Newser Story Index from September, 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.
Poisoning Suspect Runs for Parliament to Dodge Jail
Times (UK)
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Sep 17, 2007 6:45 AM CDT
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The Russian businessman accused of using radioactive polonium-210 to poison a critic of controversial President Vladimir Putin is trying to dodge prosecution by running for parliament, the London Times reports. The Kremlin has already refused to hand Andrei Lugovoi over to British officials, saying it would violate the Russian constitution. But if...
Stars Align for Thome's 500th
Chicago Tribune
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Sep 17, 2007 6:35 AM CDT
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Jim Thome's 500th home run reads like something out of Hollywood. On the day White Sox fans received his bobblehead doll, in the ninth inning of the final game of a home stand, on a full count, Thome hit one deep—to win the game over the Angels 9-7. It's the first time a 500th homer was also a walk-off, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Woods Grabs Daily Double
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Sep 17, 2007 6:19 AM CDT
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Tiger Woods bolstered his case yesterday as the best golfer ever—not once, but twice. Woods ran away from the field at the Tour Championship, winning for the second straight year, and setting tour records along the way. That victory also secured Woods the Fedex Cup, which will net him $10 million when he retires.
Greek PM Wins New Term Despite Wildfire Fallout
Bloomberg
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Sep 17, 2007 4:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis won a second four-year term and his conservative New Democratic Party retained its parliamentary majority, according to early results from yesterday's elections. The wildfires that recently ravaged southeastern Greece threatened to topple Karamanlis and his party, but they wound up losing only 8 seats in the 300-member...
France Warns of War with Iran
BBC
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Sep 17, 2007 4:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner yesterday threatened war with Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program. France favors negotiations and sanctions but the world should prepare for military action if all else fails, he said in an interview on French TV. Iranian nuclear weapons would pose "a real danger for the whole world," he...
Congress Tiptoes Back to Immigrant Issues
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 17, 2007 4:22 AM CDT
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Congress is stealing back into the immigration debate. After failing to pass broad reforms three months ago, lawmakers are focusing on less ambitious initiatives. Democrat proposals would give legal status to young immigrants and visas to farmhands, while Republicans favor guest worker programs and blocking illegals from federal aid. But these quieter...
Health Experts Don't Cotton to Dirty Lab Coats
Guardian (UK)
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Sep 17, 2007 4:16 AM CDT
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British doctors have been ordered to ditch their traditional lab coats because the National Health Service has determined that they're unwittingly spreading the superbug MRSA and other deadly hospital-acquired infections from patient to patient on the coats' cuffs. Doctors will now have to work with bare forearms and are banned from wearing watches...
Expected Fed Rate Cut Could Halt Crisis
USA Today
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Sep 17, 2007 3:49 AM CDT
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What happens next in the volatile world stock markets could depend on Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke. The Fed is expected to cut the interest rates banks charge each other for overnight loans, currently 5.25%. It would make loans cheaper, boost consumer spending, revive stock prices and ultimately, prevent an economic slide, notes USA Today .
Jeter Goes Long, Yankees Close in on Sox
Newsday
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Sep 17, 2007 3:46 AM CDT
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Boston loaded the bases in the ninth, but Yankees closer Mariano Rivera held on for the save in the Yankees' 4-3 victory. Derek Jeter, who caught the final out, had made all the difference in the previous inning, smashing Curt Schilling's last pitch into the Green Monster seats for a three-run homer, Newsday reports.
'I Knew We Were Going to Crash'
Reuters
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Sep 17, 2007 3:39 AM CDT
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Investigators have begun sifting through the smoldering wreckage of a Thai airliner which broke in two as it landed in a severe rainstorm on the popular resort island of Phuket. "I saw the grass and knew we were going to crash," recalled one of 42 survivors of the tragedy that claimed 88 lives.
