Newser Story Index from June, 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.
Early Immunity to Chimp Virus Leaves Humans Open to HIV
Scientific American
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Jun 22, 2007 10:36 AM CDT
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Humans are more susceptible to HIV than other primates because our ancestors evolved a protein that could fight off a different retrovirus that infected chimps, says Scientific American . The most conspicuous difference between the chimpanzee genome sequenced in 2005 and the human one, says a Seattle virologist, was 130 copies of a retrovirus that...
Edwards Org Tested Meaning of ‘Charity’
New York Times
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Jun 22, 2007 9:50 AM CDT
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After the Kerry-Edwards loss in 2004, John Edwards launched two nonprofits, ostensibly to fight poverty—but one of them was devoted primarily to keeping Edwards himself in the public eye. The New York Times asks whether Edwards crossed a legal line, using the foundation, the Center for Promise and Opportunity, as a financial platform...
Oldest Kids Take Lead in Sibling Rivalry
New York Times
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Jun 22, 2007 9:29 AM CDT
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Big siblings have long suspected it, and now science backs them up: Oldest children have slightly higher IQs than younger kids. Family dynamics, not biological factors, account for the 3-point discrepancy, which holds up for children who become the oldest after the firstborn dies. That tiny gap may mean the difference between a "name" college...
KKR Joins IPO Party
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 22, 2007 9:05 AM CDT
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Corporate raiders Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. have announced an initial public offering , on the heels of a wildly successful $34B IPO by rival Blackstone yesterday. The mammoth LBO group, whose boss Henry Kravis maintains a well known rivalry with Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzmann, waited to make sure Blackstone swam before making the announcement.
Studios Tussle with Piracy
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 22, 2007 8:19 AM CDT
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Hollywood is scrambling to crack down after a recent spate of online movie piracy: Disney's "Ratatouille" and Michael Moore's "Sicko" have each surfaced on the net before theatrical release. Studios have been ramping up pre-release screenings to build buzz, which the Journal says makes it easier for camcorder-wielding pirates...
'08 May Be 3-Way Subway Series
Politico
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Jun 22, 2007 7:14 AM CDT
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It's the political equivalent of a subway series—the remote but real possibility of a presidential election that pits Hillary Clinton against Rudy Giuliani against Mike Bloomberg. The Politico reports that New York State's power brokers are salivating over the prospect as much as the city's media outlets. "I love it," says ex-GOP senator...
Legal Battle Looms Over Domestic Spy Documents
Reuters
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Jun 22, 2007 6:28 AM CDT
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A showdown on the White House's warantless wiretapping program looms after the Senate Judiciary Committee authorized subpoenas for documents on the progam, and the administration said it had no plans to comply, claiming the material is classified and off limits. The president may invoke executive privilege to prevent the documents' release, Reuters...
Blair to Convert to Catholicism
Guardian (UK)
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Jun 22, 2007 5:38 AM CDT
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Tony Blair is about to become a Roman Catholic, the Guardian reports. His wife is a practicing Catholic, his children were raised in the faith, and the PM has attended mass with them often. But political considerations have kept him officially Anglican all these years. With his last day in office next week, he's planning to come out of the religious...
White House Splits Over Closing Gitmo
Washington Post
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Jun 22, 2007 5:03 AM CDT
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President Bush is under mounting pressure to shut the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, but top aides remain deeply divided over the fate of 375 detainees there. Bush has said he wants to the close the prison, but WaPo reports senior officials including Dick Cheney are opposed to shipping detainees to the US where they'd have expanded rights.
Senate Passes Energy Bill
CNN
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Jun 22, 2007 5:00 AM CDT
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The Senate gave a green light to an energy plan that would pump total fuel-economy standards to 35 mpg by 2020, and require vehicles to run on 85% ethanol by 2015. Democrats say the bill will reduce America's reliance on foreign oil, help control gas prices and counteract the effects of global warming, while analysts say it's a blow to Detroit.
