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.
Particle Collider Prompts Doomsday Suit
New York Times
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Mar 30, 2008 2:45 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A particle smasher in Switzerland could suck up Earth and possibly the whole universe, a US lawsuit claims. The suit warns that the $8 billion Large Hadron Collider near Geneva could spark a matter-sucking black hole or a "strangelet" that turns our planet into "strange matter." But one Princeton scientist dismisses the claim, saying...
Pesticides Linked to Parkinson's
BBC
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Mar 30, 2008 2:18 PM CDT
(Newser) -
People exposed to pesticides ran a 1.6 times higher risk of developing the neurological disease Parkinson’s, reports a new study of 600 participants. "Recreational pesticide use in the home and garden was more of a source of exposure than occupational use,” says one researcher. Experts now say the link is highly likely, though in combination...
Diana Inquest Headed to Jury
Reuters
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Mar 30, 2008 1:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Was Diana, Princess of Wales, pregnant? About to marry Dodi? Murdered by the royal family? The inquest into her death, alternately official investigation and media spectacle, is nearing its conclusion this week after six months and more than 250 witnesses, reports Reuters. The presiding judge will make his summary tomorrow, and the jury will begin...
Vendors to Clinton: Don't Be a Deadbeat
Politico
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Mar 30, 2008 1:17 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton’s campaign is earning a deadbeat reputation among some campaign vendors, reports Politico. To keep pace with Obama and maintain reserves for future media buys and events, it has put off paying hundreds of bills, leaving many—mostly small and local—businesses grousing. Clinton ended February with $16 million in primary...
'Killing Fields' Photog Dith Dead at 65
New York Times
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Mar 30, 2008 12:39 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Photojournalist Dith Pran, whose saga was re-created in the film The Killing Fields, has died of pancreatic cancer at 65, the New York Times reports. The Cambodian native became the Khmer Rouge's most vocal opponent after escaping in 1979, having worked in labor camps and survived on a spoonful of rice a day. He moved to New York, where he began...
The Donald to Ashley: 'Call Me'
People
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Mar 30, 2008 12:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Another high-powered fella has taken an interest in Ashley Alexander Dupre, but unlike Eliot Spitzer, Donald Trump’s interest in the former call girl is all about TV (well, money, too). People reports that Trump wants Dupre for his new MTV reality show, said to be a sort of "My Fair Lady" competition. “She is an interesting...
Chelsea Surprised by Sexism
WRAL
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Mar 30, 2008 11:44 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Once and possibly future first daughter Chelsea Clinton said Friday that she "really didn't get how much sexism there was in this country" until the New Hampshire primary campaign, when someone told her he didn't think a woman could be commander in chief, and some men disrupted a campaign rally to stand up and tell her mother: "Iron...
65 Feared Dead in Tanzania Mine
Reuters
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Mar 30, 2008 11:15 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Rescuers now fear that 65 miners trapped in a northern Tanzanian mine shaft have drowned, reports Reuters, with six bodies recovered and 59 workers missing. Volunteers raced to the remote gemstone mine near Mount Kilimanjaro yesterday when flash floods swept through the area, but the torrential weather also brought down electricity poles, crippling...
Glitzy Heathrow Terminal a Destination Unto Itself
Forbes
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Mar 30, 2008 10:46 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Heathrow’s new terminal has hit such turbulence with its opening that it may seem an odd time to sing its praises. But once the delays and lost luggage are solved, this massive addition, designed to eradicate the “Heathrow hassle,” will lure fliers with plenty of perks, reports Forbes . From caviar to Krispy Kreme, 42 restaurants...
Mr. and Mrs. Brangelina?
Star
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Mar 30, 2008 10:00 AM CDT
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Have parents-of-many Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finally tied the knot? Star magazine insists Brangelina got hitched in a French Quarter wedding chapel yesterday, while People magazine is claiming no such ceremony took place. Angelina was pushing for an intimate wedding in France, but Brad got his way instead in Louisiana, says the Star . Pshaw,...
10 Killed as Somalia Forces Battle Insurgents
New York Times
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Mar 30, 2008 9:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
At least 10 people were killed and 35 seriously injured in Somalia’s capital yesterday as insurgents fired mortars at the presidential palace, where Somalia’s president and Ethiopia’s foreign minister were meeting. The government responded by firing artillery shells and mortar in the direction of the attack, a crowded Bakara market...
Miley Snags 2 Kids Choice Awards, Stays Slime-Free
Associated Press
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Mar 30, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Kids love Miley Cyrus and flying green slime, and both graced the stage last night at the 21st annual Kids Choice Awards, where the Hannah Montana star was named both favorite singer and favorite TV actress. But while the squeaky-clean star stayed just that, celebs like Laila Ali, Orlando Bloom, and Usher braved showers of green goo, the AP reports.