OJ Held Without Bail in Felony Heist
ESPN
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Sep 17, 2007 3:31 AM CDT
(Newser) -
OJ Simpson has been jailed without bail on six felony charges after a sports memorabilia collector told police that the scandal-prone football star participated in an armed robbery in his Vegas hotel room. If convicted, Simpson could face up to 30 years in prison on each of several counts of armed robbery. Police said Simpson, 60, was cooperative at...
Scientists Solve Estrogen Heart Mystery
Wall Street Journal
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Sep 17, 2007 3:30 AM CDT
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A compound created as the body processes cholesterol was to blame for giving scientists conflicting data about the effect of hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women, researchers say. Initial studies had found that estrogen helps keep the heart healthy, but a later study reported that women taking estrogen actually exhibited higher levels of...
Browns Survive Ohio Shootout
Associated Press
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Sep 17, 2007 2:58 AM CDT
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In a remarkable display of offensive fireworks, or perhaps just defensive ineptitude, Cleveland survived six touchdown passes and 400 yards from Cincinnati's Carson Palmer to win 51-45. The Browns got five scores from Derek Anderson, who replaced last week's starter, the woeful Charlie Frye. The teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense.
US Nabs Sunni Sheik's Assassin
AFP
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Sep 17, 2007 2:58 AM CDT
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An al-Qaeda operative suspected of murdering a key American ally in Iraq was captured yesterday by the US military. The suspect organized car and suicide bombings targeting tribal leaders in Anbar province, including the blast last that killed Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, a Sunni leader and major enemy of al-Qaeda, according to officials.
Favre Grabs Most Wins Ever in QB History
ESPN
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Sep 17, 2007 2:56 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Grizzled Green Bay gunslinger Brett Favre passed John Elway to claim the most wins in NFL quarterback history with 149 victories under his belt. He did so with a characteristic second-half performance featuring 14 straight completions and two of his three touchdowns, which brings him within three of Dan Marino's record of 420. New York's Eli Manning...
Federal Judge to Replace Gonzales
Washington Post
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Sep 17, 2007 2:30 AM CDT
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President Bush is expected to announce the appointment of retired New York federal judge Michael B. Mukasey as attorney general, reports the Washington Post . Mukasey, 66, is considered an authority on national security issues and is a law-and-order conservative. He is also seen as someone who could be confirmed without a long battle in...
Montana's Top 10 Dramatic Spots
Billings Gazette
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Sep 17, 2007 2:07 AM CDT
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It wasn't a scientific survey. But the results were dramatic. The Billings Gazette selected a few Montanans ranging from authors to fly fishermen to geologists to pick the most dramatic natural sites in this most dramatic state. Here's what they came up with: Beartooth Mountains Missouri River Breaks Glacier...
Jewish Hate Grows in Jewish State
Economist
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Sep 16, 2007 8:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Israel may seem an odd place for anti-Semitism, but as more immigrants claim Jewish heritage to gain citizenship through the loose "law of return," though they aren't technically Jewish, neo-Nazism is on the rise. Poverty, unemployment and social exclusion mark the lives of many non-Jews in Israel, reports the Economist , and those frustrations...
11,000 People With No Place to Go... Yet
Der Spiegel
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Sep 16, 2007 6:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Legal experts are debating what to do with the people of Tuvalu, a Polynesian island state which will be underwater in 50 years if the globe keeps warming. Many residents have found homes in New Zealand but others have met resistance in Australia, where immigration is an election issue. International law has no provisions for so-called “climate...
Big Brother Making Strides in Technology
BBC
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Sep 16, 2007 5:27 PM CDT
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Top researchers are developing new surveillance technology, the BBC reports - including "gait DNA" to identify a person by their walk and advanced spy drones that can fly overhead for years. The Pentagon plans to continue its tech supremacy, which includes inventing the Internet in the 1970s and satellite navigation in the 1990s. What's next...
