Newser Story Index from February, 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.
Clinton Loses Right-Wing Media Allies
Politico
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Feb 16, 2008 7:51 AM CST
(Newser) -
The conservative press, once a surprising ally for Hillary Clinton, is turning out to be about as loyal as the Democratic senator should have expected, Politico writes. Though long reviled by the far-right masses, Clinton once had the carefully cultivated respect of some rightish media players like Rupert Murdoch and Matt Drudge. But now even those...
Boardroom Hoax Has Street Abuzz
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 16, 2008 7:47 AM CST
(Newser) -
Joe Herrick asks wonk-like questions about the impact of lean Six Sigma management techniques, is unfailingly polite and talks the talk of quarterly corporate conference earnings calls, fitting in nicely with the other securities analysts asking questions of the company’s head honchos. The problem is, reports the Wall Street Journal, Herrick...
Spears Pal Strikes Back Against Dad
E! Online
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Feb 16, 2008 7:34 AM CST
(Newser) -
Britney Spears' former manager and pal Sam Lutfi is trying to liberate her from her family's control by getting her case moved from Los Angeles to federal court, E! reports. He's arguing in a petition that Jamie Spears is unfit to oversee his daughter's life and that she's being unfairly denied the right to see friends, make phone calls, drive...
Bush Praises African Success
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 7:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
President Bush is keeping things positive on his five-country African tour, focusing attention on “success stories.” But at the same time, he says, his efforts are addressing conflicts ravaging the continent. “When you herald success, it helps others realize what is possible,” he said during a stopover in Benin. And though...
US, Iran Met on Terror Financing
Reuters
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Feb 16, 2008 7:27 AM CST
(Newser) -
Senior Treasury Department official Daniel Glaser met last month with representatives from Iran to discuss "the significant threat Iran poses to the integrity of the international financial system," Reuters reports. The rare talks, which required special permission from the US government, took place during a meeting of the Financial Action...
Man Busted for 27,000 911 Calls
San Francisco Chronicle
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Feb 16, 2008 7:06 AM CST
(Newser) -
Police in a San Francisco suburb finally got their man—but only after he made 27,000 prank 911 calls, often treating the operators to grunts and his impressions of bodily noises. John Triplette "completely overwhelmed our system," police tell the San Francisco Chronicle. Why did this criminal mastermind do it? "Because it's free,"...
This Year's Flu Vaccine Missing the Mark
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 6:45 AM CST
(Newser) -
Flu season peaks in early February and experts say this could be a very bad year. Health officials say that is partly because this year's flu vaccines aren't effective enough, the AP reports. "Every area of the country is experiencing lots of flu right now," said a doctor from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Jackets Add to Wings Woes
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 6:35 AM CST
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The Columbus Blue Jackets made sure the Detroit Red Wings' rare fifth straight loss was painful last night. Fredrik Modin scored two goals and Rick Nash had a goal and two assists, as the Jackets won 5-1, reports the AP. Chris Osgood, starting his second straight game for the injured Dominik Hasek, was pulled after stopping only nine of 13 shots.
McCain, Obama Clash Over Campaign Funds
New York Times
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Feb 16, 2008 6:29 AM CST
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John McCain is baiting Barack Obama over campaign finance, the New York Times reports. Obama pledged last February that he would accept public financing—which comes with spending limits—if he became the Democratic nominee and his Republican opponent did likewise. He hasn't recommitted and GOP front-runner McCain is wondering out loud...
Panthers Shut Down Ovechkin to Beat Caps
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 6:26 AM CST
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The Florida Panthers won their first game since Richard Zednik's ugly neck injury with a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals last night, reports the AP. The Panthers also managed to hold the NHL's leading scorer, Alex Ovechkin, to no points. He had nine goals in his previous seven games.
