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.
Nadal, Sharapova Advance
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2008 1:33 PM CST
(Newser) -
Spain’s Rafael Nadal quickly advanced to the Australian Open’s fourth round today, when a calf injury forced French opponent Paul-Henri Matthieu to drop out; Nadal was ahead 6-4, 3-0. Justine Henin made short work of her opponent, Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei, 6-2, 6-2, as did Maria Sharapova, who beat Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-0 in just an...
Countrywomen Rate Bhutto's Feminist Legacy
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 20, 2008 1:00 PM CST
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Benazir Bhutto wasn't always a staunch defender of women's rights, but for Pakistani women the fight for gender equality is a lot tougher now that she's gone. Bhutto may have jump-started women's health care and job programs, but she missed opportunities to repeal harsh anti-egalitarian laws—failures her defenders chalk up to the demands of political...
10 Life-Changing Innovations
LiveScience
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Jan 20, 2008 12:33 PM CST
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From omnipresent Internet to cloned donor organs, LiveScience picks 10 new technologies that, when fully developed, will transform our lives. Digital libraries: When all of humanity's texts are digitized, any factual question will be answerable online. Gene therapy/stem cells: The key to curing some of our nastiest afflictions. ...
No More Mr., Mrs. Nice Dems
Politico
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Jan 20, 2008 12:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
Despite measured tones at Tuesday’s debate, the Nevada race was a dirty one for the leading Dems, Politico reports. The mudslinging began when Hillary Clinton said the Culinary Workers Union was scaring its members into supporting Barack Obama. The Illinois senator, for his part, did not prevent a union-backed Spanish-language ad which said...
Don't Get More Than Seasick
ABC News
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Jan 20, 2008 11:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
If you're one of the 10 million or so Americans who take a cruise this year, make sure you understand that “all-inclusive” doesn’t apply to medical care, says ABC News. Cruise ships have doctors on board, but the operator won’t take responsibility for them. Cruise lines, says a personal-injury lawyer, are “not responsible...
Brits Debate Eco-Wisdom of Biofuels
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 20, 2008 11:03 AM CST
(Newser) -
Biofuels may actually exacerbate the environmental problems they were meant to allay, reports the Observer, and a UK Parliamentary committee has released a report examining the possible effects. Using fuel made from crops like tallow and rapeseed may actually worsen greenhouse gas emissions, kill rainforests, and drive up food prices due to land...
For Sale: These United States
New York Times
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Jan 20, 2008 10:41 AM CST
(Newser) -
Some Americans are outraged about illegal immigrants crossing the Mexican border, but the New York Times' Maureen Dowd thinks that the breech of some financial boundaries are of greater concern. "Who’s going to own the American economy?" she asks, pointing to oil-rich countries taking advantage of the weak dollar to snap up US assets.
Shunning Makes a Comeback in US Churches
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2008 10:08 AM CST
(Newser) -
In an effort to reclaim their churches' role as moral authority, many Protestant ministers have reinstated the all-but-lost practice of shunning unrepentant sinners from their congregations. And while nobody's yet had to pin a scarlet "A" to their Sunday best, the consequences of the puritanical revival have weighed heavy on some so-called...
3 Dead In New Kenya Violence
Reuters
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Jan 20, 2008 9:40 AM CST
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At least three people were hacked to death with machetes and homes were set ablaze in a fresh outbreak of ethnic violence in Kenya today between President Mwai Kibaki's Kikuya group and opposition backers of Raila Odinga, Reuters reports. The deaths bring to 31 those killed since Odinga's supporters began three days of anti-government rallies last...
Rudy Scrambles to Catch Up in Florida
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2008 9:09 AM CST
(Newser) -
Rudy Giuliani's strategy of skipping ahead to Florida could still pay off big, or could leave him dead in the Gulf Coast water, reports the Guardian. Giuliani is now pulling out all the stops as he sinks behind John McCain in polls, and the rest of the field joins the contest for the delegate-rich state that the former mayor has had largely to himself.
