Newser Story Index from April, 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.
Utley Unbelievable in Phillies Win
Associated Press
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Apr 21, 2008 12:21 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Chase Utley hit two home runs and Pedro Feliz added a tiebreaking pinch-hit homer in the seventh to help the Philadelphia Phillies avoid a sweep and beat the New York Mets 5-4 last night. Utley went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and two runs as the Phillies won the finale of the three-game series and ended Philadelphia's four-game losing streak against the...
Robidas Sends Stars Past Ducks
Associated Press
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Apr 21, 2008 12:19 AM CDT
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The Dallas Stars are taking their chase of the Stanley Cup into the second round of the playoffs - and the reigning champs aren't. Stephane Robidas, scored the tying goal on the power play early in the third period then set up Stu Barnes for the go-ahead goal 52 seconds later, sending the Stars past the Anaheim Ducks 4-1 last night.
Allen, Garnett Lead Celtics to Win Over Hawks
Associated Press
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Apr 21, 2008 12:18 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Ray Allen scored 18 points and Kevin Garnett had 16 as the two newcomers who led the Boston Celtics to the NBA's best record sparked them to a 104-81 win last night in their playoff opener against the Atlanta Hawks. Rookie Al Horford led the Hawks with 20 points and 10 rebounds and Joe Johnson added 19 points.
Flames Shut Out Sharks, 2-0
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 11:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Miika Kirpusoff made 21 saves, as Owen Nolan and Daymond Langkow both scored to lead the Calgary Flames over the San Jose Sharks 2-0 last night to force a Game 7. The decisive match Tuesday will be the first Game 7 the Sharks have hosted in franchise history after playing five on the road. San Jose was scoreless on the power play.
76ers Stun Pistons in Game One
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 11:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Andre Miller scored 20 points while Willie Green had a career playoff-high 17 to help the Philadelphia 76ers stun the Detroit Pistons 90-86 Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round series. The Eastern Conference's second-seeded team was expected beat the seventh-seeded Sixers by double digits and did lead by 15 midway through the third quarter. But Philadelphia...
A's Pound Royals' Rookie Phenom Hochevar
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 10:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Oakland battered rookie phenom Luke Hochevar just as it did Kansas City's experienced starters the previous two days. Dana Eveland won for the first time in three starts as the Athletics completed a three-game sweep of the Royals with a 7-1 victory Sunday. Oakland improved to 12-8 for its best record through 20 games since starting 13-7 in 1992.
Pope Benedict Leaves US After 6-Day Visit
USA Today
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Apr 20, 2008 10:31 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI concluded his 6-day US visit today, boarding the papal jet at JFK aqirport to return to the Vatican. “The time has come for me to bid farewell to your country,” Benedict said. “May God bless America.” Dick Cheney attended the departure ceremony, which capped Benedict’s day of visiting Ground Zero and...
Padres Defeat Big Unit, Diamondbacks
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 10:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Justin Huber connected off Randy Johnson for his first career home run, ruining the Big Unit's return and helping the San Diego Padres defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-4 today. The Padres had mustered a total of six runs in their previous four games, all losses. They scored that many against Johnson, who hadn't started a game since back surgery last...
Batista, Sexson Lead Mariners Over Angels
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 10:27 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Miguel Batista scattered eight hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings, Richie Sexson hit a two-run homer and the Seattle Mariners held off the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep. The Angels scored twice in the ninth before Ryan Rowland-Smith struck out Garret Anderson on a full-count pitch with the bases loaded to end it.
Molina's Doubles Help Giants Beat Cardinals
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 10:16 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Bengie Molina hit three doubles and drove in three runs, and the San Francisco Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 today. The Giants won the season series from St. Louis 4-3. All seven games were played in a span of 11 days. The Giants took two of three and handed St. Louis its first series loss of the season.
Twins Victorious Over Indians
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 10:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Justin Morneau made the most of his second chance. After striking out with a runner on second in the eighth inning, Morneau singled home Brendan Harris in the 10th, lifting the Minnesota Twins to a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday. Morneau is hitting just .269 this season, but is 9-for-15 (.600) with 12 RBIs with runners in scoring...
Weekley Wins Second Straight at Harbour Town
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 9:59 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Boo Weekley successfully defended his Verizon Heritage title and captured his second career U.S. PGA Tour event at Harbour Town Golf Links today. Weekley shot an even-par 71 for a three-shot victory over Anthony Kim (71) and Aaron Baddeley (69). "It was a lot easier than last year, wasn't it?" Weekly said on the 17th hole after his routine...
