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.
NFL Will Push for 'Integrity'
Washington Post
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Mar 27, 2008 8:35 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Still red-faced from the Patriots' "Spygate" videotaping scandal last season, the NFL is searching for ways to rebuild fan trust and protect the "integrity of the game," reports the Washington Post . Commissioner Roger Goodell has outlined a plan aimed at stemming cheating that is expected to get the green light at the annual owners'...
Bankrupt Lender's Audit Lapses 'Mind Boggling'
New York Times
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Mar 27, 2008 8:23 AM CDT
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Auditors at now-bankrupt New Century Financial—once one of the nation’s largest subprime lenders and one of the earliest to fail—were accused of “mind boggling” lapses in a Justice Department report on the debacle released yesterday. Partners at accounting firm KPMG are said to have ignored “significant improper...
New Fossil Rocks Human History
Bloomberg
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Mar 27, 2008 8:05 AM CDT
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An incredibly old jawbone discovered in a Spanish cave could rewrite human history, scientists say. The bone with teeth is 1.2 million years old and belongs to a long-extinct human ancestor called Homo antecessor. It's at least 300,000 years older than any other human fossil found in Europe. The discovery, along with stone tools and animal bones...
Oracle Stock Dives 8% on Flagging Q3 Revenue
Wall Street Journal
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Mar 27, 2008 7:45 AM CDT
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Oracle missed its third-quarter revenue projections yesterday and investor reaction was swift and dramatic: shares of the software maker dropped 8% in after-hours trading, reports the Wall Street Journal . This despite the fact that Oracle’s profits rose 30% to $1.34 billion, 26 cents per share, from $1.03 billion, 20 cents per share a year...
Robin Williams, Wife Divorcing
San Francisco Chronicle
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Mar 27, 2008 7:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Funnyman Robin Williams and his wife are splitting up after 19 years of marriage, reports the San Francisco Chronicle . The divorce petition, filed by Marsha Williams in San Francisco, cited irreconcilable differences. The pair met when Marsha worked as a nanny for Williams' son from a previous marriage. She later became his personal assistant and...
Clinton Slips to New Low in Poll
MSNBC
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Mar 27, 2008 6:51 AM CDT
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Hillary Clinton is suffering some of the worst poll numbers of her political career, according to an NBC/ Wall Street Journal poll. Clinton chalked up a personal approval rating of just 37%, the lowest since March 2001, two months after her election to the Senate. And of Clinton, Barack Obama, and John McCain, the poll ranked Hillary the least capable...
Sadrists Resist Crackdown, Demand Maliki's Ouster
Reuters
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Mar 27, 2008 6:25 AM CDT
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Followers of Muqtada al-Sadr marched in Baghdad today, denouncing Nouri al-Maliki's US-backed government as non-representative, while the onslaught in Basra continued for a third day. Explosions were heard in the city every 10 to 15 minutes and more than 100 are already dead, Reuters reports. Residents of Iraq's second-largest city, the capital of...
US Steps Up Secret Pakistan Air Strikes
Washington Post
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Mar 27, 2008 6:09 AM CDT
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The US is stepping up air strikes on suspected al-Qaeda strongholds in Pakistan, the Washington Post reports. The Predator bombings—which neither the US or Pakistan will officially confirm—aim to rattle terror leaders out of hiding before the country's new leaders are expected to demand the US scale back its operations. The "shake...
Trial Starts for French 'Virgin Killer'
BBC
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Mar 27, 2008 5:41 AM CDT
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A French carpenter dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes" is on trial in France, accused of tracking down, raping and murdering seven virgins with the help of his wife in one of the nation's worst murder sprees in decades. Prosecutors say Michel Fourniret hunted victims from 1987 until 2003, the BBC reports. The victims ranged in age from 12 to...
Wild Takes Over First Place in Northeast
Minneapolis Star Tribune
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Mar 27, 2008 5:17 AM CDT
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The Minnesota Wild bounced back from an awful loss to Edmonton Monday to beat the Oilers 3-1 last night, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune . Niklas Backstrom made 32 saves for the Wild, who jumped over idle Calgary for first place in the Northwest Division. Branko Radivojevic had a goal and an assist and Mikko Koivu had three assists for the Wild....