Bush Can't Pull off Crocs
Washington Post
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Jun 22, 2007 4:45 AM CDT
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Whether you think President Bush is stepping boldly into the future or trampling on civil liberties, these days he's doing it in an ugly pair of shoes. Cameras spotted Bush sporting black Crocs—those trendy, tacky, rubbery clogs with ventilation holes and a heel strap—proving, Robin Givhan argues, that at least the president's fashion sense...
Lebanese Claim Victory in Camp
Reuters
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Jun 22, 2007 4:38 AM CDT
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The Lebanese government has declared "mission accomplished" in its month-long battle against al-Qaeda-spawned militants in a Palestinian refugee camp. The siege left 166 dead and destroyed much of the Nahr al-Bared camp in northern Lebanon, in some of the worst fighting the country has seen since its 15-year-long civil war.
New Studies Give Hope to Parkinson's Patients
Reuters
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Jun 22, 2007 4:25 AM CDT
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Two new experimental treatments for Parkinson's could stop the progress of the devastating disease and allay its symptoms, researchers say. A new study shows gene therapy was successful in boosting production of an enzyme that calms overactive neurons, reducing the jittery effects of the brain disorder.
Missing: Five-Acre Lake
CNN
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Jun 22, 2007 4:25 AM CDT
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A 100-foot-deep lake in the Chilean Andes vanished sometime between March and May, and scientists are stumped. The best guess in the case of the missing body of water is that it drained through cracks in the lakebed, but geologists have no idea where those cracks, usually caused by earthquakes, could have come from.
Giambi Gives in to Steroids Meeting
New York Post
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Jun 22, 2007 4:00 AM CDT
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Yankees DH Jason Giambi acceded to a meeting with former Senate Majority Leader and steroids investigator George Mitchell, to discuss the power-hitter's possible use of performance-enhancing drugs. Giambi had initially balked at the official probe, but caved under pressure from Commissioner Bud Selig, who says the meeting will occur "promptly."
CIA Helped Devise Torture Tactics
Salon
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Jun 21, 2007 6:25 PM CDT
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The CIA apparently colluded with the US military to develop torture techniques for interrogating terrorist suspects, Salon reports. The program was based on methods originally designed to teach American special forces how to withstand abuse if captured. While the military's role in this "reverse engineering" had been previously exposed, the...
Egypt Will Host Mideast Summit
Reuters
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Jun 21, 2007 6:21 PM CDT
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Alarmed by the Hamas takeover in Gaza, Egypt will host a summit Monday, bringing together the Western-backed Palestinian president and the Israeli PM, along with Jordanian and Egyptian leaders, Reuters reports. The move is a show of support for the moderate Mamoud Abbas-led emergency government, and an effort to isolate Hamas, reports the AP.
ESTROGEN THERAPY GETS A REPRIEVE
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 21, 2007 6:09 PM CDT
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Estrogen replacement therapy was wrongly villified five years ago, when researchers told millions of post-menopausal women to stop taking it because it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a reanalysis of the same data shows. It was a false alarm, the Los Angeles Times reports. In fact, the new analysis says, it reduces heart risks.
Prince Charming Turns 25
CBS News
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Jun 21, 2007 5:05 PM CDT
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Prince William, the man who will be king, is about to get a whole lot richer. Today marks his 25th birthday, when he can start to collect his share of the $40 million left by his mother. It's also a time of reckoning, CBS News reports. William recently split with his longtime girlfriend and is about to end his military training,
Blackstone IPO Fetches $4.13B
Bloomberg
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Jun 21, 2007 5:05 PM CDT
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The Blackstone Group went public today, selling 133.3 million shares at $31 and raking in $4.13 billion, the largest American IPO since 2002. The keenly anticipated issue values the private equity firm, founded by Stephen Schwarzman 27 years ago with $400,000, at $33.5 billion; the price bodes well for other buyout specialists. KKR and Carlyle are...
