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.
Unknown Nearly Beats Federer
ESPN
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Jan 19, 2008 11:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
Roger Federer needed a personal-best 39 aces to survive a stunning five-set four-hour match against relative unknown Janko Tipsarevic in the third round of the Australian Open. The 49th-ranked Serbian’s superb baseline play forced Federer to play 63 games, the most of his career. His secret? “You have to believe you’re going to beat...
Ferrell to Stump This Fall, But Only Onstage
Politico
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Jan 19, 2008 10:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
Will Ferrell is working on a one-man show that could hit Broadway this fall, and he may focus the routine on an interactive bit starring a mock presidential candidate, Politico reports. The onetime "Saturday Night Live" George Bush doppelganger plans to incorporate a stump speech, question-and-answer session, and political ads into his script.
Mont. Governor Calls for Rally Against Real ID
Wired
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Jan 19, 2008 10:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
Montana's governor firmly rejected new federal ID legislation yesterday, urging 17 other states to join him in battling the DHS Real ID program, which requires citizens to reapply for ID, Wired reports. "If we stand together either DHS will blink or Congress will have to act to avoid havoc at our nation's airports and federal courthouses,"...
Spain Busts 14 Islamic Militants in Terror Plot
CNN
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Jan 19, 2008 10:28 AM CST
(Newser) -
Spanish authorities toady arrested 14 people—12 Pakistanis and 2 Indians—suspected of planning a terror attack in or near Barcelona. After raiding five homes, officials seized four bomb timers and computer data, CNN reports. “They had taken a step beyond radicalization and were trying to get the means to make explosives,” the...
Gaza Violence Endangers Peace Talks
Reuters
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Jan 19, 2008 9:53 AM CST
(Newser) -
Israeli bombs yesterday flattened a Hamas-run ministry on the Gaza Strip, and Israel also shut down Gaza border crossings.Cranking up pressure on Hamas to exert more control over militants who have stepped up rocket attacks, Israel killed at least 34 Palestinians this week, Reuters reports. The Palestinians cautioned that renewed violence imperils...
Investor Says Oust Comcast CEO; Reaction Mixed
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 19, 2008 9:43 AM CST
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With Comcast's stock price down 43% this year, a major shareholder has called for the cable operator to give CEO Brian Roberts the boot. The proposal has met a tepid response, the Wall Street Journal reports. The call for Roberts' head is premature, say analysts and investors, especially given the current industry-wide cable slump.
Huckabee Aims to Strike Balance
New York Times
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Jan 19, 2008 9:39 AM CST
(Newser) -
As he looks beyond South Carolina, Mike Huckabee strives to balance his evangelicalism with a more secular image, hoping to win support across the spectrum, the New York Times reports. Though a Christian vote even bigger than Iowa's could carry him in today's primary, the ex-preacher will soon face voters less interested in conservative Christian...
Teen Busted in Bhutto Killing
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 9:39 AM CST
(Newser) -
Pakistani authorities have arrested a teenage suspect in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, reports the AP. The 15-year-old said he was part of a five-person team sent to Rawalpindi by Baitullah Mehsud, a militant tribal leader affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Taliban, a senior Pakistani intelligence official said. A spokesman for Mehsud denied the...
Vogue Editor Strikes Back at Clinton
Women's Wear Daily
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Jan 19, 2008 9:32 AM CST
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Hillary Clinton apparently hasn't seen The Devil Wears Prada. Vogue editor Anna Wintour, reputedly the inspiration for the title character, tongue-lashes the presidential hopeful in the February issue for backing out of the cover shoot, Women’s Wear Daily reports. According to Wintour, Clinton "decided to steer clear of our pages at...
Iraqi Attacks Mar Shiite Rite
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 9:17 AM CST
(Newser) -
Bombs and rockets killed at least nine worshipers in two northern Iraqi cities today as millions of Shiites marked the climax of a holy rite under increased security. It was the second day of clashes between security forces and a militant Shiite cult knowns as Soldiers of Heaven. At least 72 people were killed yesterday in confrontations south of Baghdad.
