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.
Late-Night Hosts May Defy Strike
Variety
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Dec 14, 2007 2:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
Late-night talk-show hosts are considering getting back on the air even as the writers' strike continues, Variety reports. Although Jay Leno, David Letterman, and others initially supported the strike, network sources say a breakdown in negotiations between writers and producers and late-night shows’ plunging ratings have the hosts planning...
Musharraf Puts Nukes Under His Control
BBC
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Dec 14, 2007 2:33 PM CST
(Newser) -
Pervez Musharraf moved today to put Pakistan’s nuclear weapons under the control of the president rather than the prime minister, the BBC reports. The ordinance comes amid concern from abroad about the safety of Pakistan's arsenal—termed "foolproof" by the country's military—and with parliamentary elections set for Jan....
They Won't Be Kung Fu Fighting
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 14, 2007 2:06 PM CST
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Monks of central China's Shaolin Temple, renowned for their kung fu abilities, will not attend a major martial arts competition to be held alongside next year's Beijing Olympics, citing the discipline's emphasis on qi , or spirit. Their withdrawal prompted jeers from secular fighters: “We are the best wushu competitors. The monks in the temple...
Al-Qaeda Rips Annapolis Talks
BBC
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Dec 14, 2007 1:43 PM CST
(Newser) -
Al Qaeda's second-in-command condemned the Arab attendees at last month's Annapolis peace conference in an internet audio file posted today, the BBC reports. In the recording, Ayman Al-Zawahiri says the Arab leaders at the talks, in which most Arab countries took part, "were present as false witnesses to the latest of the treacherous deals to...
New Breed of Billionaire Rises in Third World
New York Times
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Dec 14, 2007 1:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
A new type of billionaire with a philanthropic bent for social causes is emerging from once-poor nations such as Turkey, India, and Mexico, the New York Times reports. The billionaires, who generally made their money through investment in surging local markets, draw comparison to American titans of old such as Carnegie and Rockefeller, the Times...
Momentum Makes Obama the Leader
MSNBC
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Dec 14, 2007 1:04 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton’s double-digit lead in national polls is “meaningless,” says MSNBC’s Howard Fineman, and her campaign is in danger of collapse because the race’s direction—toward Barack Obama—is what matters. Black voters are waiting to see whether Obama can win over whites in Iowa and New Hampshire, Fineman...
Bush: Drugs 'Sullied' Baseball
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 12:34 PM CST
(Newser) -
Major League Baseball must take the Mitchell report seriously and put the era of steroids behind it, President Bush said today. The president, a former part-owner of the Texas Rangers, cautioned against a rush to judgment of the 85 players accused of doping in the report. “We can jump to this conclusion,” he said: “That steroids have...
Potty-Mouthed 'Santa' Letters Horrify Canada
Ottawa Citizen
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Dec 14, 2007 12:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
Letters from Santa distributed to at least 10 children in Ottawa are smearing the good name of jolly old St. Nick, the Citizen reports: They contain vulgar messages written by an unidentified “rogue elf.” The head of Canada Post says the country's postal service is "shocked and heartbroken" by the letters, which have shut down...
Campaign Ad Spending Sticks With Local TV, Ignores Web
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 14, 2007 11:46 AM CST
(Newser) -
This cycle's presidential candidates may have embraced grassroots web campaigns, but they have yet to spend significant sums on web advertising, the Wall Street Journal reports. Instead, they are sticking to local network television ads, which will account for 70% of an estimated $3 billion in advertising dollars. Evan Tracey, an advertising analyst,...
Diana's Letters Shed Light on Ties to Dodi
BBC
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Dec 14, 2007 11:18 AM CST
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Letters from Princess Diana to Dodi Al-Fayed produced at the inquest into the couple's 1997 deaths show that they were in a serious relationship, according to his father's lawyer. In one letter, Diana thanks "darling Dodi" for "bringing such heart-felt joy into this particular chick's life," the BBC reports.