Cybercrooks Hacking Power Grid
PC World
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Jan 20, 2008 8:38 AM CST
(Newser) -
Foreign extortionists have managed to hack into US power grids and shut them down, PC World reports, citing a CIA analyst speaking at a security conference this week. "In at least one case, the disruption caused a power outage affecting multiple cities. We do not know who executed these attacks, but all involved intrusions through the Internet,"...
McCain Bests Conservative Offensive in SC
Washington Post
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Jan 20, 2008 8:00 AM CST
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Despite an onslaught from uber-conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, John McCain managed to capture a chunk of the Republican establishment to win South Carolina. McCain's victory marked a dramatic difference from the last time conservatives blasted him out of the running in South Carolina in 2000, reports the Washington Post . "I think the people...
Futuristic Geek Chic Hits Catwalk
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 20, 2008 7:40 AM CST
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Futuristic Belgian designer Raf Simons' otherworldly, vividly colored designs had the audience transfixed at Jil Sander's spring/summer 2008 runway show in Milan. "It's something I hear more and more," the confident Simons told the Observer . People tell me that at the shows you can hear a needle drop."
US Embassy in Algiers on Terror Alert
Reuters
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Jan 20, 2008 7:29 AM CST
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US Embassy officials have warned employees in Algiers to take increased security measures to guard against the heightened risk of terror attacks, Reuters reports. It was the second warning since double bombings in the city two months ago that were claimed by al-Qaeda. All Americans were urged to limit their movements around the country to avoid danger.
Redford Kid Debuts at Sundance
Salt Lake Tribune
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Jan 20, 2008 7:05 AM CST
(Newser) -
Actor Robert Redford's daughter doesn’t back away from questions about bias regarding a decision by the Sundance film festival—founded by her pop—to show the first movie she's directed. "I've been involved in other films that haven't made it, and it's a democratic selection process," Amy Redford, 37, tells the Salt Lake...
Hispanic, Black Nevadans Split Over Dems
Politico
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Jan 20, 2008 6:25 AM CST
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White women and Hispanics may have helped Hillary Clinton to her victory in Nevada, but black voters overwhelmingly picked Barack Obama, a trend that may have big repercussions in upcoming primaries, says Politico . Minority groups traditionally side with the establishment candidate, which makes Obama's 83% support by African Americans in Nevada unique.
Obama Camp: Who Won Nevada? You Do the Math
Washington Post
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Jan 20, 2008 6:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in the Nevada caucuses with 51% to Barack Obama's 45%, but Obama campaign representatives say their candidate won one more national delegate, the Washington Post reports. The Clinton disputes that calculation, insisting that delegates to the national Democratic convention won't even be determined until April 19.
Memphis at Top After Destroying Southern Miss
Commercial Appeal (Memphis)
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Jan 20, 2008 5:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
The second-ranked Memphis Tigers burst into first place last night with a resounding 83-47 shutting down of Southern Miss, reports the Commercial Appeal . With 19 points, Chris Douglas-Roberts led his Tigers to their 17th straight win. Though the ranking isn't official yet, Memphis is already celebrating its first No. 1 in 25 years. Elsewhere in college...
Cell Phone Radiation Disrupts Sleep
Independent (UK)
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Jan 20, 2008 5:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Researchers have found that radiation from cell phones can cause sleep loss, headaches, and confusion, the Independent reports. Mobile phone manufacturers were quick to downplay the results of the new study—which they themselves funded—but sleep experts say the research backs up previous studies, and they're calling for a full investigation...
Thompson Isn't Out of It—Yet
Chicago Tribune
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Jan 20, 2008 5:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said yesterday he needed a win in South Carolina to keep his campaign alive, but he hasn't officially pulled out—yet—despite a distant third-place 16% of the vote to frontrunner John McCain's 33%. But the writing seems to be on the wall, reports the Chicago Tribune . "It's been about our country,"...