Thompson Keeps It Slow and Steady
New York Times
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Jan 19, 2008 8:45 AM CST
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Recent poll numbers have shown a glimmer of viability for Fred Thompson's campaign, but Thompson treats the chance of a comeback as no cause to speed up the "gentlemanly canter" of his campaign. The folsky candidate is dishing out strong opinions couched in country wit in the same slow and easy manner his supporters have grown accustomed...
Top 10 Aphrodisiacs—for Real?
LiveScience
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Jan 19, 2008 8:20 AM CST
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Most aphrodisiacs are pure bunk, but it's fun to read about tonics that have beguiled lovers for centuries—and look at a few that may actually work. LiveScience lists its top 10: Respect. Dr. Ruth talks about the feeling that sparks all meaningful relationships, and makes for good sex too. Exercise. A recent study links penile dysfunction...
Music Fans Dodge Fees With Handset 'Sideloads'
Reuters
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Jan 19, 2008 7:50 AM CST
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Apple has sold 4 million iPhones since last summer’s launch, and it’s become the industry leader in mobile web access, while having just 1% of the handset market, reports Reuters. But the sleek smartphone hasn’t appeared to have made a bump in music downloads. Overall, downloads to handsets have been a disappointment to the music...
Marine Caught on Tape Buying 'Death Supplies'
CNN
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Jan 19, 2008 7:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
The suspect in the murder of a pregnant Marine was caught on a store video buying a wheelbarrow and paint—supplies police speculate he used to dispose of her body and cover up blood from her murder. Cesar Armando Laurean is now on the lam in Mexico, investigators believe. Laurean was spotted on a surveillance video at a home improvement store...
Jordan-like Davis Defeats Bulls
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jan 19, 2008 7:03 AM CST
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Despite the braces on nearly every limb, Baron Davis looked 100% fit during Golden State's 119-111 win over the Bulls. The point guard's 40 points (accumulated through perfect free-throw shooting and six three-pointers) tied his career best, and he "felt like Jordan out there," reports the San Francisco Chronicle .
'Diddy Did It,' Say Witnesses in Assault Lawsuit
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 7:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
Four witnesses have backed up a realtor's claim that rapper "P Diddy" Sean Combs struck him at at a post-Oscar party in Los Angeles last year in a confrontation over a woman, according to court papers filed yesterday in a lawsuit . "I remember seeing him go flying, not flying as in like feet off the ground, but he went back significantly,"...
Sears Plans Reorganization to Revitalize Biz
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 19, 2008 6:26 AM CST
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Foundering retailer Sears is hoping yet another change of course can help it sail out of its financial doldrums after watching its stock value drop in half this year and warning investors fourth-quarter earnings would plummet 57% from a year ago, reports the Wall Street Journal. Chairman Edward Lampert plans a reorganization creating as many as three...
Blackhawks Edge Past Avalanche
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 6:15 AM CST
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After one early goal off 23 attempts for both the Blackhawks and Avalanche, three scoreless periods called for a shootout. Milan Hejduk scored for Colorado, but Robert Lang and Patrick Kane both got past Jose Theodore to secure Chicago's 2-1 victory, AP reports. In other, much more lopsided NHL games:
Dems Slam Obama's Praise for Reagan
Chicago Tribune
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Jan 19, 2008 5:58 AM CST
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Barack Obama's comments that Ronald Reagan tapped into Americans' desire for change in a way that presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton did not have touched off a fiery backdraft from other Democratic candidates. Hillary Clinton lashed her rival for praising Republican ideas over Democratic positions, while John Edwards bristled at the late president's...
T-Wolves Can't Contain Nash in 115-95 Suns Win
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Jan 19, 2008 5:45 AM CST
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The Timberwolves couldn't keep Steve Nash from leading his team to a 115-95 victory last night. They tried to stop him from passing, and he scored; they tried to block his shot, and he dished out 13 assists. Against Nash and the Suns, the NBA's worst team never had a chance, reports the Arizona Republic. Elsewhere in the league:
Sour Grapes Over Napa Bubbly
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jan 19, 2008 5:34 AM CST
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A feud between members of the family that produces one of the top sparkling wines in the US is making California's Napa Valley the setting for a real-life soap opera, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Hedge-fund manager John Davies is battling for his stake in Schramsberg Vineyards, charging that his mother is mentally unstable, favoring his younger...
