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.
Blogger Wins Award, Vindication
New York Times
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Feb 25, 2008 1:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
The blogosphere is rejoicing in the news that “local boy” Joshua Micah Marshall garnered a George Polk Award for legal reporting. Marshall's Talking Points Memo blog is the first Internet-only operation to win the award, and many bloggers see that as validation, reports the New York Times . Marshall won for coverage of the US attorney...
Rice Plans Another Vampire Book
Time
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Feb 25, 2008 12:50 PM CST
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When atheist and chronicler of the undead Anne Rice embraced Christianity in 2005, she seemed to seal the coffin on her Vampire Chronicles. But she's backtracking on her vow to write only about the Lord and not Lestat. "I have one more book that I would really like to write," Rice tells Time. "It will be a story that I need to tell."
Supreme Court Denies Tobacco Industry Appeal
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2008 12:30 PM CST
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The Supreme Court today handed the tobacco industry a setback, rejecting without comment an appeal contending that West Virginia’s two-tiered system of consolidating cases is unconstitutional. In their appeal, industry lawyers called the process “deeply and fundamentally flawed,” the Wall Street Journal reports, but the plaintiffs'...
Satellite Shot Destroyed Toxic Fuel
Associated Press
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Feb 25, 2008 12:10 PM CST
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The missile fired at the errant spy satellite on Wednesday succeeded in destroying a tank full of toxic fuel, the Defense Department has concluded after analyzing the debris from the shootdown. The tank was said to have held 1,000 pounds of toxic hydrazine, which could have been released into the atmosphere as the satellite fell to Earth, the AP reports....
Motorola Left Holding Troubled Handset Unit
BusinessWeek
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Feb 25, 2008 12:07 PM CST
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It’s looking increasingly important for Motorola to shore up its troubled handset unit itself, as no buyers have materialized in the near-month since the company said it was exploring options for the business, reports BusinessWeek . Fixing the problematic division would make it easier to attract a higher sale price, spin it off as a more valuable...
Arctic Melt Busies Coast Guard
Military Times
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Feb 25, 2008 11:51 AM CST
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Global warming affects some unexpected entities, and one is the US Coast Guard, which is dealing with increased maritime traffic above the Arctic Circle. As retreating ice exposes more coastline, officials are evaluating future needs, the Military Times reports. Says the commander of the district that includes Alaska, "Until I go there, feel...
New York Loves Euros
Washington Post
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Feb 25, 2008 11:35 AM CST
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Wander through the Big Apple these days and you’ll see signs like “Euros accepted!” and even “Euros Only.” The latter is a joke—dollars are accepted, as are British pounds—but many New York City merchants are more than willing to accept visitors' currency, the Washington Post reports. “I need euros,”...
Gazans Form Chain at Border
AFP
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Feb 25, 2008 11:22 AM CST
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Thousands of Palestinians joined hands today in an attempt to form a human chain across the Gaza Strip, AFP reports. They were protesting the Israeli blockade that has left the impoverished region perilously low on supplies. Israel massed forces along the border, including a rare artillery battery, and accused Hamas of “orchestrating a premeditated...
Attacks on Shiite Pilgrims Jeopardize Sadr Ceasefire
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 25, 2008 10:58 AM CST
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A wave of violence against Shiite pilgrims continued today, with at least seven dying in a pair of roadside bombings, and nerves fraying over an unpopular ceasefire. Shiites are observing one of their most sacred holidays despite a spate of attacks—today's plus at least three yesterday—that are straining supporters of Muqtada al Sadr’s...
Woodruff Fights for Words
USA Today
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Feb 25, 2008 10:40 AM CST
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When ABC's Bob Woodruff reported recently from North Korea, he appeared fully recovered from horrific head injuries he suffered in Iraq. In fact, he has a lingering disorder that could have ended his career as a journalist. He discusses working with expressive aphasia, a struggle to remember words, with Christine Dugas of USA Today —who suffers...
