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.
Stars Beat Sharks to Pull Even in Pacific
Associated Press
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Jan 18, 2008 1:16 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Dallas Stars won for the sixth straight time in San Jose Thursday to tie the Sharks atop the Pacific Division, reports the Associated Press. Mike Modano scored two goals in the 4-2 win, which sent San Jose to its third straight loss. Marty Turco made 28 saves for Dallas, which has won just three times in 10 games. In other NHL action:
No. 9 Indiana Holds Off Minnesota
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Jan 18, 2008 1:13 AM CST
(Newser) -
D.J. White scored 17 points and had 10 rebounds as No. 9 Indiana beat Minnesota 65-60 Thursday, denying Gophers coach Tubby Smith his 400th NCAA win, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Lance Stemler also hit a clutch 3-pointer for Indiana (15-1, 4-0 in Big Ten). Minnesota (12-4, 2-2) led with 6:50 to go before the Hoosiers grabbed it for good. In...
LeBron leads Cavs past Spurs
Cleveland Plain Dealer
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Jan 18, 2008 12:23 AM CST
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LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers collected a little bit of payback Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs. James scored 27 points to lead the Cavs to a 90-88 win over the Spurs, who swept them last season the NBA finals. The win was the fourth straight regular-season victory for the Cavaliers over the Spurs.
Vermette Helps Senators End Losing Streak
Ottawa Citizen
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Jan 17, 2008 11:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Ottawa Senators ended a two-game losing streak Thursday, but not all the news was good for the top team in the Eastern Conference. Antoine Vermette scored two goals, but captain Daniel Alfredsson had to leave with a hip injury in a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, reports the Ottawa Citizen.
Zetterberg's Goal Ends Red Wings Slide
Vancouver Sun
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Jan 17, 2008 10:59 PM CST
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Henrik Zetterberg beat goalie Roberto Luongo's in a shootout Thursday as the Detroit Red Wings ended a rare losing streak with a 3-2 over the Vancouver Canucks, the Vancouver Sun reports. The NHL-leading Red Wings, who had lost three in a row, jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the strength of a pair of goals by Daniel Cleary.
Toronto Has First Win Streak in a Month
Globe and Mail
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Jan 17, 2008 10:56 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins in a shootout, 3-2, for their first consecutive victories in a month, but the outlook remained grim for general manager John Ferguson, Jr., reports the Toronto Globe and Mail. His team underperforming, Ferguson is likely to be replaced with former Toronto executive Cliff Fletcher. Also in shootouts:
Bomb Threat Closes World Bank
Reuters
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Jan 17, 2008 10:39 PM CST
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The Washington headquarters of the World Bank will be closed for business Friday as it investigates a bomb threat, Reuters reports. "The bank is working with law enforcement officials to determine the validity of the threat," said a statement from the bank. Few other details were released. The international lending institution is located...
No. 12 Butler Crumples at Cleveland State
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 10:08 PM CST
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Once-forlorn Cleveland State stifled No. 12 Butler 56-52 for the program's second-ever win against a top 25 team. The cold-shooting Bulldogs bricked a bevy of three-pointers at the end of regulation; their leading scorer had just 12. The Vikings, who went 10-21 just a year ago, improved to 13-5. Also in college hoops:
Iran Prez Lashes Out at Bush, Israel
BBC
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Jan 17, 2008 9:20 PM CST
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Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took aim against two familiar foes with strong rhetoric today, BBC reports. He accused President Bush of "sowing seeds of division" during his Mideast trip and warned Israel not to threaten Tehran. "The Zionist regime would not dare attack," he said after Israel tested a ballistic missile. "The...
Bush Favors Tax Rebates for Stimulus
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 8:22 PM CST
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President Bush's plan to give the economy a temporary lift favors tax rebates of up to $800 for individuals and tax breaks for businesses, the AP reports. Bush met privately with lawmakers today and will outline his plan tomorrow. Congress hopes to act quickly as fears of a recession grow. The president did not push for a permanent extension of his...
