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.
Did Huckabee Cash In on School Shooting?
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 26, 2008 3:18 PM CST
(Newser) -
The crime shook Arkansas: Two boys, 11 and 13, killed four classmates and a teacher in 1998 in what became known as the Jonesboro shootings. Within days, then-Gov. Mike Huckabee had a $25,000 book deal about youth violence. A decade later, the deal still rankles some who say the governor cashed in on tragedy, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Spectacular Show Awaits Sky Gazers
Space.com
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Jan 26, 2008 2:58 PM CST
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Sky gazers have an exceptional show awaiting them over the next couple of weeks, Space.com reports, and the most striking celestial sights will be in the early morning. Venus and Jupiter, the two brightest planets, will converge, forming a spectacular "double planet" low in the dawn light, and a few mornings later, the moon will drop...
World Is Riveted to US Race
New York Times
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Jan 26, 2008 2:30 PM CST
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They may not have any say in its outcome, but people all over the world are giving the race for the White House an almost unprecedented level of attention, reports the New York Times , with a special focus on the Democratic contest. Many hope a new president will bring fresh policies. "There is a desperate sense of need that there must...
ABC Faces Hefty FCC Fine for Bare Bottom
Hollywood Reporter
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Jan 26, 2008 2:01 PM CST
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The airing of a woman’s bare bottom almost five years ago could cost ABC $1.43 million, if the FCC gets its way. The media watchdog levied the maximum penalty last night against the Disney-owned broadcaster for a 2003 episode of NYPD Blue . The stiff penalty is a sign the FCC’s anti-indecency initiative is back in full force, the Hollywood...
Prep Schools' Endowments Skyrocket
New York Times
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Jan 26, 2008 1:15 PM CST
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Endowments at the nation’s elite prep schools have exploded over the past decade, mirroring the trend at top colleges, reports the New York Times . America’s older schools have fared best: the endowment of Phillips Exeter Academy in NH has broken $1 billion, double its amount in 2002, while Phillips Academy in Andover holds more than $800...
Building Costs Pinch Budgets
New York Times
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Jan 26, 2008 12:43 PM CST
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Rising interest rates, falling tax revenues, and construction costs that have skyrocketed are causing local and state governments to rethink projects as diverse as building new schools, repairing bridges, and roads, even constructing new levees in the Everglades, reports the New York Times. Experts say fast-growing global economies are also competing...
US Money Managers Look Abroad
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 26, 2008 12:30 PM CST
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US money managers are looking overseas, where foreign governments, flush with cash and eager to spend it, are becoming increasingly involved in the US economy through investments in major Wall Street firms, real estate, and the stock market, reports the Wall Street Journal. Up to $200 billion annually could be invested, earning managers $8 billion...
Brotherly Love Someday in the Super Bowl?
New York Times
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Jan 26, 2008 12:01 PM CST
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The NFL marketing department would love this scenario—Manning vs. Manning for the league title. Peyton won't rule it out as he praised the work ethic and noted the bright future of his younger brother, writes the New York Times . "I feel very strongly this will not be the last Super Bowl that he will play in," he said of Eli.
SC Expects Record Turnout
State (Columbia, SC)
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Jan 26, 2008 11:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
Democratic officials are expecting record voter turnout for today’s South Carolina primary because of sunny skies and appealing candidates, the State says. But make no mistake: Dems don’t expect to win the Palmetto State come November. No Democrat has won a Southern state since Bill Clinton in 1996, although party officials hope this...
In Kenya, Annan Denounces Violent 'Abuses'
BBC
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Jan 26, 2008 11:25 AM CST
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Kofi Annan, in Kenya to mediate a settlement to the brutal conflict rocking the country, condemned the "gross and systematic abuses of human rights" he had seen on a tour of the country's worst flashpoints, the BBC reports. Dozens more gruesome deaths were reported today. Annan spoke of displaced families and called on Kenyans to break...