For Obama Faithful, Fears Cloud Hopes
New York Times
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Feb 25, 2008 10:15 AM CST
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"Stop worrying," Barack Obama tells supporters. “I've got the best protection in the world.” But they're worrying anyway: Even as supporters have watched their candidate rocket from longshot to frontrunner, their anxieties about a possible assassination attempt have grown, the New York Times reports. “Some candidates are...
Home Sales, Prices Sink Again
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2008 10:05 AM CST
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Existing-home sales and home prices continued to fall in January, indicating that would-be buyers are waiting for the market to bottom out, the Wall Street Journal reports. "Inventories are high, so it's not surprising prices are declining," said one economist, who described home sales as "soft but fairly stable." The resale number...
'Bulldozer' Prez Takes Helm in S. Korea
The Australian
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Feb 25, 2008 9:40 AM CST
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Proclaiming that "economic revival is our most urgent task," South Korea's new president took office today. Ex-Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak, a longtime Hyundai exec known as "the Bulldozer," won the office in a landslide but is likely to struggle implementing the reforms he has promised if his conservative party fails to win a majority...
Questions Linger as NIU Classes Resume
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 25, 2008 9:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
As Northern Illinois University resumes classes today, the prevailing feeling is uncertainty. One professor will leave it up to her class whether to stick to the syllabus or talk about the Valentine's Day shooting that left five students dead. Others question whether the semester's grading standards should change and wonder what will become of the...
Visa Plans $17B IPO in Risky Market
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2008 8:55 AM CST
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Visa is hoping to surpass rival MasterCard’s 2006 stock market debut with a $17 billion IPO that would be the largest in Wall Street history. The company today said it hopes to sell some 406 million shares for $37 to $42 each, reports the Wall Street Journal. The biggest previous IPO was AT&T Wireless Group’s $10.62 billion offering...
Remains Sought in UK Kid Home
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 25, 2008 8:38 AM CST
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British officials who discovered the remains of a youngster in a children's home fear there could be at least six other bodies beneath the concrete floors, reports the Guardian . Complaints of abuse launched an investigation of the home, which has been closed for years, and other government institutions on the island of Jersey. "It's difficult...
EA Maneuvers to Nab 'Grand Theft Auto'
Wall Street Journal
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Feb 25, 2008 8:08 AM CST
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Video game kingpin Electronic Arts disclosed yesterday a $2 billion hostile takeover bid to acquire rival Take-Two Interactive Software, and capture the popular “Grand Theft Auto” franchise. EA, publisher of Madden NFL titles, said the $26-a-share offer represented a 50% premium over Take-Two’s closing price on Friday, but Take-Two’s...
Non-Mainstream Seduced Oscar
Associated Press
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Feb 25, 2008 7:35 AM CST
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For a Hollywood award, Oscar wasn't too fond of Tinseltown last night. The Academy Awards were dominated by a crew of crack European actors—and a pair of maverick brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, operating far from the Hollywood mainstream. It was a record year for the number of Oscars given to people outside Hollywood, with all four winning actors...
DNC to File Campaign Fund Complaint Against McCain
Washington Post
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Feb 25, 2008 7:07 AM CST
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The Democratic National Committee will file an FEC complaint today against John McCain, accusing the likely GOP nominee of violating policy when he obtained campaign loans by promising to repay them with federal funds, the Washington Post reports. The FEC so far hasn't granted McCain's request to now opt out of the public matching funds system.
10 Must-See Big Apple Buildings
Associated Press
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Feb 25, 2008 6:35 AM CST
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Headed to New York for a burst of sightseeing? Trade the Statue of Liberty for a tour of the Big Apple’s 10 must-see buildings, as compiled by the Center for Architecture: Conde Nast Building Brooklyn Museum Prada New York Rose Center For Earth And Space Apple Store Soho
Microsoft Pioneer Leaves $65M to Gay Rights Groups
Seattle Times
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Feb 25, 2008 6:07 AM CST
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One of the first five Microsoft employees has left $65 million of his estate to gay rights groups, the Seattle Times reports. Ric Weiland, who helped high school friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen launch Microsoft, committed suicide in 2006 at age 53. His donation is believed to be the largest estate gift ever given to the country’s gay and...