Family Sues for $8M in NY Mom's Airport Death
CNN
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Mar 27, 2008 5:14 AM CDT
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The family of a New York woman who died in a holding cell at a Phoenix airport is suing the police department and city for $8 million, CNN reports. Carol Gotbaum became agitated after missing a flight last September and cops put her alone in a cell where she accidentally strangled herself as she tried to escape her handcuffs. Gotbaum, the stepdaughter-in-law...
2 Probes Launched Into Bear Stearns Deal
New York Times
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Mar 27, 2008 4:40 AM CDT
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The controversial acquisition of Bear Stearns by rival JP Morgan Chase, aided by billions of dollars of government credit, is about to become one of the most scrutinized deals in Wall Street history. Two separate Senate investigations will soon be under way, one by the Banking Committee and another by the Finance Committee, reports the New York Times...
Rockets Blast Timberwolves
Houston Chronicle
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Mar 27, 2008 4:39 AM CDT
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The Houston Rockets paid tribute to Dikembe Mutombo last night, but as usual it was Tracy McGrady who stole the show in a 97-86 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, reports the Houston Chronicle . McGrady had made just 4 of 15 shots when he re-entered the game in the fourth quarter and caught fire, scoring 10 of his 23 points down the stretch.
Pregnant Guy Raises Baffling Gender Issues
Oregonian (Portland)
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Mar 27, 2008 4:10 AM CDT
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A couple in a quiet Oregon town is expecting their first child. So far, so normal—but the fact that it's the man who is pregnant is raising some baffling gender issues, the Oregonian reports. The 'mother-to-be' was born a woman but is legally a man who underwent transgender sex surgery 10 years ago and is married to a woman. He kept his uterus...
Ford, Bosh Lead Raptors Past Pistons
Associated Press
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Mar 27, 2008 4:09 AM CDT
(Newser) -
TJ Ford celebrated his return to the starting lineup with 13 points and nine assists to help the Toronto Raptors beat the the Detroit Pistons 89-82 last night, reports the Associated Press. Chris Bosh also had 28 points as the Raptors won for just the fourth time in 15 games. Chauncey Billups led the Pistons with 24 points. In other NBA action:
Cal Can't Bear Losing, Fires Braun
San Francisco Chronicle
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Mar 27, 2008 3:49 AM CDT
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Ben Braun built a 219-154 record at Cal Berkeley the past 12 years, but it wasn't enough to save his job yesterday, report the San Francisco Chronicle . The Bears, who lost to Ohio State in the NIT Monday, were only 30-42 in the Pac-10 the past four years. "The bottom line is we just didn't win enough games," said athletic director Sandy...
Record Few Say 'I Do' in UK
Guardian (UK)
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Mar 27, 2008 3:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The number of marriages is plummeting in the UK, where newly released government figures have revealed the fewest weddings since the middle of the 19th century. Fewer than 23 men in every 1000 said "I do" in 2006 as more couples opt for cohabitation without a marriage license. The news triggered political finger-pointing.
KG Leads Celtics Past Suns
Boston Herald
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Mar 27, 2008 3:18 AM CDT
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Amare Stoudemire got the game-high 32 points for Phoenix, but the Celtics took last night's game, 117-97. Stoudemire's five turnovers contributed to a Suns total of 21, which gave Boston 30 points to match Kevin Garnett's team-high total. Paul Pierce added 27 points with the help of a perfect third quarter, reports the Boston Herald.
Canseco Now Thinks Clemens Was Clean
New York Daily News
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Mar 27, 2008 3:15 AM CDT
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Former Bash Brother Jose Canseco has backed down from charges that Roger Clemens used more than workouts to pump his pitching arm. Contradicting what's written in his own books, "Juiced" and the upcoming "Vindicated," Canseco said in a TV interview that he now doesn't believe the Rocket used steroids, Newsday reports.
