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.
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Case Bound for Supreme Court
Washington Post
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Feb 24, 2008 3:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
Almost two decades after the Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of oil off the Alaskan coast, legal clashes continue—and will reach the Supreme Court this week, the Washington Post reports. At issue is whether Exxon's $3.5 billion payout is enough or should increase to $5 billion, as demanded by an Alaskan jury 14 years ago. For many claimants,...
Dems Need a 'Superconvention'
Politico
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Feb 24, 2008 3:22 PM CST
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With a tight race and a “crazy quilt of anti-democratic rules” that govern the Dems’ race for the nomination, we need a fair and transparent way to settle the matter. How? Try a July “superconvention,” writes Dan Gerstein in Politico . Superdelegates would gather to hear speeches from each candidate, openly debate the...
North Korea Preps for Visit From NY Philharmonic
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 3:00 PM CST
(Newser) -
Pyongyang may be shedding some of its anti-US propaganda in preparation for the New York Philharmonic's arrival tomorrow, but many worry Dvorak symphonies Tuesday for the elite will prove an ineffectual olive branch during a time of nuclear negotiations. Pshaw, an assistant secretary of state tells the LA Times: "They are alleging that we have...
Olé! Breeder to Clone Prize Bull
Independent (UK)
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Feb 24, 2008 2:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
Alcalde is one in a million: The hulking black bull's sons have struck fear in the hearts of Spain's bravest matadors for more than a decade. But now, in his waning years, his famed breeder has commissioned a US company to make him two in a million—with the cloned bull taking Alcalde's place as sire to champions.
Texas Looking Like the Newest Blue State
Austin American-Statesman
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Feb 24, 2008 2:02 PM CST
(Newser) -
Although Texas' ornery primary-caucus hybrid doesn't take place until March 4, polls are already open and voters are flooding "the reddest counties in a deep red state" to choose a Democratic presidential candidate. The record early turnout is an eye-opening phenomenon, writes Austin American-Statesman columnist Arnold Garcia Jr., who wonders...
Raul Castro Is New Cuban Prez
Miami Herald
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Feb 24, 2008 1:33 PM CST
(Newser) -
Raul Castro will succeed long-ruling brother Fidel as the president of Cuba, reports the Miami Herald , after members of the National Assembly voted today. The current defense minister and first VP of the national committee, 76, was the only candidate endorsed by a nominating committee, and his ascent is expected to keep the country on its Communist...
Fla. Marlins Call For Big-Bellied Cheerleaders
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 1:04 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Florida Marlins are currently holding tryouts for new male cheerleaders—the chubbier, the better. Though the Marlins already have lean pompom girls rooting on the sidelines, the AP reports, they're looking to create a rotund 10-man squad called the Manatees to boost record-low attendance at home games. But these big boys will be chosen just...
Virgin Tests First Biofuel Plane
BBC
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Feb 24, 2008 12:35 PM CST
(Newser) -
A Virgin Atlantic jet powered partially by a coconut- and Brazilian babassu nut-based biofuel made it from London to Amsterdam today in the first commercial flight to do so, the BBC reports. Virgin topdog Richard Branson hailed the flight as "pioneering" in the development of "fuels of the future," but environmentalists denounced...
One-Man Beer Outfits Take Brewing Micro Indeed
Portfolio
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Feb 24, 2008 12:20 PM CST
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Some so-called “microbreweries” have grown much too large to use that sobriquet, but as certain outfits outgrow the label, others are just growing into it. Portfolio 's Lew Bryson introduces the future of beer: one-man brewing. In a market where once-boutique names like Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada now command significant share, ultra-small...
Top 10 Oscars That Weren't
CNN
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Feb 24, 2008 12:00 PM CST
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In the Academy Awards' 80-year history, many classic films, performers, and directors have been robbed of their statues. CNN's Screening Room names the 10 most crushing Oscars that weren't, many of which lost out to—gulp—musicals: 1941: Seminal Citizen Kane loses to sappy How Green Was My Valley 1956: James Dean...
