Newser Story Index from December, 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.
Conn. Firm Collected $500M From Madoff's Marks
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 12:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
With its clients having lost $7.3 billion in Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, a Connecticut hedge-fund advising firm wants the public’s sympathy—but in fact, the Fairfield Greenwich Group took almost $500 million in fees alone from the money Madoff shepherded. And, the New York Times reports, it’s not clear the firm delivered...
Hirst Is Art World's Lehman
Bloomberg
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Dec 22, 2008 12:21 PM CST
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With the collapse of Lehman Brothers having opened an “anxious new era” in financial circles and among consumers at large, the auction that brought artist Damien Hirst $166 million on Sept. 15—the very day Lehman went bust—clearly marks the division, Martin Gayford writes for Bloomberg. By year’s end, sales and auctions...
British Cops Put Squeeze on 'Distressing' Bagpiper
Scottish Daily Record
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Dec 22, 2008 12:10 PM CST
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A street musician was handcuffed, arrested and had his bagpipes confiscated for a week by police in southern England because his playing was causing “distress,” the Scottish Daily Record reports. Shaun Cartwright, an accomplished piper, says he’d enjoyed an exceptionally profitable session until the law arrived, and claims English...
As Losses Mount, Madoff Son Goes Shopping
New York Post
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Dec 22, 2008 12:00 PM CST
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Watching investors lose their shirts on Bernard Madoff’s investments didn’t deter his son and daughter-in-law from a holiday shopping spree yesterday, the New York Post reports. Andrew Madoff, who worked for Dad’s failed financial firm, and wife Deborah power-shopped SoHo, snapping up items from J.Crew, Kidrobot, Longchamp, and...
Shoe-Thrower Tortured Into Writing Apology
Guardian (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 11:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
Muntadar al-Zaidi, now famous for throwing his shoes at George W. Bush during a press conference in Iraq, was tortured into writing a letter of apology to the American president, his brother told the Guardian today. Zaidi has allegedly suffered cigarette burns to his ears, is missing a tooth, and was doused with cold water while naked by Iraqi police.
Star Wars' Secret Shame: The Holiday Special
Vanity Fair
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Dec 22, 2008 11:40 AM CST
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It sounded like a good idea at the time. In 1978, Star Wars was huge, but a sequel was 2 years away. So why not make a TV special? Why not a holiday special? Centered on Wookiees? "The only sound they make is like fat people having an orgasm," writer Bruce Vilanch recalls telling the producers. Suffice it to say he was skeptical, but George...
Obama Camp to Clear Air on Blago Contacts
Associated Press
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Dec 22, 2008 11:29 AM CST
(AP) -
President-elect Obama plans to reveal tomorrow his staff's conversations with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "We have a report," said a rep. "It's been ready for release for a week. We've held off at the request of the US Attorney's office and that continues to be the case, though we expect to be able to release the report shortly."
Paris 'Devastated' Over Diamond Heist
Life & Style
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Dec 22, 2008 11:21 AM CST
(Newser) -
Paris Hilton says she is “devastated” over the loss of more than $2 million in jewelry stolen from her Los Angeles home last week. “I cannot believe someone broke into my home. They took items that had such sentimental value that no one will ever be able to replace. I’m just thankful that I wasn’t there,” the heiress...
In DC, Powerful California Is the New Texas
Politico
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Dec 22, 2008 11:12 AM CST
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California is set to take over Texas’ role as the state with most influence on the federal government, Politico reports. With Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker, the largest number of representatives—34—in the Democratic caucus, and one of the strongest presences by state in Barack Obama’s administration, the Golden State’s...
Topless Amy Stirs Sleepy Resort
Sun (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 11:02 AM CST
(Newser) -
Amy Winehouse performed while on vacation in the Caribbean, the Sun reports, but her voice wasn't the main attraction. The British singer, who's been fighting a public battle with drugs, appeared on her St. Lucia balcony "with her bits hanging out," a witness said. Winehouse danced around to blaring music, "oblivious to everything."...
