Newser Story Index from January, 2008
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.
US Blunts Arctic Oil Warning
Der Spiegel
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Jan 23, 2008 2:18 PM CST
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A top researcher for the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was poised this week to deliver a stern warning against the oil drilling operations sweeping the Arctic—until politicians pulled the teeth from his report, Der Spiegel reports. The report needed approval from the Arctic council that commissioned it—but the US...
Doc Hit Skids After Kanye's Mom Died
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 2:08 PM CST
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The plastic surgeon who operated on the mother of rapper Kanye West days before her Nov. 10 death told CNN's Larry King yesterday that his Los Angeles-area practice has been "almost destroyed" by bad publicity following the tragedy. But Dr. Jan Adams, former host of the TV series Plastic Surgery: Before and After said he will continue practicing.
The Dream Ticket, Despite Odds
Der Spiegel
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Jan 23, 2008 1:49 PM CST
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Conventional wisdom has reservations about a Hillary Clinton-Barack Obama ticket, Peter Ross Range writes in Der Spiegel , but the pairing might just be perfect enough to overcome them. The two Democratic contenders are not geographical or ideological complements, they’ve “hit bottom in personal terms” and they’d be two “minorities”...
No Cover-Up in Diana Crash, Survivor Says
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 23, 2008 1:21 PM CST
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Still bearing scars on his face from the 1997 crash that killed Princess Diana, bodyguard Trevor Rees told the inquest into her death today that he isn't part of a British cover-up alleged by Mohammed al-Fayed, Reuters reports. "All I have ever done is give the truth as I see it," said Rees, who has little memory of the accident of which...
Ahmadinejad Plans First Iraq Trip
Reuters
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Jan 23, 2008 12:52 PM CST
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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Baghdad, the Iraqi foreign ministry announced today, a historic trip that highlights the new relationship between the neighbors, who fought a bloody war in the 1980s. No Iranian president has ever visited Iraq, but with a Shiite government in power after the ouster of Saddam Hussein, some say Iranian...
Programmers Take on Rock Star Status
ComputerWorld
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Jan 23, 2008 12:45 PM CST
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A growing number of computer programmers aren’t content to be anonymous code monkeys: Today’s most talented tech nerds are paid exorbitantly well to turn out brilliant code, and can even earn a small amount of fame doing it, ComputerWorld reports . “ Some developers base their careers around eventually becoming rock stars,”...
Did You Pack This Cat Yourself, Sir?
Dallas Morning News
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Jan 23, 2008 12:38 PM CST
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A Texas man got a shock after realizing he'd brought home the wrong suitcase from the airport—and found a cat in it. "I was going to close it, and a kitten jumped out and ran under the bed. I screamed like a little girl," the surprised traveler told the Dallas Morning News . Meanwhile, in Florida, kitty Gracie Mae's owner was frantically...
Seniors Running for Their Lives
Reuters
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Jan 23, 2008 12:28 PM CST
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Older men who jog or walk briskly for 30 minutes several times a week die at half the rate in the same period as contemporaries who are not fit, according to a new study. The study monitored 15,000 veterans, aged 50 to 70, for more than seven years. Researchers concluded fitness extended life regardless of other factors like race or income level, Reuters...
Even the Real Economy Isn't This Bad
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2008 12:18 PM CST
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The subprime crisis has nothing on the economic implosion hitting Second Life’s virtual economy, the Wall Street Journal reports. Linden Labs has shut down most of the banks in its online game, cutting users off from real-life cash they'd invested. That caused a very real bank run, with avatars swarming to ATMs, sometimes to find them disabled.
Disputed Show Opens to Raves
Telegraph (UK)
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Jan 23, 2008 12:00 PM CST
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London's Royal Academy opened its blockbuster exhibition of Russian-owned paintings last night, after narrowly escaping cancellation by the Russians last month. Critics agree that the stunner of From Russia is Matisse's 1910 The Dance , which rarely leaves the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. "It blasts any picture near it off the wall,"...