Wiretaps Continue Under Lapsed Law
Reuters
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Feb 24, 2008 11:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
US spy agencies are continuing wiretap surveillance despite the fact that a law re-authorizing the administration's controversial program failed to pass a divided legislature last weekend. Telecommunications companies are cooperating with the government despite concerns, Reuters reports. Wiretaps will resume under the current law "at least for...
10 Tips for the Stylish Gent
Details
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Feb 24, 2008 11:13 AM CST
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Natty British designer Paul Smith outlines his do's and don'ts for the 21st-century gentlemen in a cagey Details interview . Cologne lovers, beware: T-shirts seem easy, but they're a big no-no; go with a collar. A good, bland haircut is better than a failed stylish one. Women first! Don't ignore them in favor of a pal at dinner....
Cachaça Is the New Tequila, Devotees Say
BusinessWeek
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Feb 24, 2008 10:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
The next big buzz in the world of potent beverages may well be cachaça, the Brazilian take on rum that has its sights set on unseating tequila as the trendy shot du jour in the US. The exported version of the national drink, distilled from sugar cane, ranges from 76 to 96 proof and is already popular in Germany, BusinessWeek reports.
Turning Red States Blue a Tall Order for Obama
Washington Post
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Feb 24, 2008 10:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama's sweep of red state primaries has won converts to Obama's claim that he can redraw the political map in November and take states that Democrats have long written off as hopelessly red. Not so fast, warns the Washington Post— Dem primary voters do not reflect the general election demographic in such red zones as Kansas, Nebraska,...
40 Iraq Shiite Pilgrims Killed in Blast
BBC
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Feb 24, 2008 10:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
At least 40 people were killed today when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest amid a crowd of Shiite pilgrims during a trek south of Baghdad. A tent where the marchers stopped for food exploded in Iskandariyah in the second attack on Arbaeen, a day when millions descend on Karbala to honor the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, who is buried...
There Will Be Bad Banter
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 9:40 AM CST
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Oscar banter may provide the show's shakiest moments, but stars and scribes are known to battle over these lines behind the scenes, the Los Angeles Times reports. This year though is different: The show's strike-shortened schedule is sparing writers from the usual pre-show scrutinty. "The celebrities and their support squads haven't had time...
Arrest Made in 1981 LA Murder
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 8:34 AM CST
(Newser) -
The LAPD is holding a Japanese businessman on suspicion of murder in the Los Angeles shooting death of his wife more than a quarter century ago, the AP reports. In the 1981 incident Kazuyoshi Miura was shot in the leg and his wife in the head; she later died. Miura blamed robbers and bemoaned the violence of American cities, stoking Japanese fears...
Nader Begins White House Bid
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 8:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, whose third-party candidacy many thought handed George W. Bush the presidency in 2000, announced this morning that he will again make a bid for the White House, reports MSNBC. In a Meet the Press interview , he cited America's fatigue with mainstream parties and his belief that current candidates weren't addressing...
Looting Serbian 'Riot Girls' a YouTube Hit
Reuters
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Feb 24, 2008 8:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
After the violence and looting that gripped Belgrade on Thursday night, a video available on YouTube has become a Serbian phenomenon—and provoked near-universal disapproval. The clip features two female looters grabbing everything from chocolates to designer handbags and shoes while the American embassy burned. Entitled "Swapping Kosovo...
Reb Leader Calls for Kurd Uprising in Turkey
Reuters
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Feb 24, 2008 7:31 AM CST
(Newser) -
As Turkish troops continue their unprecedented ground offensive in northern Iraq, a leader of the targeted Kurdish separatist group has called for Kurds living in Turkey to rebel. A news agency loyal to the Kurdistan Workers' Party carried the call of the rebel Kurd commander to make Turkish cities "uninhabitable." He pointed out that only...