Duncan Carries Spurs to Fifth Straight Win
Associated Press
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Mar 27, 2008 2:45 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Tim Duncan had the big numbers, but Manu Ginobili hit the key shots as the San Antonio Spurs held on to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 97-88 last night, reports the Associated Press. Duncan had 28 points and 12 rebounds, but when the Clippers took a late lead, Ginobili's 3-pointer sparked a 10-0 clinching run. In other NBA action:
McMuffin Man Dead at 89
Associated Press
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Mar 27, 2008 2:45 AM CDT
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The inventor of the Egg McMuffin has died in his Southern California home at the age of 89, AP reports. Herb Peterson began working with McDonald's in the advertising department, and later switched to the hands-on side of the business, owning six restaurants in the Santa Barbara area. Peterson, a big fan of eggs Benedict, came up with the idea...
Hawks Fly Over Bucks
Associated Press
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Mar 27, 2008 12:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Atlanta Hawks avoided a major issue on a night they celebrated a 115-89 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, reports the Associated Press. Star point guard Mike Bibby left the game in the fourth period last night with an injured left thumb. X-rays were negative, however, and it appears to be only a strain. That is good news for the Hawks, who held onto...
Train Keeps Rolling: Sixers Top Bulls 121-99
Philadelphia Inquirer
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Mar 27, 2008 12:18 AM CDT
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The red-hot 76ers outscored the Bulls 30-2 on the fast break and ran them out of Philadelphia. The 121-99 win gives Philadelphia three in a row and makes them winners in 11 of their last 13 and 19 of their last 24. Andre Miller distributed the ball brilliantly, notching 18 assists to lead the win, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Cavs Latest Victim as East Meets (David) West
Associated Press
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Mar 27, 2008 12:11 AM CDT
(Newser) -
LeBron James's characteristic late-game heroics weren't quite enough, as fellow MVP contender Chris Paul sucked three defenders into the lane, then passed to David West for a last-second winning jumper that gave the Hornets a win over the Cavaliers. It was an impressive follow-up to West's superb 35-point game against Indiana in New Orleans' previous...
Jackets Shut Out Blackhawks
Associated Press
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Mar 27, 2008 12:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Rookie Clay Wilson, playing in only his second career game, scored a goal and recorded his first NHL assist as the Columbus Blue Jackets bested the Chicago Blackhawks 4-0, and ended their three-game losing streak. Fredrik Norrena only had to stop 17 Chicago shots to earn his second shutout of the season, according to the Associated Press.
Bush Urges China-Tibet Dialogue
BBC
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Mar 26, 2008 10:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush called Chinese President Hu Jintao today and urged Beijing to begin talks with the Dalai Lama, the BBC reports. Bush also pressed for greater access to Tibet for journalists and diplomats, the White House said. China today allowed a small group of foreign reporters into Lhasa for the first time since protests began, but Tibetan monks ...
KG's MVP Campaign Blocks Out Suns
Associated Press
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Mar 26, 2008 9:57 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Twenty-one turnovers, a whopping disadvantage in rebounds, and Kevin Garnett's monster game sank the Suns in Boston, 117-97. Garnett had 30 points, shooting 63%, and added two takeaways and two blocked shots to a muscular performance by the Celtics, who had 17 offensive rebounds against Phoenix's four. Paul Pierce added 27 for the victors.
Harden Brilliant as A's Topple Sox 5-1 in Japan
Boston Globe
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Mar 26, 2008 9:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Red Sox and the Athletics are headed home from the Land of the Rising Sun after Rich Harden shut down the defending World Series champions in game two of their Tokyo visit. The 26-year-old right-hander allowed one run, surrendered only three hits, and fanned nine Boston hitters over six innings, earning a 5-1 victory and a 1-1 series split, reports...
Bon Jovi Guitarist Busted for DUI
TMZ
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Mar 26, 2008 9:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Laguna Beach police have slapped Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora with DUI charges after catching his black Hummer bopping and weaving down the street late last night. Sambora took a sobriety test and was hauled downtown at 4am, the AP reports. He may be in more trouble—three passengers were in the car, including Sambora's 10-year-old daughter,...