SF Museum Cancels 'Animal Snuff' Art Show
San Francisco Chronicle
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Mar 30, 2008 8:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Following death threats, a San Francisco art museum has canceled a controversial exhibit that included video clips of animals apparently being bludgeoned to death. "We remain committed to freedom of speech as fundamental to this institution, but we have to take people's safety very seriously," said the president of the San Francisco Art Institute....
Grisham Shows His Appeal
New York Times
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Mar 30, 2008 7:49 AM CDT
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John Grisham has a familiar villain in his new novel—an evil corporation with a greedy owner—along with one of his famously intricate plots. But The Appeal stands apart from Grisham's previous works because it also has a message, in this case about the dirty politics of electing judges. "The Appeal delivers a real picture of...
TV Actors Guild Splits from SAG
Los Angeles Times
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Mar 30, 2008 7:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In a move that will complicate upcoming negotiations between actors and Hollywood studios, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists split yesterday from the Screen Actors Guild, its sister union for 27 years. AFTRA shares more than half of its members with SAG, but its more moderate contract goals pull it in a different direction, reports...
Zimbabwe Opposition Claims Victory
Reuters
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Mar 30, 2008 6:20 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Zimbabwe opposition is claiming victory in national elections to unseat long-time leader Robert Mugabe—but government authorities quickly warned that premature pronouncements would be dealt with harshly. "It is called a coup d'etat and we all know how coups are handled," warned a government spokesman. Authorities plan to announce...
Terps Advance Through Vandy to Round of 8
Washington Post
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Mar 30, 2008 5:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Maryland Terrapins are on their way to the Spokane Regional finals after a decisive 80-66 defeat of Vanderbilt, reports the Washington Post. The top-seeded Terps followed the lead of Crystal Langhorne, who put up 28 points and nine boards and helped keep the Commodores from ever truly threatening a victory. Next up for Maryland is Stanford, who...
Dems Hope May 6 Primary Will Settle Race
Newsweek
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Mar 30, 2008 5:30 AM CDT
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Many Democratic observers are looking past the April 22 Pennsylvania primary to the May 6 contests in Indiana and North Carolina as a chance to finally determine the primary race before the national convention. With 187 delegates at stake, May 6 holds the biggest delegate trove remaining, and the outcome of the day's contests may sway uncommitted Dem...
Nuggets Knock Warriors, Take 8th Slot
Rocky Mountain News
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Mar 30, 2008 5:03 AM CDT
(Newser) -
With a 119-112 victory over Golden State, the Nuggets grabbed sole possession of the West's eighth playoff spot for the first time since February, and secured the advantage in any potential tiebreaker. Still, "we're not out of the woods, baby,'' Denver coach George Karl reminded the Rocky Mountain News . But Allen Iverson is confident, despite...
McCain Clutches at Shrinking Spotlight
Politico
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Mar 30, 2008 5:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain is now in a race for media coverage, packing in a full slate of public events through April, Politico reports. The press corps tailing the famously accessible senator has dwindled since he sealed the Republican nomination. Though campaign aides say his Democratic contenders “would rather be us,” McCain's often news-free days...
Oilers Best Rival Flames to Keep Hopes Alight
National Post (Canada)
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Mar 30, 2008 4:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Not much happened for the first 45 minutes of the Oilers' matchup with the Flames, except for 37 shots on goal. Then three more shots led to three goals within a five-minute span, and when the ice had cleared Edmonton had the 2-1 victory—and the shot at a playoff run, reports the National Post . In hockey action farther south:
Former Prisoner to Detail Torture on 60 Minutes
CBS News
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Mar 30, 2008 4:30 AM CDT
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A former terror suspect will reveal details of tortures he suffered in 5 years of US custody tonight on 60 Minutes, reports CBS News. American authorities seized the ethnic Turk in Pakistan and continued to torture him even after determining he was innocent, he charges. The Pentagon refutes his claims. "The abuses are not only unsubstantiated...
Stoudemire Helps Suns Take Down Nets
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Mar 30, 2008 12:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Phoenix Suns may want Amaré Stoudemire to be involved in double technical fouls more often, after last night's 110-104 win over the New Jersey Nets, reports the Arizona Republic . Stoudemire and Vince Carter were called for technicals after getting mixed up in the third quarter. Stoudemire exploded afterward, scoring eight of his 33 points...
Rip Hamilton Returns to Lead Pistons By Cavs
Associated Press
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Mar 30, 2008 12:35 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Richard Hamilton is back and that makes the already tough Detroit Pistons that much tougher. Hamilton scored 14 points and the Pistons cruised to an 85-71 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, reports the Associated Press. The Cavaliers still managed to clinch a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference when the New Jersey Nets lost to the Phoenix...
