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.
Rowling Curses Early Potter Reviews
Reuters
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Jul 20, 2007 4:45 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Two papers have incurred the wrath of J.K. Rowling for reviewing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows after snagging copies ahead of the book's Saturday release date. Rowling took the New York Times and the Baltimore Sun to task for "spoiling Harry's last adventure for millions of readers, particularly children."
4th Doc Charged In Bomb Attacks
New York Times
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Jul 20, 2007 4:05 AM CDT
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A fourth doctor has been charged in the car bomb attacks in London and Glasgow. Mohammed Jamil Asha, 26, is accused of conspiring with two men who tried to blow up a Jeep in the doorway of the Glasgow International Airport, and "others unknown," according to the indictment. Asha is scheduled to appear in court in London today.
Tiger Good, Garcia Better at British Open
Bloomberg
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Jul 20, 2007 3:02 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In a year characterized by high scores and sloppy majors play, Carnoustie has thus far proved the antidote; 24 players finished under par after day one, led by Spain's Sergio Garcia at a 6-under 65. Carnoustie was Garcia's first major tournament, in 1999, when he hit an 89 on the first day, including a triple bogey on the first hole.
Recipe for Disaster: Easy-Bake Oven + Kids
Associated Press
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Jul 20, 2007 12:58 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A repair kit intended to make Easy-Bake Ovens safer hasn't done its job, forcing the manufacturer to issue its second recall in less than a year. Hasbro said yesterday that hundreds of children have caught hands or fingers in the oven doors, and the AP reports that one girl was burned so badly she had part of a finger amputated.
Dow Breaks 14,000 Barrier
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 19, 2007 10:13 PM CDT
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The stock market swept aside sub-prime anxieties today to surge past the 14,000 mark; the 82.19-point run-up was fueled by strong results from IBM and Exxon Mobil. It was the 32nd record close for the Dow Jones Index this year, and—with just 58 trading days since the market broke 13,000—the second-fastest 1000-point leap in Dow history,...
UAW Gears Up for Contract Talks on Health Care
New York Times
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Jul 19, 2007 9:11 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The United Automobile Workers Union starts high-stakes contract talks with Detroit automakers tomorrow, at a time when the union counts more retirees than active workers in its ranks—meaning higher health-care costs—and the American automotive industry is in dire financial straits. The talks are being called "the most important in...
World's 10 Best-Paid Stick Figures
Forbes
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Jul 19, 2007 7:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Models are no longer glorified clotheshangers but celebs in their own right, with movie deals, famous beaux, and even their own product lines. These 10 mannequins, listed with their earnings over the past year, have turned looking pretty into a multimillion-dollar business: Gisele Bundchen, $33 million Kate Moss, $9 million ...
iPhones Down Duke Network
News & Observer (Raleigh)
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Jul 19, 2007 7:34 PM CDT
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Wireless access points on the Duke campus are going dead for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and the university has 100 to 150 suspects: iPhones. An IT spokesman tells the News and Observer the devices are hammering the university's wireless network with up 18,000 connection requests per second, "the electronic equivalent of repeated knocking on...
Russia Expels UK Diplomats
Reuters
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Jul 19, 2007 6:47 PM CDT
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Russia has expelled four British diplomats in what the Kremlin called a "proportionate response" to the expulsion of four Russian diplomats from Britain earlier this week. Russia says it will stop cooperating with British counterterror efforts as well. Relations between London and Moscow have been strained since Russia denied an extradition...
Is He Really Man Enough?
New Republic
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Jul 19, 2007 6:47 PM CDT
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The 6’5” movie star almost running for president is thrilling Republicans with his old-school manliness —or at least the manliness of his TV persona. The New Republic ’s Michelle Cottle compares the character with the candidate, and argues that the latter doesn't have the fire-in-the-belly his admirers attribute to him.
Computers Master Checkers
Scientific American
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Jul 19, 2007 6:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
After 18 years of number-crunching, a checkers-playing computer program has conquered the game. Checkers is the most complicated game computers have mastered, Scientific American reports, beating Connect Four by a factor of a million. "I was a bit obsessed," says the lead researcher. "My wife would say more than a bit obsessed."
Meat Can be Tough on the Environment
Telegraph (UK)
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Jul 19, 2007 6:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Four average-sized steaks generate as much greenhouse gas as an ordinary car traveling for 3 hours at 50mph. The meat also chews up 169 megajoules of energy, enough to light a 100-watt bulb for 20 days. These were among the findings of Japanese scientists investigating the effects of beef production on global warming, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Officials Demand Sao Paulo Airport Shutdown
BBC
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Jul 19, 2007 5:39 PM CDT
(Newser) -
In the wake of Tuesday's catastrophic plane crash, Brazilian officials are calling for the closure of Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport pending a review of safety conditions, the BBC reports. The Tam Airlines Airbus 320 landing in heavy rain skidded off a wet runway that was resurfaced last month and had not yet had drainage grooves inscribed on the new...