Dems Shower Each Other With Attacks
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 8:02 PM CDT
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Democratic hopefuls blasted each other's tactics today as Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary fast approaches, the Caucus blog reports. Hillary Clinton called Barack Obama's campaign "negative" and released an ad saying he spreads “false charges” about her health care plan. Obama's camp rolled out an ad rejecting her claim that he...
Unhappy Ending, Where Art Thou?
Newsweek
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Apr 20, 2008 7:37 PM CDT
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Happy endings don't ensure box-office sales, but Hollywood still snubs sad or complex finales—even if they better fit the film, David Ansen writes in Newsweek . Filmgoers don't need movies to end on a smile: Take Titanic or The Third Man . But this year's summer fare, like Iron Man and Get Smart, is no doubt back-loaded with upbeat, sequel-sparking...
Dwight Howard's 20-20 Game Helps Magic Top Raptors
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 7:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Dwight Howard had 25 points and 22 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson scored 24 points, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-100 Sunday in the opener of their first-round series. Howard scored six straight points in a 10-0 fourth-quarter run that sealed Orlando's first playoff win since 2003. He also blocked five shots and made 9-of-11 free...
The Wrath of McCain
Washington Post
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Apr 20, 2008 7:15 PM CDT
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John McCain's temper is fiery and infamous—no one is arguing that. But opinions differ on whether his quickness to rage (or passion, some call it) suggests a talent for effective leadership or a risky personal weakness. The Washington Post looks at the history of McCain's short fuse and what it may mean for the Oval Office.
Lorena Ochoa Wins Ginn Open
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 7:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa became the first U.S. LPGA Tour player in 45 years to win four tournaments in consecutive weeks on Sunday. Ochoa shot 3-under 69 in the final round of the Ginn Open and beat Taiwanese rookie Yani Tseng by three strokes for her fifth victory in six starts this year.
Matsui Leads Astros Past Rockies
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 7:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Kaz Matsui hurt his former team Sunday, hitting a two-run single in the eighth inning to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Hunter Pence led off the eighth with a single and Mark Loretta walked against reliever Brian Fuentes (0-1), who allowed a run for the first time in 10 appearances this season.
Ramirez Leads Cubs Over Pirates
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 6:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Aramis Ramirez tied a career-high with four hits, including a two-run homer, and the Chicago Cubs beat Pittsburgh 13-6 Sunday to complete their second three-game sweep of the Pirates this season. Ryan Theriot added four hits, scored three runs and drove in two as Chicago won for the 11th time in 14 games and pounded the Pirates again.
Bond's Aston Martin Dumped in the Drink
Telegraph (UK)
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Apr 20, 2008 6:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
James Bond may be needing a new set of wheels after authorities fished his Aston Martin out of an Italian lake yesterday, the Telegraph reports. A stunt driver lost control of the $240,000 roadster and dumped it in the drink, suffering a few small bruises—but the film, Quantum of Solace , suffered the loss of its only available Bond car.
Jurrjens Sharp for 7 Innings to Help Braves Sweep Dodgers
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 6:32 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jair Jurrjens pitched three-hit ball for seven innings, Mark Teixeira homered and the Atlanta Braves beat Los Angeles 6-1 Sunday for their first sweep of the Dodgers in eight years. The Braves gave up a total of only three runs in defeating the Dodgers three times. Atlanta's last sweep over Los Angeles came in a three-game set in April 2000.
Chan and Li Kick Up Box Office Winner
Entertainment Weekly
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Apr 20, 2008 6:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jackie Chan and Jet Li KO’d the competition at this weekend's box office, Entertainment Weekly reports. The Forbidden Kingdom finished first with $20.9 million, kicking raunchy romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall to second with $17.3 million. Other debuts stirred up little action: The Al Pacino thriller 88 Minutes ranked fourth...
Thome Powers White Sox Past Rays With 512th Career Homer
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 6:17 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jim Thome hit career homer No. 512 and drove in three runs, John Danks struck out eight in seven innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-0 on Sunday. Thome also tied a career high with four hits. His second homer in the last three games tied him with Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews for 19th place on the all-time list.
Red Sox Pull Off Another Late Rally to Beat Rangers 6-5
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 6:14 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Sean Casey's bases-loaded walk capped a four-run eighth inning and the Boston Red Sox pulled another late rally, beating the Texas Rangers 6-5. The Red Sox overcame a 5-0 deficit and won for the eighth time in nine games. Boston has taken the first three in a four-game series that concludes Monday with the annual 11:05 a.m. start on Patriots Day.
Gasol Leads Lakers Past Nuggets
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 6:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Pau Gasol finally discovered how it feels to be on the winning side in a postseason game. The 7-foot Spaniard had a whole lot to do with his first victory. Gasol established playoff highs with 36 points and eight assists and had 16 rebounds as well Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers took command early in the third quarter and beat the Denver Nuggets...