UNC Punches San Antonio Ticket
News & Observer (Raleigh)
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Mar 30, 2008 12:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
North Carolina reached its second Final Four in four years with an 83-73 win over Louisville last night, reports the Raleigh News & Observer . The Tar Heels, who blew an 11-point lead to lose to Georgetown in last season's Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, had flashbacks in the second half against the Cardinals. UNC led by 12 at halftime only...
Huet Pays Dividends Again for Capitals
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 11:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Trading for Cristobal Huet paid off again for the Washington Capitals tonight, reports the Associated Press. Huet recorded his second shutout for the Caps and 17th of his career by blanking the Florida Panthers, 4-0, making 32 saves. It was Huet's fourth shutout of the season. Viktor Kozlov had a goal and two assists as the Caps won for the eighth...
Katie May Be Heading to Broadway
Daily Mail (UK)
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Mar 29, 2008 10:09 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Katie Holmes may make a run for the door later this year—the stage door, that is. The actress known to some as Mrs. Tom Cruise is in serious talks to star in a revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons when it opens on Broadway later this year, the Daily Mail reports. It would be her professional stage debut.
Hunters Take Aim at Gray Wolf
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 9:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hunters in the northern Rockies will soon take aim at a rare target—the gray wolf. The animal lost its protected species status in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming yesterday, and wildlife agencies in the region are looking to reduce the population by granting hunting licenses for the first time since 1973. An estimated 1,500 gray wolves now roam the...
Clutch Shot Saves Roddick in Sony Opener
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 9:17 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Andy Roddick was in big trouble in the opening round of the Sony Ericsson Open today when he pulled off a show-stopping shot to turn the match, reports the Associated Press. Roddick improved to 16-3 on the year with the 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 win over Viktor Troicki in Key Biscayne. The qualifier was serving 4-5 in the final game when Roddick chased down a...
Hillary Says She Won't Drop; Obama Thinks That's OK
Washington Post
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Mar 29, 2008 9:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton insisted today that she will not drop out of the race early, and Barack Obama thinks that's just fine. Clinton told the Washington Post that she will compete in every primary, then take her fight to the convention in August if necessary. Could any scenario change her mind? "No," she said. In Pennsylvania, Obama said Clinton...
UCLA Rumbles Into Final Four
Los Angeles Times
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Mar 29, 2008 8:57 PM CDT
(Newser) -
UCLA is back in the Final Four for the third straight year. In Thursday's win over Western Kentucky, Bruins fans chanted "Keeeeeff" as James Keefe led the charge. Today, they were back to "Loooooc" as Luc Richard Mbah a Moute shook off a bad ankle to help spark the Bruins past Xavier 76-57, reports the Los Angeles Times .
Protesters Follow Olympic Torch to Acropolis
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 8:14 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Olympic torchbearers made their way to the Acropolis in Greece today with the help of heavy security that kept protesters at arm's length, the AP reports. Activists have set up camp by candlelight outside the stadium—site of the first modern Olympics in 1896— to protest China's human rights record and the recent crackdown in Tibet. The...
Stars Skate Over Kings
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 8:13 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Dallas Stars scored three power-play goals en route to a 7-2 rout of the Los Angeles Kings today, reports the Associated Press. Loui Eriksson scored one of the man-advantage goals in the second period, then scored 3 1/2 minutes later as the Stars lit the lamp four times in the second period.
Cities Dim Lights for Earth
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 8:04 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Cities around the world dimmed their lights for an hour tonight to draw attention to global warming, the AP reports. Sydney, Australia, the city where Earth Hour began a year ago, helped get things started, followed by municipalities around the world at 8 pm. in their time zones. Chicago and San Francisco were among the bigger cities in the US that...
New Fear for Katrina Victims: Collectors
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 7:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A contractor responsible for doling out federal rebuilding money to Katrina victims is seeking another company to collect what may amount to hundreds of millions of dollars from Katrina victims. ICF International claims it overpaid some applicants in a rush to get $11 billion out the door; meanwhile, a third of claimants have yet to receive a dime,...
'Ugly, Divided' Party Will Lose, Dean Warns
New York Times
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Mar 29, 2008 6:22 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Democrats continue to clash over the effects of a long and bitter primary race, the New York Times reports. "If we have an ugly, divided convention, we will lose" the November election, said Howard Dean, who has called on superdelegates to decide by July. But Hillary-backer Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa said, "We’ve become a bit too...
LSU Smothers OSU to Reach Regional Final
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 6:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
LSU had a fairly easy tuneup for North Carolina in the regional semifinals, as the Lady Tigers cruised by Oklahoma State 67-52 today, reports the Associated Press. Erica White led Louisiana State with 18 points, and three other teammates scored in double figures. LSU held the Cowgirls to 15% shooting in the first half and forced 13 turnovers.
