Newser Story Index from March, 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.
Edwards Endorsement Seems Unlikely
Politico
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Mar 22, 2008 8:06 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Neither Barack Obama nor Hillary Clinton should hold their breath for an endorsement from John Edwards, Politico reports. People close to the influential former candidate expect him to parlay neutrality in the primary fight into a "party elder" role like that of Al Gore. In a Leno appearance Thursday, Edwards spoke highly of both...
New Tech for March Madness
ABC News
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Mar 22, 2008 7:45 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Even if your boss holds a doctorate in bracketology, there's a good chance your office frowns upon a workday spent watching the tourney while the company hemorrhages productivity. Has your supervisor imposed draconian measures to keep you from watching the action on the office computer? Thanks to the glories of modern technology, there are ways around...
Pakistan's New Leaders Will Open Talks With Militants
New York Times
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Mar 22, 2008 7:31 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pakistan's new coalition government says it will negotiate with the militants thought to be behind a wave of recent suicide bombings, the New York Times reports. The change in strategy will alarm US officials, who have recently stepped up strikes on suspected al-Qaeda strongholds using pilotless Predator drones. Pakistanis blame American strikes...
Afghans Protest Cartoons, Film
Reuters
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Mar 22, 2008 7:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Thousands of Afghan protesters burned Dutch and Danish flags yesterday in a protest against a Danish cartoon and a Dutch film said to insult Islam. They called for the Dutch and Danish embassies to be closed and for their troops serving with NATO in the country to be expelled, Reuters reports. The 2005 cartoon depicting the Prophet Mohammad with a...
Obama Backer Compares Clinton to McCarthy
Associated Press
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Mar 22, 2008 6:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A retired Air Force general yesterday compared Bill Clinton to red-baiting Sen. Joe McCarthy, after Clinton made comments that seemed to question Barack Obama's patriotism. The former president said at a North Carolina rally, "I think it would be a great thing if we had an election year where you had two people who loved this country and were...
2 Journalists Killed in Russia
AFP
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Mar 22, 2008 5:55 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Two journalists have been killed in separate incidents in Russia, AFP reports. A reporter for state-run television was found strangled and stabbed in his Moscow apartment. Only hours earlier he had written a blog post saying "Now I'm a dissident!" The man had worked in Dagestan and elsewhere in the volatile North Caucasus region. Colleagues...
WRAP/Duncan Has 21 in Spurs Win
Sacramento Bee
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Mar 22, 2008 5:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Perhaps still bristling from their recent four-game losing streak, the Spurs lashed out at the Kings in a 102-89 victory that saw the defending champions get back on track. Tim Duncan amassed 21 points and 10 rebounds, but it was a balanced team effort that overcame Ron Artest's 23 points for Sacramento, the Sacramento Bee reports. Elsewhere in the...
Pacman To Become a Cowboy?
Dallas Morning News
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Mar 22, 2008 5:18 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Troubled cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones may be set to become a Dallas Cowboy, a source tells the Dallas Morning News . The suspended Titans player has expressed a desire to play for the Cowboys, and his agent Manny Arora notes that "If Tennessee chooses not to have him on their roster next year, it's in their best interest to...
China May Ban Shots of Tiananmen During Olympics
Associated Press
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Mar 22, 2008 5:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Chinese government may ban live footage of Tiananmen Square during the coming Summer Olympics in Beijing, the AP reports. Increasingly concerned about protests, Chinese Olympic officials this week told broadcasting organizers an earlier agreement on live shots had been canceled. If the decision stands, it would be a blow to networks, especially...
Memphis Turns It On Late
Commercial Appeal (Memphis)
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Mar 22, 2008 3:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Letting a weaker opponent hang around far longer than they wanted, South Region No. 1 seed Memphis still showed they had enough to defeat 16th seeded Texas-Arlington with ease. The Southland Conference champion Mavericks were still within 13 points of the Tigers with 14 minutes left, before a pair of Memphis three-pointers pushed the margin into the...