Still No Agreement in GM-UAW Talks
Wall Street Journal
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Sep 16, 2007 5:07 PM CDT
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Tense talks continued between GM and workers today as outside parties were greeted with unusual silence, the Wall Street Journal reports. "I haven't heard much of anything and that's completely different" than before, says a union rep. Still at issue is a health care fund for retirees and how much GM will put in it. A strike appears remote,...
Al-Qaeda Puts Price on Head of Cartoonist
ABC News
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Sep 16, 2007 5:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
An al-Qaeda affiliate is offering a reward to slaughter a Swedish cartoonist who drew an image offensive to Muslims. In an online statement, Islamic State in Iraq offered $100,000 for Lars Vilks' murder and $50,000 for that of the newspaper editor who published the cartoon. The reward escalated to $150,000 should Vilks "be slaughtered like a lamb."
Stench is in Nose of Beholder
Reuters
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Sep 16, 2007 4:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Good news for men with a nasty smell wafting under their arms: Scientists can prove why it's not so bad to everyone. A report published in Nature says that male sweat can invoke scents from urine to vanilla, thanks to tiny differences in a single receptor gene. How it reacts to a sex steroid in men spells the difference between a quick hello and...
Microsoft, EU Await Landmark Antitrust Decree
BBC
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Sep 16, 2007 4:13 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Microsoft execs will be waiting to hear if they won an antitrust appeal against the EU tomorrow, the BBC reports. A 2004 probe declared the tech giant guilty of abusing its industry status and fined it $690 million. If Microsoft pulls off a victory, analysts say, the EU commission will have to pay back fines and endure a nasty blow to its reputation....
Martha Uncorks Wine Venture
Wall Street Journal
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Sep 16, 2007 3:49 PM CDT
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Martha's Stewart's next move might sound a little tipsy. The home diva is teaming with California wine magnate Gallo to launch Martha Stewart Vintage, which will distribute $15 bottles of Sonoma County chardonnay, cab, and merlot. The initial 15,000 cases will be released in cities where Stewart has a robust fan base, reports the Wall Street Journal....
Madonna Toasts New Year With Israeli Prez
Associated Press
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Sep 16, 2007 3:36 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Madonna enjoyed "a dream come true" yesterday by celebrating the Jewish New Year with Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, the AP reports. She landed last week with husband Guy Ritchie and a gaggle of Hollywood Kabbalists to attend a conference about Jewish mysticism. "I am an ambassador for Judaism," Madonna told the Israeli president.
$16M Horse Makes Shaky Debut
Associated Press
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Sep 16, 2007 3:19 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The world's most expensive racehorse finished third in his rookie race at Belmont Park yesterday. The Green Monkey, really a horse that sold for $16 million at Saratoga's auction last year, had been kept off the track for months by a series of injuries, the AP reports. "In a perfect world, he would win," said the Green Monkey's trainer.
Branson Starts Legal Fund for Maddy's Parents
Associated Press
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Sep 16, 2007 3:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Colorful Virgin chair Richard Branson has donated $200,000 to help Maddy's parents plead their case. He had already contributed to a $2 million fund to help find their daughter, Madeleine, who disappeared in Portugal on May 3. Branson stepped up his support when he heard that the couple was planning to sell their house to cover legal costs, CNN...
Fonda to Sell 'Easy Rider' Loot
Associated Press
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Sep 16, 2007 2:57 PM CDT
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Peter Fonda is auctioning off a stash of memorabilia from Easy Rider that he's held onto since the movie's 1969 release. The producer, co-writer, and co-star of the trailblazing film "decided it was time to share some of his treasures." The crown jewel is the American flag from the jacket he wore in the film.
O.J. Arrested in Heist of Memorabilia
CNN
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Sep 16, 2007 2:11 PM CDT
(Newser) -
There was no Bronco chase this time, as police arrested O.J. Simpson after an alleged armed burglary at a Las Vegas hotel. Simpson and his pals made off with memorabilia that the ex-football phenom says were stolen from him. Police nabbed another man in the case last night, and seized two guns that may have been used in the heist, CNN reports.
