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.
Brit Heading Back to Mother
People
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Apr 20, 2008 9:15 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Struggling pop princess Britney Spears will reprise her successful role as a receptionist in an upcoming episode of the TV series How I Met Your Mother, reports People . “The show is ecstatic and so is Britney,” said an insider. It's not clear if everyone will be quite so ga-ga. Neil Patrick Harris, who plays Barney, recently groused...
Ray Charles' 12 Kids Seek More Control Over Estate
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 20, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The children of legendary singer Ray Charles—all 12 of them—want more control over their father's estate. A confusing meeting with their ailing dad before he died has entangled the kids in legal battles over Charles' estate, currently run by the musician's longtime manager Joe Adams, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Pentagon Purse Strings Ensnare TV Military Analysts
New York Times
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Apr 20, 2008 8:00 AM CDT
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Several so-called "independent" military analysts who often support Defense Department positions on TV news programs have been linked closely to defense contractors and the Pentagon in an extensive New York Times investigation. "We need to stick our hands up your back and move your mouth for you,’” is the way one former...
Rudy Flouts Communion Ban at Pope Mass
New York Daily News
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Apr 20, 2008 7:15 AM CDT
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Twice-divorced one-time GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani started angry tongues wagging yesterday when he received communion at the pope's mass, which is contrary to church rules. As a divorced Catholic, Giuliani is barred from receiving communion, yet he stepped up to the altar with wife No. 3 at St. Patrick's Cathedral. "He knows better,"...
Michelle Touts Obamas as 'Just Folks'
Chicago Tribune
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Apr 20, 2008 6:43 AM CDT
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Michelle Obama is hammering home a message that she and her husband are just “regular folks" of humble backgrounds. She has become a key weapon as the candidate continues to be buffeted by criticisms that he's "elitist" in the wake of his characterization of rural America as Bible-thumping, gun-toting and "bitter." Michelle...
Prince Pilots Chopper to Gal Pal's Home
BBC
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Apr 20, 2008 5:50 AM CDT
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British officials have defended allowing Prince William to land a military helicopter on a field next to the home of his girlfriend’s family after the media blasted it as “ridiculous and inappropriate,” the BBC reports. “This was a routine training sortie"—and no one entered or exited the chopper, said the Ministry...
Ditch the Lawn, Grow a Garden!
Men's Vogue
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Apr 20, 2008 5:18 AM CDT
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A renegade architect/artist has declared war on an unlikely enemy: the suburban front lawn. To improve what he sees as an “actively antisocial space” which consumes resources and serves no definite purpose, Fritz Haeg is looking to transform lawns into food gardens, reports Men's Vogue . His first four repurposed lawns are the subject...
Car Talk Bros Get Animated, Dis Gas-Guzzling Heaps
Newsweek
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Apr 20, 2008 4:50 AM CDT
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NPR’s chuckling Car Talk guys Tom and Ray Magliozzi are about to become even more animated—with a new cartoon series of themselves on PBS. But their view on the heaps they've helped drivers patch up for the past 30 years isn't so funny, Newsweek reports. Click and Clack's other new PBS project is a Nova special packed with alarming...
Calzaghe Edges Hopkins in Split Decision
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 1:25 AM CDT
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Joe Calzaghe didn't stop punching after a terrible start against Bernard Hopkins, and now the Pride of Wales is the best light heavyweight in the world. Calzaghe won a split decision last night, desperately rallying in the final rounds against his cagey 43-year-old opponent to remain unbeaten. Hopkins (48-5-1) knocked down Calzaghe (45-0) with...
Helms' Hit LIfts Marlins
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 1:07 AM CDT
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Wes Helms singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth and the Florida Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 6-5 last night. Helms' one-out grounder up the middle off reliever Saul Rivera (1-1) scored Dan Uggla from second, ending the Marlins' two-game losing streak. Mike Jacobs and Jorge Cantu had three hits each for Florida. Josh Willingham...
Orioles Shut Down Yankees
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:58 AM CDT
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Brian Burres and Jim Johnson combined on a six-hitter and the Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 6-0 last night. Burres gave up five hits and four walks with two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for the Orioles, and Johnson allowed the Yankees just one hit the rest of the way to pick up the first save of his career.
Paul Shines in Playoff Debut as Hornets Win
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:46 AM CDT
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So much for playoff experience. Chris Paul had 35 points and 10 assists in his first career playoff game last night, lifting the New Orleans Hornets to a 104-92 come-from-behind victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their first-round series. David West also scored 23 points to help New Orleans storm back from a 12-point halftime deficit...
Brad Hawpe, Aaron Cook Help Rockies Beat Astros 3-2
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:32 AM CDT
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Brad Hawpe singled in the go-ahead run in the fifth, Aaron Cook pitched seven strong innings and the Colorado Rockies beat the Houston Astros 3-2 last night. The Rockies have won four straight and eight of 11. They climbed over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Cook (2-1) pitched seven solid innings, allowing two runs and four hits with...