Dollar Gains Slightly Against the Euro
Associated Press
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Feb 25, 2008 5:34 AM CST
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European markets saw the US dollar edge higher against the euro, yen and British pound today as traders looked for clues as to whether the US economy would avoid a recession, reports the Associated Press. Today’s report on January sales of existing homes will likely cast some light on whether the subprime virus will continue to drag the economy...
Scheme to Plant Telescope on Moon Gathers Steam
Washington Post
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Feb 25, 2008 5:16 AM CST
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The moon may have to start earning its keep if NASA gets its way. With the far side of our lunar satellite a perfect environment for delicate, deep-space measurements, two research teams are furiously plotting ways to deploy astronomy equipment there. If astronauts return to the moon after 2019, they might bring new telescopes with them to plant on...
Nations Unite to Save Gorillas
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 25, 2008 5:00 AM CST
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Three African nations where the world's last 720 wild mountain gorillas live are finally working together to save the critically endangered animal, the Guardian reports. Until the 10-year plan was announced last week, mistrust and conflict had kept Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo from collaborating as another 10 apes were killed in the last 14 months.
Russia Steps Up Support for Serbia
BBC
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Feb 25, 2008 4:46 AM CST
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Unrest and uncertainty marked the one-week anniversary of Kosovo's independence as ethnic Serbs within Kosovo and around the world continued to protest, and Serbian ally Russia deployed top officials to Belgrade to meet with Serbian leaders, BBC reports. Serb protesters in northern Kosovo brandished posters of Vladimir Putin and a sign reading: "Russia...
Sarkozy Rips 'Idiot' Citizen
Independent (UK)
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Feb 25, 2008 4:28 AM CST
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In his latest popularity blunder, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been captured on tape calmly skewering a French citizen who refused to shake his hand at an agricultural show in Paris. "Get lost, you idiot," Sarkozy zings in a sanitized translation when the man tells the president he doesn't want to be "dirtied" by him. Hundreds...
Greek Cypriots Elect Prez Committed to Unifying Isle
Telegraph (UK)
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Feb 25, 2008 4:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
Greek Cypriots have elected a communist president committed to reunification with the Turkish northern section of the divided island. Dimitris Christofias, educated in the old Soviet Union, won 54% of the vote in a race against his right-wing rival. The new leader has promised to hold negotiations with the president of the Turkish part of Cyprus,...
Ducks' Hats Off to Selanne in Win Over Hawks
Orange County Register
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Feb 25, 2008 3:24 AM CST
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Anaheim is glad, very glad, that Teemu Selanne came out of retirement. The right wing bagged a hat trick that pushed him past Maurice "Rocket" Richard to No. 25 on the list of all-time scorers. Selanne's two assists also didn't hurt in the Ducks' 6-3 trouncing of the Blackhawks, the Orange County Register reports. On other regulation rinks:
Huck Funny Where It Counts on SNL
MSNBC
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Feb 25, 2008 3:19 AM CST
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Ok, so he's not a math guy, but GOP presidential contender Mike Huckabee proved on Saturday Night Live that he can take a ribbing as well as anyone. “Weekend Update” host Seth Meyers pointed out to Huck that even if he wins every remaining delegate, the candidate would still fall 200 short, and a nomination would be a "mathematical...
Bryant Gets Boot in Sonics' Loss
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 25, 2008 2:55 AM CST
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Seattle never had a chance to get close to the Lakers in last night's 111-91 loss, not even once Kobe Bryant had left the game on his second technical foul. Bryant had pulled together 21 points and 10 assists when he got the first whistle in the third quarter for arguing a no-call. The second followed soon after, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Auto Worker Powerhouse Doug Fraser Dead at 91
Detroit Free Press
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Feb 25, 2008 2:47 AM CST
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Former United Auto Workers president Doug Fraser, who played a vital role in saving Chrysler from bankruptcy, died yesterday at age 91. The cause of death was unknown, but Fraser had been suffering from emphysema, the Detroit Free Press reports. As UAW president during the ’70s and ’80s, Fraser helped win comprehensive health care and...