Phil Takes Control in LA
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 6:14 AM CST
(Newser) -
Phil Mickelson moved much closer yesterday to taming the only West Coast city that has eluded him in his career, reports the AP. Mickelson shot a 7-under 64 to build a four-shot lead in the Northern Trust Open in Los Angeles. "The West Coast means a lot to me,'' he said after his best round ever at Riviera.
Marquette Smokes Pitt in Second Half
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 6:10 AM CST
(Newser) -
Marquette scored 17 straight points early in the second half to cruise to a 72-54 Big East win over No. 22 Pittsburgh last night, reports the AP. Jerel McNeal scored 17 points to lead the Golden Eagles (18-6, 8-5) and Ousmane Barrow scored 14 and grabbed 12 rebounds as Marquette out-rebounded Pitt 13-4 to start the second half.
Dems Hope to Head Off Convention Feuding
New York Times
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Feb 16, 2008 6:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
Concerns about party unity are keeping Al Gore and other senior Democrats neutral in the Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton face-off—at least for now, the New York Times reports. Party elders are painfully aware that infighting or back-room dealing at the Democratic National Convention could look like the will of the people is being thwarted and...
Ducks' Defeat Is Turco's 200th Win
Dallas Morning News
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Feb 16, 2008 6:04 AM CST
(Newser) -
Dallas made good use of power plays last night, going 3-for-5 to fuel a 4-2 win over Anaheim. Defenseman Stephane Robidas scored both second-period goals after assisting on another, and Mike Ribeiro added a goal of his own to two assists, reports the Dallas Morning News . The win is Stars goalie Marty Turco's 200th.
Young Kings Scorch Flames 6-3
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 16, 2008 5:59 AM CST
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For their 6-3 romp over the Flames last night, the Kings got goals from four players aged 23 or younger—a good sign, considering their plans to trade one of the remaining veterans for even more new blood before the deadline. Slightly older skaters are producing for Los Angeles as well: 25-year-old Alexander Frolov had three assists on the night,...
RIP, Steve Fossett
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 5:44 AM CST
(Newser) -
He vanished on a routine flight five months ago, and now daredevil Steve Fossett has been declared dead at the age of 63, the AP reports. The famous world record breaker was last seen flying a small plane over western Nevada where 15-20 private planes have disappeared since 1950. The first man to circle the world solo in a hot air balloon, Fossett...
Lawsuit Seeks $100M From 'Spying' Patriots
Boston Herald
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Feb 16, 2008 5:24 AM CST
(Newser) -
A former St. Louis Rams player and some fans are trying to make Spygate very costly for the New England Patriots, reports the Boston Herald . A lawsuit was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans seeking $100 million from the Patriots for taping the Rams last walk-through practice before the 2002 Super Bowl. The Patriots upset the Rams...
Same Gun Dealer Supplied NIU and Va. Tech Killers
Associated Press
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Feb 16, 2008 5:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
An online gun dealer who helped arm the Virginia Tech shooter also sold accessories to the killer in Thursday's Northern Illinois University rampage, the AP reports. "I'm still blown away by the coincidences," said Eric Thompson, whose company, TGSCOM, is based in Green Bay. He called a federal agency yesterday when he realized he had sold...
Thrashers Deck Devils in 10th Round
Associated Press
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Feb 15, 2008 11:27 PM CST
(Newser) -
It took 10 rounds, but the Atlanta Thrashers were finally able to beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 last night, reports the Associated Press. Pascal Dupuis snuck the winner past Martin Brodeur, who had 29 saves before the shootout. The Devils appeared on their way to a 3-2 win, but Marian Hossa scored with 18.1 seconds left to force overtime.
IU Plans Report Next Week on Sampson
Indianapolis Star
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Feb 15, 2008 10:21 PM CST
(Newser) -
Kelvin Sampson's fate at Indiana will become more clear in seven days, reports the Indianapolis Star . IU President Michael McRobbie said Friday that Athletic Director Rick Greenspan has a week to investigate allegations against Sampson. If Greenspan recommends Sampson be fired, the coach has 10 days to appeal the ruling. "These...