Leafs Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Win
Globe and Mail
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Mar 22, 2008 2:57 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Maple Leafs aren’t out of the playoff hunt just yet, after a 4-1 win in Buffalo last night left them a fighting chance in the Eastern Conference. Toronto is in 12th place right now, but only five points separates them from the Boston Bruins, who hold the eighth and final spot. The two teams meet for a home-and-home series early next week....
Rockets Back to Winning Ways Against Warriors
Houston Chronicle
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Mar 22, 2008 2:42 AM CDT
(Newser) -
It was barely a losing streak before the Rockets got back to their winning ways. Houston eked one out Golden State last night, 109-106, to end the brief two-game slide that followed their record win streak. "It was a huge win for us," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "After the last two games and then coming in here playing a team that’s...
Mount St. Mary's Gets Tarred and Feathered
Associated Press
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Mar 22, 2008 1:45 AM CDT
(Newser) -
North Carolina ran all over play-in team Mount St. Mary’s last night, running up an NBA-level 113-74 margin in only 40 college minutes. The Tar Heels had 14 players score during the game, giving the Mountaineers little chance against the nation’s No. 1-ranked team. Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson – spending half the game on the...
Villanova Digs Out of Deep Hole to Upset Clemson
Philadelphia Inquirer
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Mar 22, 2008 1:33 AM CDT
(Newser) -
It would not have been an easy loss for coach Jay Wright to live down, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer , if it had come to that, but his players bailed him out after a costly technical foul with less than three minutes left in regulation that helped Clemson tie their first round matchup in the NCAA Midwest Regional. Villanova, seeded No. 12, immediately...
Louisville Drops Boise State
Courier-Journal (Louisville, Ky.)
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Mar 22, 2008 1:17 AM CDT
(Newser) -
What’s a team to do when their opponent drops 12 3-pointers and shoots almost 56% from the floor? If you’re Boise State, not too much. The Broncos were routed by the Louisville Cardinals in an NCAA first round matchup last night, 79-61, reports the AP. Boise State entered the game ranked second in the nation in shooting. Their 61 points...
Mississippi State Bullies Oregon in Final Minutes
Associated Press
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Mar 22, 2008 12:38 AM CDT
(Newser) -
It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win nonetheless for Mississippi State. Trailing Oregon for most of the game, the Bulldogs turned on the heat at just the right time, beating the Ducks 76-69 in their NCAA tournament first round game tonight, reports the AP. Charles Rhodes scored a career-high 34 points for Mississippi State, which advanced...
Weems, Arkansas Power Past IU
Indianapolis Star
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Mar 22, 2008 12:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
No.8 seed Indiana's trying season came to an end last night, with an 86-72 defeat at the hands of No.9 Arkansas in their East Regional first round matchup. Though IU almost capped off a stirring last minute comeback, the Razorbacks, lifted by Sonny Weem's career best 31 points, sent the Hoosiers to an ignominious early exit, the Indianapolis Star...
Cavs Stop Raptors, LeBron Hits Milestone
Associated Press
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Mar 22, 2008 12:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
LeBron James scored 29 points and became the all-time leading scorer in Cavaliers franchise history in a 90-83 victory over potential first-round playoff opponent Toronto. Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 16 points, Devin Brown scored 14, and Damon Jones knocked down two crucial three-pointers early in the fourth for the Cavs, reports AP. Chris Bosh scored 24...
Saints March On Past Vanderbilt
Associated Press
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Mar 22, 2008 12:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Vanderbilt, a Southeastern Conference power that was tournament-tested, vowed not to overlook its first-round opponent, Siena. Unfortunately for the Commodores, they didn't follow through on that as the 13th-seeded Saints dominated play throughout and added another major upset to their NCAA tournament history - the last coming in 1989 as a No. 14 seed...