Google Sours on 'Domain Tasters'
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 10:23 AM CST
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Google aims to stop entrepreneurs from "domain name tasting," the AP reports. The practice exploits a 5-day grace period during which registrants can return a domain for a full refund; meantime, the buyer puts up ads and evaluates whether the site would bring in enough revenue to keep it—the equivalent of intending to return a gown...
Obama Needs Big SC Win
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 26, 2008 9:53 AM CST
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With a double-digit lead over Hillary Clinton going into today's South Carolina primary, and Clinton having turned her attention to Super Tuesday states, Barack Obama can’t just win today, he must dominate, reports the Wall Street Journal . In a state where some 50% of registered Democrats are African-American, anything less could hurt his image...
Rogue Trader in Police Custody
BBC
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Jan 26, 2008 9:37 AM CST
(Newser) -
Rogue trader Jérôme Kerviel is in the custody of French police today, the BBC reports, being held for questioning on the fraudulent trading scheme that cost Société Générale $7 billion. Police searched his flat in an upscale Paris neighborhood yesterday, leaving with a number of briefcases. They also visited...
2 Skiers Die, 2 Missing in Calif. Avalanches
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 9:03 AM CST
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Winter weather has wreaked havoc in southern California, leaving two skiers dead and at least two more missing in avalanches in the San Gabriel mountains. The avalanches followed days of pounding storms, tornadoes, and mudslides, and the area is bracing for another major storm tonight, AP reports. Some 11,000 homes and businesses in southern California...
Afghan Gunmen Kidnap Female US Aid Worker
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 8:39 AM CST
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An American woman has been kidnapped in Afghanistan along with her driver, the AP reports. The woman, 49, worked for an aid organization and was wearing a burqa when she was stopped near the southern city of Kandahar. Police are searching for the kidnappers, whom a local governor called “the enemy of Islam and the enemy of Afghanistan.”
Ledger Begins Final Journey
Sydney Morning Herald
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Jan 26, 2008 8:18 AM CST
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Cops held paparazzi back as Heath Ledger's body, inside a wooden shipping crate, was removed from a Manhattan funeral home yesterday for the journey to Australia, where the 28-year-old actor will be buried, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. A private memorial service was held in New York yesterday, and a public one will be held in Los Angeles next...
Nowitzki, Mavs Overpower Kobe, Lakers
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 8:17 AM CST
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A superior third quarter allowed Dallas to survive a barrage of points by the Lakers' Kobe Bryant late in the game last night, to win 112-105. Bryant, the second-leading scorer in the NBA, dropped in 40 for the second time since teammate Andrew Bynum was injured. Josh Howard and Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 26 points and 10 rebounds apiece.
Overdose Deaths Up Sharply
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 26, 2008 8:05 AM CST
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The death of Heath Ledger from a suspected drug overdose has highlighted a huge spike in drug overdoses in the US, reports the Los Angeles Times . Accidental poisoning deaths, 95% of which are overdoses, rose sharply from 12,186 in 1999 to 20,950 in 2004. Doctors say prescription drugs, which are often casually prescribed and easy to get online, are...
Twins Sign Morneau, Cuddyer
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Jan 26, 2008 8:04 AM CST
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Don't write off the Minnesota Twins just yet—stars Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer are coming back for a combined $104 million, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "I think we are committed to keeping this core together," General Manager Bill Smith said. Morneau signed a 6-year, $80-million deal, while Cuddyer agreed to $24 million...
Pistons Start Fast, Then Cruise to Win
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 7:40 AM CST
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The Pistons made 77% of their shots in the first quarter and had a 68-point first half to coast to a 101-93 home victory over Orlando last night. Richard Hamilton's 32 points led the Detroit to the team's second consecutive victory while Chauncey Billups had 21 and Rasheed Wallace 15 before fouling out. The Magic's Dwight Howard had 22 points and 14...
And We Wonder: Where's Tom?