NBA Nixes Stackhouse Return to Mavs
ESPN
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Feb 15, 2008 9:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Jason Kidd's road to Dallas runs into more road blocks every day, and now the journey may never be completed, reports ESPN. Friday the NBA told the Mavericks that Jerry Stackhouse can be part of the trade with the New Jersey Nets, but he can’t return to the Mavs after 30 days if he is waived by the Nets.
Substitutes Not All Sweetness and Light
Time
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Feb 15, 2008 7:42 PM CST
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Cutting back on sugary calories could make you gain weight instead of lose it, a study suggests. Scientists at Purdue University compared rats fed either zero-calorie saccharin or sugar, and found that those on artificial sweetener gained more weight—mostly in fat, Time reports. Animals appear conditioned to respond to sugar by eating less;...
Porsche Gets Kitchen Cooking
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 15, 2008 7:22 PM CST
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For wealthy people with nothing better to do than match their expensive cars with their ostentatious kitchens, Porsche has just the thing, the Wall Street Journal 's Robert Frank writes. The automaker is one of many luxury businesses trying their hands in completely different industries. Its "man kitchen" sports a "sleek and functional...
Australian PM Pledges Support for East Timor
Reuters
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Feb 15, 2008 6:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd jetted to East Timor today, vowing to stand by its neighbor after attacks Monday on its president and prime minister, Reuters reports. "It's by the ballot box, and not by the barrel of a gun, that the decisions for our countries will be made," said Rudd, who boosted Australian troop presence there after...
Terror Leader Killed in Gaza
Reuters
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Feb 15, 2008 6:32 PM CST
(Newser) -
A leading member of terrorist group Islamic Jihad was killed today in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports. Ayman Fayed and at least seven others were killed in an explosion that leveled a house where Fayed was staying. The Israeli army denied involvement, but Palestinian leaders saw the attack as Israel taking revenge for recent killings there.
Gunman Was Known as 'Gentle, Even,' 'Best in Class'
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 15, 2008 5:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Northern Illinois University profs and students who knew Stephen Kazmierczak said today they were stunned by his transformation into a killer: “I knew him as a warm, sensitive, very bright student,” one professor said in disbelief. "I have had him in my home." A mentor told the Chicago Tribune , "He was the most gentle,...
Serbia Softens Threats Over Kosovo
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 15, 2008 5:43 PM CST
(Newser) -
After earlier threatening to sever ties with countries recognizing an independent Kosovo, Serbia softened somewhat today in announcing it would merely pulls its ambassadors in those nations, the Guardian reports. Kosovo is likely to make official its break from Serbia—a move that worries the province's ethnic Serbs—on Sunday, and diplomatic...
States Weigh Allowing Guns on Campuses
USA Today
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Feb 15, 2008 5:23 PM CST
(Newser) -
Twelve states are considering bills that would allow people to carry guns at public universities, USA Today reports, a response to last year's Virginia Tech massacre. "The only way to stop a person with a gun is another person with a gun," says a University of Cincinnati sophomore who has a license but is barred from having a weapon on...
Kenyan Rivals Make Deal for Election Review
Associated Press
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Feb 15, 2008 5:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
Kenya’s president and opposition leader today unveiled an agreement to examine the hotly contested Dec. 27 election, but the sides have made no progress on a deal to share power, the AP reports. "There is real momentum," said mediator and ex-UN chief Kofi Annan. The deal also calls for the drafting of a new constitution within a year.
For Sale: My Seat in Class
Chronicle of Higher Education
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Feb 15, 2008 4:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
It beats sleeping overnight outside a professor's office—as some do at Stanford—but should students buy their way into popular classes? The University of Chicago thought not, removing one student's ad hawking a slot in Freakonomics author Steven Levitt's course. Penn's Wharton School has a more capitalistic view, the Chronicle of Higher...