Disease Imperils Mozzarella From Italy
BBC
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Jan 17, 2008 7:34 PM CST
(Newser) -
A bacterial disease sweeping through the water buffalo whose milk is used to make mozzarella is threatening production of Italy's famous cheese, the BBC reports. As many as 30% of the buffalo in Campania, near Naples, are infected with brucellosis, which leads to reduced milk production and infertility. Italy's government plans to destroy 32,000 buffalo...
America's Top 10 Mascots
Forbes
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Jan 17, 2008 6:52 PM CST
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Mascots have danced, tumbled, and roused American sports fans for decades. Some have even gained a little prestige over the years. Forbes lists its Top 10: Phillie Phanatic. Around since '78, this green creature once scuffled with Tommy Lasorda and inspired an announcer to say that "baseball is being invaded by the Muppets." ...
Humanitarian Relief is a Text Message Away
CNET
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Jan 17, 2008 6:33 PM CST
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A Google-funded website that uses technology to spread the word about emergencies launches today, CNET reports. The company's charitable arm has put $5 million into InSTEDD, which will use social software like Twitter and Facebook to alert humanitarian groups to crises and organize rescue operations. “Social networking in the humanitarian space,...
NYSE To Buy Rival Exchange
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 17, 2008 6:09 PM CST
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The Big Board is about to get a bit bigger: The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange agreed today to snap up its smaller rival, the American Stock Exchange, for $260 million in stock, the Wall Street Journal reports. The deal ends a rivalry that began during the colonial era and unites two towers of the American financial system.
Porn Goes Both Ways in HD Format War
DailyTech
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Jan 17, 2008 6:01 PM CST
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The adult film industry cast a deciding vote in the VHS/Betamax tape format wars of the ‘80s, and porn may yet influence the hi-def contest between Blu-Ray and HD DVD, Daily Tech writes. But currently the industry is split between the popular view that the U.S. film industry is shifting toward a Blu-Ray, and the economic advantages they still...
Bulldogs Back in AKC's Top 10
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 5:46 PM CST
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The bulldog has returned to the American Kennel Club's list of top 10 most popular American dog breeds for the first time since 1935, the AP reports. The Labrador retriever held on to #1—it’s been top dog for the past 17 years. Check out the other popular pooches: Labrador retriever Yorkshire terrier German sheperd ...
Boehner Angry About Dems' Cafe Standards
MSNBC
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Jan 17, 2008 5:30 PM CST
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Democrats have been in charge of Congress for a year, but only now have they begun to force leftist foods down GOP throats—and the ranking House Republican’s not hungry. Said John Boehner of the new outfit running congressional cafeterias, “I like real food. … Food that I can pronounce the name of.” Indeed, Nancy Pelosi’s...
Iran Gender Wars Hit High Gear
Der Spiegel
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Jan 17, 2008 5:15 PM CST
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Iranian women can't travel without a man's permission, but two female racecar drivers are taking matters into their own hands and fighting for equal opportunity on the track. Nervous officials have repeatedly banned Zoreh Vatankhah and her mentor, Laleh Seddigh, from races—and their successes don't often make the front page. But they're not giving...
Coach Blasts West Va. For Shredding 'Lie'
Toledo Blade
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Jan 17, 2008 5:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Rich Rodriguez slammed accusations that he shredded important files before leaving West Virginia University to coach the University of Michigan's football team as “lies” in an interview with the Toledo Blade . Rodriguez broke his silence on the troubles that have marked his departure, lashing out at the anonymous source in the athletic...
Directors Guild Cuts Deal With Producers
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 17, 2008 4:46 PM CST
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The Directors Guild of America has cut a deal with the major Hollywood studios, the Wall Street Journal reports, ratcheting up pressure on the striking Writers Guild either to accept a similar contract or risk alienating its members. The DGA ironed out a 3-year agreement to compensate members for work presented over the Internet—a prime sticking...