Stanford Has the Goods in Win Over Cal
San Francisco Chronicle
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Feb 25, 2008 2:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Anthony Goods finally burst out of his slump (no more than seven points in the last seven games) to surge to a 20-point game in Stanford's 79-69 defeat of Cal. The Golden Bears had a struggling star of their own to contend with, as Ryan Anderson couldn't find the basket in the first half, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.
Wake Forest No Match for UNC
Sports Network
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Feb 25, 2008 12:07 AM CST
(Newser) -
Wake Forest was the latest to fall victim to Tyler Hansbrough and the No. 3 ranked Tar Heels, as UNC rolled over the Demon Deacons tonight, 89-73. The junior scored 29 points and remains a strong contender for National Player of the Year honors. Wayne Ellington and Danny Green added 17 and 15 points respectively, reports the Sports Network.
New Look Suits Cavs Well In Blowout
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 10:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
Three days after a blockbuster trade sent Ben Wallace and three others to Cleveland, the players made their official debut against the Memphis Grizzlies. And what a debut it was, as the Cavs trounced the Grizzlies, 109-89. LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas combined for 47 points, while Wallace added another 12 with 10 rebounds in his...
Dish-Happy Kidd Sparks Dallas Win
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 10:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Dallas continued to enjoy canny distribution from its new marquee point guard, as Jason Kidd notched a season-high 17 assists in a 99-83 drubbing of Minnesota. Dirk Nowitzki beat all scorers with 29 points in a characteristically efficient 10-of-15 performance. Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves with 22. Also in pro hoops:
Howard, Bench Depose Kings
Orlando Sentinel
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Feb 24, 2008 10:22 PM CST
(Newser) -
The post-Bibby Kings finally lost, falling flat in Orlando in the decisive fourth quarter. Backups Brian Cook and Keyon Dooling combined for 20 in a 22-8 run that gave the Magic a commanding 20-point lead. Dwight Howard was his customary monster self, leading his team with 26 points and 10 rebounds in the 112-93 win.
Celtics End Mini-Skid at Three
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 9:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
Coming off one of the worst games in his career, Paul Pierce found redemption in the Celtics 112-102 win over the Trail Blazers today, as Pierce led the team with 30 points and seven rebounds. Portland looked determined to extend Boston’s losing-streak to four, but faltered after guard Brandon Roy left the game in the 3rd period with an ankle...
Wisconsin Holds On to Win Over Ohio State
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 9:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
It seemed an even matchup until the final minutes in Columbus, Ohio where No. 11 Wisconsin edged Ohio State, 58-53. Defense proved to be key for the Badgers as they held the Buckeyes scoreless in the final 3:15, reports the AP. Wisconsin, winner of their last four games, now leads the Big Ten with two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Devils Remain Red Hot, Edge Capitals
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 8:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
New Jersey took over the lead in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 win against Washington thanks to John Madden's overtime goal, reports the AP. The Devils were led by Martin Brodeur's 37 saves and have won seven of their last eight games. NHL goals leader Alex Ovechkin, stuck on 48, did not light the lamp for the fifth straight contest.
No Country Wins Best Picture
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 7:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hollywood crowned the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men with four Oscars tonight, including best picture, best direction, and best adapted screenplay, the Los Angeles Times reports. Javier Bardem won best supporting actor for his role as the film's ice-cold assassin. Daniel Day-Lewis scored best actor prize for There Will Be Blood , and a...