'Sopranos' Rules Emmy Nods
Associated Press
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Jul 19, 2007 5:02 PM CDT
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"The Sopranos" went out on an underwhelming note but still managed to dominate the Emmy nominations announced today, collecting 15 nods, including best drama and best leading actor and actress for James Gandolfini and Edie Falco. Half of this year's nominees will join the party for the first time, including stars from freshman series "Ugly...
The Last Jew in Afghanistan
NPR
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Jul 19, 2007 4:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Kabul resident Zabolon Simantov is quite literally the last Afghan Jew. He is the sole remaining member of a community that once numbered 4000. He stays, he says, to keep the country's Jewish history alive. In this all-Muslim country, he has been pressured to convert and is cautious in displaying any signs of his faith in public.
Judge Tosses Ex-Spy's Suit Against Cheney
Washington Post
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Jul 19, 2007 3:43 PM CDT
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A judge today dismissed outed CIA operative Valerie Plame's civil suit against Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, and Scooter Libby, saying that the revelation of her identity "was incidental to the kind of conduct that defendants were employed to perform." Furthermore, the judge ruled, Plame and her husband, ex-ambassador Joseph Wilson, failed to show...
Rumor Has It, Gossip Is Good
MSNBC
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Jul 19, 2007 3:41 PM CDT
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Have you heard the latest? There's nothing wrong with gossip. Passing on juicy tidbits can act as a social lubricant, and a new study shows that kibitzers carefully control what they send down the grapevine: good things about friends and bad things about same-sex rivals. “It’s a social skill, not a character flaw,” a psych professor...
Restless Legs Aren't All in Your Head
Associated Press
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Jul 19, 2007 3:04 PM CDT
(Newser) -
People with restless legs syndrome aren't imagining the twitching that often keeps them up at night, scientists say, countering claims that the condition is more psychosomatic than neurological. Genetic variations play a role in an ailment one sufferer says feels like “something crawling inside your legs, biting on you,” the AP reports.
No Asbestos in Air After NY Blast
New York Times
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Jul 19, 2007 2:31 PM CDT
(Newser) -
No asbestos was found in the air today after a steam pipe explosion that led to one death and injured more than 30 in midtown Manhattan yesterday. The carcinogen has turned up in dirt and debris in and near the area, but officials say damage to long-term health is very unlikely given the brief exposure, reports the New York Times .
Church Sex Abuse: Should the Pope Pay?
Time
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Jul 19, 2007 1:59 PM CDT
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Two court cases involving abusive priests in Oregon and Kentucky have raised the possibility that the Vatican may be forced to pay damages to victims and allow its top officials to testify at US trials. Until now, the Holy See has been considered outside US jurisdiction, but lawyers argue that abusive priests should be seen as employees of the Vatican,...
Factory, Flamingos Go on Strike
Independent (UK)
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Jul 19, 2007 1:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
In a bizarre ecological twist, flamingos in a French lagoon were imperiled by a nearby salt factory—not by the saline runoff when the factory was operating, but the lack of runoff when it stopped. It seems that workers went on strike, the saltworks closed, and the wetlands dried up. So the flamingos went on strike too: the whole flock failed...
Shari Redstone Weighs Bolting From Viacom
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 19, 2007 12:52 PM CDT
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Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone is involved in a bitter spat with his daughter and heir apparent, Shari Redstone, that may lead to her splitting from the Viacom board. Negotiations for her separation from the media empire that counts CBS, MTV, and Paramount among its many holdings are under way, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Indian Guru Embraces Life
Salon
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Jul 19, 2007 12:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A 53-year-old fisherman's daughter from Kerala, India, stands at the center of an empire of idol worship and charitable works—stands there and hugs her disciples. Amma, a mother figure revered by many as a goddess, commands a kingdom of philanthropy, volunteerism, and merchandising, Salon reports. The reporter even jumps the line and gets a hug.
Pizza Mogul Orders Town, University
USA Today
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Jul 19, 2007 11:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Ten years in the making, Ave Maria University and the eponymous town built around it by Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan will open Saturday. Monaghan is a devout Catholic, and the university—and to some extent the town—will reflect that. Intended as what Monaghan calls a "fresh, faithful voice" in Catholic education, the project...
The 10 Hottest Heiresses
Forbes
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Jul 19, 2007 11:11 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Paris Hilton, 26. Recently spent some time in the pokey. Ivanka Trump, 25: A a degree in real estate and a connected dad. Nicky Hilton, 23: Her foray into the hotel business proved disastrous. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, 46: Seinfeld star doesn't need daddy. Dylan Lauren, 32: Ralph's daughter has made her...
