. Washington, on the other hand, was on its game.
Murder Earns Few Women Death Penalty
Seattle Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 9:33 PM CST
(Newser) -
With prosecutors still debating whether to seek the death penalty against Michele Anderson, charged in the murder of six members of her family on Christmas Eve, the Seattle Times looks at the odds that the Carnation, Wash., woman might actually be sentenced to death. Women rarely receive the death penalty, the paper finds, and in Washington state,...
Broncos Dash Vikings' Playoff Hopes in OT
Denver Post
|
Dec 30, 2007 9:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Broncos added the title of spoiler to their 7-9 record this season, as a 22-19 overtime win let Denver deny Minnesota any chance at a playoff berth, reports the Denver Post . Vikings quarterback Tavaris Jackson lost a fumble to an overtime sack, allowing the turnover that led to Jason Elam's game-winning field goal. In other season-enders:
Cards Clinch First Non- Losing Season Since 1998
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
|
Dec 30, 2007 9:05 PM CST
(Newser) -
Against the hapless Rams, the Cardinals clinched just their third non-losing season in the team's 20-year Arizona history. Kurt Warner paced the 48-19 rout with 300 yards and three touchdowns, two to Larry Fitzgerald, who finished with a fantasy-friendly 171 yards. Marc Bulger threw for just 176, two picks, and a score.
Moderates May Field Indie Candidate
Washington Post
|
Dec 30, 2007 8:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Michael Bloomberg may run in 2008 after all, if a bipartisan group of politicos fail to see progress from the major parties, the Washington Post reports. Bloomberg and a gaggle of figures, including former senators and governors, will meet next week in Oklahoma. They plan to demand that major presidential hopefuls reveal their scheme for a “government...
NY Seeks to Move Poverty Goal Post
New York Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 7:51 PM CST
(Newser) -
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, fed up with the circa-1960s definition of poverty used by Washington, is developing his own measure of deciding who is entitled to financial relief, the New York Times reports. Although Bloomberg’s plan aims to help New York City's poor, officials hope it will spark changes to poverty assessments nationwide.
Bhutto's Son Quietly Political at Oxford
Time
|
Dec 30, 2007 7:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari may be Benazir Bhutto's son, picked today to lead the Pakistan People's Party, but the 19-year-old is also still in school. Bilawal has been studying at Christ Church, Oxford, without security, often hiding his political identity but supporting his mother on his Facebook profile, Time reports. "He is a very sociable student...
Lions Mail it In, Get Whipped by Green Bay
Detroit Free Press
|
Dec 30, 2007 7:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
Green Bay played reserves for most of today's game against the Detroit Lions, a team the Packers have beaten every year at home since 1991. Brett Favre played long enough to throw a pair of TD passes in the 34-13 win. Detroit, reportedly planning to fire offensive coordinator Mike Martz, have lost seven of its final eight. Elsewhere:
Investors Uncork Wild Wine Prices
Washington Post
|
Dec 30, 2007 6:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Investors are uncorking a new area of speculation these days: fine wine. Thanks to the Internet, which has turned an elite hobby into a worldwide auction, prices are overflowing. Buyers can even throw money at vino investment funds and an electronic trading exchange based in London, which is up 39% this year, and behind oil by only seven points, the...
Pakistanis Recover After Riots
Associated Press
|
Dec 30, 2007 6:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Life limped to normal today in fire-blackened Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and the site of fierce rioting since last week’s killing of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. After three days of unrest that left at least 40 people dead across Sindh province, residents ventured out of their homes and found buildings burned, vehicles wrecked,...
Hester, Bears Knock Playoff Halo Off Saints
Chicago Tribune
|
Dec 30, 2007 6:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Chicago played spoiler for the second straight week, this time out-hustling New Orleans 33-25 despite gaining only 275 yards to the Saints' 413. The Bears' Devin Hester scored a record sixth kick return touchdown on the season and tacked on a TD reception in the win. Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke the NFL single-season completions record, nailing...