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 7:36 AM CST
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Send out the search party. Tom Brady wasn't at practice or in the locker room for the second straight day during the media's allotted time, fueling speculation about the severity of an apparent ankle injury suffered earlier in the playoffs. And as usual, New England coach Bill Belichick offered no insight into his star quarterback's absence during...
Raiders Coach Tells Al Davis He Won't Quit
ESPN
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Jan 26, 2008 7:29 AM CST
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Al Davis has asked Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin to resign and Kiffin has refused, reports ESPN. Kiffin, who coached the Raiders to a 4-12 record in his first season, has instead told Davis to fire him. The pair have been battling over the coaching staff since shortly after the Raiders season ended. Kiffin wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob...
Hornets' Long Game Stings Clippers
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 26, 2008 7:05 AM CST
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Until the third quarter, the Clippers managed to stay competitive against Western Conference-leading New Orleans, briefly going up 53-52. But then Peja Stojakovic went behind the three-point line to sink five long balls, and the game was in the Hornets' hands for a 111-92 win, reports the Los Angeles Times. Elsewhere in the league:
Nets, Nuggets Both Aimless in Denver Win
Rocky Mountain News
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Jan 26, 2008 7:01 AM CST
(Newser) -
Denver shot 36% against New Jersey last night, but even without Carmelo Anthony the Nuggets had no trouble putting away their 38.4%-shooting opponents. With only 11 points in the first quarter and 31 total in the first half, the Nets had no chance against Allen Iverson's 30 points and Marcus Camby's 14 boards, reports the Rocky Mountain News. Elsewhere...
Woods Builds 4-Shot Lead
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 6:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kevin Streelman will get his chance to meet Tiger Woods today. The PGA alternate will tee off with the world's best player at Torrey Pines as he is four back of the Buick Invitational leader going into the third round, the AP reports. Woods shot a 7-under 65 on the North Course yesterday to take control of the tournament he has won three years in a...
Gaza Exodus in 4th Day as Egypt Fails to Seal Border
BBC
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Jan 26, 2008 6:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
Thousands of Palestinians continued to flood into Egypt for a fourth day today, despite Egyptian attempts to close the border using water cannons, barbed wire and a human chain of riot police. Hamas bulldozers smashed new holes in the fence, and cars joined the stream of traffic, the BBC reports; cranes have been erected to move supplies into the Strip...
Top 10 US Cities for Jobs
Forbes
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Jan 26, 2008 6:35 AM CST
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Where to get that new job this year? The Lone Star State is boasting work aplenty, but Salt Lake City—still high on tech jobs—takes the top spot. Forbes lists its top10 job-growth towns: Salt Lake City, Utah Wichita, Kan. Austin, Texas Atlanta, Ga. Fort Worth, Texas
Senate Pushes for Add-Ons to Stimulus Bill
Washington Post
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Jan 26, 2008 6:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
Senators are balking at yesterday's pleas from President Bush for speedy action on the economic stimulus bill, planning substantial additions and changes, reports the Washington Post. Proposed additions include $12.5 billion in unemployment benefits, $5 billion in food stamps. and $800 million for winter heating for the poor. And the resistance...
Rockets Rookies Rally to Beat Blazers
Houston Chronicle
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Jan 26, 2008 5:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
When Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming weren't getting it done against the Trail Blazers, Rockets coach Rick Adelman decided to beat Portland at its own game, the Houston Chronicle reports. He sent in rookies Luis Scola, Aaron Brooks, and Carl Landry to lead the team to an 89-79 triumph, Houston's fourth straight.
Mighty Celtics Hold Off Lowly Timberwolves
Associated Press
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Jan 26, 2008 5:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Kendrick Perkins scored with 16.6 seconds left as the Boston Celtics survived at home against the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves 87-86 last night, the AP reports. The Timberwolves, 7-34, had a chance for the win, but their former teammate Kevin Garnett poked the ball away to clinch the game. Perkins led the Celtics, 33-7, with 21 points. In other...