Bush Rejects Plan to Expand Health Care for Kids
Washington Post
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Jul 19, 2007 10:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush rebuffed a health care compromise yesterday that would expand a program that provides coverage to poor children. The Senate's bipartisan proposal would insure 3.3 million more kids, but Bush says he'll veto any expansion of government health care on philosophical grounds—despite pleas from within the GOP.
Terror Groups Unite Against US
Guardian (UK)
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Jul 19, 2007 9:44 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Seven major Sunni terrorist organizations have formed a public political alliance aimed at negotiating a US withdrawal from Iraq, the Guardian reports. The shadowy Political Office for the Iraqi Resistance opposes al-Qaeda, and is reaching out to Arab nations and even to the UN for legitimacy. Officials say its components, however, have been responsible...
Quake Damage Halts Auto Assembly Lines
Forbes
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Jul 19, 2007 9:26 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Japanese auto makers known for their lean inventories have had to shut down assembly lines for want of parts in the wake of Monday's earthquake. A key supplier of transmission and engine components was damaged in the 6.8-magnitude quake. Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi have all halted production at some plants; Honda is threatening to join them, Forbes...
The Big Easy Wants Jews
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 19, 2007 8:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Jewish leaders are recruiting members of the faith to pull up stakes and move to hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. They've hired an Israeli ad agency to get the message out, and they're appealing to Jews' sense of social responsibility to help heal the shattered city. And there are aliyah-inspired cash incentives to sweeten the pot.
A Megaflood Made England an Island
Guardian (UK)
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Jul 19, 2007 8:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
England became an island as a result of a massive flood that tore through a land bridges to France 400,000 years ago, a study of high-resolution sonar images of the bottom of the English Channel shows. The torrent of water and boulders carved the cliffs of Dover, and left deep scars on the channel bed, researchers report in the journal Nature...
Pearl Sues Al-Qaeda in Husband's Beheading
Reuters
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Jul 19, 2007 7:45 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Mariane Pearl, widow of the Wall Street Journal reporter who was beheaded in 2002, has filed a suit in New York against Al-Qaeda for Daniel Pearl's "senseless kidnapping, torture and murder." Habib Bank—one of the biggest banks in Pakistan, which is linked to charities supporting terrorist groups—was also named in the lawsuit.
Twin Suicide Bombings Kill 36 in Pakistan
Associated Press
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Jul 19, 2007 7:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Two separate suicide car bombs killed 36 people in Pakistan today—one struck a convoy of Chinese workers in the south, and the other hit a police academy in the north. These new attacks bring the month's death toll from conflicts with Islamic militants to 270, furthering doubts about President Musharraf's grip on the country.
Hot Dog Chili Sauce Recalled in Botulism Scare
Reuters
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Jul 19, 2007 7:05 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Federal officials have ordered a recall of certain brands of hot dog chili sauce after they were linked to four cases of botulism in Texas and Indiana. It's not clear how widely the brands were distributed, but the recall includes 10-ounce cans of Castleberry's, Austex and Kroger hot dog chili sauce with "best by" dates from April 30 through...
Deal Close on Disarming Nukes
Reuters
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Jul 19, 2007 6:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Negotiators were optimistic they're close to forging an agreement as early as tomorrow on a deadline for North Korea to permanently close down its nuclear facilities and reveal details of its nuclear weapons program, Reuters reports. The deadline could be as soon as the end of the year. The North Koreans have already closed five nuclear installations.
Whoops! Harry Potter Ships Early!
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 19, 2007 5:55 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Despite a massive security program to guard against leaks, an online retailer prematurely shipped out as many as 1,200 copies of the final Harry Potter book, the Wall Street Journal reports. Dozens of people already claim to have Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , including the New York Times book reviewer, who said she picked it up at a local...
Player Charges PGA Drug Use
Globe and Mail
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Jul 19, 2007 5:45 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Former British Open champion Gary Player said yesterday he knows "for a fact" some players on the PGA Tour have used performance-enhancing drugs. "Whether it's HGH, whether it's creatine, or whether it's steroids," the 1968 Carnoustie winner lamented, "we're dreaming if we think it's not coming into golf."
Steam Explosion Leaves 1 Dead
New York Daily News
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Jul 19, 2007 5:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
One person is dead and 30 are injured after a steam pipe ruptured in midtown Manhattan yesterday, shooting a volcano-like eruption of steam, mud and debris 30 stories high and prompting fears of a terrorist attack. The casualty was a middle-aged woman who had a heart attack when the steam shot from the ground next to her, the New York Daily News ...