US Troops Rebuild With Old Enemies in Iraq
New York Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 5:23 PM CST
(Newser) -
Capt. Sean Miller keeps up an easy calm as he helps manage rebuilding efforts in Anbar province these days. But when an Iraqi contractor claimed he was promised money to bury Saddam's solders, the 32-year-old Marine captain lost it. "Those guys were trying to kill me,” Miller said. “You want me to pay to have them buried?” Such...
Off-Roaders, Greenies Spar Over Western Lands
New York Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 4:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Outdoor enthusiasts are bickering with the feds and each other over the use of federally owned lands in Colorado, Utah, and Montana, the New York Times reports. Off-roading fans of motorcycles, pick-ups, and ATVs are butting heads with quieter explorers who hike or ride horseback and want to preserve the landscape—and the federal government...
Treasure Shines Again
Variety
|
Dec 30, 2007 4:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
National Treasure: Book of Secrets shone in the top spot again this weekend as filmgoers kept flocking to the movies, Variety reports. Alvin and the Chipmunks crooned its way into second, humbling I Am Legend , as Mike Nichols-directed Charlie Wilson's War claimed fourth over Juno , an offbeat dramedy that nabbed fifth by soaring 201% over...
Bhutto's Death Just Pakistan's Latest Unsolved Mystery
Washington Post
|
Dec 30, 2007 3:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Moments after Benazir Bhutto was killed—whether by gun, bomb, or hitting her head on a sunroof—came another disturbing image. Workers hosed blood from the streets, washing away potential evidence, the Washington Post reports—and ensuring yet another whodunit to Pakistan's long list of unsolved political murders. "I thought,...
2007's Top 10 Scientific Findings
LiveScience
|
Dec 30, 2007 2:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
What were the most important scientific findings of 2007? LiveScience gives you the top 10: Climate change: The IPCC issued its strongest warning yet that humans are causing global warming. Arctic melting: Two studies found retreating arctic ice. Extreme weather: Global warming is contributing—specifically hurricanes and heat...
Obama Stealing New Hampshire Independents From McCain
Los Angeles Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 2:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
They gave John McCain the margin of victory in 2000, but this time around New Hampshire Independents are breaking from the Republican and toward Democrat Barack Obama, according to a Los Angeles Times /Bloomberg poll. As the Jan. 8 primary approaches, 61% on Independents say they are voting Democratic and more than twice as many back Obama as McCain.
Masses Wish Upon NYC Confetti
CNN
|
Dec 30, 2007 1:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
Your wishes for world peace, greater height, smarter bosses, and healthy children will float down on Times Square tomorrow night among more than a ton of confetti, reports the AP. For the first time, Times Square is collecting messages to be printed and mixed in with the 1 ton-plus of confetti that will be dropped on revelers.
CIA Tapes Were Made—and Destroyed—for PR
New York Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 1:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Concern over its image prompted the CIA to first secretly create—and later destroy—tapes depicting the harsh interrogation of detainees, the New York Times reports. In spring 2002 the agency decided to document every moment of senior al-Qaeda operative Abu Zubaydah's custody so that perceptions of mistreatment—by prosecutors, Congress,...
8 Secrets to Healthy Skin
New York Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 12:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
You can't fight getting older, but you can keep the signs of wear and tear, not to speak of stress, off your face with these tips from the New York Times beauty expert: Get rid of old beauty products after a year—pots and tubes can develop micro-organism communities Quit smoking—dermatologists have found it can add years...
'It's Now or Never,' Says Michelle Obama
Vanity Fair
|
Dec 30, 2007 12:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
Since Barack Obama hit the campaign trail, Michelle Obama has been flaunting her own brand of sarcasm and earnestness alongside his undeniable charisma. Now, with primary season imminent, she has stepped up her sense of urgency, too: "I am desperate for change—now," she recently told supporters. "We don’t have time to wait....