SEIU Machine Lines Up Behind Obama
New York Times
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Feb 15, 2008 4:40 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Service Employees International Union cast its lot with Democrat Barack Obama today, the New York Times reports. "We have an enormous amount of respect for Senator Clinton, but it's now become clear members and leaders want to become part of an effort to elect Barack Obama the next president," said the president of the influential 1.9-million...
Networks Race to Catch Up
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 15, 2008 4:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
With the TV writers back at work, the networks are scrambling to put together some semblance of a fall season, the LA Times reports. Pilot scripts and casting calls are weeks behind where they'd normally be, and studios are trying to determine which already-in-hand scripts to produce. "I feel a little bit like we're all Rip Van Winkle or Snow...
Huckabee Backs Brokered Convention
Politico
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Feb 15, 2008 4:10 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mike Huckabee is unfazed by delegate math, empty pockets, and the sight of Mitt Romney endorsing John McCain. Rather than be “part of the coronation,” the ex-Arkansas governor is telling backers he plans to take the GOP fight to a brokered convention, Politico reports. Once there, all bets are off. "Top candidates will have an opportunity...
Stocks Mixed on Bad Tidings
MarketWatch
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Feb 15, 2008 3:55 PM CST
(Newser) -
The markets ended a blustery week today with a session of light losses and minor gains on bad economic news from retail and manufacturing, MarketWatch reports. The Dow fell 28.77 to 12,348.21, and the Nasdaq fell 10.74 to 2,321.80. The S&P 500 capitalized on a minor late rally to finish up 1.13, at 1,349.99.
Overseas Tours Cost Soldiers Child Custody
NPR
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Feb 15, 2008 3:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
In what the Pentagon and parent-advocacy groups agree is a growing trend, troops serving overseas are unable to maintain custody of their children upon their return, NPR reports. One National Guardswoman raised her son until her unit deployed to Iraq, when his father took temporary custody. AFter she returned home, a court granted her ex-husband’s...
Wal-Mart Chooses Blu-Ray Over HD DVD
CNET
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Feb 15, 2008 3:24 PM CST
(Newser) -
The blows just keep coming for HD DVD: Wal-Mart announced today that it will sell Blu-Ray high-def movies and players exclusively, CNET reports. A buyer for Wal-Mart disclosed the decision on her blog, saying that the company had been influenced by Netflix and Best Buy's recent announcements by they will back Blu-Ray.
Clinton Draws Ace in Texas
San Francisco Chronicle
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Feb 15, 2008 3:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton has called for her Ace. Facing a must-win situation in Texas, the candidate has put renowned political strategist Averell “Ace” Smith in charge of her campaign there, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Smith, who helped engineer Clinton's California win, is known as "Doctor Death" for his ability to dig up...
McCartney Divorce Hearing Drags Into 2nd Week
BBC
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Feb 15, 2008 3:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
Divorce proceedings between Paul McCartney and Heather Mills will continue into next week, the BBC reports, amid media speculation that a confidentiality pact is holding up what is likely to be a record financial settlement. The private hearing in a London court was scheduled to end today but will extend at least through Monday.
Spiderwick Delivers Thrills
Metacritic
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Feb 15, 2008 2:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
Critics by and large are enchanted with The Spiderwick Chronicles . It's "a well-crafted family thriller that is truly scary and doesn't wimp out," writes Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times . The fantasy, based on the best-selling books, follows twins (played by Freddie Highmore) and their sister ( In America's Sarah Bolger) as the...
Knut's Dad Wants a Piece of the Action
Der Spiegel
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Feb 15, 2008 2:41 PM CST
(Newser) -
Knut, the polar bear superstar of the Berlin Zoo, has all the trappings of celebrity—fame, money, a Hollywood deal, and now, family members looking to cash in. The zoo that owns his dad, Lars, says it deserves some of the millions Knut has raked in, Der Spiegel reports. "We are currently looking into what claims we could have," said...
