Newser Story Index from August, 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.
Criminal Probes Launched Into Iraqi Arms Deals
New York Times
|
Aug 28, 2007 5:11 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Scores of investigations are under way into fraud, bribery and other criminal activity relating to billions of dollars worth of arms and other war materiel supplied to forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, the New York Times reports. The focus of the investigations range from the misappropriation of a few thousand dollars to multi-million-dollar...
French Prez Warns of 'Bombing Iran' Over Nukes
Times (UK)
|
Aug 28, 2007 4:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
French President Nicolas Sarkozy took a bead on Iran in his first major foreign policy speech yesterday, suggesting that if Iran's nuclear weapons program wasn't halted, bombing could be the only alternative. He called Iran's atomic ambitions "without doubt the most serious crisis that weighs today on the international scene.”
Teen Contestant All Over Map in Geo Gaffe
People
|
Aug 28, 2007 4:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Miss South Carolina Teen USA will have a second crack at answering the question that made her an internet laughing stock. Asked why some Americans cannot locate the US on a map, she launched into a rambling response, referring to “US Americans," South Africa and “the Iraq.” She's trying again on this morning's "Today...
FAA Orders Inspections of Boeing 737s
Bloomberg
|
Aug 28, 2007 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to inspect hundreds of Boeing 737s after a loose bolt punctured a China Airlines jet last week, causing a fire that destroyed the aircraft. Southwest, Delta, Continental, AirTran, Alaska Air, ATA and Aloha Airlines have 24 days to check for loose nuts on a wing assembly used during takeoff and...
Teen iPhone Hacker Trades Up
San Jose Mercury News
|
Aug 28, 2007 1:38 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A New Jersey teenager who reconfigured an Apple iPhone to operate on networks other than AT&T's has parlayed his creation into a "sweet" new sports car and a consulting job. George Hotz, 17, is trading the hacked iPhone to a Kentucky mobile phone repair company for a Nissan 350Z, three new iPhones and a job, reports the San Jose...
Tigers Trounce Yanks 16-0
Associated Press
|
Aug 28, 2007 1:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Tigers punished the Yankees 16-0 last night in the final match-up of a crucial four-game series. Starter Justin Verlander was masterful for Detroit, blanking New York and surrendering only three hits in seven innings, while the Tigers pounced on Yankee hurler Mike Mussina for their highest run total this year.
Senator Caught in Men's Room Sex Sting
Roll Call
|
Aug 27, 2007 10:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Idaho Republican Sen. Larry Craig was arrested after allegedly soliciting sex from a male plainclothes police officer in a men's room at Minneapolis airport June 11. The incident is spelled out in graphic detail in Roll Call , which obtained the arrest report. August 8th, Craig appeared in the Hennepin County District Court and pled guilty to...
Chinese Follies Are All Too Familiar
Boston Globe
|
Aug 27, 2007 9:28 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Before Americans get on their high horse about China’s recent lapses into substandard products—not to mention those fake Harry Potter translations—they should look long and hard at their own history, the Boston Globe suggests. In the 19th century, it was the US that was considered the nation that cut corners. It’s a normal,...
Fattest States in America
Trust for America's Health
|
Aug 27, 2007 8:36 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Trust for America's Health has come out with its fourth annual report on obesity. And the losers are: Mississippi West Virginia Alabama
Crocs to Kick Off Apparel Line
Denver Business Journal
|
Aug 27, 2007 7:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
If looking down at ugly shoes isn't doing it for you, good news—soon you can look down at a whole Crocs outfit. The manufacturer of the colorful clogs is launching a clothing line. The adults' and kids' duds, made from a version of the material in the signature shoes, go on sale this fall, the Denver Business Journal reports.
What Is This 'Mate' of Which You Speak?
Times (UK)
|
Aug 27, 2007 6:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
For its new citizenship test, the Australian government has provided a formal definition of the word "mate." Yes, as in "G'day, mate." A 40-page guide for aspiring Aussies, the brainchild of the immigration minister, defines mateship as the condition “where people help and receive help from others voluntarily, especially in...
We're Still Getting Fatter
Reuters
|
Aug 27, 2007 6:07 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Americans just keep getting fatter. Obesity rates were up in 31 states this year and declined in none, a new study by a health advocacy group finds. That brings the percentage of American adults who are either obese or overweight to 60%, Reuters reports, and the usual suspects are to blame: poor nutrition and physical inactivity.
Owen Wilson In Good Condition After Reported Suicide Attempt
New York Post
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Owen Wilson is in good condition after being hospitalized following an alleged suicide attempt. Wilson’s family found the Wedding Crashers star yesterday after he reportedly slit his wrist and took an unknown number of pills, the Post reports. Wilson issued a statement asking that the media allow him to “heal in private during this...
