Newser Story Index from July, 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.
XM, Sirius Say Post-Merger Prices Will Fall
CNN
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Jul 23, 2007 3:55 PM CDT
(Newser) -
In an attempt to lower resistance to their proposed merger, satellite radio providers Sirius and XM unveiled new pricing plans today that they say will cut subscription prices by 46%. The plans, which start at $6.99 as opposed to the current $12.95 per month standard price, also allow listeners to select channels to add a la carte.
Blair Debuts as Mideast Envoy
Reuters
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Jul 23, 2007 3:12 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Less than a month after vacating 10 Downing, Tony Blair jumped into his new role as Mideast peace envoy today, meeting Jordanian and Israeli leaders in Jerusalem. Tomorrow he sits down with Palestinian PM Mahmoud Abbas, and Wednesday with Israeli PM Ehud Olmert. Blair remains upbeat in the face of what many have dubbed Mission Impossible,...
Pentagon Destroys Surplus Goods
Time
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Jul 23, 2007 2:21 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Pentagon is scrapping millions of dollars of gear it has traditionally resold to surplus dealers, Time reports. The army claims that sorting passels of helmets, boots, and sleeping bags is too onerous, while suppliers are concerned the move is the vestige of an effort to keep old jet parts out of Iranian hands.
US Firms Fund Colombian Terror Groups
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 23, 2007 1:30 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Business as usual for US multinationals in Colombia involves paying off paramilitaries and guerrillas, a practice that offers "insurance" against violence—and violates US law. The LA Times looks at the tension between protecting economic investments and essentially if not directly foiling counterterrorism efforts, a conflict that...
Hillary Preps for Trail Trouble From Brothers
New Republic
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Jul 23, 2007 12:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton’s kid brother, long considered a campaign liability, is in fresh trouble: Bankrupt carnival owners who received 2000 presidential pardons are suing Tony Rodham for the repayment of loans made to him around the time of his brother-in-law's clemency. The N ew Republic reports Tony is still campaigning for the senator, which could...
Barclays Bid Gets Backing From the East
BBC
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Jul 23, 2007 12:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Chinese and Singaporean governments have invested almost $5 billion in Barclays, helping the firm float more cash for its bid for ABN. The state-run companies would invest even more if the bid succeeds, which would leave the Chinese state with a holding of 7.7% of the world's new largest bank.
Flying in Style: 10 Best Business Classes
BusinessWeek
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Jul 23, 2007 11:38 AM CDT
(Newser) -
With amenities like fully reclining seats, foot-massage parlors, and food that defies even the highest-flying expectations, airline business classes are more like mobile spas then just a way to get from point A to point B. BusinessWeek gives you the 10 best. Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific Qatar Airways Malaysia Airlines...
Draft Won’t Solve Army’s Problems
Time
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Jul 23, 2007 11:04 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Despite calls for a draft to "fix" the ailing US Army, it would be less efficient financially and less effective on the ground than the volunteer Army, a new study concludes. A Congressional Budget Office paper, reported in Time, says draftees make for less well-trained soldiers because they stay less time in uniform; training costs...
Loophole Lets Candidates Double Dip
Washington Post
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Jul 23, 2007 10:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A campaign finance loophole is allowing candidates to supplement funding of their presidential runs with cash raised for their current offices and PACs, the Washington Post reports. While barred from putting that money directly to presidential purposes, candidates have so far used it to pay salaries, organize local support, and donate to state allies,...
Scientists Rethink the Bonobo
New Yorker
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Jul 23, 2007 10:02 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Bonobos—the chimp cousins revered by generations of naturalists for their peaceful, playful, apparently even eco-conscious attitudes—may not be quite as groovy as we've been led to believe. Much of the cult of bonobo has been built around data from animals in captivity, where, as one scientist says, "What is there to do except eat...
House Dems Call for Expanded Health Care Bill
New York Times
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Jul 23, 2007 9:29 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Senate reached a rare bipartisan agreement to beef up insurance coverage for low-income kids, and now House Democrats are proposing a health care plan with an even wider scope. Their plan yokes the children's coverage to big changes in Medicare, and is sure to heat up the confrontation between the White House and Congress over health care, the...
'Islamic Rage Boy' Defies Cartoon
Guardian (UK)
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Jul 23, 2007 8:56 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Islamic radical whose wild-eyed fury inspired the internet cartoon "Islamic Rage Boy" tells the Guardian he's undeterred by Western ridicule and vows to continue his work. Images of Kashmiri activist Shakeel Ahmad Bhat, used by American bloggers to lampoon Muslim extremism, have been applied to merchandise from tee-shirts...