Kenyan Prez Kibaki Declared Victor, Sworn In
BBC
|
Dec 30, 2007 11:38 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kenya today declared President Mwai Kibaki the winner of Thursday's election, igniting riots in Nairobi as protesters accused the Kibaki government of election fraud and demanded a recount, reports the BBC. At least 10 people have been killed. Kibaki was sworn into a second 5-year term immediately after the announcement that he beat opposition leader...
Martial Arts Champ Takes on Ultimate Fight
Esquire
|
Dec 30, 2007 11:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Not unlike a real-life version of Soviet pain machine Ivan Drago in Rocky IV , Russian mixed martial arts fighter Fedor Emelianenko is, pound-for-pound, the world's best fighter, Esquire reports, and now he's set to give the MMA industry a run for its money. Or maybe his money. Emelianenko's decision to snub the Ultimate Fighting Championship for...
The Best Unsung Books of 2007
NPR
|
Dec 30, 2007 11:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
Looking for a read off the beaten path? NPR asks two literary bloggers—Laura Miller of Salon and Mark Sarvas of The Elegant Variation—for the best works, fictional or factual, that were overlooked by mainstream book-review sections in 2007. The Farther Shore, by Matthew Eck: "A new kind of military novel" Autonauts...
Heidi's Bling Banged With Copyright Suit
People
|
Dec 30, 2007 10:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Supermodel and "Project Runway" host Heidi Klum has been sued by a top jewelry manufacturer who claims her new line of bling is a clone of copyrighted designs, reports People . Van Cleef & Arpels argued in papers filed in Manhattan federal court earlier this month that Heidi's jewelry creates "confusion in the marketplace."
Iraqis Mark Saddam's Death
Reuters
|
Dec 30, 2007 9:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
"There is no life without the sun and no dignity without Saddam," read graffiti in the former Iraqi leader’s hometown of Tikrit today, the first anniversary of his execution. Small groups of mourners came to his tomb to praise Saddam Hussein’s accomplishments, reports Reuters, amid tightened security in anticipation of attacks...
Not So Bad for Dirt-Eaters to Dig In: Study
Der Spiegel
|
Dec 30, 2007 9:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
New research is giving new meaning to the term Mother Earth: Scientists say loam in the soil may provide vital protection against poisonous agents in the body. People around the world, especially pregnant women, have eaten dirt for hundreds of years. Now researchers have found that earth not only provides sustenance during famine but may cleanse tissue,...
Hillary Leads in Iowa; Huck, Mitt Neck-and-Neck
Reuters
|
Dec 30, 2007 8:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
With just four days left before Iowans gather to caucus, a Reuters/C-Span/Zogby poll released today found Hillary Clinton leads Barack Obama 31% to 27%, while GOP heavyweights Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are in a dead heat. Third-place Democratic contender John Edwards was running a strong 24%. Republican John McCain, who is focusing on New Hampshire,...
Bhutto Husband & Son Picked to Head Party
Reuters
|
Dec 30, 2007 8:16 AM CST
(Newser) -
As violence continued to flare in Pakistan following the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, officials indicated that Jan. 8 elections will likely be postponed six to eight weeks, Reuters reports. Officials from Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party, meanwhile, picked her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, and 19-year-old son, Bilawal,...
Not Such a Ruff Life: 3 Dogs Cash in on $800K Will
Associated Press
|
Dec 30, 2007 7:42 AM CST
(Newser) -
You dogs, you. Three happy Maryland pooches have a new leash on life now that their owner has died and left them assets worth $800,000. Buckshot, Katie, and Obu-Jet—a beagle and two Labrador mixes—were strays when their well-heeled owner adopted them in 2002. They currently spend their days lounging in their own home tended to by a personal...
Colombia Hostage Rescue Stalls
CNN
|
Dec 30, 2007 7:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
An expected hostage release negotiated by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez with Colombian leftist rebels failed to materialize yesterday, setting the stage for a more dramatic event today as Latin American politicians and diplomats—and Hollywood film director Oliver Stone—joined rescuers and officials waiting for the rebels' next move,...