Philly Hangs On, Beats Rangers in Shootout
Philadelphia Inquirer
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Mar 21, 2008 10:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Philadelphia blew a two-goal lead in the third period, allowing a pair of Ranger tallies in less than two minutes, and Jaromir Jagr's tying goal inside of two minutes remaining, but eventually won in the shootout on Mike Richards' backhander, 4-3. Daniel Briere scored twice for the Flyers. The win propelled Philly into seventh place in the Eastern...
Ogilvy Leads by One at Doral, But Tiger Lurks
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 10:21 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Geoff Ogilvy shot a bogey-free round of 67 today to take a one-stroke lead after the second round of the World Golf Championship at Doral, writes AP. The bad news for him is the next closest competitor is Tiger Woods (-11), who soared into second place by posting birdies on the last two holes for a 66 on the day.
Pope Knocks China on Good Friday
Reuters
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Mar 21, 2008 8:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict took aim at China's lack of religious freedom at a Good Friday procession in Rome today, Reuters reports. "In many parts of the world, (the Church) is undergoing the dark hour of persecution," the Pope said, using words penned by a cardinal who has blasted China's policies. A Chinese woman shouldered the cross for part of the...
Bhutto's Party to Name Next Pakistani PM
AFP
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Mar 21, 2008 8:30 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The party of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said today it will name Pakistan's next premier this weekend, AFP reports. After former PM Nawaz Sharif's party pulled their candidate as a "goodwill gesture," the PPP candidate will likely be sworn in Tuesday without much debate, the AP reports. Bhutto widower Asif Ali Zardari is a...
Mukasey Open to Spy Bill Deal
Reuters
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Mar 21, 2008 8:18 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The nation's top lawman welcomed a deal today on a stalled federal spy bill, Reuters reports. “If somebody has some brilliantly creative compromise, I'm happy to hear that,” Attorney General Michael Mukasey said. A recent House bill would allow lawsuits against phone companies that gave records to Washington, but Bush has vowed to veto...
UConn, You're Gone
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 7:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Tampa is rapidly becoming Upset Central in the NCAA Tournament: first Western Kentucky beat fifth-seeded Drake today, then 13th-seeded San Diego followed that shocker with buzzer-beating 70-69 overtime win over Connecticut, reports the Associated Press. De'Jon Jackson's pull-up jumper with 1.2 seconds left in the extra ssession was the difference for...
Passport Leaks Traced to 2 Va. Companies
MSNBC
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Mar 21, 2008 7:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Federal contractors who breached Barack Obama and John McCain passport records worked at to two Virginia companies, MSNBC reports. US passport maker Stanley, Inc. said today that it promptly fired two workers for accessing Obama's records this year. But a worker for The Analysis Corporation is still employed after probing records of Obama and McCain...
Texas Has No Problem With Austin Peay
Houston Chronicle
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Mar 21, 2008 7:09 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Second-seeded Texas had more problems with the fans in Arkansas than it did with its first-round opponent today in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, reports the Houston Chronicle . The Longhorns blew past Austin Peay 74-54 but it didn't keep them from getting booed the whole time they were on the floor in Little Rock.
Gay-Porn Titan Embraces Politics
New Republic
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Mar 21, 2008 6:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Michael Lucas is a successful entrepreneur with a burning interest in politics—not unusual, except that he made his fortune in gay porn. The actor-director-producer, a New York nightlife stalwart, is also a self-proclaimed pundit. The New Republic checks in with the outspoken blogger, who bashes liberal gays who “side with burqa-wearing,...
Georgetown Soars Over UMBC
Washington Post
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Mar 21, 2008 6:28 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Maryland-Baltimore County thought it could stay with second-seeded Georgetown by working hard on the glass, just like Pittsburgh did to win the Big East title. The Retrievers found out they weren't the Panthers, however, as the Hoyas out-rebounded them 40-29, held them to 32% shooting, and outscored them 66-47 in their NCAA Tournament first round game,...