Germaphobes Get a Handle on Bathrooms
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 15, 2008 2:40 PM CST
(Newser) -
For germaphobes, few sights elicit as much terror as doorknob in a public bathroom. Sure, you washed your hands, “but then someone else didn’t wash their hands and you have to touch the same door handle,” explains the inventor of the SanitGrip, an L-shaped, elbow-operated handle that helps just-cleaned hands stay that way. And he's...
Sex Aids' Shelf Space, Sales Grow
Newsweek
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Feb 15, 2008 2:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Be careful letting your kids wander in Wal-Mart—the retail giant and other mainstream stores are devoting more shelf space to sex aids, Newsweek reports, and they aren’t hiding it. Lubricants, oils and even vibrators are increasingly appearing next to contraceptives and pregnancy tests. “Even the more conservative retailers have...
DWI: Driving While Immersed
Times (UK)
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Feb 15, 2008 2:13 PM CST
(Newser) -
The first car capable of diving and maneuvering both underwater and on land is in the works, the London Times reports. Inspired by James Bond’s Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me, the sQuba is an electric-powered open-top two-seater that "moves like a fish in the water" and can dive 33 feet down.
Candidates Run the Gamut on Earmarks
Washington Post
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Feb 15, 2008 2:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
This year’s presidential frontrunners represent a wide array of stances on congressional earmarking—a term for garnering funds for home-state pork, reports the Washington Post . Hillary Clinton is one of the Senate’s biggest earmark recipients, Barack Obama is in the bottom quarter, and John McCain is one of a handful to reject them...
SWM No. 9,999,999 Seeks...
Reuters
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Feb 15, 2008 2:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
In the crowded world of online dating, a love of beaches and sunsets isn’t enough anymore. To help Internet Romeos snag an e-date, experts offer tips for the perfect online profile, reports Reuters. No. 1: Ditch the old photos (the Saturday Night Fever getup gives you away) in favor of something recent. And opt for an expressive user name—think...
Quid Pro Quo: Obama, Clinton Gave $890K to Superdelegates
Boston Globe
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Feb 15, 2008 1:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have given $890,000 to campaigns of the 796 superdelegates who could decide the Democratic presidential nomination, a nonpartisan research group says. Such donations “have been a generally reliable predictor of whose side a superdelegate will take,” the report notes. Obama's PAC has given $694,000, including...
Winehouse Dressed Up Tattoo for Grammys
New York Post
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Feb 15, 2008 1:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
When they tried to make her tone down her body art for the Grammys, Amy Winehouse, for once, didn't say no, no, no. The British pop star played it prudent in her satellite performance, covering the usually bare chest of a pinup tattoo on her arm with black eyeliner to give it a makeshift strapless bra, Page Six reports.
Citi Blocks Hedge Fund Withdrawals
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 15, 2008 1:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
Still struggling with billions of dollars in subprime losses, Citigroup blocked nervous investors from bailing out of a hedge fund specializing in corporate debt, reports the Wall Street Journal. Investors tried to pull more than 30% of $500 million in assets from CSO Partners, which posted an 11% loss last year and was re-funded with $100 million...
Teen Pleads Guilty in Botnet Adware Scheme
ComputerWorld
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Feb 15, 2008 1:28 PM CST
(Newser) -
A teenager referred to by the FBI as BDH and known online as “Sobe” pleaded guilty to two counts of juvenile fraud conspiracy for a scheme that used botnets to install adware on hundreds of thousands of American computers, including some military systems. He will be sentenced May 5, and will receive between 1 year and 18 months in prison...
Definitely a Winner
Metacritic
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Feb 15, 2008 1:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
Definitely, Maybe, the story of a soon-to-be-divorced dad whose 11-year-old daughter wants to hear how he met her mother, is definitely a cut above most romantic comedies, critics say. "It's a lot fresher and a bit more sophisticated than the ordinary run of maudlin chick flicks," writes Ken Fox of TV Guide .