Critics Dump on Potty-Training Baby Dolls
Washington Post
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Dec 22, 2008 10:54 AM CST
(Newser) -
This year's hot toy is as chatty as Tickle Me Elmo but much, much more realistic. Little girls are crazy for new baby dolls that eat and excrete, but psychologists and some parents aren't thrilled with Hasbro's Baby Alive Learns to Potty and Mattel's Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Gotta Go Doll. "That is just so wrong," one shopper tells...
Scientists Discover Forest by Searching Google Earth
Telegraph (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 10:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
British scientists have stumbled upon an unexplored forest in northern Mozambique—without taking a step. A conservationist for the Royal Botanic Gardens was scanning for a new project site on Google Earth when he came across the untouched area known as Mount Mabu, and an expedition later discovered hundreds of new species, the Daily Telegraph...
Russia Tycoons Seek $78B Kremlin Bailout
Bloomberg
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Dec 22, 2008 10:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
A dozen years after bailing out the Soviet government, Russia’s oligarchs are seeking $78 billion in Kremlin handouts to weather the credit crunch, Bloomberg reports. Russian businesses have racked up some $110 billion in foreign debt due in 2009. The one-year loans, sought by more than 100 companies, would likely shift control of some industries...
Little Progress on At-Risk Levees: Feds
USA Today
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Dec 22, 2008 10:22 AM CST
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More than half the 122 US levees cited for being in disrepair after Hurricane Katrina still need to be fixed, according to Army Corps of Engineers data obtained by USA Today —with 18 states and Puerto Rico having levees considered unreliable in major floods. The worst offenders are Washington and California, where levees with “unacceptable...
'Individual D' Wants Immunity for Blago Help
Los Angeles Times
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Dec 22, 2008 10:12 AM CST
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A prominent figure in the federal probe of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants immunity in the case in exchange for his cooperation, the Los Angeles Times reports. Chicago-area businessman Raghuveer Nayak, known as “Individual D,” was squeezed by the governor for campaign cash in return for naming Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., a friend of Nayak’s,...
Be Kind, Rewind, One Last Time
Los Angeles Times
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Dec 22, 2008 9:57 AM CST
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Remember those black plastic bricks you used to pop into your entertainment system to watch movies? The nostalgic might want to snap a few digital photos, because tapes won't be with us for much longer now that the last VHS supplier has made his final shipment. The LA Times rewinds the history of a format film critic Leonard Maltin recalls as a "sea...
Conservative Radio Sees Boom Ahead
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 9:45 AM CST
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Where Bill Clinton’s presidency triggered Rush Limbaugh’s ascent, many see a new boom coming for conservative talk radio under President Obama, the New York Times reports. Limbaugh is touting the “rebirth of principled opposition,” and Sean Hannity claims to lead “conservatism in exile.” Says one radio executive,...
As Bills Loom, Developers Cry Bailout
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 22, 2008 9:40 AM CST
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Developers worried about the health of the commercial real estate market want a piece of the bailout action, the Wall Street Journal reports. They say $530 billion in commercial mortgages will be up for refinancing in the next 3 years, but credit “simply is not available.” Without government help, trade groups predict a surge in bankruptcies...
Obama Transition Breaks Speed Records
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 22, 2008 9:24 AM CST
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Barack Obama has moved so fast to set up his administration that he’s on a pace to blow past all previous presidents, reports the Wall Street Journal . By the eleventh week of their transitions, George HW Bush and Richard Nixon had made 26 and 25 appointments, respectively. As of week seven, Obama had made 69. The process has been hastened by...
Stocks Begin Holiday Week Mixed
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 22, 2008 9:17 AM CST
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Stocks opened mixed today after China cut interest rates and Toyota predicted its first loss in 71 years, the Wall Street Journal reports. Toyota’s US shares dropped 3% after its bleak forecast, and General Motors (16%) and Ford (7%) both fell. The Dow ticked up after the bell but was recently down 40 points. The Nasdaq was off about 1.4%,...