SEC Opens ABN Amro Insider Trading Probe
CNN
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Jan 23, 2008 11:42 AM CST
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The US Securities and Exchange Commission has opened an inquiry into possible insider trading surrounding last year's takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro. Holland's Financieele Dagblad r eports that Fortis, Barclays, Santander, and Royal Bank of Scotland—which eventually won the bidding—have been asked for information about trading in ABN...
Area 51 Gets 'Homey' Makeover
Military Times
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Jan 23, 2008 11:30 AM CST
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It’s been called Dreamland, Paradise Ranch, the Box and, of course, Area 51. Now the US Air Force’s Groom Lake, Nev., test site—possibly the least-secret top-secret base of all time—has a new name: “Homey Airport.” The facility now pops up on aviation software and GPS as Homey Airport, or its official designation,...
Mayans Sacrificed Boys—Not Virgin Girls
Reuters
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Jan 23, 2008 11:16 AM CST
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The human sacrifices offered up to the Mayan gods in Pre-Columbian Mexico were likely boys and young men, not virgin girls, Reuters reports. A Mexican archaeologist has ventured into the sacred sinkholes of Chichen Itza to recover bones from 127 bodies, and discovered that more than 80% of them came from pre-adolescent males between the ages of 3 and...
Whole Foods Sacks Plastic Bags
Austin American-Statesman
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Jan 23, 2008 10:51 AM CST
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After Earth Day on April 22, customers at any of Whole Foods' 270 stores will be taking home their groceries in a paper bag—unless they bring their own bag, reports the Austin American Statesman's Business Blog. The chain, concerned about the environment, is phasing out plastic bags. Experts say it's a bold move, but one that others may follow.
Mugabe Foe Briefly Arrested Ahead of Rally
Mail & Guardian (South Africa)
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Jan 23, 2008 10:42 AM CST
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Robert Mugabe's main opponent was arrested in the middle of the night ahead of a planned rally today in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, reports the Mail and Guardian . He was later released without charge. Police have banned Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change from holding a demonstration, but the opposition leader has vowed...
Boeing 777 in Spotlight After London Crash
USA Today
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Jan 23, 2008 10:38 AM CST
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British and American investigators are still piecing together flight data to determine why a Boeing 777's engines suddenly refused to increase power just short of landing, causing the plane to crash-land at London's Heathrow airport on Thursday. The unexplained crash has drawn worldwide puzzlement, as the popular passenger plane previously enjoyed...
Uncle Sam Wants ... Anybody
Washington Post
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Jan 23, 2008 10:28 AM CST
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The Army is lowering standards to meet recruiting goals, with the percentage of high school-educated recruits dropping to a new low of 70.7% last year, reports the Washington Post . The Army hasn't reached its goal of 90% since 2004. A new study also shows that the number of "high quality" recruits—high school graduates who score in...
Did Fed Freak With Emergency Rate Cut?
Reuters
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Jan 23, 2008 10:13 AM CST
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Yesterday's steep interest rate cut—just a week ahead of a scheduled policy meeting—made the staid Federal Reserve come across as spooked and jumpy, leaving many to wonder if the Fed knows of worse news to come, Reuters' Ros Krasny writes. The surprise .75-point cut "is a declaration of a state of emergency for the US markets and the...
Ledger Autopsy Inconclusive
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 9:56 AM CST
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An autopsy on actor Heath Ledger was inconclusive, the AP reports, and a medical examiner's office spokeswoman says that further needed tests will take about 10 days. Meanwhile, Ledger's family echoed earlier police statements that the actor had not committed suicide—rather, his death was “tragic, untimely, and accidental," his father...