Solstice Shines at Stonehenge
Associated Press
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Jun 21, 2007 4:02 PM CDT
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Spiritually inclined crowds converged on Stonehenge this morning to celebrate the summer solstice, greeting the dawn of the longest day of the year with dancing, drumming, and drinking. The mystical monument shone with floodlights and the glow of the rising sun as more than 20,000 druids, pagans, and other revelers frolicked about, some in cloaks and...
High Court Raises Bar for Investors' Suits
New York Times
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Jun 21, 2007 3:14 PM CDT
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Investors who accuse companies of fraud based on executives' misdeeds must show that they acted intentionally, the Supreme Court ruled today, making it easier for corporations to have shareholder lawsuits dismissed. The decision helps protect companies against frivolous suits by clarifying a 1995 law, the Times reports, but critics say the existing...
Teen Performs C-Section in Bid for Record
BBC
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Jun 21, 2007 2:21 PM CDT
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A 15-year-old in southern India performed a Cesarean section so he could make the Guinness Book of Records as the world's youngest surgeon, the BBC reports. The boy's parents, both doctors, supervised and videotaped the operation on a 20-year-old patient. They later claimed he'd only assisted in the birth.
GE, Pearson Bail on Bid for Dow Jones
Financial Times (UK)
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Jun 21, 2007 1:32 PM CDT
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General Electric and Pearson may yet work out an arrangement that takes advantage of their business-media assets, but their plans don't involve Dow Jones. The companies said today they won't pursue a deal with the Wall Street Journal publisher, brightening the outlook for News Corp.'s $5 billion offer, Pearson's Financial Times reports.
14 Troops Killed in 2 Days
Washington Post
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Jun 21, 2007 12:49 PM CDT
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Fourteen American troops have been killed in Iraq over the past 2 days, bringing the US death toll to 3,545, with 68 fatalities in June. In the deadliest recent attack, five troops died today after a roadside bomb detonated under their vehicle in northeastern Iraq. Commanders attribute the worsening situation in part to increased anti-insurgent efforts,...
ID Theft Targets Celeb Victim: Herman Munster
Associated Press
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Jun 21, 2007 12:20 PM CDT
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A fan of classic TV sitcoms apparently set a trap for an online identity thief—who fell for it hook, line, and remote control. A credit card number up for sale in an underground chat room that caters to crooks recently caught the attention of a security company monitor who suspected shenanigans because of the purported cardholder's name: "Herman...
Fatah Elements Exact Revenge
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 21, 2007 11:37 AM CDT
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In the week since Hamas staged an armed coup in Gaza, violent reprisals by Fatah-linked rivals have plagued the West Bank. Despite Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas' demands for peace, militants loyal to the PM's group have staged massive looting and kidnapping of the Hamas faithful, including both unarmed supporters and elected officials, the LA Times...
Iraqi PM in Trouble With Fellow Shiites
Washington Post
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Jun 21, 2007 10:45 AM CDT
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Disillusionment with PM Nouri al-Maliki is growing within the Iraqi government. Vice President Abdul Mahdi resigned last week--he was persuaded to stay, at least temporarily--and others may follow, the Washington Post reports. Discontent stems from Mailiki's apparent inability to curb violence, boost the economy and build power-sharing...
Australia Bans Alcohol, Porn in Aboriginal Areas
BBC
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Jun 21, 2007 9:59 AM CDT
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Australia will ban alcohol and pornography in some Aboriginal areas in an attempt to tackle widespread child sex abuse. A report last week blamed booze and poverty for the high levels of abuse in Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory. "Exceptional measures are required to deal with an exceptionally tragic situation," says...