Ten Priciest Vehicles to Insure
Insure.com
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Jan 19, 2008 4:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Wary consumers already smarting from soaring gas prices won't want to miss Insure.com's new lists of the 10 priciest—and the 10 cheapest—cars to insure. The five with the highest premiums are: Dodge Ram Pickup Chevy Silverado C/K pickup Toyota Prius Honda Accord Nissan Altima
Anaheim Knocks Off Minnesota
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Jan 19, 2008 1:09 AM CST
(Newser) -
It took Minnesota a while to get going tonight and it ended up costing them a 4-2 decision against the defending Stanley Cup champs, writes the Star Tribune . The Wild, outshot 12-5 in the first, spotted Anaheim a 3-0 second period lead before scoring two goals in 14 seconds to close within one. Todd Bertuzzi scored twice for Anaheim.
Artest, Kings Victorious in Detroit
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 1:06 AM CST
(Newser) -
Ron Artest returned to boos in Detroit, and responded by blowing kisses to the fans and hitting a critical three-pointer with under four minutes left to put Sacramento ahead to stay in a 100-93 victory. Artest, who came off the bench, ended with 18 points at the site of a 2004 brawl that landed him a 73-game suspension, reports the AP.
Sabres Thrash Atlanta 10-1 to End Skid
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 12:57 AM CST
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The Buffalo Sabres ended their 10-game winless streak in style Friday with a 10-1 beating of the Atlanta Thrashers, reports the Associated Press. "We're not getting carried away," defenseman Brian Campbell told the Buffalo News . "We're 1-10 in our last 11 games and we've still got a lot of work to do."
Clemens Headed for the Hill
New York Times
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Jan 19, 2008 12:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
Roger Clemens, fighting back hard against being named in the Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, will continue that strategy on Jan. 26, when he answers questions from Congressional committee staff about the topic under oath, in advance of planned public hearings, reports the New York Times . "Roger looks forward to telling...
Russian Stars Bounced at Melbourne
ABC News (Australia)
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Jan 19, 2008 12:43 AM CST
(Newser) -
Agneiszka Radwanska lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova three times last season and finally said "no more." She must have meant it, too, as the 18-year-old from Poland shocked Kuznetsova, the No. 2-seeded women's player, 6-3, 6-4 in third round action at the Australian Open today. Kuznetsova, the 2004 U.S. Open champion, lost in just 77 minutes,...
Pierce, Celtics Brush Off 76ers
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 12:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Boston Celtics are back, not that they went that far away. Paul Pierce scored 14 of his 22 points in the third quarter as Boston cruised past the Philadelphia 76ers 116-89 Friday, the Associated Press reports. The win was the second straight for the Celtics after losing 3 of 4 and gives Boston an NBA-high 32 wins.
Panthers Win Marks Martin Milestone
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 12:37 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Florida Panthers gave coach Jacques Martin his 500th career victory by beating the New Jersey Devils 2-1 Friday, the Associated Press reports. Backup goalie Craig Anderson had 31 saves to help the Panthers end a 3-game losing streak. The Panthers trailed 1-0 going into the third period, but Radek Dvorak and David Booth scored early in the third.
Bosh, Raptors Extract Revenge Against Hawks
Globe and Mail
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Jan 19, 2008 12:29 AM CST
(Newser) -
It's not often that a Toronto versus Atlanta matchup means much, but tonight was different, as the two entered the evening 1.5 games apart in the standings. It's now 2.5, after Chris Bosh's 35 points led the Raptors to an 89-78 win. It was an incident-free first meeting between the teams since a hard foul knocked Toronto's T.J. Ford out of action....