Ford Scores PR Cred by Declining Bailout Cash
Advertising Age
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Dec 22, 2008 9:05 AM CST
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Ford’s decision not to take any of the $17.4 billion in bailout cash granted General Motors and Chrysler is paying the company public-relations dividends that could translate into cash in its showrooms when the economy recovers, Advertising Age reports. It was also a good move, analysts say, to put out statements supporting its Detroit brethren....
Firms Shave Costs Without Layoffs
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 9:00 AM CST
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Some companies are finding creative ways to cut labor, and keep it, too. Brandeis University, for example, convinced 30% of its instructors to forgo 1% of their pay. "It can save a few jobs," reasons an English prof who's hardly alone. Many workers have accepted reduced hours, unpaid vacations, and wage freezes—even cuts—if it...
7% Not Ready for Digital TV Switch
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 22, 2008 8:59 AM CST
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With US television’s transition from analog to digital broadcasting less than two months away, officials are worried that consumers still don’t have the signal-converter box, the Wall Street Journal reports. An estimated 7% aren’t prepared, and Congress, which authorized $1.34 billion for coupons to help consumers pay for the boxes,...
Sans Stevens, Lobbyists Down a Sugar Daddy
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 8:42 AM CST
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Some Alaskans make a living off of oil piped from the Arctic. Others, for years, have made it off of federal money, piped from DC by former Sen. Ted Stevens. But with Uncle Ted's downfall, lobbyists who traded on their access to him face disaster, the New York Times reports. “For those of us long on the dole, the coming reality will take some...
Tata Gives Jaguar Cash Infusion
Financial Times (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 8:32 AM CST
(Newser) -
The British government, considering a bailout of its own auto industry, got a little wiggle room after Tata, the Indian firm that owns Jaguar Land Rover, said it would make a major cash injection into the ailing automaker that employs more than 15,000 workers in Britain. The company said it would pour “tens of millions” into the company,...
DC Cuts in Half Inaugural Crowd Estimates
Washington Post
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Dec 22, 2008 8:05 AM CST
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Washington officials have sliced in half earlier estimates for the number of people expected to swarm Washington for the inauguration, the Washington Post reports. The original projections, as high as 5 million, were founded on the election’s historic nature, while revised numbers are based on talks with transport companies and other authorities....
Desperate Retailers Offer 24-Hour Shopping
Wall Street Journal
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Dec 22, 2008 7:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
With the holiday shopping season on track to be the worst in decades, more struggling retailers like Toys "R" Us, Macy's, and Wal-Mart are opting to keep their doors open 24 hours the last few days, hoping to entice last-minute shoppers and night-owls, reports the Wall Street Journal . "In this kind of environment, you do whatever it...
Applicant Pool Down, Private Colleges Begin to Panic
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 7:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
Private colleges are receiving notably fewer regular applications this year, sparking widespread concern among the schools that enrollment will plunge, the New York Times reports. Reasons for the drop may include families’ worries about soaring tuition and a general decline in the number of schools to which each student applies. A survey of...
Facebook Moms Protest Breast Ban
New York Daily News
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Dec 22, 2008 6:56 AM CST
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A 58,000-strong Facebook group plans to protest the site's ban on breast feeding photos through, er, Facebook. Cyber-organizers are asking users to temporarily swap their profile photos this weekend for breastfeeding pictures banned by the Facebook policy, reports the New York Daily News . The revolt started when the networking site removed images...
US Drone Strike Kills 7 in Pakistan
BBC
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Dec 22, 2008 6:48 AM CST
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An unmanned US drone is suspected of firing two missiles in Pakistan that killed seven people, the BBC reports. Taliban were seen pulling bodies from a fort-like house afterward as tribesmen fired at the aircraft. Since August, American-operated drones have launched more than 20 missiles in the tribal areas near Afghanistan, placing public pressure...