Britney Finally Sees Her Boys
E! Online
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Feb 24, 2008 7:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
Troubled star Britney Spears' sons were happy to see their mommy yesterday, for the first time in more than seven weeks. Jayden James and Sean Preston, who have been in their father's custody during Spears' very public breakdown, got three hours of face time with their mom in a court-monitored visit, reports E! Online.
Angelina Jolie Expecting Again
People
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Feb 24, 2008 6:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
Actress Angelina Jolie has not announced she's pregnant again—but she didn't have to, thanks to the sizable baby bump beneath the body-hugging black dress she wore to the Independent Spirit Awards yesterday. She and partner Brad Pitt "are thrilled to be adding to their brood," a friend told People magazine.
Viagra Linked to Reduced Fertility
Guardian (UK)
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Feb 24, 2008 6:32 AM CST
(Newser) -
Popular sexual potency drug Viagra has been linked to sperm effects so dramatic that it could seriously affect male fertility, researchers have discovered. The findings are particularly troubling because in-vitro fertilization clinics often provide Viagra to men to increase sperm production. The new studies show that while Viagra increases sperm activity,...
Canucks Add to Wounded Red Wings' Pain
Detroit News
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Feb 24, 2008 6:10 AM CST
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The Red Wings have plenty of troubles without having to watch a hometown boy return to Detroit to pile it on, but that didn't stop Ryan Kesler from making two solo charges to the net in the third period of Vancouver's 4-1 triumph. With injuries depleting the defensive line, the Red Wings never really had a chance, the Detroit News reports.
Mickey D's Risks Big in Java War
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 24, 2008 5:58 AM CST
(Newser) -
McDonald’s may have Egg McMuffin on its face if it can't out-grind Starbucks with a new line of premium coffees, the Chicago Tribune reports. The new coffee rollout, threatened by a shaky economy, marks one of the company’s riskiest launches ever, according to analysts. As food and labor costs rise, McDonald’s is asking franchises...
Arizona Upsets Washington State 65-55
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Feb 24, 2008 5:49 AM CST
(Newser) -
No. 17 Washington State couldn't buy a basket last night, shooting 34% from the field as Arizona ran away with a 65-55 upset. The Wildcats saw their big three catch fire at once, as Jordan Hill had 13 points and nine boards, Jerryd Bayless scored 20, and Chase Budinger topped out at 22, the Arizona Republic reports. Meanwhile, in California:
Wounded Hillary Marches On
New York Times
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Feb 24, 2008 5:30 AM CST
(Newser) -
With Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign on the ropes, morale is low and advisers are screaming at each other in back rooms, the New York Times reports. While the candidate appears resolute, she no longer expresses the supreme confidence she once did and has stopped prefacing sentences with "when I'm president." Some advisers...
Memphis Perfect No More
Tennessean
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Feb 24, 2008 5:19 AM CST
(Newser) -
The match-up between No. 1 Memphis and No. 2 Tennessee was hyped to high heaven, and lived up to nearly every expectation, writes the Tennessean . The Volunteers relished their role of spoiler, playing hard and hungry to secure a 66-62 victory and run a perfect 45-game stretch of Tigers wins. "They scrapped, they battled," explained defeated...
Nuggets Blow 23-Point Lead Over Bucks
Denver Post
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Feb 24, 2008 5:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
Denver seemed in good position to defeat Milwaukee with a 23-point lead, but the team "ran out of gas," as coach George Karl explained. The Bucks took advantage of 22 second-chance points and a season-high 42 from Michael Redd to surge to a 115-109 win, the Denver Post reports. Elsewhere in the NBA:
Top Spots for Solo Adventurers
Reuters
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Feb 24, 2008 4:59 AM CST
(Newser) -
Looking to mend a well-trodden heart with a solo adventure? From serene fishing villages to culture-packed cities, several destinations can be just the ticket. For those who prefer to go it alone, IgoUgo readers recommend: Vienna Rio de Janeiro Florence Parque Nacional Volcan Baru, Panama Marseille, France
Klitschko Toys With Ibragimov for WBO Title
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 12:14 AM CST
(Newser) -
Wladimir Klitschko looked more like the older brother picking on his smaller sibling than someone trying to win a heavyweight title fight last night. The much taller and stronger Klitschko barely took a punch in beating Russian Sultan Ibragimov for the minor WBO belt in a unanimous decision, reports the Associated Press.