Pro-China Cyberattack on CNN Cancelled
ComputerWorld
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Apr 20, 2008 5:53 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A group of cyberattackers called off a planned virtual onslaught of CNN's main webpage yesterday as excess publicity caused confusion, ComputerWorld reports. A group called Revenge of the Flame wrote that "Our original plan for 19 April has been canceled because too many people are aware of it and the situation is chaotic," but threatened...
Military Families Fight for Right to Sue
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 20, 2008 5:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Many grieving families are outraged that they cannot sue over medical malpractice in military hospitals, the Los Angeles Times reports. Some have seen sons and husbands—all active duty service members—die in hospitals where resources are stretched thin. But a 1950 Supreme Court ruling created the Feres doctrine, which protects military...
Gagne Blows it in 10th, Junior Lifts Reds Over Brewers 4-3
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 5:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Edwin Encarnacion and Paul Bako hit consecutive homers off Eric Gagne in the 10th inning Sunday, and Ken Griffey Jr. followed with a run-scoring single that sent the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Reds won for only the second time in their last nine games, a downturn linked to their struggling offense.
A-Rod Injured, But Pettitte Shines as Yanks Rout Orioles 7-1
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 5:49 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Alex Rodriguez hit an RBI double and scored before leaving with a leg injury, and the New York Yankees ended a three-game losing streak by beating the Baltimore Orioles 7-1 on a rainy Sunday. Andy Pettitte pitched seven scoreless innings, Johnny Damon homered and Derek Jeter had a three-run double as the Yankees avoided their first three-game sweep...
Greenies Can RIP With Eco-Friendly Funerals
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 5:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Greenies who bought organic in life can become more organic in death, the AP reports. Brits have enjoyed the eco-friendly funeral for years, but now cardboard coffins and natural fibers for corpses are catching on Stateside. "People are trying to think about what's the best way to live and with that, what's the best way to die," one funeral...
Olsen Goes 7 Strong Innings, Ramirez Hits 2 HRs for Marlins
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 5:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Scott Olsen allowed only three hits in seven innings Sunday, and Hanley Ramirez hit two home runs to help the Florida Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 6-1. Olsen (3-0) gave up one run, won his third start in a row and lowered his ERA to 2.60.
Eckstein Powers Blue Jays in First Game Without Frank Thomas
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 5:24 PM CDT
(Newser) -
David Eckstein hit a three-run homer, supplying some of the power Toronto might miss without Frank Thomas, and the Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3 on Sunday. A.J. Burnett (2-1) issued a season-high six walks in five innings but still managed to win for the first time in four starts. He allowed three runs and four hits.
Booming India Sees 'Brain Gain'
Guardian (UK)
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Apr 20, 2008 5:04 PM CDT
(Newser) -
India's educated are no longer rushing to the West for big bucks and a better lifestyle, the Guardian reports. More university grads are refusing to emigrate and many expats are returning home—a trend experts are dubbing "brain gain." One Indian, formerly in London, said he would "read about what was happening in India and I'd...
Nepal OKs Deadly Force Against Torch Protesters
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 4:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Nepal has plans for protesters intent on disrupting the Olympic flame's ascent up Mount Everest, the AP reports. An official today authorized the use of deadly force "to stop any protest on the mountain using whatever means necessary." Climbers are scheduled to reach the summit in the border region between Nepal and Tibet early next month.
Food Crisis Is 'Mass Murder': UN Envoy
Reuters
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Apr 20, 2008 4:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A UN envoy called the world's food crisis "silent mass murder" today and blamed multinationals for "monopolizing the riches of the Earth," Reuters reports. Jean Ziegler, UN food rapporteur, chalked up surging food prices in poorer nations to biofuels, commodities markets, and EU subsidies—meaning the West is responsible for...
Sorry, Ladies: Eli's Officially Off the Market
New York Post
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Apr 20, 2008 3:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Sorry gals, Giants quarterback Eli Manning is no longer a free man. He and college sweetheart Abby McGrew wed in a sunset ceremony last night in Mexico, the New York Post reports. A few dozen family and friends gathered at a seaside resort, where the well-tanned couple said their vows under a tent adorned with pink wildflowers.
Benedict Brings Down the House That Ruth Built
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 3:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
With pop music blaring and a roaring crowd, Yankee Stadium might have easily been hosting a rock concert today, reports the New York Times, rather than the rock star of Catholicism. The object of the adoration of 60,000 was Pope Benedict XVI, who finished up his US tour by celebrating the New York diocese's 200th anniversary and calling for Catholic...