Calif. Firm First to Clone Human Embryos
San Diego Union-Tribune
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Jan 17, 2008 4:38 PM CST
(Newser) -
A California lab has cloned a human embryo, a science first; the researchers stopped short, however, of creating stem cells. Using a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer, the scientists fused DNA from a man’s skin cells with donated egg cells—and created an embryo with cells specific to the man. Scientists hope stem cells could...
Father of the Hula Hoop, Frisbee Dies
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 17, 2008 4:23 PM CST
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Richard Knerr, co-founder of the company that launched the Hula Hoop, Frisbee, and Silly String, died of a stroke Monday at 82. Knerr went from selling slingshots out of his parents' garage with lifelong pal and business partner Arthur Melin to creating the hugely profitable Wham-O toy company. The story is "pure Americana," one Frisbee fan...
Romney Tussles With Reporter
CBS News
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Jan 17, 2008 4:10 PM CST
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Mitt Romney had a dust-up with a reporter in South Carolina today, CBS News reports, when the reporter essentially accused the candidate of lying. As Romney was saying he was not beholden to lobbyists and didn’t have one “running his campaign,” the reporter interjected, “That’s not true,” referring to Romney ally...
Toyota, GM Working on Super-Cheap Models, Too
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 3:56 PM CST
(Newser) -
Work on the world's cheapest cars is underway at the world's biggest car companies, the Associated Press reports. Toyota and GM announced this week at Detroit's North American International Auto show they are working on inexpensive subcompacts similar to India's Tata Motors' $2,500 car and aimed at emerging markets. "There is a huge market for...
Dow Plummets 306.95 Points
MarketWatch
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Jan 17, 2008 3:42 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Dow plunged 306.95 points to 12.159.21 today, its third straight sell-off and worst loss of the new year, as rough numbers put investors in a bearish mood. The key index has now fallen more than 1,000 points since 2008 began. Merrill Lynch posted a huge quarterly loss, manufacturing slowed, and housing starts came in at their lowest level since...
VH1 Loses Creator of Hit Shows
Hollywood Reporter
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Jan 17, 2008 3:38 PM CST
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VH1 programming VP Michael Hirschorn—the brains behind "Flavor of Love" and other hit shows that turned around the once-sleepy network—is leaving to start a new company centered on unscripted programming. The Hollywood Reporter writes that Ish Entertainment has secured a first-look deal with MTV Networks' Music Group, which...
10 Best Bookstores on Earth
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 17, 2008 3:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
Not all bookstores are mega-style these days. Some are even built in churches, theaters, and 19-century buildings. A Guardian scribe lists his top 10 booksellers worldwide: Maastricht, Netherlands: Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen. Owners converted an 800-year-old church into a divine bookstore. Buenos Aires' El Ateneo. Once a theater,...
Rove to GOP: Here's How to Top Dems in '08
The Hill
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Jan 17, 2008 3:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
Karl Rove weighed in yesterday on Republican strategies for the 2008 election, with pointers on how to slam Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, the Hill reports. President Bush's former guru took shots at Clinton's "$800 billion in new spending" less than halfway through the campaign, and her wish to repeal Bush tax cuts; Obama, he said,...
No White House Nups for Jenna
People
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Jan 17, 2008 3:02 PM CST
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It turns out May 10 isn't a nice day for a White House wedding: Jenna Bush and fiancé Henry Hager will marry that day in Crawford, Texas, at the family's 1,600-acre ranch, quashing speculation the ceremony would be an in-the-spotlight DC affair. "It's going to be a small wedding," a source told People , who added that bridesmaids...
Chris Matthews Protested Over Sexist Barbs
AOL News Bloggers
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Jan 17, 2008 2:48 PM CST
(Newser) -
The National Women’s Political Caucus will rally outside NBC's Washington studios today in protest of Chris Matthews’ pattern of sexist comments towards Hillary Clinton. The group has also signed a letter to the network from watchdog David Brock, AOL reports, quoting the Hardball anchor’s jibes at length. Last week, Matthews said,...