Folding to Red Wings Familiar for Sharks
Detroit News
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Jan 20, 2008 5:17 AM CST
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For the sixth time in as many games, Detroit has neutralized San Jose, the Detroit News reports. The Sharks didn't come close in their latest contest, as six Red Wings each scored to make it 6-3. Dominik Hasek only needed 15 saves to secure the win for Detroit and stretch San Jose's winless streak to four. In other NHL action:
Suzanne Pleshette Dead
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2008 5:00 AM CST
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Actress Suzanne Pleshette, best known for her role as a sardonic wife in the long-running hit TV series “The Bob Newhart Show,” died today at her home in Los Angeles, AP reports. She was 70, and had been treated for lung cancer. The arresting, intelligent actress with the husky voice enjoyed a storied film career, from her beginnings...
Passionless Pistons Fall to Bulls, Gordon
Detroit Free Press
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Jan 20, 2008 4:12 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Bulls helped the Pistons drop their fifth game of the last nine, as lackluster Detroit starters and a hot Chicago bench combined for a 97-81 result. Ben Gordon had 33 points and Andres Nocioni 21 for the Bulls, as no one but Chauncey Billups (27 points) really produced for Detroit, the Detroit Free Press reports. Meanwhile, in Texas:
Dalembert Helps 76ers Fight Off Raptors Rally
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2008 1:04 AM CST
(Newser) -
Samuel Dalembert posted his fourth double-double in the past five games as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors 99-95 last night, reports the Associated Press. Willie Green led the 76ers with 23 points as the 76ers won for just the second time in 10 games. Chris Bosh had 25 points and nine rebounds for Toronto. In other NBA action:
No Crosby, No Problem for Penguins
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2008 1:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Pittsburgh Penguins showed they can win without superstar Sidney Crosby last night, as Dany Sabourin had 31 saves to shut out the Montreal Canadiens 2-0, reports the Associated Press. Crosby is out indefinitely with a sprained and swollen right ankle. In his absence, Jeff Tatte scored in the first period to get the Penguins going. In other NHL...
Magic Holds on This Time, Beats Trail Blazers
Orlando Sentinel
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Jan 20, 2008 12:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
Hedo Turkoglu scored 20 points, including nine in the fourth period as the Orlando Magic held on the beat the Portland Trail Blazers 101-94 Saturday, reports the Orlando Sentinel. The Magic lost most of a 21-point lead in the second period, but the young Blazers couldn't get closer than four points.
No. 7 Duke Continues to Own Clemson
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 10:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
No. 7 Duke used 24 points from DeMarcus Nelson to beat No. 24 Clemson for the 22nd straight time, 93-80, Saturday, reports the Associated Press. The Blue Devils (15-1, 3-0 ACC) blew a 12-point first-half lead, but eventually blew the Tigers (14-4, 2-2) away to raise their record to 54-4 against Clemson in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
No. 6 Volunteers Beat Buckeyes Down Stretch
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 9:48 PM CST
(Newser) -
No. 6 Tennessee improved to 16-1 for the second time in its history with a 74-69 win over Ohio State today, reports the Associated Press. The Volunteers only hit 47.1% of their free throws, but Tyler Smith made two when it counted with 11 seconds left to put the game away. JaJuan Smith led Tennessee with 15 points. In other Top 25 action:
Hobbled Daly Quits Bob Hope/ Honda Classic
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 19, 2008 9:24 PM CST
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John Daly said a nagging rib injury forced him to pull out of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in Pam Desert, Calif. Saturday after playing three rounds. The Los Angeles Times , however, reports that Daly, who was tied to 75th, has been a regular at all the late-night tournament parties and failed to show for his 9:33 a.m. tee time Saturday.
USC's Young Guns Down No. 4 UCLA
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 9:21 PM CST
(Newser) -
USC freshmen Davon Jefferson and OJ Mayo started building their own Los Angeles legend Saturday at the expense of No. 4 UCLA. Jefferson scored 25 and Mayo added 16 as the Trojans rolled 72-63, to end their rival's 9-game winning streak, the Associated Press reports. The Trojans outscored the Bruins 21-6 over the final 6:18, including shutting them...