Rams Owner Georgia Frontiere Dies
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 19, 2008 12:25 AM CST
(Newser) -
Georgia Frontiere, loved in St. Louis, hated in Los Angeles for moving the Rams east in 1995, died Friday at age 80, reports the Los Angeles Times . Ironically, Frontiere died at in LA, where she had been treated for breast cancer for several months. Frontiere inherited the Rams from her sixth husband, Carroll Rosenbloom, who drowned at age 72 in...
FCC to Re-Test Wireless Internet Devices
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 12:20 AM CST
(Newser) -
After a series of unsuccessful tests, the Federal Communications Commission is heading back to the lab to assess a new round of devices for broadcasting high-speed Internet in the white space available in between TV airwaves. The prototypes come from a coalition of top-tier bidders, including Microsoft, Philips, and Intel, none of which received positive...
Rivers Says He Will Play for Chargers
Associated Press
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Jan 19, 2008 12:13 AM CST
(Newser) -
As far as Philip Rivers is concerned, he is the San Diego Chargers quarterback in Sunday's AFC championship game against the New England Patriots, reports the Associated Press. "The way I felt Monday morning, I didn't think I'd feel as good as I do right now," said Rivers. Coach Norv Turner, however, said Rivers is still doubtful - an official...
Black Dem Voters Like Obama by 28%
CNN
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Jan 18, 2008 11:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Black Democrats are now backing Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton by 28% after he won in Iowa and took a close second in New Hampshire, according to a new national poll. "Now they believe" he can win the presidency, a CNN analyst said. But both hopefuls lost ground among all registered Democrats after their ugly race row, Clinton dropping...
Don't Worry About 'Tingling Sensation': Dell
Techworld
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Jan 18, 2008 9:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
Dell has acknowledged that some of its laptops give a “tingling sensation” to users when plugging in cables or accessories—but insisted the “voltage does not present any risk of injury.” Complaints about the surprise jolts have been trickling in about a few different models for the past year, Techworld reports. Dell simply...
Nev. Caucuses Fascinating Next to SC
Mother Jones
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Jan 18, 2008 9:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Just hours before voting begins in Nevada, its newly bumped-up caucuses are more crucial for Democrats than South Carolina's primary, blogs Sasha Abramsky of Mother Jones . Yes, Nevada has powerful unions, but it's more complex than that: outlying areas are conservative and rural, and the state is a third non-white. "For the Democrats, there’s...
Craigslist Gives $1.6M for New Media Chair
San Jose Mercury News
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Jan 18, 2008 8:44 PM CST
(Newser) -
Internet mainstay Craigslist is giving $1.6 million to help the University of California-Berkeley set up a faculty chair devoted to new media, the San Jose Mercury News reports. The gift will help create a setting "where scholars and students can explore the powerful effect of new media and think rigorously about how new media will continue...
Capitol Police Arrest Man Carrying Gun
WUSA-TV
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Jan 18, 2008 7:56 PM CST
(Newser) -
Police in Washington arrested a man today who was carrying a loaded shotgun and had a samurai sword strapped to his back just blocks from the US Capitol building, WUSA-TV reports. Michael Gorbey also wore a combat-style bulletproof vest and had a tactical bow and arrow in his backpack when authorities spotted him after being alerted by a suspicious...
Pundits Spotlight Mitt
New Republic
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Jan 18, 2008 7:40 PM CST
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Mitt Romney has a big day ahead of him tomorrow, and scribes are considering his fate. Three opinions: The New Republic ’s Noam Scheiber says Mitt’s the GOP frontrunner: He only needs to make the final two to be judged the best all-around Republican. Plus, electoral chaos has hurt other hopefuls’ fundraising.
7-Eleven Takes Top Franchise
Entrepreneur
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Jan 18, 2008 7:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
After 16 years of flirting with the top seat, 7-Eleven has finally wrested the title of No. 1 franchise away from sandwich heavyweight Subway, reports Entrepreneu r. With 5,580 US stores, 25,062 worldwide, and a new one opening up somewhere every four and a half hours, the convenience giant has charted its own unique path to Big Gulp glory.