Jack Still a 'Fool for Love' at 70
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 2:29 PM CST
(Newser) -
Notorious ladykiller Jack Nicholson is ready for a new romance, though he admits he remains, at 70, "a fool for love." "Ask any old friend of mine, they'll say, 'Jack's pretty smart, but in this area the man is beyond the pale. Don't ask him anything about love. Or if you ask him, don’t listen,'" he told AARP The Magazine...
EU Countries Critical of Climate Plan
Der Spiegel
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Jan 17, 2008 2:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
The European Commission is set to unveil broad new climate change legislation next week, but the measures have been criticized by member countries and trade organizations that fear adverse effects on European business. France is worried about effects on its nuclear industry, Der Spiegel reports; Germany and Spain have raised concerns about cross-border...
Rudy Needs Florida to Take NY
New York Times
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Jan 17, 2008 2:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Rudy Giuliani's supporters predict a distant finish in Florida's Jan. 29 primary will cost him in Feb. 5 voting in strongholds New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A strategy of focusing on Florida while ignoring early states has seen Giuliani plummet in Republican polls. "If he carries Florida, he carries New York," one former adviser...
Judge OKs Vegas Casino Caucuses
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 1:42 PM CST
(Newser) -
A federal judge today dismissed an effort by Hillary Clinton supporters to block Saturday caucuses for Las Vegas Strip shift workers, reports the AP. The lawsuit claimed the at-large precincts created for the workplace caucuses gave those voters too many delegates. The decision is expected to benefit Barack Obama, who was endorsed by the union representing...
Watermarking Sets Music Biz Up to Fail Again
Ars Technica
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Jan 17, 2008 1:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
Digital rights management is dying, but Ken Fisher writes in Ars Technica that the music industry is “barking up the wrong tree” if it turns to watermarks instead. The technology—which encodes owners' info into tunes—isn’t a practical copyright infringement fix or good from a privacy standpoint. Watermarking isn’t...
Crash Landing at Heathrow Injures 8; Cause Unknown
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 1:15 PM CST
(Newser) -
A British Airways passenger jet slammed into the ground at London's Heathrow Airport today, causing eight injuries but no deaths, the AP reports. The crash landing damaged the plane's underbelly and wings. The cause is still unknown; the 6-year-old Boeing 777 had never previously crashed, and was flown by "one of our most experienced" pilots,...
Economic Worries Propel Silicon Valley Deals
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 17, 2008 12:59 PM CST
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Recent acquisitions by Sun Microsystems and Oracle could be the opening round of new Silicon Valley deal-making, the Wall Street Journal reports, as tech companies worried about a US economic slowdown seek to strengthen their positions. Smaller companies struggling to stay afloat are tempting targets; bigger fish also want to invest in building web-based...
National Effort Straining Huck
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 17, 2008 12:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mike Huckabee's campaign is still in post-Iowa shock, trying to figure how it can run nationally with a miniature war chest and paltry organization. The GOP candidate has no offices in any of the 21 states that vote Feb. 5—save in hometown Little Rock—and his third-place finish in Michigan was managed by a 28-year-old recruited less than...
Hawks Circling Subprime Carnage
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 17, 2008 12:33 PM CST
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After largely dodging the subprime bullet that tore through most of Wall Street’s big banks, JP Morgan Chase is looking to make a move, the Wall Street Journal reports. Buoyed by three years of cost cutting and refocusing its business, Morgan has nearly doubled its mortgage market, is flush with cash, and eager to expand through acquisition.
DNA Test to Predict Cancer Risk
New York Times
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Jan 17, 2008 12:23 PM CST
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A DNA test that can help predict a man's risk of developing prostate cancer is expected to be available later this year for as little as $300. It's the first glimpse of what's likely to be a revolution in medical testing to provide patients a window into their possible future. The information may save lives—or lead to unnecessary procedures and...