Marion Shot Sinks Cavaliers
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Jan 26, 2008 5:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
Shawn Marion only made one basket for the Phoenix Suns last night, but he made it count. Marion hit a 10-foot baseline shot with 1.1 seconds to go to give the Suns a 110-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena, reports the Arizona Republic . Raja Bell scored 27 points as the Suns erased an 18-point first-half hole.
Sharapova Wins Australian Open
Associated Press
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Jan 25, 2008 10:41 PM CST
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Maria Sharapova polished her tennis resume and commercial appeal today by dunking Ana Ivanovic 7-5, 6-3, to win the Australian Open women's singles title. The 20-year-old dominated from the outset, controlling key points and letting up only once, with a poor service game in the first set that let her Serb opponent tie it 4-4.
Davos Summit: a Moral Sham?
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 25, 2008 9:28 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Davos summit, an annual retreat “where money comes to find morality and politics comes to meet money,” is the capital of capitalism—yet the world's economic crisis is only spoken of in whispers there, writes Julian Glover in the Guardian . Instead, moguls press the flesh with Middle East oil magnates and Chinese or Russian officials—anyone...
Key Fla. Senator Backs McCain
Associated Press
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Jan 25, 2008 7:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mel Martinez will back John McCain in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, the Florida senator announced today after earlier waffling. Martinez’s endorsement could boost McCain’s appeal among Hispanics, an important demographic in Tuesday's primary, the Associated Press reports. “I would trust the future and the security...
GOP Hopefuls Can Agree on Something
Washington Post
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Jan 25, 2008 7:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
A Hillary Clinton presidency is the only thing that makes fractious Republicans “forget their differences and join hands in common purpose,” ex-Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson writes in the Washington Post . It’s not her policies but the specter of a partisan past that means the senator is “the closest there is to an incumbent”...
New Leader Has Pakistan's Taliban on Rise
Time
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Jan 25, 2008 6:40 PM CST
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Pakistan’s increasingly organized Islamist insurgency has a powerful new leader in Baitullah Mehsud, the man accused of masterminding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. A Time profile reveals Mehsud to be formidably charismatic individual possessing a “laser-like focus” to rival even that of mentor Mullah Omar, the leader of Afghanistan's...
Spain Socialists Face Suddenly Tough Election
Economist
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Jan 25, 2008 6:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Socialist Zapatero government is facing an unexpected hitch in its re-election plans: a downtrodden Spanish economy. The vote March 9 is the first in a big nation in the wake of the world credit crunch, the Economist reports, and it will test the political fallout of a burst housing bubble. The PM’s party is slowly dropping in the polls...
Porn Photos of High School Students Travel Far by Phone
Morning Call
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Jan 25, 2008 5:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
Pornographic cell phone pictures of students have been spreading like wildfire at and beyond Pennsylvania’s Parkland High School, the Morning Call reports. The images, two separate pictures of undressed girls and another of a couple making love, have apparently circulated widely. ''My boyfriend, who's not even in high school anymore, got the...
Immigrants Facing Epic Citizenship Delays
Boston Globe
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Jan 25, 2008 5:40 PM CST
(Newser) -
Over one million immigrants will have to wait up to 18 months before become US citizens due to a massive bureaucratic backlog nationwide. Applications surged last summer ahead of a fee increase of nearly 75%, the Boston Globe reports, helping create the paper jam. Before the increase, the average immigrant waited six months to be processed.
Bowl Games Not Just for Dogs Anymore
Slate
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Jan 25, 2008 5:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
As contamination, overconsumption, and drought sap Southern California's already limited supply of potable water, Orange County has just adopted an effective, if unpalatable, solution. Starting today, flushed toilet water will gush through a $490 million network of pipes and filters, return to the groundwater basin, then find its way home to moisten...