Detroit Lions to Can Martz
Los Angeles Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 6:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Mike Martz, the mind behind the Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" early in this decade, will be fired as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions following their game today at Green Bay, reports the Los Angeles Times. While expected to turn the Lions into the same high-powered attack crew as that in St. Louis, Martz sees his current squad...
Record Industry Changes Tune on Copying CDs
Washington Post
|
Dec 30, 2007 6:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
The recording industry has argued in a court brief that individuals who copy music from CDs for personal use are breaking the law, the Washington Post reports. The claim by the Recording Industry Association of America is a dramatic rejection of what had long been considered a Fair Use right for consumers—and has driven the massive popularity...
Bin Laden: 'Blood for Blood'
Associated Press
|
Dec 30, 2007 5:54 AM CST
(Newser) -
Al-Qaeda terror chief Osama bin Laden denounced Sunnis supporting the US-backed Iraq government as “evil traitors,” and vowed to spread the group’s holy war to Israel, promising "blood for blood, destruction for destruction" in an online audiotape issued yesterday, AP reports. The message didn’t mention former prime...
Ovechkin, Caps Light It Up in Ottawa 8-6
Canadian Press
|
Dec 30, 2007 5:39 AM CST
(Newser) -
Alexander Ovechkin had a career-high four goals as the improving Washington Capitals surprised Eastern Conference leading Ottawa, 8-6. The Senators, whose three-game winning streak was ended, got three goals from Mike Fisher as they tried to rally during a third period in which seven goals were scored. Ovechkin has 30 goals on the season, second in...
Penn State Knocks Off A&M 24-17
Houston Chronicle
|
Dec 30, 2007 5:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Penn State fell behind early to Texas A&M, 14-0, but didn't abandon the running game. It's a good thing they didn't because they ended up with 270 yards on the ground and a 24-17 Alamo Bowl victory, reports the Houston Chronicle . The Aggies put up a strong game with defensive coordinator Gary Darnell acting as head coach after Dennis Franchione...
Obama Flexes Populist Muscle in Iowa
Los Angeles Times
|
Dec 30, 2007 5:18 AM CST
(Newser) -
Watch your back, John Edwards: Barack Obama is targeting your Iowa base of working-class voters. Folksy stump speeches have bolstered Edwards in the weeks leading up to Thursday’s caucuses—but now Obama hopes to catch some of that populist wave by shifting away from his mantra of bipartisanship, reports the Los Angeles Times .
Patriots Achieve Perfection
New York Times
|
Dec 29, 2007 11:51 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Giants didn't get the memo that their matchup with unbeaten New England was meaningless, as they put up a commendable fight in a 38-35 loss, reports The New York Times . The Patriots became the first team to finish the regular season undefeated since 1972, and also set several records in the process, including most points scored in one season.
Cell Tower Company Sues Impostor CEO
Reuters
|
Dec 29, 2007 11:49 PM CST
(Newser) -
Cellular infrastructure company American Tower Corp has sued Jide Zeitlin, the founder of one of its direct competitors, accusing him of impersonating its chief executive through an email sent to investors. Zeitlin allegedly provided Money magazine with negative reports regarding American Tower, later forwarding the published article online with the...
Pacers Can't Keep Up With Pistons, Again
Detroit News
|
Dec 29, 2007 11:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Pistons added a second straight win against the Pacers to their list of eight consecutive victories today, with a 98-92 game dominated by Richard Hamilton. Rip's 24 points augmented Chauncey Billups's 17, and Tayshaun Prince nailed all of his free throws to secure the win, reports the Detroit News . In other hoops action:
Miss. State Slips Past UCF 10-3
Orlando Sentinel
|
Dec 29, 2007 10:39 PM CST
(Newser) -
The UCF and Mississippi State punters got a lot of work today in what started out as the lowest-scoring Liberty Bowl in a half century, and ended up as a 10-3 victory for the Bulldogs. The defenses put in a solid day's work as well, with MSU holding Central Florida to 88 yards passing, and UCF doing even better, restricting MSU to 39 yards in the air,...