Jodie Hits #1 With a Bullet
Deadline
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Sep 16, 2007 2:00 PM CDT
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Jodie Foster's The Brave One ranked number one with a bullet this weekend at $13.5 million, although it failed to meet studio expectations, reports Deadline Hollywood Daily. Critic Nikki Finke laments the film's reviews and marketing, but applauds Foster as a rare actress able to open a hit movie. Taking second and third this week were 3:10 to Yuma...
Presidential Candidates Play Too Nice
Reuters
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Sep 16, 2007 1:43 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Except for a few barbs here and there, the 2008 campaign has been as polite as a tea party, and that's not a good thing, reports Reuters. Though many assume negative campaigning turns off voters, it's the negative details that stick and actually spur voters to cast a ballot, researchers say. "Democracy itself requires negativity," says one...
Death Toll at 88 in Thai Air Crash
Reuters
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Sep 16, 2007 1:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The death toll has risen to 88 in the crash of a budget airliner on a Thai island resort today, Reuters reports. Officials said the plane broke up and burst into flames as it tried to land in torrential rain.The 42 survivors are being treated for a variety of injuries, and at least one said he thought the plane descended too fast.
Iranian Official Hits US for Scapegoating
CNN
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Sep 16, 2007 12:56 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The US is hyping an Iranian threat to Iraq to deflect attention away from its mistakes, Iran’s ambassador to Iraq told CNN, again denying allegations Tehran is attacking American troops trying to stabilize the country. “US security plans for Iraq have not succeeded,” Hassan Kazemi-Qomi said. The administration is accusing others to...
Bonds' #756 Ball Fetches $752K
San Francisco Chronicle
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Sep 16, 2007 12:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Barry Bonds beat expectations again, as his record-breaking ball sold for well above industry estimates. Bonds’ 756th homerun ball netted $752,467, while the ball that helped him tie Hank Aaron’s career record sold for $186,750. Some naysayers thought Bonds’ steroid scandal and sharp personality would dampen demand, the San Francisco...
Ancient Texts Fill Blanks in Climate History
Associated Press
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Sep 16, 2007 11:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Scientists are poring over the diaries of 17th century Swiss monks and Parisian physicians for data to help judge changes in Europe’s climate, the AP reports. Piecing together records from things as disparate as military campaigns and cherry blossom festivals dispels any doubt that the Earth is heating up, according to climate historian Christian...
Brits Panic Over Credit Crisis
Guardian (UK)
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Sep 16, 2007 11:17 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The US credit crisis is sending Britain's buy-now-pay-later economy into apoplexy, with Brits lining up by the thousands outside branches of troubled bank Northern Rock to withdraw their savings in spite of an unprecedented government bailout. Analysts say that the nation's borrowing habits leave the economy vulnerable. "I think we are at tipping...
Bigger Portions Weigh Down Healthy Choices
Reuters
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Sep 16, 2007 10:49 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Choosing Subway over McDonalds doesn't help if you eat more when you're there. A new study shows that people underestimate calories when eating relatively healthier food, leading them to eat more and get just as fat. "We have to move away from thinking of food in 'good food/bad food' (terms) and think also about 'how much food," says a researcher.
Al Qaeda Expands With "Corporate Takeovers"
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 16, 2007 10:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Al Qaeda is expanding its size and abilities through "corporate-style takeovers" of regional extremist groups—offering arms, training, and support in return for allegiance. Analysts say this expansion represents a huge threat to the West, as the terrorist organization gains thousands of willing foot soldiers. "They are creating...
Rock Legends Party Like It's 1979 (With a 2007 Approach)
Economist
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Sep 16, 2007 9:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Police. Genesis. Led Zeppelin. Rock legends are squeezing back into their familiar duds to electrify audiences decades after their heydays. The comebacks aren’t all about cash, the Economist proposes. Many of the greying rockers are in no need of funds "if they fancy a new castle or a young wife." It's as if a new careerism requires...