Ortiz, Ramirez Push Red Sox to Comeback Win
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:30 AM CDT
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Manny Ramirez hit a two-run homer after slumping slugging partner David Ortiz tied it with an RBI single in the eighth inning, lifting the Boston Red Sox to a 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers last night. Dustin Pedroia doubled off the Green Monster against Joaquin Benoit (1-1) with one out in the eighth. Ortiz followed with a hard single to score Pedroia.
Reyes Homers to Lift Mets Past Phillies
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:04 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Oliver Perez pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, Jose Reyes hit a two-run homer and the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 yesterday. David Wright had a two-run double for the Mets, who won their fourth straight against Philadelphia after losing nine in a row over two seasons. Each of New York's wins has come with 2007 NL MVP Jimmy Rollins...
Bruins Force Game 7 With Montreal
Associated Press
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Apr 20, 2008 12:03 AM CDT
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The Boston Bruins were left for dead earlier this week, but now have a chance to eliminate the top-seeded Montreal Canadiens Monday, reports the Associated Press. The Bruins, who trailed 3-1 in the series, stayed alive last night when Marco Sturm scored with 2:37 left for a 5-4 win to force a Game 7. Sturm scored off his own rebound when rookie goalie...
Rays' Sonnanstine Tosses 3-Hitter
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 11:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Andy Sonnanstine threw a three-hitter for his first career complete game and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Chicago White Sox 5-0 last night. The White Sox had just three singles, including a bunt hit, and didn't get a runner past second base. After two of the hits, Sonnanstine later got inning-ending double play grounders. Sonnanstine (2-1) struck out...
Suzuki Leads A's to Comeback Win Over Royals
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 11:12 PM CDT
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Kurt Suzuki singled home Chris Denorfia with the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and the Oakland Athletics knocked around Kansas City's bullpen for a second straight day in a 6-5 win over the Royals yesterday. Daric Barton went 3-for-5 with a single, double and triple to make up for a critical fielding error in the second inning while five other...
Shhh! Europe Law Forces Orchestras to Tone It Down
New York Times
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Apr 19, 2008 9:46 PM CDT
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A new law in Europe to protect employees from ear-damaging noises is stifling a surprise industry—orchestras. Conductors are taking it down a notch to comply, in one case canceling a world premiere because it exceeded the allowable decibels in rehearsal, the New York Times reports. At the Royal Opera House, musicians have to wear earplugs—akin...
Thousands Chant 'Fire Cafferty' Outside CNN
Los Angeles Times
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Apr 19, 2008 8:48 PM CDT
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Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Hollywood today over recent anti-China remarks by CNN commentator Jack Cafferty, the Los Angeles Times reports. The crowd chanted "Fire Cafferty" and sang Chinese songs outside the CNN building in Hollywood. "We understand free speech," one protester said. "But...
Cop Saves Woman in Python's Death Grip
The Register Guard
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Apr 19, 2008 7:49 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A cop and several firemen struggled to rescue an Oregon pet shop owner after she stuck her hand in a python's cage, the Eugene Register-Guard reports. Teresa Rossiter was showing off 12-foot Darla to customers when the snake bit her, wrapped around her, and knocked her down. A policeman came to cut off the $850 python's head, but Rossiter begged...
Morneau's Homer Leads Twins Past Indians
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 7:31 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Justin Morneau hit a two-run homer for the power-poor Minnesota Twins, and Nick Blackburn made it stand up with 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians today. Blackburn (1-1) earned his first major league win with veteran poise by using the defense behind him to escape a couple of jams. Joe Nathan posted his sixth save in...
Duncan Carries Spurs to Game 1 Win Over Suns
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 7:27 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Tim Duncan saved the San Antonio Spurs with a rare 3-pointer at the end of overtime, and Manu Ginobili hit a layup at the end of the second extra period to send the defending champions past the Phoenix Suns, 117-115 today in Game 1 of their first-round series. The third-seeded Spurs celebrated almost as jubilantly as if they'd won the finals after...
Braves Beat Dodgers for 3rd Straight Win
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 7:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Chuck James did a good impression of Tom Glavine. Just hours after coming back from the minors, James allowed one run in five innings and the Atlanta bullpen shut down the Dodgers, leading the Braves past Los Angeles 4-1 today for their third straight victory. Mark Teixeira's two-run single highlighted a four-run fifth that accounted for all the Atlanta...
Bullock OK After Crash With Drunk Driver
Boston Herald
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Apr 19, 2008 6:58 PM CDT
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A woman accused of drunk driving slammed head-on into Sandra Bullock's SUV last night near the Massachusetts coast, the Boston Globe reports. Bullock, 43, her husband, Jesse James, 39, and their driver were unhurt in the crash. Police said oncoming driver Lucille Gatchell "almost giggled" when told who she had hit. "She said, 'My first...