Winter Is Here to Stay
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 10:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
In the wake of an ice storm that cut power to millions, the Midwest is bracing for a second, with a 2 to 6 inches of snow headed for Kansas and Oklahoma, reports the AP. For the half-million still without power and those in emergency shelters, the next hit could mean a longer wait out in the cold.
FCC Chief Won't Delay Media Vote
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 14, 2007 10:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
FCC chief Kevin Martin will push ahead with a vote next week to allow media companies to own a broadcasting station and newspaper in the same city, the Wall Street Journal reports. The move comes despite heavy criticism from senators who say he's rushing into a major policy change without enough study. The five-member FCC is expected to approve the...
Wii Remains Hottest Seller for Holidays
Reuters
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Dec 14, 2007 9:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Nintendo’s Wii remained the hottest-selling—and hardest to find—game console in the US in November as shoppers snapped up nearly 1 million units, Reuters reports. Shoppers desperate for holiday presents have been standing in line at stores more than 14 hours to get a crack at one, and paying double the $249 retail price on Craigslist...
Consumer Prices Jump Most in 2 Years
Bloomberg
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Dec 14, 2007 9:36 AM CST
(Newser) -
November’s consumer price index spiked 0.8%—the biggest rise since September 2005—as soaring energy costs pushed up prices on an array of goods and services. The increase, higher than the 0.6% anticipated, reignites inflation worries, causing experts to predict that further Fed rate cuts are unlikely, Bloomberg reports.
Fatah Official Kidnapped in Gaza
Guardian (UK)
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Dec 14, 2007 9:32 AM CST
(Newser) -
A top Fatah official was kidnapped by 30 gunmen of rival Palestinian faction Hamas, who ransacked his family home in Gaza early this morning and accused him of collaborating with Israel. Omar Al-Ghoul, adviser to the Palestinian prime minister appointed after Hamas seized control of the Strip, was in Gaza for his mother-in-law's funeral.
Greenspan: Odds Rising for Recession
NPR
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Dec 14, 2007 9:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
Alan Greenspan warned yesterday that sluggish economic growth is increasing the risk of recession. "It's too soon to say, but the odds are clearly rising," the former Fed chief told NPR. The subprime crisis and its resulting credit turmoil has growth "getting close to stall speed," he said.
Smith Carries Legend
Metacritic
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Dec 14, 2007 8:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
I Am Legend , a tale of the last man on Earth, who, through some freak of immunity, avoids a killer virus, isn't a perfect film. But despite its lack of surprises and its ending, which feels like "a studio-sanctioned reshoot," writes Chicago Tribune critic Michael Phillips, "you’re willing to cut the movie a break."
Palm Lays Off 10% of Workforce
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 8:12 AM CST
(Newser) -
Palm, the struggling maker of the Treo smart phone, laid off more than 100 of its 1,150 worldwide employees this week as part of an expense-cutting restructuring. The company, facing stiffening competition, has compounded its recent woes with product launch delays and the September cancellation of the Foleo portable computer, AP reports.
Billboard Names 'Daughtry' the Year's #1 Album
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 7:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
Billboard has declared "American Idol" alum Chris Daughtry the year's most popular artist, thanks to "Daughtry," his band's debut album, which has sold 3.2 million copies. Akon took second place with "Konvicted," which sold 2.7 million. Beyonce had the No. 1 single, "Irreplaceable," and the Police's reunion tour...
Writers Guild Files Complaint Against Studios
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 7:30 AM CST
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Striking Hollywood writers, charging that studios acted illegally when they broke off negotiations Dec. 7, yesterday filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The goal is to force producers back to the table, reports the AP, but experts say it could backfire, shutting down any back-channel talks that could...
Citigroup to Bail Out Struggling $49B SIVs
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 14, 2007 7:20 AM CST
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Citigroup will take over seven subprime-plagued investment funds, with $49 billion in assets, and provide emergency support if necessary, to keep them solvent, the Wall Street Journal reports. The decision yesterday to bail out its affiliated SIVs—structured-investment vehicles—is a reversal of Citi's earlier decision to keep them off...