With Big Give , Oprah Shows Smaller Side
New Yorker
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Mar 21, 2008 6:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The new ABC show Oprah’s Big Give might be exactly what it claims—an epically scaled, nurturing-obsessed cult of personality—but the format is old and unsuitable, Nancy Franklin writes in the New Yorker , and the star is self-obsessed. The competition charity program sometimes reduced to her tears, Franklin allows, but mastery...
Dead Rats Stink Up Orlando Airport
Orlando Sentinel
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Mar 21, 2008 6:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Dead rats are stinking up a portion of Orlando International Airport, and the smell has workers crying foul. Construction crews renovating gates earlier this month scared the rodents into the airport, the Orlando Sentinel reports; exterminators followed, and after rats died in walls and ceilings the stench sent workers and passengers home sick and...
Campbell, Butler Beat USA From Downtown
Indianapolis Star
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Mar 21, 2008 5:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Seventh-seeded Butler was 23-0 when making eight 3-pointers or more going into its first round NCAA Tournament game with South Alabama today; Peter Campbell made sure it was 24-0 all by himself. Campbell scored 26 points, with, yes, eight 3-pointers ,to lift the Bulldogs to an 81-61 win, reports the Indianapolis Star . Campbell made the last six shots...
Appeals Court Chucks Fla. Primary Suit
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Mar 21, 2008 5:39 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A federal appeals court today tossed a lawsuit from a Florida Democrat who claimed the Democratic National Committee violated his rights by stripping the state of primary delegates. But the challenge might not be dead, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports: A lower court ruled the plaintiff lacked standing because he hadn't voted in a Florida...
In Saudi Arabia, a Hotel for Women
Independent (UK)
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Mar 21, 2008 5:21 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Saudi Arabia’s first hotel catering exclusively to women—right down to its plush spa—opened this week in Riyadh, the Independent reports. The conservative kingdom enforces strict Islamic segregation of sexes in public, but women can stay at the Luthan Hotel without a male guardian—nor any men on the premises at all—and...
Sarkozy: France Will Cut Nuclear Arsenal
BBC
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Mar 21, 2008 5:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said today the country will cut its nuclear weapons arsenal to 300, or “half the maximum number we had during the Cold War,” the BBC reports. The move is aimed at cutting costs and modernizing the arsenal; Sarkozy said he is committed to maintaining France’s nuclear “strike force,” calling...
Clinton's Done; Media in Denial
Politico
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Mar 21, 2008 5:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama has sewn up the Democratic nomination, but the press refuses to report it, Politico’s Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen contend. "Reporters and editors love a close race — it’s more fun and it’s good for business," the veteran journalists write. They crunch the numbers every which way and conclude, "Even...
WKU Buzzer Beats Drake in OT
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 4:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Western Kentucky finally brought madness to the NCAA Tournament today. The Hilltopper's Ty Rogers hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime to give his squad a 101-99 win over 14th-ranked Drake, the 5th seed in the West Region, reports the Associated Press. The Bulldogs had scrambled back from 16 down in the final eight minutes of regulation to tie,...
Hotel Tell-All Book Muzzled Before Release
Chicago Tribune
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Mar 21, 2008 4:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A book by ex-concierges at Chicago’s Four Seasons Hotel has been dumped just before the celebrity tell-all was go on sale, the Chicago Tribune reports. The hotel complained that confidentiality agreements made the tales of "celebrity bad behavior" in Great Reservations off-limits. Despite a publicity blitz ahead of the April 22...
Miami Storms From Behind to Beat St. Mary's
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 4:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jack McClinton took it upon himself to make sure seventh-seeded Miami would be advancing in the NCAA Tournament today, reports the Associated Press. McClinton scored a career-high 38 points, including 32 in the second half, as the Hurricanes came from behind to beat St. Mary's, 78-64. Patty Mills led the Gaels, who were up 32-27 at halftime, with 24...