Key Black Leaders Back Clinton in SC
Associated Press
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Jan 25, 2008 5:11 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton won endorsements today from two influential black women in South Carolina, who both asked African Americans to look past their enthusiasm for Barack Obama, the AP reports. Clinton has concentrated on wooing white voters there, but today she visited historically black Benedict College, where dean Stacey Franklin Jones said it’s...
Turkey to Lift Head Scarf Ban at Universities
Der Spiegel
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Jan 25, 2008 4:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Turkey is expected to do away with a 2-decade-old ban on women wearing head scarves at the nation’s universities as early as next week. The prospect alarms the country’s secular elite, who see the country on a slippery slope to Islamist rule, Der Spiegel reports. “The logic is one of fear,” explains the director of a Turkish...
Selloff Drives Dow Down 171
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 25, 2008 4:30 PM CST
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A 2-day rally sputtered today as the Dow fell 171.44 to 12,207.17 on new jitters about a touchy market. Even strong quarterly reports from Microsoft, Caterpillar, and Honeywell couldn’t keep investors buying this morning; said one economist, “The market is still in a very fragile state.” The Nasdaq slid 34.72 to 2,326.20; the S&P...
News Corp., Regan Reach Settlement
Variety
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Jan 25, 2008 4:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Judith Regan's acrimonious $100-million wrongful-termination suit against News Corp. came to a close today, with the ex-publisher and media giant reaching an undisclosed settlement. If Gawker's estimates of $20 to $25 million are meaningful, Regan may indeed have outfoxed Fox, which initially offered her $6 million to go quietly. The company graciously...
They're Off—and Raspy
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 25, 2008 3:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Listen to the candidates in this year's grueling presidential race and you'll discover one of the first casualties of political war: vocal cords. With a dozen or so speaking engagements every day, the candidates are hoarse, raspy, and desperate for fixes. John McCain swears by pre-debate olive oil, the Wall Street Journal notes, while Barack Obama...
Germans to Ex-Chancellor: Yes, We Mind
Der Spiegel
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Jan 25, 2008 3:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
German anti-smoking groups are fuming over photos of ex-chancellor Helmut Schmidt lighting up in a Hamburg theater in defiance of a ban on smoking in public places. Schmidt and his wife—"aged a lung-cancer-defying 89 and 88, respectively," Der Spiegel reports— face an investigation after an anti-smoking group sent police photos...
Fire Closes Las Vegas Casino
Las Vegas Sun
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Jan 25, 2008 3:16 PM CST
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A three-alarm blaze at the Monte Carlo hotel-casino has been contained, the Las Vegas Sun reports, and the 3,200-room property on the Strip has been evacuated. Authorities told the AP no major injuries were reported. Smoke and flame erupted from the casino roof at 11 this morning, with debris raining down on the lower floors.
Would-Be Teen Hijacker Was Suicidal, Cops Say
Tennessean
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Jan 25, 2008 3:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
A California teenager who planned to hijack a flight from Los Angeles to Nashville is in state custody in Tennessee, the Tennessean reports. The 16-year-old had handcuffs and other suspicious items when he was detained, and authorities believe he was suicidal. The FBI dismissed reports he planned to crash the jet into a Hannah Montana concert in...
Chinese Divorce Rate Surges
Guardian (UK)
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Jan 25, 2008 3:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Chinese divorce rate shot up 18.2% last year, the Guardian reports. It's not a huge surprise: Simplified divorce proceedings have contributed to the long-term trend, and the social stigma appears to have dwindled considerably. Some sociologists have an additional theory: China's one-child policy has created a generation of spoiled kids who are...
Wiki Survey Aims to Find Out Who Posts — and Why
CNET
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Jan 25, 2008 2:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Wikipedia wants to know more about its anonymous authors and has launched a worldwide survey to find out who they are, how much they post, and what type of people go from casual browsers to active contributors. In a first for the site, the survey will attempt to unearth authors' real identities, CNET reports.