LeBron Will Host SNL Premier
Associated Press
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Jul 19, 2007 5:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
NBA superstar LeBron James will host this September's premier of Saturday Night Live , NBC said yesterday. The 22-year-old, who took the Cleveland Cavaliers to a franchise-first NBA Finals last season, got good reviews recently for co-hosting the ESPYs with comedian Jimmy Kimmel.
Sox Fall to Royals, 6-5
Boston Herald
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Jul 19, 2007 5:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Boston's Julan Tavarez threw less than six innings in a sloppy outing last night, as the Sox fell to Kansas City 6-5. With New York finding its stride, the Sox are beginning to feel some heat in the AL East, and may replace the faltering Tavarez with prospect Jon Lester in the starting rotation. Last night's game is the 14th one-run decision Boston...
Psychologist Wins Poker WS
USA Today
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Jul 19, 2007 4:54 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A psychologist from California with less than two years of poker experience won the World Series of Poker, thanks to a combination of canny, aggressive play and timely hands. Jerry Yang entered the last hand with $107 million, a WSOP record, and personally eliminated seven of his final eight rivals to take home the $8.25-million prize.
$24B Buyout Buzz Boosts Macy's Shares
Bloomberg
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Jul 19, 2007 4:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Shares in Macy's soared amid reports of a pending $24-billion buyout plan by KKR and Goldman Sachs, reports Bloomberg . Stock rose $3.06—7.6%—to $43.09 after Women's Wear Daily reported the news. The Wall Street firms would pay $52 a share—a 30% premium on Wednesday's close, according to the report.
Tenor Jerry Hadley Dies at 55
New York Times
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Jul 19, 2007 4:44 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Lyric tenor Jerry Hadley, 55, died yesterday, eight days after shooting himself in the head in his home near Poughkeepsie, NY. Hadley, who suffered from depression, was known for his bright, warm voice, brash energy on stage and adventurous choice of repertory, the New York Times reports.
Marine Not Guilty in Iraqi Murder
San Diego Union-Tribune
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Jul 19, 2007 4:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
One of a group of U.S. Marines charged with kidnapping and executing a suspected Iraqi terrorist was acquitted of premeditated murder at a court martial at Camp Pendleton, reports the San Diego Union Tribune. Cpl. Trent Thomas was found guilty of conspiracy and kidnapping. The verdict means he'll avoid a mandatory life sentence.
Jailed Academics Shown on Iranian TV
Reuters
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Jul 19, 2007 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Iranian national TV aired interviews with two American-Iranians being held in Iran's notorious Evin prison under suspicion of being involved in a US-backed plot to stage a revolution. The show, entitled "In the Name of Democracy," juxtaposed the interviews with footage of other popular uprisings—implying that the US has similar plans...
China Slams Yao for Neglecting National Team
ESPN
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Jul 19, 2007 4:28 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Claiming that practices are exponentially less valuable without the 7'6" Rockets center, the Chinese national team has delivered a rare public shaming of Yao Ming for missing camp. Yao has been nursing a leg broken in December, as well as planning his wedding and promoting the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the Special Olympics.
Dogfight Rap Kills Vick Ad Deals
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Jul 19, 2007 4:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Dogfighting charges against Falcons quarterback Michael Vick have all but killed product endorsement deals for the former marketing machine, the Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports. Nike is "reviewing information" in Vick's case, and expired contracts aren't being renewed with Coca-Cola, EA Sports, Kraft Foods or Hasbro. "He'll disappear...
Had Any (Music) Lately?
Telegraph (UK)
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Jul 18, 2007 7:18 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Listening to music can unleash the same "feel good" brain chemicals as eating or having sex, researchers have found. Now neuroscientist Daniel Levitin—a former rock producer—says he has located the 'sex, drugs and rock n' roll center of the brain,' after pulling together research to be published this year, the Daily Telegraph...
Dow Jones Director Faces Insider Trading Charges
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 18, 2007 6:32 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Securities and Exchange Commission plans to file civil charges against Dow Jones board director David Li, in an insider trading case linked to News Corp.'s bid for the company. As a board member, Li has access to inside information, the Wall Street Journal reports. He also has ties to a Hong Kong couple already charged with insider trading.
Steam Explosion Rattles NYers
Associated Press
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Jul 18, 2007 6:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
An explosion in a steam pipe under the street near Grand Central Station at rush hour today gave New Yorkers a case of nerves, sending a guyer of steam many stories into the air and spattering onlookers with mud. The police department hastened to confirm that it was not terrorism related.
Xbox Guru Quits Microsoft
MTV
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Jul 18, 2007 6:16 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Microsoft's former entertainment honcho Peter Moore has decamped, the company confirmed today, after a four-year tenure highlighted by the release of the wildly popular Xbox 360. The announcement comes two weeks after Microsoft answered persistent Xbox hardware defects with a massively expensive warranty extension.