Boeing, Airbus Firefight at Paris Air Show
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 21, 2007 9:18 AM CDT
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The battle between Boeing and Airbus soared to new levels of rancor this week at the Paris Air Show, where the companies are competing to supply the US Air Force with fuel tankers in a contract worth up to $40 billion. The open crossfire was unusual, the Wall Street Journal notes, for a defense industry in which rivals on one project are often...
iPhone Madness Has AT&T on High Alert
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 21, 2007 8:42 AM CDT
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Day-after-Thanksgiving shopping madness may look like a tea party compared to the day the iPhone goes on sale, and AT&T says it's ready for a record-breaking launch next Friday. The company is hiring 2,000 extra employees to deal with anticipated demand for the sexy new gadget, the Journal reports, and beefing up security at its stores.
Israel: Land of Milk and Honeys
Guardian (UK)
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Jun 21, 2007 8:01 AM CDT
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As if it didn't have anything else to do, the Israeli parliament is embroiled in a flap over an American skin mag. Maxim is about to publish an article on "the Women of the Israel Defense Force," featuring the Hebrew hotties in stages of undress some back home are calling unkosher.
US Eyes Blair as Mideast Envoy
Washington Post
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Jun 21, 2007 7:25 AM CDT
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Outgoing British PM Tony Blair may step into a new role as a Mideast envoy focusing on the development of a viable Palestinian state, the Washington Post reports. Blair would concentrate on economic and governance issues; he would represent the quartet of world players involved in Mideast peace efforts—the US, the UN, the EU and Russia.
Rosebud Wins...Again
American Film Institute
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Jun 21, 2007 7:16 AM CDT
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CITIZEN KANE THE GODFATHER CASABLANCA RAGING BULL SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
Sosa Slams No. 600
Chicago Tribune
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Jun 21, 2007 7:09 AM CDT
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Sammy Sosa homered for the 600th time last night, becoming just the fifth man to hit the storied mark. As the Texas Ranger rounded the bases in Arlington, the theme from "The Natural" played and the scoreboard pictured the other men who've reached the milestone—Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays.
US Goes One-on-One With N. Korea
New York Times
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Jun 21, 2007 6:37 AM CDT
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In a sudden reversal of White House strategy, envoy Christopher Hill has been dispatched to North Korea for direct talks on dismantling the nation's nuclear arsenal, the New York Times reports. The move came just hours after the US released $25 million in frozen North Korean funds that had stalled negotiations.
Hedge Fund Crisis Could Be 'Tip of Iceberg'
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 21, 2007 5:54 AM CDT
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The near-collapse of a $20 billion pair of hedge funds has left Wall Street jittery, though not yet in panic mode, the Journal reports. Speculation about the fate of the Bear Stearns funds rippled through yesterday's markets, where stocks and bonds dipped widely; news that banks were struggling to unload subprime-backed securities had traders biting...
Scientists Sweeten on Fruit Fuel
BBC
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Jun 21, 2007 4:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Simple sugars found in fruits like apples and oranges can be converted into a new type of bio-based car fuel that provides more energy than ethanol, the current hip gas alternative. US researchers say the dimethylfuran can store 40 percent more energy and is less volatile than its corn-based cousin, but its environmental impact is still unknown.
Texas Owner: Juan-Gone "Probably" Doped
Dallas Morning News
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Jun 21, 2007 4:35 AM CDT
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Texas owner Tom Hicks says he suspected slugger Juan Gonzalez had used steroids, judging from his body's early and expeditious breakdown. Hicks bemoaned his $24 million, two-year investment, which resulted in 152 games and 32 home runs during 2002-03. "We just gave that money away," he said.
AFI Updates Top Films, Doesn't Forget Rosebud
Reuters
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Jun 21, 2007 4:35 AM CDT
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Citizen Kane has stood the test of time—and then 10 more years. The American Film Institute refreshed its list of the 100 greatest American films, and Orson Welles' portrait of power and privacy remains on top. Rounding out the top 5 are The Godfather , Casablanca , Raging Bull (which surged from number 24) and Singin' In the Rain .