Taliban Ups Demands for 23 Korean Hostages
Associated Press
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Jul 23, 2007 8:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Taliban militants holding 23 Korean aid workers hostage increased their demands today, insisting that the government release all insurgent prisoners in the province, according to a kidnap spokesman. The militants threatened to kill the hostages if a response isn't forthcoming by 10:30 a.m. EDT, the AP reports.
Dems Prep For YouTube Debate
Hollywood Reporter
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Jul 23, 2007 7:55 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Democrats vying for the 2008 presidential nomination are readying to face a media force that didn't even exist in 2004: YouTube. The video sharing site is teaming with CNN to host a debate for the eight contenders in South Carolina tonight, in which questions will be posed by ordinary Americans with a webcam, an uplink and political curiosity.
Last King of Afghanistan Dead at 92
BBC
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Jul 23, 2007 7:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The former king of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, has died at the age of 92. Zahir Shah's 40-year reign ended along with the Afghan monarchy in a 1973 coup, and many Afghans have come to look back at the period as a time of peace, prosperity, and modernization. After living in exile in Italy for 29 years, the former king returned his homeland in 2002.
Idaho Blaze Threatens AF Base
CNN
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Jul 23, 2007 7:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A monster wildfire in Idaho threatens 7,500 homes and and an Air Force training range. The 880-square-mile blaze was formed when two other large wildfires combined, and has grown by 200 square miles in the last 24 hours. No one has been seriously hurt, but evacuations are still in effect and the fire has only been 15% contained.
Crikey! Croc Hunter Honored With Reserve
Sydney Morning Herald
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Jul 23, 2007 7:14 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The late croc hunter Steve Irwin will be remembered with a new wildlife reserve in the Australian Outback established in his honor, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The 135,000 hectares filled with endangered animals and dotted by fragile ecosystems, purchased by the government for $6 million, will be managed by Irwin's family.
At 42, Hopkins Is Still Champ
ESPN
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Jul 23, 2007 6:54 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A 42-year-old Bernard Hopkins successfully defended his light heavyweight title against Winky Wright last night, taking the Vegas bout in a unanimous decision. It was a grueling return for Hopkins, who'd retired last year after grabbing the crown from Antonio Tarver. Though warned for one too many accidental head butts, Hopkins was never docked a point,...
Democrats Winning Money Race
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 23, 2007 6:43 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Democrats are trouncing Republicans in the fundraising race leading up to 2008, raking in $100 million more in contributions for their presidential and congressional campaigns, the Journal reports. The trend puts the Democrats on track to outspend the GOP in a general election for the first time since records were kept 30 years ago.
NBC Angles to Keep Leno After Tonight
Variety
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Jul 23, 2007 6:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
As Jay Leno nears his final Tonight Show in 2009, NBC is scrambling to keep the late night king at the network and away from rivals ABC and Fox. Peacock execs have pitched a prime time variety show, miscellaneous work on NBC's cable channels, and a showcase of Jay-on-demand through cable or online, Variety reports.
Japan's Defense Force Goes on the Offense
New York Times
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Jul 23, 2007 6:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Japan has been chipping away at a post-war rule that it's Self-Defense Force can only act, well, defensively. Tokyo recently completed a live-bomb training run on a small island near Guam, the Times reports, stirring tremors among its wary neighbors, but drawing support from a US eager for a powerful ally in the War on Terror.
Barclays Selling Stake to Fund Bank Battle
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 23, 2007 5:56 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barclays Bank is poised to sell a significant piece of itself to fund its bitterly contested takeover battle for Dutch bank ABN Amro, the Wall Street Journal reports. Barclays is close to a deal with Singapore's government-owned investment firm Temasek Holdings and another investor. A 10% stake is worth up to $9.6 billion.
Lester Will Pitch for Boston
Boston Herald
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Jul 23, 2007 5:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Boston will send left-hander Jon Lester to the mound against Cleveland tonight, marking the 23-year-old's first outing since being diagnosed with cancer last year. "I don't think it really has sunken in," said Lester, who put up a 3.89 ERA in his 14 games with Pawtucket this year. Manager Terry Francona said the move will send struggling...
'24' Will Elect Female Prez in '08
Associated Press
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Jul 23, 2007 5:09 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The United States will have a female president next year—and on Fox, no less. The political thriller "24" will feature Tony Award-winning actress Cherry Jones as President Allison Taylor when the seventh season of Jack Bauer's technological derring-do kicks off in January.
Mets Top LA in Extra Innings
New York Times
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Jul 23, 2007 4:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Mets bested the Dodgers last night, squeezing out a 5-4 comeback in extra innings. After LA closer Jonathan Broxton surrendered the lead late, New York sub Chip Ambres recorded the winning RBI in the tenth, and Billy Wagner booked his 22nd save to seal a 4-3 series edge for New York.