McCain Wins Tight Race in SC
State (Columbia, SC)
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Jan 19, 2008 9:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
John McCain reclaimed the ever-elusive momentum in the GOP race tonight with a narrow victory over Mike Huckabee in South Carolina, the State reports. McCain got 33% of the vote to Huckabee's 30%. Fred Thompson, for whom South Carolina was a make-or-break state, finished a distant third (16%), just ahead of Mitt Romney (15%). The former Massachusetts...
Duncan Drops Out of GOP Race
CNN
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Jan 19, 2008 9:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
California Rep. Duncan Hunter pulled out of the GOP presidential race today after winning only 2% of votes in the Nevada caucuses, CNN reports. The San Diego-area lawmaker said that failing to "gain traction in conservative states of Nevada and South Carolina" proved it was time to quit. A long-shot hopeful, he raised little money and almost...
Deep Freeze Settles in South
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 7:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
Snow and rain fell on surprised Southerners today, slickening roads and forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights, the AP reports. Some Mississippians saw snow for the first time in 6 years as 5 inches fell in Alabama and experts warned drivers in Georgia to watch for icy roads. Freezing temperatures also hit parts of Louisiana, including New...
Nigerian Rebels Seek Help From Clooney
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 7:21 PM CST
(Newser) -
Nigeria’s top rebel group urged George Clooney to come heal their war-torn land today, the AP reports. The militants, who often pressure officials by blowing up oil pipelines, promised to work with Clooney “and other credible peace makers" to cool off fighting in Nigeria. Clooney gave no immediate response to the invitation.
Women, Latinos Key to Hill's Win
CNN
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Jan 19, 2008 7:05 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton won the Nevada caucuses today on the strength of women and Latino voters, claiming her second straight primary victory, CNN reports. With 98% of returns in, Clinton led 51% to 45% over Barack Obama. Despite losing the state's popular vote, Obama earned more delegates than Clinton, 13 to 12, the AP reports. John Edwards finished a distant...
Oscars Will Be Aired, Even Without Stars
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 19, 2008 6:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
ABC is determined to make the Academy Awards happen, with or without striking writers and boycotting actors, the LA Times reports. “I don’t want to say, ‘Read my lips,’ but it’s not going to be canceled,” said producer Gilbert Cates, fresh from chairing successful Directors Guild negotiations with producers. “There...
Maryland Shocks No. 1 UNC
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 5:58 PM CST
(Newser) -
Maryland did today what 18 schools before them couldn't: slow down Tyler Hansbrough and beat No. 1 North Carolina, the AP reports. Hansbrough still racked up numbers, but the Terrapins took the win as Bambale Osby scored on a layup with 21 seconds left for an 82-80 ACC upset, handing North Carolina its first loss of the season.
Bruins Beat Rangers in Shootout
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 5:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
Chuck Kobasew had two goals in regulation and the Boston Bruins went on to beat the New York Rangers 4-3 in a shootout Saturday, reports the Associated Press. Kobasew's second goal tied the game with 9:50 left and Zdeno Chara and Phil Kessel scored goals in the shootout for the win. In other NHL action:
Nev. Union Bullied Voters, Clinton Claims
Politico
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Jan 19, 2008 5:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Bill Clinton said today he personally witnessed reps from the pro-Obama Culinary Workers union threaten members who vowed to vote for Hillary in the Nevada caucuses. Workers who weren't pro-Obama would have their schedules changed to keep them from voting, Clinton claimed. “This is ludicrous,” the union’s political director told Politico,...
Edwards' Biggest Role to Come
Politico
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Jan 19, 2008 4:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
John Edwards may be a longshot to win the Democratic nomination, but he could wind up anointing the eventual candidate, and not just as a spoiler. Democratic delegates are divvied up proportionally in each state, Politico explains, so Edwards could wind up with a tidy clump of delegates if he keeps performing well. Who he throws them to could sew up...