Wake Forest Recovers v. UConn
Daily Campus
|
Dec 29, 2007 9:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons put together a strong comeback against the Connecticut Huskies, scoring four times in the second half to secure a 24-10 win. Kenneth Moore took away the MVP honors for the Meineke Car Care Bowl, with his 11 catches adding 112 yards to quarterback Riley Skinner's 268 passing yards, the Daily Campus reports.
IBM Launches Social Mapping Biz Tool
MIT Technology Review
|
Dec 29, 2007 7:39 PM CST
(Newser) -
IBM has released a software tool named 'Atlas' that aims to track and analyze statistical relationships among individuals in a corporate setting, MIT Technology Review reports. Employees are given the opportunity to partake in business-adapted online practices—blogging, social grouping, bookmarking, organizing projects—and Atlas creates...
Crunch Time in Iowa: Rivals Step Up Attacks
Reuters
|
Dec 29, 2007 7:31 PM CST
(Newser) -
Presidential candidates blitzed through Iowa on the final weekend before next week's caucuses looking to lock up the all-important camp of undecided voters, Reuters reports. The Republican race continued to turn negative, with Romney going after both McCain and Huckabee in new ads, and both candidates striking back at him on the trail.
Bhutto's Will Names Son Successor
Newsweek
|
Dec 29, 2007 6:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
Benazir Bhutto instructed in her will that her son succeed her as leader of her political party, Newsweek reports. Because her son, Bilawal, is only 19, the will states that her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, act as a regent to him until he is old enough to lead by himself. Neither man, however, will replace Bhutto as the prime minister candidate for...
Parents Sue Doctors Over 'Dead' Son
Charlotte Observer
|
Dec 29, 2007 6:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
Larry Green had been in the morgue two hours before they noticed he was alive. Emergency responders couldn’t find Green’s pulse after he was hit by a car in 2005, so they bagged him up. Now his parents are suing. Had their son gotten treatment immediately, they contend, he wouldn’t have the permanent injuries he now suffers from,...
Studios Say Writers Out $151M So Far
Hollywood Reporter
|
Dec 29, 2007 6:02 PM CST
(Newser) -
As of Friday, Hollywood writers have lost more than they stand to gain—$151 million—in their eight-week strike for a new three-year deal, the studios allege in a video on their strike blog, the Hollywood Reporter reports. But the writers say the studios' current offer "would cause writers even more economic harm...than they claim...
Kenya Race Tightens; Riots Delay Count
BBC
|
Dec 29, 2007 5:44 PM CST
(Newser) -
Police had to restore order today at Kenya’s election commission as the presidential race tightened yet again and officials halted the count until tomorrow. Politicians on both sides scuffled and shouted accusations of election fraud as the once-hefty lead of opposition candidate Raila Odinga dropped to just 40,000 votes. Supporters on both sides...
Al-Qaeda In Iraq Down 75%, Baghdad Says
Associated Press
|
Dec 29, 2007 5:23 PM CST
(Newser) -
Al-Qaeda in Iraq is down 75%, one Baghdad official said today—but US Gen. David Petraeus maintained that al-Qaeda is still “the most significant challenge" facing the country. Maj. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf attributed the alleged al-Qaeda cut to beefed Iraq security, armed Sunni fighters, and the recent US troop surge.
Half of US Owns a Digital TV
Engadget
|
Dec 29, 2007 4:56 PM CST
(Newser) -
Digital TVs now grace 57 million US households—more than half the country—according to the Consumer Electronics Association. For glass-half-empty types, that means much of the country still isn’t ready for 2009, when TV will be digital only, Engadget reports. But the optimistic CEA is predicting big sales in 2008.