US, Tehran to Hold Fresh Talks
Washington Post
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Jul 23, 2007 4:43 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The US and Iran will hold further talks on Iraq beginning tomorrow—despite new accusations the Iranians are arming and abetting Iraqi insurgents. The talks were announced by Iran's foreign minister yesterday just hours after two men linked to Iran were arrested near Baghdad for smuggling EFPs—the armor-penetrating bombs targeted at US soldiers.
Contador Surges to Lead Tour's 14th Stage
New York Times
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Jul 23, 2007 4:29 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Tour de France leader MIchael Rasmussen was bested in Stage 14 in the Pyrenees yesterday by 24-year old Alberto Contador of Spain. After a grueling 122.4-mile slog through the mountains, the two men emerged almost 2 minutes ahead of the field, with the Netherlands' Rasmussen, 33, still holding a 2-minute-33-second overall lead over Contador.
Odile Crick Dies at 86
Washington Post
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Jul 23, 2007 4:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Odile Crick, who made the first published sketch of double-helix structure of DNA, died July 5th in La Jolla, CA, at age 86. She was the wife of Francis Crick, who together with James Watson discovered the structure of DNA. Odile Crick's drawing first appeared with her husband's article in the April, 1953, issue of Nature .
Potter Spell Smashes Records in First-Day Sales
New York Times
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Jul 23, 2007 3:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The internet leaks don't seem to have weakened any of the boy wizard's magic: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" sold a record-breaking 8.3 million copies in its first 24 hours on sale Saturday. The 7th and final installment in the series bested the 6th, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” which sold 6.9 million...
Turkish Elections Boost PM
Reuters
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Jul 22, 2007 6:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Turkey’s ruling party dominated parliamentary elections today despite its perceived threat to the nation’s entrenched secularism. The elections were moved up after the secular opposition foiled PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan's attempt to install an ex-Islamist ally as president. The results, seen as a mandate for the AKP, also raise the risk of...
'Chuck and Larry' Parry 'Harry'
Variety
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Jul 22, 2007 5:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Adam Sandler and Kevin James drew millions of movie fans to their fake wedding this weekend as fans of fantasy fiction curled up with a good book. Gay-marriage comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry dominated the weekend box office, raking in $34.8 million to edge out Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ($32.2 million).
Musharraf Faces Bumpy Road to Re-Election
Times (UK)
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Jul 22, 2007 5:24 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Pervez Musharraf is facing yet another hurdle: Benazir Bhutto says she will return to Pakistan to challenge his plans for another presidential term. The exiled ex-PM tells the Sunday Times she is considering abandoning talks with the increasingly unpopular Musharraf, embarrassed last week after the country's Supreme Court reinstated the chief justice,...
The 1,000 Essential Films
Guardian (UK)
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Jul 22, 2007 4:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Guardian isn't messing around with top 10 lists or top 100 countdowns—it sifted through the million-plus listings in the IMDb to come up with "1,000 films to see before you die." The list is alphabetical, creating some hilarious juxtapositions and an opportunity to present the first listing under each of five important letters.
Spain Has a Taste for Immortality
Der Spiegel
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Jul 22, 2007 4:16 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Great Barrier Reef and the Taj Mahal may have to make room on the UN's World Heritage list for ... sangria. Spain's culture minister wants Mediterranean cuisine added to UNESCO's list of humankind's treasures, and he may get his way, Der Spiegel reports—Portugal, which currently holds the EU presidency, supports the idea.
Harrington Wins British Open
Golf.com
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Jul 22, 2007 2:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Ireland's Padraig Harrington became the first European to win the British Open since 1999 today, shooting a 4-under 67 in the final round to force a four-hole playoff with Spain's Sergio Garcia. In one of the tightest finishes the unforgiving Carnoustie Links has ever seen, Harrington hit twice into the Barry Burn on 18 to blow a one-stroke lead over...
What CEOs Read Before They Lead
New York Times
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Jul 22, 2007 1:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Scanning the personal libraries of CEOs, tech gurus and venture geniuses reveals not only what they read but how they think, the Times reports. The well-heeled have taken to housing their exorbitant collections in luxurious, custom-built, private spaces. And if you read between the lines, the literature tends to reflect the collector.
Religious Pilgrims Perish in Bus Crash
Times (UK)
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Jul 22, 2007 12:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Twenty-six people died and 24 were injured today when a bus carrying religious pilgrims plunged off a bridge in the French Alps. Forty-nine Polish nationals and two drivers were on a tour of European Roman Catholic shrines when their coach slammed through a wall onto a riverbank and burst into flames, the Times of London reports.