It's as Plain as the Glasses on Your Face
Boston Globe
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Americans spent $445 million replacing lost eyeglasses last year; one small company aims to come to the rescue by selling tiny tubes of plastic that shrink unobtrusively onto the eyepiece of spectacles, carrying a code and a phone number. Finders of registered glasses get a small reward, while their owners save hundreds on a new pair, the Boston Globe...
Can Keanu Outact a Robot?
Variety
|
Aug 27, 2007 4:49 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Keanu Reeves is coming back to sci-fi—the Matrix star will play the mysterious alien Klaatu in an upcoming remake of 1951's The Day the Earth Stood Still, Variety reports. In the original, Klaatu threatened Earth with destruction if humans didn't stop fighting amongst themselves. No word yet on the casting of Gort the robot.
Stocks Fall on Financial Pessimism
Bloomberg
|
Aug 27, 2007 4:48 PM CDT
(Newser) -
US stocks fell today on a disappointing home-sales report and lowered projections for Countrywide, the nation’s top home lender, with Lehman Brothers citing “extraordinary weakness” in mortgage loans. The Dow closed at 13,322.13, down 56.74, near the session low. The S&P 500 fell 12.58, to 1,466.79, and the Nasdaq declined 15.44...
Grapevine Genome Yields Secrets
McClatchy Newspapers
|
Aug 27, 2007 4:24 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Grapevines have extra genes that are responsible for making wine taste and smell so good, a new study finds. A team of researchers from France and Italy (where else?) mapped a pinot noir-related grapevine's genome and found it has twice as many genes linked to resin and oil—which give wine its "nose"—as regular plants do, McClatchy...
Iraqi Insurgents Enlist Kids for Dirty Work
Los Angeles Times
|
Aug 27, 2007 3:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Iraqi children are playing an amplified role in insurgent attacks, and the US is struggling to cope with the consequences. The ranks of minors detained by American forces have grown from 100 to 800 since March, the LA Times reports. Boys as young as 11 set off roadside bombs for $200 or $300, enough to feed their families for weeks.
Heads Roll in FDNY After Deadly Fire
New York Daily News
|
Aug 27, 2007 3:33 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Three top FDNY officials were demoted today in the wake of the Deutsche Bank fire that claimed the lives of two firefighters. The August 18 blaze has been blamed on careless smoking, but the department neglected required inspections on the condemned building. The commissioner also ordered inspections of all construction and demolition projects in the...
Vets Pioneer New Techniques for Limbs
Time
|
Aug 27, 2007 3:09 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Cutting-edge vets have developed new prosthetics for disabled animals that could bode well for human amputees, Time reports. The most exciting technique is called osseointegration—a procedure in which a porous prosthesis is inset into the bone, which then grows into the metallic holes, making a strong anchor onto which a prosthesis can be attached.
'South Park' Masterminds Sign Mega-Deal
New York Times
|
Aug 27, 2007 2:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
South Park’s creators have broken yet another taboo. In a deal that Cartman would no doubt term “friggin sweet,” Trey Parker and Matt Stone will share the show’s online ad revenue, a practice long verboten in Hollywood. The contract, which extends the show through 2011, is expected to earn the foul-mouthed funnymen $75 million,...
Human Stem Cells Grow Heart Muscle
Seattle Times
|
Aug 27, 2007 2:34 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Researchers are using human embryonic stem cells to regrow heart muscle and actually stop the progression of heart failure in rats. Although stems cells injected into rat heart tissue had previously been shown to become muscle tissue, very few had survived. Now a team from the University of Washington has succeeded in turning as many as half...
Russia Arrests 10 for Murder of Journalist
Guardian (UK)
|
Aug 27, 2007 1:57 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Ten men were arrested today in the murder of Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya last October, the Guardian reports. A Chechen organized-crime boss led the group responsible for the slaying, Russian authorities say. Those arrested are said to include current and former officials in the interior ministry and the security service.
Bush Lashes Out at Gonzales Critics
CNN
|
Aug 27, 2007 1:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Remaining loyal to his old Texas pal, President Bush fiercely defended Alberto Gonzales today despite grudgingly accepting his resignation. Bush said the AG suffered "unfair treatment" and that his "good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons." Some Republican lawmakers echoed Bush's statements while others joined...
Acer to Buy Gateway for $710M
MarketWatch
|
Aug 27, 2007 1:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Gateway’s stock jumped 50% today on news that Taiwan’s Acer will buy the former PC giant for $1.90 a share, MarketWatch reports. The acquisition leapfrogs Acer over Lenovo to the No. 3 spot in world computer sales. Meanwhile, Gateway said it will execute its right of first refusal to buy Packard Bell's parent company, foiling Lenovo's bid...