UNC Women Come From Way Back for Win
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 6:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Angel McCoughtry did everything she could to lift Louisville past North Carolina today, but it wasn't enough to keep the Tar Heels from a 78-74 win in the women's NCAA Tournament, reports the Associated Press. LaToya Pringle had 27 points and 11 rebounds as UNC came back from 18 down in the first half.
NDSU Prez Sorry About Obama Skit
In-Forum
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Mar 29, 2008 5:44 PM CDT
(Newser) -
North Dakota State University apologized yesterday for a student skit that depicted Barack Obama in black face paint, the Forum reports. A white student in the sorority sketch wore makeup and an Afro wig to portray the hopeful; he received a lap dance while two students simulated sex and ripped an Obama sign in half. “The students’ actions...
Banks Need to 'Fess Up on Risk: G7 Panel
Wall Street Journal
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Mar 29, 2008 5:14 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Top financial regulators today challenged banks to come clean about risks they face, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Financial Stability Forum, a worldwide team of financial honchos—including several central bank chiefs—concluded that “hording of liquidity” was leading to “severe strains” in the lending market....
Senators Can't Stop Bruins
Associated Press
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Mar 29, 2008 5:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators are teams going in opposite directions as the NHL playoffs approach, as the Bruins beat the Senators 4-0 this afternoon to move into seventh place in the East, reports the Associated Press. The Senators, meanwhile, have only won once in five games to drop into fifth. Tim Thomas led the way for the Bruins with...
Rice Returns to Middle East
Al Jazeera
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Mar 29, 2008 4:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Condoleezza Rice returned to Jerusalem today to push for progress on Israeli/Palestinian peace talks, al Jazeera reports. Rice says she plans to focus on improving movement through the West Bank. “I would like to see real, concrete progress on the ground,” she said. Palestinians say Israeli checkpoints are choking their economy, but Israel...
Madame Governor?
Newsweek
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Mar 29, 2008 4:12 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton could soon be chief executive… of New York. With Clinton’s presidential chances looking slim, party insiders are floating the idea of a gubernatorial run, Newsweek reports. And David Paterson may not stay governor for long in Clinton’s state; Eliot Spitzer’s scandal-plagued successor may even need to resign...
Marlins Call Up Big-Time Cheerleaders
Los Angeles Times
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Mar 29, 2008 3:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Weighing in between 225 and 435 pounds, the Florida Marlins' new cheerleaders may take up space better than they dance. But on opening day, the Marlins will introduce fans to the Manatees, baseball’s first all-male, all-plus-sized cheerleading squad, the Los Angeles Times reports. “There are more people who look like them than have those...
Hackers Trigger Seizures on Epilepsy Board
Wired
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Mar 29, 2008 3:16 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hackers infected an epilepsy message board last week, posting messages designed to induce seizures and migraines, Wired reports. The Epilepsy Foundation shut down its forum as reports rolled in. One woman said she suffered her worst episode in a year: “I don’t fall over and convulse, but it hurts,” she said. “I couldn’t...
China Seals Off Tibetan Capital
Reuters
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Mar 29, 2008 2:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Chinese police closed off Tibet's capital today after fresh protests broke out during a tightly-orchestrated visit by diplomats. “The whole area has been shut down,” said one London-based advocacy group. Authorities swarmed Lhasa’s main temples, as monks continued demonstrating and urged Beijing to begin talks with the Dalai Lama.
Mugabe Battles Fraud Claims in National Vote
Reuters
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Mar 29, 2008 2:24 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Zimbabwe is voting in a national ballot today as opponents accuse Africa’s longest-serving ruler of rigging the vote, Reuters reports. “We will succeed. We will conquer,” declared a characteristically confident President Robert Mugabe, 84, who dismissed talk of corrupted voting. “We don't rig elections. I cannot sleep with my...
Boeing Moves to Speed 787 Production
Chicago Tribune
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Mar 29, 2008 1:12 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Seeking to stem mounting delays in the production of its breakthrough 787 jetliner, Boeing is getting more involved in the early steps of the assembly process, the Chicago Tribune reports. Boeing said yesterday it will buy out a partner's share of a South Carolina plant that assembles two rear sections of the Dreamliner's fuselage, allowing them...
Protest Songs Get Tuned Out
Politico
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Mar 29, 2008 12:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
So where are all the anti-war anthems? Opposition to the Vietnam War spawned a genre of classic counterculture songs, but not so the Iraqi war, despite widespread opposition. The main reason, Politico notes, is the narrowed scope of the music industry today. Singers still sing protests songs, but only their particular fans tend to hear them—alone...
Naked Chef Wants UK Cooking Like It's 1939
Guardian (UK)
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Mar 29, 2008 12:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Inspired by WWII food rationing, a British celebrity chef has declared war on the UK’s poor eating habits. Jamie Oliver is encouraging families in one South Yorkshire town to shun takeout and ready-made meals in favor of home-grown food and other healthier alternatives. “People are really busy, they’re on tight budgets, and no one...