Biographer: Jacko May Be Dying
New York Daily News
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Dec 22, 2008 6:40 AM CST
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A seriously ill Michael Jackson may soon need a lung transplant because he's suffering from a rare genetic condition that could kill him, according to a biographer. Jacko’s camp has refused to respond to reports of his failing health, but brother Jermaine said: “He's not doing so well right now," reports the New York Daily News.
Zimbabwe, Once Well-Fed, Turns to Eating Bugs
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 6:27 AM CST
(Newser) -
Zimbabwe was once "a breadbasket for all of southern Africa," writes Celia Dugger in the New York Times , but a manmade crisis has turned the once-prosperous country into a land of scavengers. The UN says 7 of 10 Zimbabweans eat one meal or fewer a day, thanks to the catastrophic agricultural policies of Robert Mugabe that precipitated...
Hard Times Bite Dogs, Cats
Associated Press
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Dec 22, 2008 6:15 AM CST
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As man's bills pile up, man's best friend is all too often getting the heave-ho, reports the AP in a look at the economic impact on animal shelters across a recession-battered America. As dogs and cats of broke owners stretch shelters to their limits, the sinking economy also cuts into the number of people who would adopt them. The result? Increasing...
Mighty Toyota Posts Its First Loss Ever
Financial Times (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 6:08 AM CST
(Newser) -
Toyota will post a loss for the first time in its history, the victim of plummeting sales and multi-year highs in the value of the yen, the company warned today. The Japanese automaker, which has enjoyed a reputation for profits even in bad times, announced that it would suspend executive bonuses and rejigger its dividend payout. "Unfortunately,...
Wall Street Execs Still Fly Private Jets
Associated Press
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Dec 22, 2008 5:47 AM CST
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Six ailing Wall Street firms that eagerly took bailout funds still spend thousands to operate fleets of private jets that whisk their executives to company—and personal—events, AP reports. AIG, which scooped up $150 billion from the government, beats its peers with a seven-jet fleet. Fuel alone for a single cross-country trip runs $20,000. ...
Maker of 'Bush Shoe' Sees Orders Soar
Guardian (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 5:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
Muntadar al-Zaidi may be languishing in jail after throwing his shoes at President Bush, but one man has found a bonanza in the Iraqi's unorthodox protest. The owner of the Baydan Shoe Company in Istanbul has insisted that his company made the black leather shoes that nearly conked the president. Now orders are pouring in from around the world, reports...
John's Drunk Tape Fetches $30K
CNN
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Dec 22, 2008 5:05 AM CST
(Newser) -
A 1973 tape of a boozy John Lennon slurring his way through Lloyd Price's Just Because fetched $30,000 at auction in Los Angeles yesterday, CNN reports. Because of Lennon's intoxication and raunchy, ad-libbed lyrics, “it's actually a fun song to listen to,” said a spokeswoman for the auction house. The buyer was not identified.
Ireland Buys 75% of Troubled Lender in Banks Bailout
Financial Times (UK)
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Dec 22, 2008 4:33 AM CST
(Newser) -
Ireland became the latest nation to partially nationalize struggling banks last night, buying 75% of the deeply troubled Anglo Irish Bank and bailing out others, reports the Financial Times . The bank, whose shares had already dropped 95% from bad mortgage debts, suffered a further blow last week when its CEO and chairman resigned in a personal...
Blizzards, Big Freeze Sock North
CNN
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Dec 22, 2008 4:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
Much of the northern US was buried in snow yesterday, just in time for more cold weather coast-to-coast, CNN reports. Inclement conditions have left thousands without power, wreaked havoc on road and air travel just before the holidays, and caused at least one death when a Massachusetts man was crushed by a falling tree limb weighed down by snow.
Times Bars Note on Caroline's Rumored Affair With Publisher
Gawker
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Dec 22, 2008 3:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
The New York Times will report almost anything newsworthy—except a rumored affair between its publisher and Caroline Kennedy, Gawker reports. When a reader commented on the paper’s City Room blog wondering if the Times would address the gossip surrounding the two, the comment was deleted with the explanation that “We don’t...