Iraq Watchdog Gets His Own Probe
Washington Post
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Dec 14, 2007 6:42 AM CST
(Newser) -
The tables have turned on the federal watchdog who has spent the past four years investigating waste and fraud in Iraq—he's now the target of an FBI probe of his own alleged overspending and mismanagement. Former employees claim that Inspector General Stuart Brown paid some employees inflated six-figure overtime, misused taxpayer funds, and snooped...
Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Go!
CBS News
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Dec 14, 2007 5:08 AM CST
(Newser) -
The US military, whose resources are stretched overseas, has become far more tolerant of gays. One Army sergeant turned over a video of a passionate kiss with his boyfriend to superior officers and was merely told to go back to work, according to a "60 Minutes" investigation to be aired Sunday. "I don't care if you're gay or not,"...
Devils to Pay: Bruins' Woes at Home Continue
Boston Herald
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Dec 14, 2007 4:55 AM CST
(Newser) -
"It's unfortunate for our fans that they probably haven't had a chance to see us at our best," said Boston coach Claude Julien after a 3-1 Devils' victory, the Boston Herald reports. The words carried a double meaning last night, with snow impeding attendance, and the Bruins continuing their losing ways at home, despite success on the road.
US Pleads for Help in Afghanistan
BBC
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Dec 14, 2007 4:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates yesterday pleaded with NATO allies to play a bigger combat role in Afghanistan. "I would like for all of the allies to be involved in a comprehensive strategy," Gates said at a NATO meeting in Edinburgh. Violence in Afghanistan has increased sharply in recent months as the Taliban has pressed several attacks.
Argentine Prez Campaign Cash Tied to Chavez
Guardian (UK)
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Dec 14, 2007 4:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
US prosecutors are accusing the Hugo Chavez government of sneaking donations to the election campaign of new Argentine President Cristina Kirchner, writes the Guardian . A suitcase filled with $800,000, seized at Buenos Aires airport , was on its way from Caracas to Kirchner, one of the men involved in the delivery says. Kirchner angrily denied the...
Pirate Ahoy! Capt. Kidd's Ship Found in Caribbean
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 4:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
An American underwater archaeology team has found what's believed to be the remains of a ship piloted by notorious buccaneer Captain William Kidd. Indiana University researchers discovered cannons and anchors off a tiny Caribbean island in just ten feet of water, which they believe belong to the Quedagh Merchant , a ship Kidd abandoned in 1699 to...
Study: Many Can Safely Skip Chemo for Breast Cancer
Associated Press
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Dec 14, 2007 4:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
Thousands of breast cancer patients could be spared the misery and expense of chemotherapy, or at least get a milder regimen than what's usually prescribed, according to a new study. A new genetic test that predicts women's risk of recurrence shows that up to 40% of patients with early stage breast cancer could safely skip chemotherapy.
Gas Limits Dumped to Assuage US in Bali Talks
Reuters
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Dec 14, 2007 3:47 AM CST
(Newser) -
Negotiators at the UN climate conference in Bali eased off goals to limit emissions of greenhouse gases today in an attempt to overcome US opposition, Reuters reports. The compromise draft has removed a specific target of cutting emissions by 25 to 40% by 2020. The Indonesian hosts are hoping softer language will lead to an agreement, but talks may...
Bungled Europe Bombings Linked to Iraq Al-Qaeda
New York Times
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Dec 14, 2007 3:09 AM CST
(Newser) -
Terrorist plotters behind bungled bombings in London and Glasgow six months ago have been linked to an al-Qaeda group in Iraq. The bombings are the first attacks attempted by the group Al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia outside the Mideast, reports the New York Times . The plotters drove a vehicle packed with gas cannisters into a Glasgow airport terminal, causing...