Maybe You Shouldn't Own a Home
New Republic
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Apr 20, 2008 3:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Should all Americans own their dream home? Not really, writes Joshua Riner in the New Republic —only those who can afford one. But Washington made homebuying easy, sparked the subprime crisis, and is now making things worse by buying up risky mortgages. Officials "need to replace the dream of homeownership with policies that actually...
50 Ways to Leave Hillary's Camp
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 2:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As more longtime Clintonites succumb to Obamania and Hillary Clinton's superdelegate lead gradually diminishes, the former first couple is left to sift their friendships into past and present. But while the Clinton camp sees shifts toward Barack Obama as acts of betrayal, others consider them comeuppance for the Clintons' habit of collecting political...
US Hesitates to Strike Inside Pakistan
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 2:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
US commanders are itching to strike tribal militants in Pakistan, but Washington fears such a move could anger Islamabad's new leaders, the New York Times reports. American intelligence officials say the region is a growing threat, and warn that militants are forging alliances with al-Qaeda. But Pakistan is in talks with tribal leaders and doesn't...
UK Revives Flagging US Stars
Radar
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Apr 20, 2008 2:04 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Britain is having a Statute of Liberty-esque effect on B-list US celebs, as Hollywood's tired, poor, huddled stars revive their fame across the pond, Tom Teodorczuk writes in Radar . Model Janice Dickinson, director Woody Allen, and music producer David Gest are just a few such celebs soaking in what one Brit calls "a warm bath for American stars."
Murdoch's Journal Readies Battle Against the Times
Newsweek
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Apr 20, 2008 1:39 PM CDT
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A newly Rupert Murdoch-ified Wall Street Journal throws down the gauntlet at the New York Times tomorrow , reports Newsweek , in the biggest battle of newspaper titans since Hearst v. Pulitzer. Murdoch is looking for (more) power and respect from the journalistic elite at a time when the Gray Lady is weakened by a huge loss of advertising and...
Behind Organic Labels Lurk Megacorporations
Treehugger
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Apr 20, 2008 1:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Yes, your probiotic flaxseed Kashi cereal is still organic, but shoppers looking to stick it to the man by going green be advised: the nation's top 30 corporate food processors—think Pepsi, Kellogg, Kraft, General Mills—have been quietly buying up vast swaths of the organic aisle of your supermarket, Treehugger reports.
Tyke Pulled From Lake Michigan Improving
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:34 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A toddler pulled from frigid Lake Michigan yesterday after being submerged for some 15 minutes was improving today, reports the Chicago Sun-Times . The boy's stroller was blown in as his grandfather was pushing him along a Chicago pier. The grandfather, who leaped in after him as he called for help, was in stable condition. "I hope he will be...
Time Slows on Easter Island
W
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Apr 20, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Tourists have left no stone unturned on Easter Island, flocking at rates of 50,000 a year to arguably the world’s most remote habitation. Five hours of flying over uninterrupted Pacific Ocean lands you on this mostly undeveloped volcanic rock with its haunting stone figures (moai), but today it boasts an eco-friendly luxury lodge among the pubs...
Mr. Hip Hop, You Need to Stop
Yahoo
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Apr 20, 2008 11:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Before Chingy or Master P came Shaq's failed try at rap. And before him were many other shameful attempts at the lyrical flow. Yahoo lists the worst rappers ever: V anilla Ice : The "Ice Ice Baby" king also failed as an actor in Cool as Ice . MC Hammer started a fashion craze—thankfully brief—with...
Pope Prays at Ground Zero
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 11:09 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI got on his knees at Ground Zero today to bless the site where 2,600 people died and pray for the victims of the 9/11 attacks and their grieving families. "Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred," he said, in offering a prayer for peace. He then met with survivors and victims' families,...
He Gets Paid So You Can Slack
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 10:55 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Wasting people’s time is an odd job—but it’s also a big business, writes CollegeHumor.com editor Streeter Seidell in the New York Times . Seidell spends his days wading through an “ocean” of submitted videos and other items, choosing which funny or bizarre selections deserve publication. Yet there’s no method to...
Danica Is 1st Female to Win IndyCar
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 10:21 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Danica Patrick zoomed to victory in the Japan 300, becoming the first female winner in IndyCar history. Patrick pulled ahead when her top competitors were forced to make pit-stops to fuel up in the final laps, the AP reports. "It's a long time coming. Finally," Patrick said. She became the first female driver to lead in the Indy 500 in 2005,...
Rice Visits Iraq, Looks to Bolster PM Maliki
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Condoleezza Rice paid an unannounced visit to Baghdad today to highlight recent political gains brought about by PM Nouri al-Maliki's government. While the Maliki-ordered assault on Basra last month exposed some weaknesses in the Iraqi army, it also brought different groups in Iraq together, she said. "This is, I think, an important time. You've...