US to Press N. Korea on Nukes: Bush
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 6:25 PM CDT
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President Bush challenged rumors today that Washington will go easy on North Korea's nuclear program, the AP reports. Pyongyang must "provide a full declaration of its nuclear programs" and disable its reactor, Bush said at US talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. "Some people are precluding, you know, jumping ahead of the...
25K Teens Rock at NY Pope Rally
New York Daily News
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Apr 19, 2008 6:01 PM CDT
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About 25,000 teens experienced Popemania today at a rocking rally in Yonkers, NY, the New York Daily News reports. After Kelly Clarkson belted out tunes, Benedict XVI emerged from a seminary meeting with disabled kids to receive gifts of bread and bless the crowd. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing," said a 15-year-old who left home before...
Hall's 2-run Double in 10th Rallies Brewers
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 5:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Bill Hall's two-run double in the 10th inning kept the Milwaukee Brewers perfect in extra innings this season, setting up a 5-3 victory today over the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds have seen quite enough of Hall already. His two-run homer led to a 5-2 win in the series opener. A day later, he sent a pitch from David Weathers (0-2) into right-center to...
Marquis' Arm, Lee's Bat Lead Cubs
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 5:39 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jason Marquis pitched six solid innings for his first victory of the season, Derrek Lee and Daryle Ward homered and the Chicago Cubs beat Pittsburgh 13-1 today for their eighth straight win over the Pirates. The Cubs are 5-0 against Pittsburgh this season. Marquis (1-0) won for the first time since Sept. 16, allowing a run and six hits while striking...
Federer Advances to 1st Final of Season
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 5:36 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Roger Federer aims for his first title of the season, facing Nikolay Davydenko in the final of the Estoril Open. The top-ranked Federer rallied to defeat Denis Gremelmayr 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 today in the semifinal. It's been eight years since Federer needed five tournaments to get a shot at his first trophy of season. The fourth-ranked Davydenko is 0-11...
Chelsea Swings Through Philly's Gay Clubs
pennlive.com
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Apr 19, 2008 5:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Chelsea Clinton met with wild and drunken support on her “gay pub crawl” through Philadelphia last night, the Patriot-News reports. “Chelsea, the gays love you!” cried one supporter. “We love your highlights,” shouted another. “Thank you, but that’s not why you should vote for my mom,” said Chelsea....
Serena Reaches Third Straight Final
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 5:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Serena Williams reached her third consecutive final and won her 14th straight match when she beat Alize Cornet of France 7-5, 6-3 at the Family Circle Cup today. In tomorrow's final, she faces the winner of an all-Russian semifinal between No. 4 Elena Dementieva and No. 9 Vera Zvonareva. Fifth-seeded Williams rallied from 4-1 down against the unseeded...
Lincecum Beats Cards Again
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 4:59 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Tim Lincecum pitched seven sharp innings and beat St. Louis for the second time in a week, leading the San Francisco Giants over the Cardinals 3-0 today. Aaron Rowand hit a solo home run and an RBI single as the Giants ended a three-game losing streak. Lincecum (3-0) gave up six hits and struck out five in his 10th major league victory, three...
LeBron Makes Wizards Pay
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 4:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Round one went to LeBron. Determined to make the Wizards swallow their words, LeBron James scored 32 points, making two tough shots in traffic down the stretch as the Cleveland Cavaliers opened the NBA playoffs with an intense 93-86 win over Washington today. Called "overrated" by Washington's DeShawn Stevenson, James scored 20 points in...
Toronto Ends Home Losing Skid
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 4:57 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Alex Rios homered, Dustin McGowan won for the first time this season and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 today, snapping a six-game home losing streak. Toronto's previous home win was April 6 in the wrapup of a three-game sweep of Boston. McGowan (1-1) pitched a season-high seven innings, allowing two runs and seven hits.
Huet's 30 Saves Lift Capitals
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 4:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The young Washington Capitals finally seem to be getting the hang of this thing called playoff hockey. With just the right mix of brawn and skill, the Capitals stayed alive today by knocking the Philadelphia Flyers off stride early and holding onto the lead with another solid game from goaltender Cristobal Huet, winning 3-2 in Game 5 of their first-round...
Al-Sadr Threatens 'Open War'
CNN
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Apr 19, 2008 4:48 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Moqtada al-Sadr today threatened today to “declare a war” against Iraq unless it curbs attacks on his Mahdi Army, CNN reports. “I’m giving the last warning to the Iraqi government,” he said. “If the government does not stop the militias infiltrated with them, then we will declare an open war.” Al-Sadr had declared...