Saddam Paid for Lawmakers' Trip to Iraq
Associated Press
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Mar 26, 2008 8:45 PM CDT
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Saddam Hussein secretly paid for a trip made by three congressmen to Iraq in 2002 just ahead of the US invasion, the AP reports. The congressmen, all of whom opposed the war, did not know Saddam financed the trip because he funneled the money through a nonprofit group in Michigan. Federal prosecutors in Detroit today charged a member of that...
Cash-Strapped Papers Take Scribes Off Trail
New York Times
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Mar 26, 2008 8:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The decline in the number of writers attached to presidential campaigns is “striking,” the New York Times reports—with only five newspapers trying to follow the candidates full-time. With per-person travel costs at $30,000, or more, a month, cash-strapped outlets are choosing not to foot the bill. The cost, some observers say, is...
Big Bellies Raise Risk of Alzheimer's
Washington Post
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Mar 26, 2008 7:58 PM CDT
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People who have big bellies in middle age have a much greater risk of getting Alzheimer's or dementia as senior citizens, a new study says. The bigger the belly, the bigger the risk, reports the Washington Post . The findings raise more concern about America's expanding waist lines and offer more proof that fat around the abdomen is especially harmful.
Shuttle Returns to Earth
Associated Press
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Mar 26, 2008 7:57 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The space shuttle Endeavour returned to Earth with a rare night landing to wrap up an ambitious mission to the International Space Station, the AP reports. The shuttle had to land in darkness after NASA called off an earlier attempt because of cloud cover. Astronauts blasted off 16 days ago, delivering a 12-foot robot to the space station and installing...
Bravo to Harvard for Women-Only Gym Hours
Washington Post
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Mar 26, 2008 7:44 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Harvard was right to close a gym to men for six hours each week so Muslim women can exercise in comfort, Ruth Marcus writes in the Washington Post . Bloggers might be charging “Sharia at Harvard” and some students might be exercised about another decision to broadcast calls to prayer during Islamic Awareness Week, but the new policies...
Journalists Crave That Touch of Link
Time
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Mar 26, 2008 7:25 PM CDT
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"If it bleeds, it leads" is a journalistic truism, but in the age of new media, the traffic-driving link is the gold standard. With aggregators and bloggers cherry-picking lively content, "since the hits are often coming for specific stories, and not the entire site, a blockbuster story that gets linked to, say, Drudge, is money in the...
Abuse Charges Dog Zimbabwe
Guardian (UK)
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Mar 26, 2008 7:23 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Robert Mugabe's government is harassing and intimidating opposition groups in the run-up to Zimbabwe's Saturday elections, human-rights organizations charge. Three members of an opposition party were forced by intelligence officers to take down their election posters and eat them, complains Amnesty International. The US has also raised concerns about...
Timberlake Will Host ESPN Awards Gala
ESPN
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Mar 26, 2008 6:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Well-known in the sports world after the Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction," Justin Timberlake will host ESPN's annual awards gala, the sports channel reports. The ESPY Awards are set for July 20 in Los Angeles. "Not only is he a world-class music performer and established actor, but he is a talented and creative producer," an ESPN...
Bush, Putin to Lock Antlers on Missile Defense
Washington Post
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Mar 26, 2008 6:27 PM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush accepted Russian President Vladimir Putin's invitation today to continue the two nations' often strained talks over a proposed US missile defense system in central Europe. The two heads of state will meet April 6 in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi, the Washington Post reports, for likely the last time before Putin changes jobs May...
Clear Channel, Buyers Sue Banks Over Soured Deal
Wall Street Journal
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Mar 26, 2008 6:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The two private-equity firms set to buy Clear Channel sued the group of banks they had engaged to fund the deal, the Wall Street Journal reports. Joined by Clear Channel, Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners accused the consortium—including Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, and Wachovia—of breaching contract by attempting to back out of the...
UK Moves Closer to In-Flight Cell Phones
Reuters
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Mar 26, 2008 5:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
British air travelers may soon be able to use their cell phones while in flight, Reuters reports. UK telecom regulator Ofcom approved airline proposals to offer mobile service, pending assent by the European aviation safety authorities. Passengers would be able to make calls once the aircraft was in the air by connecting their phones to a base station...