Curry Lifts Davidson Past Gonzaga
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 4:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Stephen Curry wanted to go to Virginia Tech, but the Hokies never made an offer to the son of former NBAer Dell Curry. They probably wish they had now. Curry scored 40 points this afternoon, 30 of them in the second half, as 10th-seeded Davidson gave the NCAA Tournament another upset with an 82-76 win over Gonzaga today, reports the Associated Press.
Va. Senator Not the Firebrand Many Expected
Washington Post
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Mar 21, 2008 4:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Virginia Sen. James Webb hasn’t played the part of hot-tempered agitator many expected in his freshman term, the Washington Post reports. Making friends and taking legislative strides, Webb “has vaulted to a position of influence,” said one colleague. But "the job of getting out and speaking with constituents and hearing their...
Midwest Flood Death Toll at 16
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 4:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Storms that caused flooding across the country's midsection have killed 16 people, and bad weather remains a threat, the AP reports. A snowstorm battering Minnesota and Illinois grounded hundreds of flights, and forecasters predicted a 9-inch total. Thousands were forced into shelters as rivers continued to swell; in many states, floodwaters might...
Cobain Isn't Curt in New Documentary
Independent (UK)
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Mar 21, 2008 4:07 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A new documentary tells the story of Kurt Cobain’s life in the singer’s own words, the Independent reports. Kurt Cobain: About a Son , on DVD this month, is constructed around 25 hours of previously unreleased interviews of the Nirvana frontman by journalist Michael Azerrad. Cobain, who committed suicide in 1994, speaks openly about...
Buffy 's Back! But Just for 1 Night
Associated Press
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Mar 21, 2008 3:56 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Fans of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer got a shot of the old magic last night when the cast reunited for a panel discussion at the William Paley TV Festival, the AP reports. But Joss Whedon dampened devotees' hopes of resurrecting the cult favorite. “So many stars would have to align," the show's creator said.
States Weigh Lowering Drinking Age
USA Today
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Mar 21, 2008 3:45 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Several states are considering lowering the drinking age, spurred in part by concerns that teenage service members can fight overseas but can’t drink at home, USA Today reports. Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Carolina are weighing a military-only change to alcohol laws, while other states may lower the legal age for all, with a few stipulations.
In the Works: Wireless Bill of Rights
BusinessWeek
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Mar 21, 2008 3:33 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Wireless carriers seem to have angered a few too many consumers with hidden fees and surprise charges. Politicians in 22 states are considering various versions of a wireless consumers’ bill of rights, reports BusinessWeek . But the wireless industry, daunted at facing different regulations in every state, is throwing its weight behind a federal...
Feds Defend Tough Pursuit of Spitzer
New York Times
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Mar 21, 2008 3:22 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Justice Department's unusual pursuit of the Emperor's Club—and its most famous client—grew out of suspicions of corruption, not moral turpitude, department officials tell the New York Times. Agents tailed Eliot Spitzer, tapped his phone, and pored over his financial records, steps more costly and intrusive than prostitution cases...
Why Close the Markets Today?
Bloomberg
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Mar 21, 2008 3:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Big Board is closed today—but the reason is open to some debate, Bloomberg reports. The last time the markets opened on Good Friday was 101 years ago, when they saw one of two huge crashes that made up the Panic of 1907. Fear of repeating that catastrophe may be what keeps traders home, but it may also be the lasting influence of Irish Catholic...
Em-Bottled SF Mayor Urges Restaurants to Tap City's Water
San Francisco Chronicle
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Mar 21, 2008 3:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
San Francisco’s mayor called on restaurants yesterday to quit selling bottled water and favor the tap, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Gavin Newsom, a former restaurateur, says the plastic containers pile up in landfills and hurt the environment. The request—which isn’t a requirement—follows Newsom’s ban last year...
UT Relieved to Beat American
Washington Post
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Mar 21, 2008 2:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
American University didn't back down from No. 2 seed Tennessee today, but in the end talent overcame courage and the Volunteers pulled out a 72-57 win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, reports the Washington Post . The Eagles were within a point with six minutes left, but they ran out of steam in their first NCAA game.