Grow Yourself a Garden (Even if it Doesn't Help)
New York Times
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Apr 19, 2008 4:35 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Climate change seems too big for individuals to fix, but that’s partly because we're trapped in a cheap energy mindset, Michael Pollan writes in the New York Times . Low-cost energy has allowed us to rely on distant specialists for most of our needs, and we have a moral duty to fight that mindset: by gardening.
CNN Star Busted With Drugs, Sex Toy in Park
New York Post
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Apr 19, 2008 4:07 PM CDT
(Newser) -
When cops found Richard Quest in Central Park early yesterday morning, they first busted him for loitering past the park's closing time. Then they noticed that the CNN star had a rope tied from his neck to his genitals, drugs in his pocket, and a sex toy in his boot, the New York Post reports.
Road to Ivy Paved With Rejection Letters
Austin American-Statesman
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Apr 19, 2008 3:31 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The dreaded thin letter from college admissions offices is cluttering mailboxes in record numbers this year, but you'd think the elite of the elite would be safe. Not so, reports the Austin American-Statesman , which talks to local top students, including one who capped his impressive high school record with perfect scores on his SAT and ACT but failed...
Airline Blames Feds for Grounded Planes
New York Times
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Apr 19, 2008 3:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
American Airlines is tired of taking the heat for 2,000 flight cancellations that travelers endured last week, the New York Times reports. The once-contrite company is now criticizing the FAA, saying its new safety guidelines are unclear and unfair. “We don’t know what the rules are,” said an American technical crew chief. The company...
Europe Backtracks on Biofuels
Guardian (UK)
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Apr 19, 2008 2:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The European commission is backing off a proposed 10% biofuels quota as scientists warn that the alternative fuels actually hurt the environment, the Guardian reports. “This is all very sensitive and fast-moving,” said a commission official. “There is now a lot of new evidence on biofuels, and the commission has become a prisoner...
Billionaire Pays $500K for 27 Bottles of Wine
Reuters
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Apr 19, 2008 2:14 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As the global economy falters, many people are fighting to make ends meet. And then there’s the Chinese billionaire who spent $500,000 for 27 bottles of wine today. The sale set a record for a single lot. “I don’t think he has bought this as an investment,” said an executive from the selling company. “He has bought it...
Ewww! What Stinks? London
ABC News
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Apr 19, 2008 1:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
London was engulfed yesterday by a smell so foul that Brits worried some giant sewer had overflowed, ABC News reports. But not to worry—the smell came from Europe, officials insisted. The Daily Mail quuickly blamed the French for "le stink," but it appeared to be caused by stale air blowing over from Germany, Belgium, and Holland,...
Cheerleading's Brave New World Raises Safety Worries
ABC News
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Apr 19, 2008 1:11 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As cheerleading has become a spectacle of acrobatic feats with its own events, injuries—some of them deadly—have been on the rise, ABC News reports. In the latest example, a 20-year-old woman died after being accidentally kicked in the chest during a Massachusetts competition last weekend. She suffered damage to her lungs more often seen...
UN May Cut Food Rations for Schoolkids
Reuters
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Apr 19, 2008 12:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Food rations for hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren may be cut because of surging crop prices that have widened the World Food Program’s funding gap to $750 million, Reuters says. The UN food aid agency also blamed the situation on high fuel prices and reductions in new crop plantings. “The world’s misery index is rising,”...
Zimbabwe Begins Recount; Opposition Rejects Move
Reuters
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Apr 19, 2008 12:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Zimbabwe began a partial recount today of votes from last month’s parliamentary elections despite objections from the opposition party and fears that the deadlock could turn violent. The recount in 23 of 210 constituencies is expected to last 3 days and could reverse the initial results that handed defeat to the country’s ruling party,...
Pope Prays for Healing After Abuse Scandal
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 11:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Pope Benedict XVI spent the third anniversary of his election to the papacy trying to comfort clergy still weathering the fallout from the priest sex abuse scandal, the AP reports. “I simply wish to assure you of my spiritual closeness,” Benedict said. The pontiff, addressing 3,000 people at New York’s famed St. Patrick’s cathedral,...
Venture-Capital Investments Decline
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 11:20 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Venture capitalists’ investments declined 5% in the first quarter to $7.1 billion, compared with $7.5 billion this time last year, suggesting entrepreneurial concerns over startups in a troubled economy, the AP reports. The change marks the first year-to-year dip since late 2005. Still, the figure was the fifth-largest for a single quarter since...
Dems Complain About Rival's Complaining
Reuters
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Apr 19, 2008 11:02 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Democratic candidates are down to grousing about each other's griping, Reuters reports. Hillary Clinton said Barack Obama's complaint about tough questions in their recent debate showed he couldn't take the pressure. "I'm with Harry Truman on this—if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen," she said. "Speaking for...