Musicians March Silently Through New Orleans
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
|
Aug 27, 2007 1:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The battered post-Katrina economy drove jazz musicians into the streets of New Orleans yesterday, holding instruments silent at their sides in what they termed a “solidarity march.” Ninety percent of city musicians were living at or below the poverty line even before the hurricane, the Times-Picayune reports, and now competition for remaining...
Home Resales Down For Fifth Straight Month
Bloomberg
|
Aug 27, 2007 1:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Existing home sales slumped again in July—the fifth straight month the figures have been off and a sign that the market-draining housing downturn will continue. Though the 0.2 percent decline was the smallest movement since 2002, experts expect sales to continue dropping, according to Bloomberg.
Vick Apologizes, Formally Enters Guilty Plea
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
|
Aug 27, 2007 12:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
After formally entering his guilty plea, Michael Vick held a press conference today and asked the public for forgiveness for his mistakes. "I apologize to all the kids out there for my immature acts," said the disgraced NFL star. Vick mentioned dogfighting only once, calling it "a terrible thing," but did say that his experiences...
Thompson Balanced in Probes
New York Times
|
Aug 27, 2007 12:23 PM CDT
(Newser) -
With a critical role in several high-profile congressional investigations over three decades, Fred Thompson struggled to balance investigating targets and defending them. In its effort to illuminate the presidential hopeful’s political biography, the Times looks at Thompson’s role in the Watergate hearings, the probe into Reagan’s...
Hogan's Son Leaves Hospital After Wreck
People
|
Aug 27, 2007 11:35 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Reality TV star Nick Bollea has been discharged from a Florida hospital, after seriously injuring himself and a passenger in a "spectacular wreck" on a Florida highway last night. The 17-year-old son of Hulk Hogan was featured on the pro wrestler's series Hogan Knows Best . The hospital confirmed Bollea was no longer a patient, but...
Castro Surfaces—Or Does He?
Reuters
|
Aug 27, 2007 11:06 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A newspaper article purportedly written by Fidel Castro and published yesterday did little to quash rumors that the Cuban dictator's health is failing and even that he's dead. Castro hasn't been seen in public in over a year, and his brother Raul is in effective control of the government, but Cuban officials insist he's doing well, Reuters reports.
Renegade Rep Pummels Pork
Los Angeles Times
|
Aug 27, 2007 10:38 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Congressman Jeff Flake is waging a one-man war against earmarks, slice the size of the federal budget and scare colleagues away from pet projects. When the Arizona Republican rises to speak, the Los Angeles Times reports, the whole House “grimaces”—bracing for an attack on the pork barrel. His efforts have begun to pay off, as leaders...
Chertoff Eyed as AG Nominee
CNN
|
Aug 27, 2007 10:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Michael Chertoff is the top candidate to replace resigning AG Alberto Gonzales, White House sources tell CNN. The Department of Homeland Security chief served as an assistant AG early in the Bush years. Speculation about Chertoff's promotion began as early as Friday, as a US News & World Report blog said there was "buzz" that Gonzales...
20 Tips from America's Best Investors
CNN
|
Aug 27, 2007 9:59 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Get where you want to be with these sound tips from the top, courtesy of Money Magazine: Be humble in the face of uncertainty. Take calculated risks. Have an emergency fund.
Wells Gets It Done for Dodgers
Los Angeles Times
|
Aug 27, 2007 9:47 AM CDT
(Newser) -
David Wells secured the Dodgers a much-needed win last night in New York, giving up two runs in five innings and scoring a run in his first start for the team, a 6-2 victory over the Mets. The 250-pound 44-year-old beat out a bunt in the fifth inning to spark a rally, and struck out two.
Alberto Gonzales Resigns
CNN
|
Aug 27, 2007 7:42 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Alberto Gonzales has resigned, the White House told CNN today, after months of calls for his replacement—and even impeachment—from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worried that the Justice Department was becoming overly politicized. The AG told President Bush of his intention to step down Friday, following strategist Karl Rove out by...
Dunkin' Donuts Will Cut the Trans Fat
Associated Press
|
Aug 27, 2007 7:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Dunkin' Donuts says it will eliminate nearly all trans fat from items on its menu by October 15—including the doughnuts. The chain will switch to a more heart-friendly blend of palm, soybean and cottonseed oils. But the company itself cautions consumers to keep the move in perspective. "Certainly, we did not create a healthy doughnut,"...