Toyota, GM In Tie for Top Automaker
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2008 9:28 AM CST
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Toyota has finally caught up with GM, after years of growing roughly five times as fast. GM’s sales rose 3% in 2007, to 9,369,524 vehicles, but it was only enough to tie Toyota, which last week announced sales of approximately 9.37 million, ending GM’s 76-year reign atop the world’s automakers, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Edwards Appearance Gets Hairy
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 9:19 AM CST
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David Letterman started it, when he couldn't resist giving John Edwards' perfectly coifed hair an exploratory tousle. Letterman did get permission, asking “Could I just mess your hair up a little bit? Has it ever been messed up?" Edwards was game. “You want to? Go ahead,” the candidate said, taking a swipe at Letterman's...
Group Counts 932 Falsehoods in Runup to War
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 9:09 AM CST
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President Bush and top administration officials made hundreds of false statements—932, to be exact—about the national security threat from Iraq following 9/11, report two nonprofit journalism organizations. In the two years after the attacks, Bush and top officials stated at least 532 times that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, was...
Stocks Struggling After Early Skid
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 23, 2008 8:50 AM CST
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Stocks continued their downward march today, with the Dow off 139.41 points by midmorning, up from a 228.75-point dive at the opening bell. Seeming to shrug off yesterday’s huge emergency rate cut from the Fed, investors are acting on fears of recession, and focusing on disappointing earnings from Apple and Motorola. The S&P and Nasdaq...
Surgery Kicks Type 2 Diabetes Better Than Dieting: Study
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2008 8:35 AM CST
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Surgery is better than dieting and exercise to help people suffering from type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Three of four patients—73%—who underwent "lap-banding" surgery lost 20% of their body weight and were in diabetic remission within two years, WebMD reports. That compares with a 13% remission rate for patients undergoing...
'Mild' New Iran Sanctions Forged
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 23, 2008 8:17 AM CST
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Six leading world powers have agreed on a draft United Nations resolution for a third round of sanctions against Iran that stop short of the punishing economic measures the US had advocated, the Los Angeles Times reports. The sanctions include some extension of travel and business bans—but in "weakened" language that calls only for...
High Mercury Levels Found in Tuna Sushi
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2008 7:50 AM CST
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A quarter of tuna sushi sampled in New York contained mercury levels so high that the FDA could take legal action to ban the fish from the market, reports the New York Times . Although the sushi was collected in New York City, experts believe samples elsewhere would be similar. “No one should eat a meal of tuna” more than once about...
Motorola Profit Plummets 84% in Q4
Bloomberg
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Jan 23, 2008 7:25 AM CST
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Motorola, blaming loss of market share to Apple and Samsung, today reported a fourth-quarter profit plunge of 84%. The nation’s largest mobile-phone maker said phone shipments fell 38%, and sales fell 18.2%. Reviving its ailing cellphone unit will take longer than expected, Motorola said, forecasting a loss next quarter. New CEO Greg Brown said...
Project Launched to Map Genes of 1,000 People
Nature
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Jan 23, 2008 6:52 AM CST
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An international project to sequence the genomes of at least 1,000 people has begun at three research institutes in England, China and the US. The information gathered in the "1,000 Genomes Project " will be used to create a reference map of genetic variations. "This is going to have a profound impact on our ability to understand the...
Federer Fends Off Blake
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 6:49 AM CST
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Roger Federer had to work to defend his top ranking and earn a berth in the Australian Open finals, as American James Blake put up a good—though ultimately futile—fight today. Despite plaguing Federer with his powerful forehand, Blake fell 7-5, 7-6 (5), 6-4, as the crowd roared support for both men. Federer next faces Novak Djokovic in...
Hunky Heath Savored Challenges
Washington Post
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Jan 23, 2008 6:40 AM CST
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The late Heath Ledger, found dead yesterday in his Manhattan apartment, was a "craggy, sexy" actor who went about his craft with almost painful seriousness, says the Washington Post . He left an undeniable mark in film history, from his role in teen flick 10 Things I Hate About You as a fresh-faced unknown to his final part as the Joker...
Thousands Pour Over Bombed Gaza Border Wall
CNN
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Jan 23, 2008 5:43 AM CST
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Tens of thousands of Palestinians flooded into Egypt today after a wall was blown up by militants, CNN reports. Egyptian border guards did not intervene as people rushed over the downed fence to buy food and fuel. An Israeli blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza, in response to a rise in rocket attacks, is in its sixth day, and the territory's residents...