Ambassador Asks US to Issue Visas to Iraqi Workers
Washington Post
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Jul 22, 2007 11:35 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Fearing for the safety of locals employed by the American government in Iraq, the US ambassador wants the administration to issue them immigrant visas. Ryan Crocker's unusual request spotlights competing pressures, the Washington Post reports: the danger to Iraqis perceived as aiding the occupiers, the worsening refugee crisis, and Washington's concern...
SEC Shuts Down Online Terror List
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 22, 2007 10:42 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The SEC is taking down an online list used to expose companies that do business with countries affiliated with terrorism after critics charged that the Web tool made false accusations and wasn't up to date. "It was basically a word-search list," a US official tells the Wall Street Journal. "There was nothing the least bit sophisticated...
Power Outage Traps Arch Visitors
Associated Press
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Jul 22, 2007 10:29 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A power outage trapped around 200 people in St. Louis's Gateway Arch last night. About 80 people were trapped in halted tram cars, while another 100 were stuck at the top of the monument. Evacuating the structure took about 2 hours. A fire department spokesman told the AP the cause of the equipment failure was unknown.
Campbell Brown Leaves NBC
Fishbowl NY
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Jul 22, 2007 9:49 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In an emotional farewell on Sunday's Today show Campbell Brown announced her departure from NBC after 11 years. Brown, who has been talking about her pregnancy on air for some time said, "I'm making some decisions right now that I think make a lot of sense for me and my family. " Brown is believed to be going to CNN.
Aspen Paper Gonzo Over Hunter S. Thompson's 70th
Associated Press
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Jul 22, 2007 9:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Aspen Daily News put out a special "Gonzo Edition" Saturday to honor iconic hometown journalist Hunter S. Thompson on what would have been his 70th birthday. Thompson committed suicide in February, 2005. It was edited by his widow, Anita; contributors include long-time friend Ralph Steadman and Walter Isaacson, president...
Martian Dust Imperils Rover Mission
Reuters
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Jul 22, 2007 9:20 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The violent dust storm that has immobilized NASA's Mars rovers for three weeks shows no signs of letting up, and is now threatening the future of the mission. "This is by far the worst storm the rovers have ever seen," the rovers project manager told reporters. "Now it's all about saving power."
Beckham Makes US Debut
Orange County Register
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Jul 22, 2007 8:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
American soccer's great British hope was cheered, and tackled in his debut yesterday. David Beckham made has first appearance with the LA Galaxy, subbing in for about 15 minutes in the team's loss to Chelsea FC. After a roaring standing ovation, Beckham's uneventful stint on the field was ended by a tackle that took him down and left him clutching...
Paul Challenges GOP Agenda on Campaign Trail
New York Times
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Jul 22, 2007 8:49 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Most Americans know him—if at all— as the firebrand Texas congressman who’s always pushed to the end of the line during debates. Ron Paul flounders at the bottom of national polls, but he's is the most “friended” Republican on myspace.com. And he's the lone GOP presidential candidate who opposes the Iraq war. His solution...
5 Reasons to Think Bearish
BusinessWeek
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Jul 22, 2007 8:29 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Wall Street is giddy with low unemployment, optimistic earnings predictions, and a resilient economy, but BusinessWeek lists five things for investors to worry about. Volatility in earnings, especially tech companies Consumer spending, as gas prices take their toll Inflation, which could prompt the fed to raise interest rates...
New Moms Use Natural Remedy for Depression
USA Today
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Jul 22, 2007 8:05 AM CDT
(Newser) -
People think it's weird, and there's no research to prove it works, but new mothers who've suffered from postpartum depression swear by it. The placenta that nourished the baby is injested by the new mom—dried and put into gelatin capsules, or just plain cooked and eaten. The placenta is thought to contain nutrients that act as a natural...
Tammy Faye Messner Dies at 65
CNN
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Jul 22, 2007 7:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Televangelist and Christian entertainer Tammy Faye Messner died Friday morning, CNN reports. She had struggled with drug addiction throughout her life and finally died of cancer. Messner had recently been a guest on Larry King Live, appearing precariously ill, claiming she could no longer swallow food and weighed only 65 pounds.
Google Stokes Wireless Competition With $4.6B Bid
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jul 22, 2007 7:39 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Google is poised to bid $4.6 billion in the upcoming federal auction of wireless frequencies, to create a national broadband network that could challenge the dominance of companies like AT&T and Comcast. If Google's bid triumphs, the web search giant could expand into selling Internet, telephone and television services—or have other...
Amateur Prospectors Find Rare Viking Treasure in UK
PBS
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Jul 22, 2007 7:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A pot filled with mostly silver coins, buried for 1,000 years, was found recently by a father and son wielding a metal detector on a farm in Yorkshire, England. Archeologosists theorize that the find by Dave and Andrew Whelan was booty from a Viking raid on a monastery. The hoard of coins is from England, Ireland, France, Russia and the Arabic-speaking...