Giants Score Top NFC Seed
New York Times
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Dec 22, 2008 3:26 AM CST
(Newser) -
The New York Giants clinched the top NFC seed for the playoffs as they triumphed over the Carolina Panthers, 34-28, in an overtime nail-biter last night, the New York Times reports. In “the best game of his career,” Derrick Ward ran for 215 yards on 15 carries, with a crucial 82 yards on three overtime carries; Brandon Jacobs scored three...
12 Headless Crimefighters Found Near Acapulco
Associated Press
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Dec 22, 2008 2:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Mexican police have found 12 headless bodies an hour away from Acapulco in the capital of Guerrero, a popular destination for Americans on holiday. The dead apparently included soldiers and a high-ranking police officer, reports the Los Angeles Times . Nine heads were bundled in plastic bags and dumped at a shopping center. The murders are believed...
Brakes Suspected in Denver Crash
Houston Chronicle
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Dec 22, 2008 2:37 AM CST
(Newser) -
Investigators believe a faulty braking system and landing gear may be to blame for a fiery crash in Denver where a Houston-bound jet veered off a runway into a snowy ravine. The weather apparently played no role in the accident, and asymmetrical braking appears a likely cause, sources told the Houston Chronicle .
Kim Jong-Il Back in Public After Stroke
Reuters
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Dec 22, 2008 2:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
US intelligence officials believe North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has recovered from a stroke he suffered last August, and has been making public appearances, Reuters reports. The 66-year-old dictator recently inspected army units and a ceramics factory, according to North Korea's state-controlled media. One appearance is believed to have taken place...
Guests Return to Battered Mumbai Hotels
Los Angeles Times
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Dec 22, 2008 1:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
Both five-star Mumbai hotels targeted in last month's deadly terror attacks reopened for business yesterday, marking the defiant rebound with glitz and prayer, reports the Los Angeles Times reports. Amid tight security, Bollywood stars and top government officials celebrated at the century-old Taj Mahal—whose flaming building became the iconic...
Blagojevich Can't Not Look Guilty
Washington Post
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Dec 21, 2008 8:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
When it comes to Rod Blagojevich, it’s a little too easy to judge a book by its cover, writes the Washington Post ’s Robin Givhan. When he wears black business suits, “he evokes the image of a goodfella engaged in ‘waste management.’” And when he sports tracksuits, all that’s missing is “a large gold...
Big '09 Trends: Ice Cream, Cuba
Gourmet
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Dec 21, 2008 8:00 PM CST
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Closing the wallet and opening the palate are set to be big in 2009, says Gourmet , which has served up its predictions of next year's hottest food and travel trends: With the economic slump, home cooking is hot, hot, hot. Learn to cook a casserole and take mom’s advice—eat more beans. Forget cupcakes: Ice cream is the...
Hawaii Rolls Out Red Carpet for Obamas
Honolulu Advertiser
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Dec 21, 2008 7:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hawaii bid aloha to the Obamas as they arrived yesterday for a holiday break in a beach-side estate about half an hour from Honolulu, the Honolulu Advertiser reports. Residents of the quiet neighborhood lined the block with beach chairs and waved as Obama’s motorcade rolled by yesterday. “We want him to have a good, restful vacation because...
Gas Hits 5-Year Low
Associated Press
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Dec 21, 2008 7:06 PM CST
(AP) -
The average national price of gasoline fell 9 cents in the past two weeks, bringing it to its lowest point in nearly five years, according to a national survey released today. The average price of regular gasoline Friday was $1.66 a gallon. The price of mid-grade was $1.80 a gallon, while premium was $1.92 a gallon.
White House Slams NYT Story as 'Gross Negligence'
Politico
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Dec 21, 2008 6:40 PM CST
(Newser) -
The White House accused the New York Times of “gross negligence” today in response to a page one story that largely places the housing and financial messes at the feet of Bush policies, Politico reports. “The Times ’ ‘reporting’ in this story amounted to finding selected quotes to support a story the reporters...