Movie Lovers Get the Point at Box Office
Variety
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Feb 24, 2008 7:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
Vantage Point took top spot at this weekend's box office by nearly doubling the yield of number-two pic Jumper , Variety reports. The Dennis Quaid political thriller banked $24 million to Jumper' 's $12.7 million and number-three The Spiderwick Chronicles ' $12.6 million, both in their second week. Disney’s Step Up 2 the Streets placed...
Tiger Makes It 5 Straight
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 7:26 PM CST
(Newser) -
Tiger Woods moved past Arnold Palmer on the all-time PGA Tour wins list today, earning No. 63 against Stewart Cink, 8-and-7, in the WGC Match Play Championship final. Woods' game was scorching in the Arizona sun as he made 14 birdies in the 29 holes played, reports the AP. He takes home $1.35 million for his efforts.
Billups, Pistons Embarrass Shaq, Suns
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Feb 24, 2008 7:21 PM CST
(Newser) -
Shaquille O'Neal's time in Phoenix hasn't elicited the desired results yet, unless losing 116-86 to Eastern Conference power Detroit is what the Suns had in mind when trading for the big man. The Pistons had scoring balance with six players in double figures and were dominant from midway through the second quarter through the end of the third, reports...
Xavier Tops Dayton, Assures A-10 Title Tie
Cincinnati Enquirer
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Feb 24, 2008 7:19 PM CST
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Xavier extended its winning streak to 10 games, including six straight on the road, with a 57-51 win over struggling Dayton. The No. 10 Musketeers, 12-1 in conference play, are assured of at least a tie for the Atlantic 10 title, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer . Senior Josh Duncan was the only one in double figures for Xavier with 14 points. Elsewhere:
1-Week eBay Boycott Ends Tomorrow
USA Today
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Feb 24, 2008 7:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
More eBay goodies may go on sale tomorrow as angry sellers end a 1-week boycott, USA Today reports. The ban "has had no impact on our listings," one eBay exec said, but third-party tracking sites saw a 13% drop. The sellers' snub was sparked when eBay recently upped its commission and eliminated bad buyer feedback.
Dems Blast Candidate Nader
New York Times
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Feb 24, 2008 6:41 PM CST
(Newser) -
Democrats took shots at Ralph Nader today after the consumer advocate jumped into the presidential race, the New York Times reports. “Wow, that’s really unfortunate,” a surprised Hillary Clinton said. “It’s not good for anybody, especially our country.” Obama praised Nader's advocacy, but added, "His function...
Beer Prices Are Hopping Up
San Jose Mercury News
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Feb 24, 2008 6:07 PM CST
(Newser) -
Wine's not the only drink that can have a bad year. Beer guzzlers should expect the price of craft brews to rise as much as $1 per six-pack in the coming months, because crucial ingredients—right down to the glass bottle—are more expensive, reports the San Jose Mercury News . Higher freight costs, a poor crop, and a weaker dollar have...
Freeskiers Do It for the Thrills
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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Feb 24, 2008 5:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Freeskiing, extreme skiing, call it what you like—just don't say it's a stable career. Freeskiers admit that their work is risky and low-paying, but skiers and fans alike indulge in the adrenaline rush of danger. "It's the same reason people watch NASCAR," said Steve Winter, who founded a ski film company in Redmond, Utah. "There's...
Many Duck DNA Tests Over Fears of Bias
New York Times
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Feb 24, 2008 5:06 PM CST
(Newser) -
Some Americans are ducking genetic tests for fear that bosses and insurers may single out those with disorders, the New York Times reports. Others, tested privately, hide problems from doctors to dodge financial pain—leading, in some cases, to health problems that could have been avoided. But insurance reps and employers are calling the fears...
Pakistan Bans Access to YouTube
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 4:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Pakistan has blocked the country’s YouTube access over anti-Islamic videos on the site, the AP reports. One official conceded that a particular video offended authorities: a trailer for an upcoming film by Dutch legislator Geert Wilders. The filmmaker has said that his piece paints Islam as a fascist religion that glorifies violence against homosexuals...