Clemens Says It Ain't So
Houston Chronicle
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Dec 14, 2007 2:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
The attorney for Roger Clemens says the Hall-of-Famer is outraged that he was named in yesterday's report on steroid use in baseball, the Houston Chronicle reports. "There has never been one shred of tangible evidence that he ever used these substances, and yet he is being slandered today," said the lawyer.
Kobe, Lakers Beat Short-Handed Spurs
ESPN
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Dec 14, 2007 1:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
Missing both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker due to ankle injuries, the Spurs still managed to put up a fight against the Lakers, before succumbing, 102-97. Kobe led Los Angeles with 30 points, saving the Lakers from a sluggish start against the Spurs' balanced attack, led by Bruce Bowen's 22 points, just two shy of his career best.
Texans Triumph Over Broncos
Denver Post
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Dec 14, 2007 12:09 AM CST
(Newser) -
Despite making it close late in the third quarter, the master had no answer for his pupils, as the Texans toppled the Broncos last night, 31-13, the Denver Post reports. The game pitted Broncos' head coach Mike Shanahan against not only his former offensive coordinator--Texans' coach Gary Kubiak--but also his son, Kyle Shanahan, who is Houston's...
Research Notes Make Internet History
Ars Technica
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Dec 14, 2007 12:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Center for New History and Media has received a big grant to help store the raw material of academic research as part of its Internet Archive project, Ars Technica reports. Director Dan Cohen wants to help the academic world by making it easy for scholars to make their research notes and documents available to each other.
Price Shines as Canadiens Beat Flyers
Associated Press
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Dec 13, 2007 11:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
Montreal ended a two-game losing streak last night with a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia, the AP reports. Rookie goaltender Carey Price, the Canadiens' first pick in the 2005 draft, had 29 saves, filling in for injured Cristobal Huet. Mark Streit had two goals for Montreal, and Mike Knuble was responsible for the lone Flyers' score. In other NHL action:
Oilers Cool Off Hot Wings
Associated Press
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Dec 13, 2007 11:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
Despite being outshot by a woeful margin, gutsy Edmonton halted Detroit's second seven-game win streak of the season in a 4-3 shootout. Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson had to make 39 saves, compared with opposite number Dominik Hasek's paltry 22. Once at the one-on-one stage, Ales Hemsky shot the winner, giving him two goals on the day.
Spezza, Heatley Send Streaking Sens Past Pens
Associated Press
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Dec 13, 2007 11:06 PM CST
(Newser) -
Ottawa's Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley piled on a familiar victim, each scoring twice against Pittsburgh in a 4-1 win. Spezza also assisted on Heatley's goals. The Senators ended a triumphant roadtrip in style, finishing with a 4-0-1 record; the Penguins continued to stumble after winning seven of a recent eight. In other hockey excitement:
Fish Farming Wiping Out Wild Salmon
Washington Post
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Dec 13, 2007 11:01 PM CST
(Newser) -
Fish farming could drive some species of wild salmon to extinction, a new study says. Canadian researchers found a direct connection between the growth of such farms in British Columbia and a sharp drop in wild salmon nearby, the Washington Post reports. They attribute the problem to deadly sea lice that thrives in the farms, then spreads to wild...
Peterson Wife, Storage Bins Vanished at Same Time
ABC News
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Dec 13, 2007 10:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Two large blue storage containers bought by Drew Peterson disappeared from his garage after his wife went missing, says one of Peterson's close friends. Rick Mims told a grand jury last week that he and Peterson bought the containers from AmeriCable, where they worked in 2003, ABC News reports. Mims also turned over photos of the containers, obtained...
LA Cops to Arrest 5 in Malibu Wildfire
Los Angeles Times
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Dec 13, 2007 9:27 PM CST
(Newser) -
Arson investigators in LA plan to arrest five young men who they say accidentally set the Malibu wildfire that destroyed scores of ritzy homes over Thanksgiving weekend, the LA Times reports. The men, ages 18 to 27, were having an illegal campfire in a restricted area when they triggered the larger blaze. They could face up to 10 years in prison.