Spurs Show Hornets Who's Boss
Associated Press
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Feb 24, 2008 12:04 AM CST
(Newser) -
The Stars were out in force last night to lift the San Antonio Spurs to a 98-89 win over the New Orleans Hornets, reports the Associated Press. Manu Ginobili had 30 points and a career-high 12 assists and Tim Duncan added 25 points and 11 rebounds as San Antonio won its fifth straight.
76ers Push Heat Losing Streak to 11
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 11:30 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Philadelphia 76ers scored the final 10 points of overtime to send the Miami Heat to their 11th straight loss, 101-96 last night, reports the Associated Press. Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller both scored 24 points for the 76ers. Dwayne Wade scored 33 points for Miami, which has dropped 26 of 27. In other NBA action:
Ribeiro Lifts Stars Past Predators
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 11:18 PM CST
(Newser) -
Mike Ribeiro lifted the Dallas Stars to their 11th win in 13 games with two goals and two assists in a 6-3 win over the Nashville Predators tonight, reports the Associated Press. Loui Eriksson also had two goals for the Stars; Ribeiro has 26 goals on the season. In other NHL action:
IU Survives First Without Sampson
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 10:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Jordan Crawford ended his boycott long enough to score 21 points and help No. 15 Indiana hold off Northwestern 85-82 in a Big Ten win last night, reports the Associated Press. Crawford and five other Hoosiers skipped practice yesterday in protest of the buyout of coach Kelvin Sampson, let go in the face of possible NCAA sanctions against IU because...
Juno Scores at Spirit Awards
Los Angeles Times
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Feb 23, 2008 10:36 PM CST
(Newser) -
Little-indy-that-could Juno won big at today’s Independent Spirit Awards, netting best actress for its star Ellen Page, best first script for writer Diablo Cody, and best feature film, the Los Angeles Times reports. The awards show, which honors only films made for less than $20 million, has drawn casually clad celebs to a seaside ceremony...
Beasley's 44 Not Enough for Kansas State
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 10:23 PM CST
(Newser) -
No. 24 Kansas State got 75 points from its freshman duo of Michael Beasley and Bill Walker, but the Wildcats still couldn't beat Baylor tonight, reports the Associated Press. Curtis Jerrells scored 24 points to lead the Bears to a 92-86 Big 12 win. Beasley had a conference-record 44 points and Walker pumped in 31, but it wasn't enough.
Rangers Take Key Points From Sabres
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 9:58 PM CST
(Newser) -
The New York Rangers playoff chances got a big boost tonight with a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres, reports the Associated Press. The Rangers, Sabres and the Boston Bruins were tied for the last three Eastern Conference playoffs spots when the night started. Sean Avery scored the winner for the Rangers with 5:05 left in the game. In other NHL action:
Hurricanes Blast Past Capitals
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 9:14 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Carolina Hurricanes won at home for the sixth time in seven games and cracked the 40-shot barrier for the third straight game in a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals last night, reports the Associated Press. Matt Cullen scored twice and Eric Staal had the go-ahead score in the second period for the Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes.
Blackhawks Win Wild One in OT
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 8:46 PM CST
(Newser) -
The Chicago Blackhawks built a 5-1 lead in the second period last night, but the fun was just beginning. Patrick Sharp ended up scoring the game winner in overtime for Chicago after the Los Angeles Kings scored four third-period goals to tie, before losing 6-5, reports the Associated Press. Sharp, who leads Chicago with 29 goals, also scored in the...