Greek Fires Probed; Toll Hits 61
Associated Press
|
Aug 27, 2007 7:26 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A day after flames were beaten back at the ruins of ancient Olympia, Greek officials are considering whether the blazes still raging across the country can be considered terrorism, and arsonists prosecuted accordingly. Wildfires started in may disparate places have killed at least 61 people. Several people have been held on suspicion of arson, and...
Pattie Boyd Spills About Rocker Loves
CBS News
|
Aug 27, 2007 6:41 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pattie Boyd, ex-wife of rock legends George Harrison and Eric Clapton, opens up for the first time about their love triangle and her two tempestuous marriages in her new book Wonderful Tonight, ABC reports. A model who met Harrison when she played an extra in the "A Hard Days Night," Boyd was the inspiration for the Beatles' "Something...
Germany Furious Over Chinese Spy Hackers
Der Spiegel
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
German Chancellor Angela Merkel kicked off her Chinese summit today amid highly charged reports in der Spiegel that the Chinese have been spying on the German government by hacking into computers in several German ministries. Scores of official computers are said to have been infected with spyware concealed in PowerPoint and Microsoft Word programs.
Home Depot Deal Renovated
Wall Street Journal
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The sale of Home Depot's wholesale supply unit—threatened by the credit crisis —is going ahead after tense negotiations between Home Depot, private equity firms buying the company and banks providing the financing. Home Depot slashed its price 18% to $8.5 billion and guaranteed some of the loans to close the deal, the Wall Street Journal...
Williams Sisters' Matches Kick Off US Open
Newsday
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
When the US Open kicks off today, Serena and Venus Williams will play their first-round matches immediately following an opening tribute to the first black Grand Slam champion, Althea Gibson. The 50th anniversary of the first US Open title won by the "Jackie Robinson of tennis," who died in 2003, will be the centerpiece of tonight's ceremony.
Temp Workers Get the Ax
Wall Street Journal
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:18 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Temporary employment in the US has fallen in each of the last six months and in July was 2% down from the start of the year, the Wall Street Journal reports. The rate of temporary employment is often used as a bellwether for the overall employment picture because temporary workers are usually let go before full-time employees.
Mine Operation Continues With 7th Hole and Camera
Salt Lake Tribune
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:17 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Reversing an earlier decision, recovery efforts will continue at the Utah mine where six miners were trapped three weeks ago. A seventh hole will be drilled into the mine, and a camera will be dropped into a previously bored hole to search for signs of life. Family members requested that the new hole be drilled to the kitchen area, where the men were...
US Hails Iraq Breakthrough
Reuters
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:15 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In what is being hailed as a breakthrough in Iraq, Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish leaders yesterday announced that they have reached a consensus on key political issues, Reuters reports. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the other leaders claimed to have forged an agreement on releasing some detainees, easing curbs on employing former members of...
Laura Bush Will Skip APEC Trip to Australia
Chicago Tribune
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Laura Bush plans to sit out the president's trip to Australia early next month for the APEC summit, due to a pinched nerve. Washington Post blogger Mark Silva speculates that the First Lady's decision may presage other stops being added to the president's itinerary for the trip, which comes just before his upcoming report to Congress on progress...
Yahoo Adds Phone Text Messaging to Email
USA Today
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:01 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Sending phone text messages soon won’t require a phone, thanks to an upgrade in Yahoo’s already leading email service, which will provide the new feature for free. The new system will integrate email, text messages and instant messaging, reports USA Today . Customers "don't want to bounce around to many different areas," said...
Midwest Picks Up Pieces After 'Devastating' Storms
Associated Press
|
Aug 27, 2007 5:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Midwest began massive storm cleanup yesterday as power was restored in southern Michigan after a series of tornadoes, and Ohio residents picked through homes ruined by floods. Hardest hit was Fenton, where at least 250 buildings in the Michigan town were destroyed when six tornadoes touched down in the state on Friday.
BoSox Sweep ChiSox
Associated Press
|
Aug 27, 2007 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Red Sox routed the White Sox 11-1 yesterday, with home runs from David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, and Bobby Kielty rounding out Boston's four-game sweep in Chicago. The Sox, climbing to 7½ games ahead of the Yanks in the American League East, hammered pitcher Javier Vazquez to end his three-game winning streak.
Stricker Strikes It Big at Barclays
Associated Press
|
Aug 27, 2007 1:46 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Steve Stricker shot a final-round 69 at The Barclays yesterday to best K.J. Choi and hoist his first trophy in over six years. Stricker's four birdies in the final five holes capped a masterful run at Choi, who'd taken a one-stroke lead with two enormous birdie putts. Stricker's 16-under 268 was good enough for a 2-shot win over the pack.