Utah Trounces UCLA 44-6
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 16, 2007 8:44 AM CDT
(Newser) -
UCLA's high expectations were dashed yesterday as Utah (1-2) stymied the Bruins' offense and embarrassed their defense, reports the Los Angeles Times . UCLA quarterback Brian Olsen threw three interceptions and was sacked five times, and his receiver Marcus Everett added to the pain by fumbling a touchdown dive for a touchback.
World's 10 Most Polluted Places
Time
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Sep 16, 2007 8:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Millions around the world live in soot-blackened cities and toxic wastelands. Time offers a reverse travel guide to the most polluted places on Earth: Linfen, China Tianjin, China Sukinda, India
Maddy Cops: We Goofed
Guardian (UK)
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Sep 16, 2007 8:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Portuguese police believe that early mistakes in the Madeleine McCann case have crippled their investigation, a source has told the Observer. Police are now unified in suspecting Maddy's parents in her disappearance, but it will be nearly impossible to bring charges against them due to lack of evidence . Part of the problem stems from cops initially...
66 Dead in Thai Jet Crash
CNN
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Sep 16, 2007 8:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
As many as 100 people were feared dead yesterday as a Thai plane ripped in two and exploded in flames in heavy rain as it touched down in the popular tourist resort of Phuket island. Some 20 passengers appeared to scramble to safety as smoke engulfed the budget jetliner operated by Orient Thai Airways.
Phils Come Back to Beat Mets
ESPN
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Sep 16, 2007 8:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pedro struck out 9, but couldn't save his bullpen from blowing his lead into a Philly comeback victory. The Phils scored four times late to win 5-3 after trailing 3-1 until the 7th. They have beaten the Mets in seven straight encounters, and closed the gap in the National League East to 4½ games.
O.J. 'Sorry' —Dealer Ready to Forget Heist
New York Daily News
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Sep 16, 2007 8:12 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A sports memorabilia dealer who accused O.J. Simpson of armed robbery appears to be willing to forgive and foget, reports the New York Daily News . Simpson allegedly barged into the collector's Las Vegas hotel room and stole memorabilia at gunpoint, the dealer told police. But now, "as far as I'm concerned, it's over," Simpson told...
Elizabeth Edwards Finds Unlikely Ally in Ann Romney
Time
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Sep 16, 2007 7:38 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Elizabeth Edwards' decision to encourage her husband's presidential campaign despite her diagnosis of incurable breast cancer has drawn considerable controversy. Lambasted by some as a "terrible mother" for leaving her young children at home to join the campaign trail, Edwards soldiers on and has found key support from an unlikely ally, reports...
Michigan Breaks Losing Streak; Notre Dame Takes the Fall
ESPN
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Sep 16, 2007 7:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Michigan's woes are over—for the time being. For Notre Dame, troubles have only increased after a humiliating 38-0 defeat yesterday in Ann Arbor. For both teams, yesterday's game was an opportunity to dispel qualms stemming from dismal 0-2 starts. The Wolverine's Mike Hart was dominant, rushing for 187 yards and scoring twice.
Philip K. Dick Is Ready for His Closeup Now
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 16, 2007 7:18 AM CDT
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Sci fi writer Philip K. Dick died paranoid, impoverished, and obscure. But since his death in 1982, nine movies have been based on his novels—including Blade Runner, Minority Report , and Total Recall —-and interest in his work , eerily prescient of the digital age, has never been higher.
Red Sox Bury Yankees 10-1
New York Times
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Sep 16, 2007 6:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Josh Beckett's record is now a Major League Baseball-best 19-6 after pitching seven innings of one-run baseball last night to add to Boston's lead in the American League East. Fellow Cy Young hopeful Chien-Ming Wang gave up five runs to the Sox and knocked Kevin Youkilis out of the game with a fastball to the wrist, reports the New York Times.