Drake Busts Butler's Win Streak
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 8:18 PM CST
(Newser) -
It took 35 years, but No. 16 Drake finally got its third win ever over No. 8 Butler today, reports the Associated Press. Josh Young scored 25 points as Drake (24-3) won the ESPN Bracketbuster matchup 71-64. The two mid-major schools had not played since the early 70's. Butler (25-3) leads the all-time series 4-3.
Oklahoma St. Stuns No. 4 Kansas
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 8:12 PM CST
(Newser) -
Byron Eaton scored a career-high 26 points today and Oklahoma State needed every one of them, reports the Associated Press. Eaton sank a free throw with 12.6 seconds left to give the Cowboys a 61-60 Big 12 win and knock No. 4 Kansas out of first place in the conference standings. Brandon Rush missed a 3-pointer for the Jayhawks at the buzzer.
No. 5 Duke Skies Over St. John's
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 8:08 PM CST
(Newser) -
No. 5 Duke used a 32-9 run at the end of the first half to cruise past St. John's 86-56 today in a non-conference game, reports the Associated Press. The win snaps a two-game losing streak for the Blue Devils, who have won an NCAA-best 59 straight non-conference games at home. The Red Storm was the last non-ACC school to win at Duke, in 2000. In other...
Alaska Against Polar Bear's Protection
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 7:52 PM CST
(Newser) -
Alaska is opposing calls to save its polar bear population, fearing the state would have to protect dwindling sea ice and give up a multibillion-dollar gas project, the AP reports. Calls to save the bears have been "subverted by the lawyers for the extreme environmental organizations and the liberal Democratic leadership," Rep. Don Young...
Clooney Sees No Country Sweep
Time
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Feb 23, 2008 7:19 PM CST
(Newser) -
If you’re betting on Oscar results this weekend, Time has an odd piece of advice: Listen to George Clooney. The actor says he's never been wrong about winners, the magazine reports, and he shares this year’s picks: The Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men will sweep, netting the film Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay,...
Alfredsson Keeps Sens On Top
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 6:54 PM CST
(Newser) -
Daniel Alfredsson made sure the Ottawa Senators stayed atop the Eastern Conference by scoring with 3.2 seconds left in overtime in a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins today, reports the Associated Press. The Senators, who have led the conference since winning 13 of their first 14 games, were in danger of falling behind New Jersey and Pittsburgh.
Superdelegate Race Turns in Obama's Favor
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 6:41 PM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama's primary spree is swaying more superdelegates to his side: He has won over 25 of the elite voters and Hillary Clinton has lost two in the past 2 weeks, the AP reports. One California superdelegate has switched from John Edwards to Clinton to undecided, saying superdelegates must pick "the candidate that people have chosen, as opposed...
Lucky No. 17 Gets Tiger Into Match Play Final
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 6:15 PM CST
(Newser) -
Tiger Woods lucky number has been 17 all week. It paid off again today when he sank a crucial birdie on No. 17 to beat defending champion Henrik Stenson 2-up in the World Golf Championship's Match Play Championship. Woods moved on to tomorrow's final against Stewart Cink, who beat Justin Leonard in the other semifinal.
Pet Ferrets: Cute, Cuddly, Illegal
Chicago Tribune
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Feb 23, 2008 6:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
Americans own about 2 million ferrets, and some are asking why they remain illegal in several states and cities. “Martin Luther King said an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” one ferret advocate said. “And this is an injustice.” Opponents say that owners are imprisoning wild animals, but defenders maintain...
Michigan State Revenges Loss to Iowa
Associated Press
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Feb 23, 2008 5:41 PM CST
(Newser) -
Six weeks ago, Iowa sent No. 19 Michigan State reeling with a convincing win. Today, the Spartans made sure that didn't happen again by scoring 20 of the games first 21 points in a 66-52 Big Ten win, reports the Associated Press. The win was the 300th for Tom Izzo as the Spartans coach. Raymar Morgan led the Spartans with 16 points. In other Top 25...