Romney Trims SC Prospects, Eyes Nevada
Politico
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Jan 17, 2008 12:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
With polls placing him third in South Carolina's primary Saturday, Mitt Romney is conceding and turning attention to all-but-forgotten Nevada caucuses. Romney says “it doesn’t make a lot of sense to put a few drops” in a GOP bucket that John McCain’s already filled, but Politico says Romney's “erasing a bit of recent history”:...
10 Ways to Eat More Grains
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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Jan 17, 2008 12:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Did you vow to eat healthier in 2008? Start by adding whole grains to your diet with these these 10 tips from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: When a recipe calls for white flour, use half white flour and half whole wheat. Add ½ cup of cooked bulgur, wild rice, or barley to bread stuffing. Add ½ cup of cooked wheat...
China Cracks Down on Online Games
Reuters
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Jan 17, 2008 12:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
China is cracking down on its booming, billion-dollar online game industry, which is seen as “spiritual opium” that threatens to hook the Chinese people, Reuters reports. The government today said it plans to regulate “undesirable” elements out of the game, which 41 million Chinese played this year. “The whole industry...
US Abortions Down 25% Since 1990 High
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 17, 2008 11:56 AM CST
(Newser) -
About 1.2 million abortions were performed in the US in 2005, a 25% drop from the practice’s 1990 heyday, new data show. About 1 in 5 pregnancies ended in abortion in '05—the most recent year with data available—compared to 1 in 3 in the 1980s, the Los Angeles Times reports. “That’s a significant drop, and it’s...
Israel: 'This War Will Not Stop'
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 11:39 AM CST
(Newser) -
Israel continued its Gaza offensive unabated today, rejecting ceasefire overtures from Hamas and saying instead that it would fight until rockets stopped flying across its border , the AP reports. “This war will not stop,” said Ehud Olmert. “We will continue to fight the Jihad without concessions.” The assaults killed a militant...
Women Don't 'Outgrow' Bisexuality
ABC News
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Jan 17, 2008 11:13 AM CST
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A new study rejects the idea that women can be "bisexual until graduation," ABC News reports. Utah professor Lisa Diamond followed 79 women between 18 and 25 who identified as "lesbian, bisexual, or 'unlabeled'" for a decade. Throughout, she found that few changed their self-categorization. Diamond argues that the study shows bisexuality...
Bernanke Backs Quick Bailout
CNN
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Jan 17, 2008 10:50 AM CST
(Newser) -
The country needs a federal stimulus package ASAP, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told the House Budget Committee today, advocating immediate legislation designed “so its effects on aggregate spending are felt as much as possible within the next 12 months.” But he said the package should be “explicitly temporary,” to...
Brits Close Russian Offices Over Brouhaha
Times (UK)
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Jan 17, 2008 10:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
After days of what Britain called “Soviet-era” intimidation tactics, the British Council today closed its offices in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, the Times reports. Britain had tried to keep the cultural centers going, despite Russian orders to close them, but after staff members were subjected to multiple visits—and many personal...
McCain Leads in 2 SC Polls
State (Columbia, SC)
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Jan 17, 2008 10:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
John McCain leads the pack in the GOP race for South Carolina, two new polls show, with Mike Huckabee in second place, the State reports. A Reuters/C-Span/Zogby poll updated today gives McCain 29% of voters to Huckabee's 22%; Fred Thompson follows with 14% and Mitt Romney 12%. Clemson University also finds 29% preferring McCain, while Huckabee pulls...
Letters Bare Misery of Colombian Captives
Associated Press
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Jan 17, 2008 9:53 AM CST
(Newser) -
Eight captives left behind with Colombian rebels describe a miserable existence chained by the neck and suffering excruciating diseases in letters carried out last week by two freed hostages. One weakened captive, a police officer, describes "dragging myself " through the jungle "with only my arms because I couldn't stand up." A...