Asian Markets Rebound
New York Times
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Jan 23, 2008 5:14 AM CST
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Asian markets bounced back modestly this morning after two days of precipitous drops. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index jumped 10.72%, Japan's Nikkei average rose 2%, and the Topix index was up 2.5%. Sydney's index closed 4.4% higher, breaking a 12-day downturn, and India's Sensitive index saw its first gains in 8 days as traders expressed cautious optimism
Obama Grabs Double-Digit Lead in SC
Reuters
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Jan 23, 2008 4:36 AM CST
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Presidential hopeful Barack Obama holds a 42% to 25% lead over Hillary Clinton in the upcoming South Carolina primary, finds a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released today. Race looks to be a key factor, with African-Americans, who made up just over half the poll sample, favoring Obama over Clinton 65% to 16%. Among whites, Clinton and John Edwards are...
Writers Cut Grammys a Break
MTV
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Jan 23, 2008 4:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
Striking writers have agreed not to picket the Grammys next month, opening the way for major stars to perform and attend the telecast. The Writers Guild and the Recording Academy are negotiating a deal that would also allow union writers to work on the CBS broadcast. Writers and studio representatives also began informal talks yesterday to settle the...
Kings Can't Get Past Osgood in 3-0 Detroit Win
Detroit Free Press
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Jan 23, 2008 4:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
Chris Osgood turned around the performance that got him yanked last week as Detroit's starting goalie, this time making 27 saves in a perfect performance against the Kings. "They have a pretty good team on paper," Osgood diplomatically said of Los Angeles, but the NHL's worst team couldn't avoid a 3-0 loss, reports the Detroit Free Press...
Court Rejects $40B Suit from Enron Investors
Bloomberg
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Jan 23, 2008 4:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Supreme Court yesterday turned away an appeal from Enron investors seeking to sue banks that loaned the company money, Bloomberg reports. A lower court ruling had blocked the investors from organizing a $40 billion class-action suit against Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse and other banks. The investors accused the banks of helping the energy trader...
Canadiens Extend Mastery Over Bruins in 8-2 Demolition
Sports Network
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Jan 23, 2008 3:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Bruins came into Montreal having lost eight straight to the Canadiens, including five already this year, and the 8-2 carnage was about what one would expect. Forlorn Boston keepers Alex Auld and Tim Thomas combined to stop just 16 of Montreal's 24 shots, including two goals by Andrei Kostitsyn. Other Canadian teams were not so lucky:
Canadian Panel Urges Afghanistan Troop Pullout
Financial Times (UK)
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Jan 23, 2008 3:42 AM CST
(Newser) -
A government-appointed panel has recommended that Canada withdraw from a combat role in Afghanistan next year unless European allies shoulder more of the burden, reports the Financial Times . "Canadian resources, and Canadians' patience, are not limitless," said the panel, which was established to defuse the debate that has sharply divided...
Venus Joins Sis in Aussie Exit, Falls to Ivanovic
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 3:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
Ana Ivanovic had never taken a set off Venus Williams until she took down the American today in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 7-6 (3), 6-4. Venus’ sister Serena, was also bounced from the tournament in the quarters by a Serbian, Jelena Jankovic. The fourth-seeded Ivanovic will face Daniela Hantuchova in the semifinals, reports the...
Suns Shoot Past Bucks in 4th
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 3:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
Down by six entering the fourth quarter, the stars of the Phoenix Suns emerged to lead their team to a 114-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Steve Nash scored 15 of his season-high 37 points and Amare Stoudemire notched 10 of his 19 in the final period as Phoenix became the first Western Conference team to reach the 30-win mark, reports the Associated...