Ravens Pick John Harbaugh
Baltimore Sun
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Jan 18, 2008 6:59 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Baltimore Ravens have decided to make a first-time head coach out of their second choice: The battered NFL team hired Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh, 45, to the top job today, making him the league’s ninth-youngest head coach. The Ravens' first pick, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, turned the team down...
Who's the Iron Fist, Who's the Velvet Glove?
CNN
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Jan 18, 2008 6:39 PM CST
(Newser) -
As the former First Couple endeavors to become the future First Couple, they’re splitting up on the campaign trail so Hillary can stay positive while Bill plays the attack dog, CNN reports. Compare their responses to the Nevada caucuses lawsuit: Bill jumped down a reporter’s throat with scorn for special sites even as Hillary said “obviously”...
Ex-NFL Player Pleads Guilty to Lying About Steroids
New York Times
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Jan 18, 2008 6:21 PM CST
(Newser) -
The steroids probe that brought down Marion Jones has claimed it first NFL player: Three-time Pro Bowler Dana Stubblefield pleaded guilty today in federal court to making false statements to a federal agent about performance-enhancing drugs. Prosecutors alleged the former defensive lineman lied in 2003 about taking a previously undetectable steroid...
Woody's Cassandra Is So-So
Metacritic
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Jan 18, 2008 6:05 PM CST
(Newser) -
It's pretty good, but Woody Allen's done better. That seems to be the prevailing sentiment of critics reviewing Cassandra's Dream , a tale of two brothers (Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor) who run into trouble and seek help from their not-so-above-board uncle (Tom Wilkinson). "It's not Allen's weakest work … but its impact is shockingly...
A Taste of China Opens in Baghdad
Middle East Online
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Jan 18, 2008 6:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
The central Baghdad neighborhood of Karrada has seen its share of brutal changes over the past few years, but saw a sign of life in January, when a Chinese restaurant opened its doors, reports Middle East Online . "Like security in Baghdad, it will get better," said one of the owners, referring to his inchoate menu.
Jerry-Rigged DVDs Bail Out Giants QB
New York Post
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Jan 18, 2008 5:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
After a Green Bay TV station yanked "Seinfeld" off its weekend slate in hopes of sabotaging pre-game viewing for Eli Manning, the show's star has sent the New York Giants quarterback a boxed-set of DVDs from the hit show, the New York Post reports. Manning, an admitted fan, will be in town to face the Packers in Sunday's NFC championship...
Huckabee Bids for SC Bounce
CBS News
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Jan 18, 2008 5:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
With Mike Huckabee drawing attention in South Carolina for remarks about the Confederate flag and gay marriage, new polls have the former Arkansas governor drawing even with—or ahead of—John McCain ahead of tomorrow's Republican presidential primary. Huckabee stood up yesterday for the right of sons of the South to display the flag, which...
TV Ads Next for Pro-Obama Clinton-Bashers
Washington Post
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Jan 18, 2008 5:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
A pro-Barack Obama labor union in Nevada today brings TV ads to its anti-Hillary Clinton barrage, the Washington Post reports. UNITE HERE, which represents textile, hotel, and restaurant workers, last week gave Obama his first endorsement from a union; yesterday, it launched a Spanish-language ad blasting Clinton, whose backers filed a lawsuit trying...
Amtrak Deal Prevents Strike
Associated Press
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Jan 18, 2008 5:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
Amtrak struck a deal with nine of its labor unions today, heading off a potentially catastrophic strike that was scheduled to begin at the end of the month, the AP reports. Union members still must ratify the specifics, but sources say the deal grants the unions full payment of back wages while giving Amtrak none of its desired concessions on work...
Giuliani Goes for Broke in Fla.
Orlando Sentinel
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Jan 18, 2008 4:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Rudy Giuliani has put every penny toward victory in Florida, hoping to build a dam that rising waters can’t breach. Come Jan. 29, says his campaign chairman, “we'll be the smartest guys in America or the dumbest guys in America.” Giuliani’s been to Florida nearly 30 times and doesn't plan to let up before the big day, the Orlando...