Collective Funk Settles on Italy
New York Times
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Dec 13, 2007 8:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
Italy is in a bad mood, and people from Venice to Naples are worried the current “malessere”—or “malaise—will never lift. On the heels of a Cambridge poll showing Italians to be the unhappiest folks in Europe, Ian Fisher of the New York Times finds a nation whose low-tech charms are wearing thin and whose inhabitants...
Storm Gives Northeast First Blast of Winter
Associated Press
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Dec 13, 2007 8:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
The deadly storm that shut down much of the Midwest is now giving the Northeast its first major taste of winter, the AP reports. Heavy snow snarled roads and airports in Boston, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Forecasters say some areas could get up to a foot of snow by morning, while others will deal with the mess of freezing rain and sleet. Meanwhile,...
Green Tech Boosts Heartland
CNET
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Dec 13, 2007 8:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
Green-tech venture capital is still concentrated in coastal urban centers, but middle America is catching up. Silicon Valley, Massachusetts, and Washington state are among the top five hotspots, but so is Texas and the nation's agricultural heartland, reports CNET, which tracked the money fueling startups and university research.
Fast Food: The Healthy Alternative*
Reason Magazine
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Dec 13, 2007 7:37 PM CST
(Newser) -
Don't blame McDonald's for America's obesity problem—in fact, thank it for providing a relatively healthy alternative to the even-fattier fare of "dives and diners," which offer delicacies like the "10-Storey Challenge Burger" and 72-ounce steaks, writes Greg Beato in Reason Magazine . Despite the graver health crimes of...
Senate OKs New Fuel Standards
Associated Press
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Dec 13, 2007 7:05 PM CST
(Newser) -
A bill that will require better fuel mileage for automobiles passed the Senate today after majority Democrats dropped billions in taxes on oil companies, the AP reports. The bill, which Republicans said won't be vetoed if, as expected, it passes the House next week, would force cars, light trucks, and SUVs to get an average of 35 mpg by 2020.
NJ on Verge of Abolishing Death Penalty
Associated Press
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Dec 13, 2007 6:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
New Jersey's state assembly passed a bill today to abolish the death penalty, and Gov. Jon Corzine says he'll sign it into law within a week, the AP reports. Proponents of the bill, mainly Democrats, say the death penalty costs more than life imprisonment and can claim innocent victims; Republicans say the bill denies justice to families of murder...
Bloomberg's Shadow Candidacy
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 13, 2007 6:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
New York mayor Michael Bloomberg is still considering a presidential run, encouraged by recent rough stretches for the front-runners in both parties, the Wall Street Journal reports. He’ll decide after primary season, but sources say Hizzoner is encouraged by congressional gridlock, which may endear voters to his nonpartisan message, and rising...
Hey, Before You Hit Your Office Holiday Party, Click Here!
Newsweek
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Dec 13, 2007 6:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
If the dangers of drunkenness don’t deter you from revelry this holiday season, maybe the agony of a hangover should, Newsweek reports. Some experts call the morning-after malaise “a mini-withdrawal” similar to a recovering alcoholic’s; others say it’s the work of chemicals left over from the liver’s breakdown...
America the Beautiful: UK Women Lag in Grooming
Times (UK)
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Dec 13, 2007 5:37 PM CST
(Newser) -
British women could stand to take a few pointers from their American counterparts when it comes to the fine art of grooming, complains Tad Safran in the Times . The single-and-looking screenwriter, who splits time between London and LA, says it's no competition. American women follow "obligatory beauty maintenance"—exercise, manicures,...
Hillary Aide Out Over Obama Drug Comments
Boston Globe
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Dec 13, 2007 5:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Bill Shaheen, Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire campaign co-chairman, resigned today over his remarks that rival Democratic candidate Barack Obama’s teenage drug use could leave him vulnerable to Republican attacks in a general election, the Boston Globe reports. Clinton apologized personally to Obama for Shaheen’s remarks at Reagan National...