US-Viet Pact OKs Forced Deportations
Orange County Register
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Jan 23, 2008 3:17 AM CST
(Newser) -
The US and Vietnam have signed a pact that could see thousands of Vietnamese living in America forcibly returned to their homeland, reports the Orange Country Register . Under the agreement, undocumented Vietnamese immigrants facing court deportation orders can now be repatriated. Some 8,000 people will be affected and the deportations could begin...
Artest, Kings Embarrass Nets 128-94
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 3:03 AM CST
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The Kings led the New Jersey Nets by 11 after the first period and never looked back as Sacramento cruised to a 128-94 victory. Ron Artest led all scorers with 27 points. The mercurial small forward also grabbed six boards, dished four assists, swiped five steals and, for good measure, blocked a shot, AP reports.
Heart & Stroke Deaths Plummet
ABC News
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Jan 23, 2008 2:54 AM CST
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Deaths from heart disease and strokes have dropped by a quarter since 1999—the biggest decrease on record, reports ABC News. An estimated 160,000 lives have been saved. "This is the fastest rate of decrease we've seen. It's very meaningful," said a doctor. The American Heart Association credits innovative new treatments like...
Rookie Russell Lifts Jackets Past Stars
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 1:55 AM CST
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Columbus scored three third-period goals and rallied to defeat the Dallas Stars 4-2. Blue Jackets rookie Kris Russell scored the tie-breaking goal on a power play; Russell scored his first NHL goal earlier in the second period. Pascal Leclaire had 26 saves for Columbus. The loss snapped Dallas’ three-game winning streak, reports AP. Elsewhere...
Devils Rout Flyers 7-3 in Philadelphia
Associated Press
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Jan 23, 2008 1:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
New Jersey scored five power play goals en route to a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers last night, as defenseman Johnny Oduya had his best game of the year, at least points-wise, scoring a goal and tallying three assists. Zach Parise and Patrik Elias each scored two goals as the Devils moved into first place in the Atlantic Division, reports...
Kentucky Shocks No. 3 Tennessee 72-66
ESPN
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Jan 23, 2008 12:41 AM CST
(Newser) -
Billy Gillispie got perhaps his biggest win so far as the first-year coach of Kentucky, stunning No. 3 Tennessee in a signature 72-66 win. The high-scoring Volunteers were held to just 39% shooting from the field—7 of 26 from long range—and the Wildcats' ball-control offense ensured a manageable pace. Also in college hoops:
No Worm in Apple, Yet Stock Falls
New York Times
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Jan 22, 2008 10:23 PM CST
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Despite reporting record-high earnings, Apple saw its stocks fall more than 11% after the market closed today, the New York Times reports. Apple's lowered 2nd quarter earning expectations may have sparked the drop, analysts say, unless investors are anxious about the high-end electronics market in general as the US economy slows down.
Ledger Didn't Kill Himself: Cops
New York Post
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Jan 22, 2008 9:58 PM CST
(Newser) -
Actor Heath Ledger likely died from an overdose of anti-anxiety pills today but there were no signs of suicide, police told the New York Post . The film star had generic forms of Valium and Xanax in his New York home when he was found; an autopsy is planned for tomorrow. He also had pneumonia, which may have proved fatal when mixed with sleeping pills,...
Wonks Ponder Thompson Fallout
Washington Post
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Jan 22, 2008 9:02 PM CST
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Pollsters are placing bets on who disbanded Thompsonites will turn to in Florida. With most calling themselves "very conservative" evangelicals, they will likely support Huckabee or Romney, one pollster says. But Thompson could throw a curve and endorse John McCain, his old Senate buddy, the Washington Post reports.
Housing Crisis Hard on Pets, Too
Chicago Tribune
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Jan 22, 2008 8:27 PM CST
(Newser) -
America's pets are feeling the subprime fallout these days as more homeowners are foreclosing and abandoning them, the Chicago Tribune reports. A recent spate of deserted animals—including 24 horses on an Oklahoma farm, and 21 Great Danes left to die in Pennsylvania—inspired the national Humane Society to issue a plea: If you can't afford...