No. 5 Hoyas Shut Down Notre Dame
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 4:56 PM CST
(Newser) -
No. 5 Georgetown bounced back from its first Big East defeat to beat Notre Dame 84-65 today, reports the Associated Press. Roy Hibbert led the way with 21 points and five assists, but the 7-foot-2 Hibbert contributed the most on defense as his presence in the middle helped hold the Irish to 32.8 percent shooting. In other Top 25 action:
Long-Held Secret Takes Man Off Death Row
New York Times
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Jan 19, 2008 4:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
A Virginia lawyer revealed a 10-year-old secret last year that had put a man on death row: Prosecutors coached another suspect to make his testimony match the evidence. When the state's legal ethics board reversed its gag order on Leslie Smith, the lawyer spoke up last week, and the sentence of Daryl R. Atkins was commuted to life, the New York Times...
'08 Prez Campaigns Going Broke
New York Times
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Jan 19, 2008 3:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Despite record fund-raising, top presidential hopefuls in both parties have blown almost all of their cash, the New York Times reports. Efforts to knock out opponents early have cost candidates at least $320 million, or 80% of what they have raised. With Super Tuesday fast approaching, “there is definitely some belt-tightening,” said...
Elmer Fudd, Have You Tried the Raccoon?
Chicago Tribune
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Jan 19, 2008 2:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Sweet raccoon meat is in vogue in the nation’s heartland, where the masked critters have been selling as fast as some hunters can snag them, the Chicago Tribune says. One Illinois dealer says he’s sold about 2,500 to more than 50 customers in the last 10 weeks. “You have to overcome certain inhibitions,” said one racoon-eater....
¿Como Se Dice ‘Caucus’ En Español?
Las Vegas Sun
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Jan 19, 2008 2:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
Iowa and New Hampshire may get most of the crowning glory, but Nevada's demographics make its "First in the West" contest a significant political battleground, the Las Vegas Sun says. As the state caucused today, the hometown paper polishes off the differences between the Silver State and its two predecessors—namely a Hispanic population...
Non-Candidate Bloomberg Meets Perot's Polling Expert
Dallas Morning News
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Jan 19, 2008 1:39 PM CST
(Newser) -
"I am not a candidate," Mike Bloomberg reiterated yesterday before having lunch with Ross Perot's former campaign manager, an expert on ballot access, the Dallas Morning News reports. Asked whether his presence in Austin, Texas was a sign, the New York mayor sniped, "I just said I'm not a candidate—it couldn't be clearer,"...
India Blushes Over Sarko, Bruni
BBC
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Jan 19, 2008 1:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Nicolas Sarkozy’s ambiguous relationship with Carla Bruni has India up in arms over how to deal with the French president’s upcoming visit. Reports say Sarkozy and Bruni were secretly married recently, but Sakrozy won’t confirm or deny, leaving Indian officials to ponder what the protocol is for his maybe-girlfriend. Unmarried couples...
Romney Wins Silver State Caucuses
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 12:29 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mitt Romney won the Nevada Republican caucuses today, the AP reports, his second straight victory. Romney nabbed 51% of the vote with nearly all returns in. In a surprise, Ron Paul (14%) edged past John McCain (13) to take second place. Fred Thompson and Mike Huckabee both got 8%, and Rudy Giuliani 5%. Exit polls said 25% of caucusgoers were Mormon,...
Top 10 Mysteries of the Mind
LiveScience
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Jan 19, 2008 11:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Debated for centuries, the human mind still holds a mystery or two in modern times. Here are LiveScience's top 10: Consciousness. Still the biggest human puzzle since Socrates. Cryonics. Can gray matter be revived from a 320-degree deep freeze? Aging. An unappreciated benefit, or simply cell decay with no purpose? Nature/nurture....
Rain Turns Out for GOP SC Primary, Too
State (Columbia, SC)
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Jan 19, 2008 11:11 AM CST
(Newser) -
Today's forecast for parts of South Carolina calls for up to 3 inches of snow, but analysts say if turnout is low in today’s GOP primary, it’ll be because of the candidates, not the weather. Times have changed: “People would have walked through broken glass in their bare feet to vote (for Ronald Reagan),” one GOP strategist...