Gossip Site Faces Judge Over OJ Book
Associated Press
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Jun 21, 2007 4:22 AM CDT
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A judge will hear a motion to hold online scandal sheet TMZ in contempt for momentarily denuding the manuscript of OJ Simpson's veiled confession. The family of murder victim Ron Goldman owns the rights to If I Did It , in which Simpson delineates how he could have killed his ex-wife and Goldman, and is livid over the internet leak.
Yer Out ! Cubs Trade Barrett to Padres
Chicago Tribune
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Jun 21, 2007 4:21 AM CDT
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Fiery power-hitting catcher Michael Barrett is through in Chi-town, after he followed a genius 2006 campaign with a season marred by poor defense, erratic hitting, and a bloody feud with pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Cubs GM Jim Hendry denied that Barrett's off-field liveliness led to the trade, citing instead a need for defensive retooling.
Japan Renames Iwo Jima
Associated Press
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Jun 21, 2007 4:20 AM CDT
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Iwo Jima, the Japanese island that hosted one of the most horrific battles of World War II, is getting a new handle. The BBC reports the Japanese government is officially rechristening the island Iwo To, which was its name until 1944. Iwo Jima is best known for photographer Joe Rosenthal's iconic image of GIs raising the US flag on Mt. Suribachi during...
Mob Kills Passenger After Car Strikes Child
Associated Press
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Jun 21, 2007 4:20 AM CDT
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Police are hunting members of an angry mob that killed a man after the car he was riding in struck a child. Some 20 attackers beat David Morales to death just paces from his townhouse, as he attempted to defend the driver. Their car hit the child in a parking lot packed with revelers during a Juneteenth celebration in Austin, Texas.
'Sex' May Hit Silver Screen
Variety
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Jun 21, 2007 4:18 AM CDT
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This time it's definitely not TV—it's a movie. Variety is fueling already animated rumors that HBO mega-hit Sex and the City may spawn a feature film later this year. Former CEO Chris Albrecht, who left the network last month in disgrace, has reportedly been captaining the effort to translate Carrie and the gang to the big screen.
Americas' First Gun Victim Found in Peru
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 21, 2007 4:17 AM CDT
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The first gunshot victim in the Americas—an 16th century Inca warrior blasted in the back of the head by Spanish Conquistadors—has been discovered by archaeologists poring over the bones of 72 Incans killed in a 1536 uprising in Peru. The remains of the warriors were uncovered in a Lima suburb during road construction.
Rosie Wants to C'mon Down
New York Post
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Jun 21, 2007 4:13 AM CDT
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The Price is Right needs a new host and Rosie O'Donnell is interested. She's meeting with game show representatives this week and has given readers of her blog an insight into her stormy decision process, saying in one post she's be interested and in another that she might not be the right fit.
Pacman Faces Felony Charges in Go-Go Brawl
Associated Press
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Jun 21, 2007 4:00 AM CDT
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Talented-yet-troubled Tennessee defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones has been charged with two counts of coercion—a felony—in the February Vegas strip club fracas that left a bouncer paralyzed and got Jones suspended for the 2007-08 season. Jones stands accused of biting a bouncer's ankle and making death threats against club employees.
Mormon Faith Bedevils Romney Bid
ABC News
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Jun 20, 2007 9:56 PM CDT
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Mitt Romney is still having to explain and defend his religion on the campaign trail. In recent weeks, staffers for two GOP rivals sent out e-mails questioning Mormon beliefs (the candidates later apologized), notes ABC News. And Romney himself has had to battle misconceptions about his faith, especially with regard to polygamy, which the church banned...
Europe Seeks Mars Test Volunteers
BBC
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Jun 20, 2007 5:31 PM CDT
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The European Space Agency is recruiting 12 volunteers to spend 17 months living and working in a series of interconnected modules that simulate an inter-planetary mission to Mars. The 'spaceship' is 19,250 cubic feet and is located at the Russian Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow.