Solar Panels Trump Trees
ABC News
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Mar 26, 2008 5:43 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A dispute between California neighbors pitting trees against solar panels has gone to the panels, KGO-TV reports. Following a seven-year battle over whether one should have to cut down trees in his backyard that shade the other’s solar panels, Richard Treanor today chopped two redwoods after he was found guilty of violating the Solar Shade Control...
McCain: US Must Be Tough But Listen to Allies
Politico
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Mar 26, 2008 5:19 PM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain insisted today in a foreign policy address that the US can't abandon its "moral responsibility in Iraq” but that it must do a better job of working with its allies on the world's trouble spots. He distanced himself at times from Bush, rejecting not only brash unilateralism but the inhumane treatment of prisoners, Politico reports,...
Navy Shot Killed Egyptian: US
Reuters
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Mar 26, 2008 5:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The US Navy acknowledged today that warning shots from one of its ships in the Suez Canal killed an Egyptian man, Reuters reports. Sources said the boat trying to sell goods to passing vessels approached the Global Patriot, which fired after warnings in Arabic and flares failed to make the small motorboat change course. The Navy had denied reports...
50 Cent Battles Desert Gangsters in Video Game
MTV
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Mar 26, 2008 4:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
50 Cent has a new video game coming out in the fall in which he battles international gangsters in desert warfare, MTV News reports. "Blood in the Sand" follows the hop-hop star's “Bulletproof” of 2005, though it's not being pitched as a sequel. Details of the game’s plot are on tight lockdown, but Vivendi says that unlike...
Screen Tough Widmark Dead
New York Times
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Mar 26, 2008 4:18 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Richard Widmark, the American actor renowned for his sinister portrayals of gangsters, has died at age 93. His first film role—as a giggling, sadistic killer in the 1947 Kiss of Death —made him an instant movie star and gained him a Fox contract for 20 parts in seven years—most of them heavies. One film historian has called him “the...
Vogue Cover Stirs Up Race Controversy
MSNBC
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Mar 26, 2008 4:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A Vogue cover featuring NBA star LeBron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen is stirring up a fuss, Dan Fleschner writes on an MSNBC blog. Some say the shot, by the legendary Annie Leibovitz, perpetuates racial stereotypes by portraying James in an aggressive "King Kong-like" pose, with Bundchen as the willowy white woman in distress.
Stocks Fall on Recession Fears
Bloomberg
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Mar 26, 2008 3:39 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Stocks fell today amid a new wave of recession concerns, Bloomberg reports. A big drop by Citigroup led financials to their worst plunge in almost two weeks, and oil prices jumped back up after inventory showed supply unchanged from last week. The Dow ended down 109.74 to 12,422.86, the Nasdaq off 16.69 to 2,324.36, and the S&P 11.86 to 1,341.13.
Comcast, Time Warner Weigh $1.5B WiMax Investment
Wall Street Journal
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Mar 26, 2008 3:13 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire, looking for funding in their bid to build a nationwide high-speed wireless network, may have found partners in Comcast and Time Warner, reports the Wall Street Journal. The country’s two largest cable operators are weighing a combined pledge of $1.5 billion to the project; Sprint and Clearwire hope to raise $3 billion...
Sonoma-Napa Rivalry Escalates
Reuters
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Mar 26, 2008 2:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The friendly rivalry between California’s two leading wine regions has evolved into an out-and-out marketing duel, reports Reuters. Sonoma winemakers frown upon the more famous—and much pricier—wine made by their neighbors over the hills. Collectors covet Napa Valley’s exclusive vintages, paying from $400-$1,000 a bottle for...
Brits Bust Quiet Locksmith Suspected in '91 War Crimes
Times (UK)
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Mar 26, 2008 2:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A locksmith living quietly in northern England has been arrested for involvement in one of the most notorious massacres of the Balkan wars, reports the Times of London. Milorad Pejic, an ethnic Serb who now holds a British passport, faces trial for war crimes during the 87-day siege of Vukovar, the Croatian town where hundreds of men were tortured,...
