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.
'Colbert Bump' Real, at Least for Dems
LiveScience
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Apr 19, 2008 11:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Stephen Colbert and his fans often point to a “Colbert bump”—a boost for politicians who appear on his show—and research shows there’s truthiness to the claim, LiveScience reports. A scientist found that Democrats appearing on the Colbert Report raised 44% more funds afterward. Republicans, however, fared no differently...
Rapper Foxy Brown Freed
E! Online
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Apr 19, 2008 10:25 AM CDT
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Feisty rapper Foxy Brown walked free from Riker's Island prison yesterday after serving 8 months behind bars for battling with manicurists in a New York nail salon, E! News reports. Brown had been sentenced to a year in jail for probation violations stemming from the fight. The rowdy hip-hop star waved to a crowd of waiting fans and was whisked away...
Hillary Slams MoveOn
Huffington Post
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Apr 19, 2008 9:52 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton told a closed-door fundraiser that the Democratic "activist base" was to blame for her Super Tuesday losses, the Huffington Post reports. She singled out MoveOn.org for damage to her campaign. "They know I don't agree with them," Clinton said. "So they flood into these caucuses and dominate them and really...
Astronauts OK After Rough Landing
Space.com
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Apr 19, 2008 9:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Three space travelers returning from the International Space Station are OK after a rough landing hundreds of miles off course in Kazakhstan this morning, Space.com reports. The Soyuz space capsule carrying US astronaut Peggy Whitson, a Russian cosmonaut, and South Korea's first astronaut veered nearly 300 miles off target and subjected the three to...
Iraqi Troops Seize Sadr Stronghold
Reuters
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Apr 19, 2008 9:11 AM CDT
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In a major new clash, Iraqi troops backed by American and British firepower today captured a stronghold of fighters loyal to Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in Basra, said Iraqi officials. In a show of force, American planes and British artillery attacked a deserted area outside the Sadr-controlled section of Hayaniya before Iraqi troops moved into the...
Pakistan Ambassador Held by Taliban
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 8:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In a video aired today on an Arab channel, Pakistan’s missing ambassador to Afghanistan says he was kidnapped two months ago by Taliban militants, AP reports. In the brief clip, Tariq Azizuddin, seated on the ground with his driver and bodyguard in front of three armed masked men, says he has “lived comfortably” and adds that Pakistani...
White House 'Duped' General Into Torture: Book
Guardian (UK)
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Apr 19, 2008 7:54 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Bush administration "hoodwinked" one of the country's top military men in order to establish harsh interrogation techniques on Guantanamo Bay prisoners, according to revelations in a new book reported in the Guardian. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers was misled by White House aides into abandoning the...
China Protests Slam Tibet Push for Freedom
Reuters
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Apr 19, 2008 7:13 AM CDT
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Chinese demonstrators today responded to pro-Tibet protests around the world with rallies of their own, blasting Tibet’s calls for independence and demanding a boycott of French goods, Reuters reports. “Oppose Tibet independence, support the Olympics,” said banners hoisted by protesters in at least four cities. A number of protests...
Man Granted Retrial After 26 Years Behind Bars
Chicago Tribune
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Apr 19, 2008 6:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Alton Logan tasted freedom yesterday for the first time in 26 years after being granted a new trial, reports the Chicago Tribune . The Illinois man was locked up in 1982 for killing a security guard. Another man confessed to the killings but his attorneys, prevented from coming forward by attorney-client privilege, did not reveal the confession until...
Get Old, Get Happy
Chicago Sun-Times
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Apr 19, 2008 5:50 AM CDT
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Happiness really does come with age, researchers have discovered in one of the widest-ranging studies ever of happiness in America. Measures of happiness steadily climbed among study participants into their mid-60s. Levels dipped only slightly after that, and people in their 80s still tended to be happier than people under 40, the Chicago Sun-Times...
Pope Makes History With Visit to US Synagogue
New York Times
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Apr 19, 2008 5:14 AM CDT
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Pope Benedict XVI became the first pontiff to ever set foot inside an American synagogue with his visit to New York's Park East Synagogue yesterday, the New York Times reports. Benedict, presented with matzo, a Seder plate and a Passover prayer book, spoke to the congregation of "building bridges of friendship" but didn't touch on any thorny...
Surprise Rate Hike Will Soon Rattle US Borrowers
Wall Street Journal
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Apr 19, 2008 5:04 AM CDT
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A surprise hike in a widely used interest rate is expected to soon send many US borrowers reeling, the Wall Street Journal warns. The London interbank offered rate, a yardstick for financial instruments including resettable mortgages, jumped sharply yesterday. The increase, a signal that banks are becoming more cautious about lending, could affect...
New Hires at Bear Stearns Axed Before They Start
New York Times
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Apr 19, 2008 4:30 AM CDT
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Hundreds of college grads who thought they had landed dream positions with Bear Stearns were canned before their first day on the job, the Wall Street Journal reports. As the giant bank began to implode, the students were at first assured their new jobs were safe—but then were sent packing to hunt for work along with 38,000 others recently...
Ducks Stay Alive With 5-2 Victory
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 1:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Teemu Selanne and Ryan Getzlaf each had a goal and an assist to lead the Anaheim Ducks to a 5-2 victory over Dallas on Friday and trim the Stars' lead in the first-round series to 3-2. Game 6 is Sunday in Dallas. A seventh game would be in Anaheim on Tuesday.
Jackson Leads D'backs to Rout of Padres
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 1:17 AM CDT
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Conor Jackson matched a career high with four hits, including two triples and a home run, and Arizona routed the weary San Diego Padres 9-0 on Friday. After losing a 22-inning game to Colorado and arriving in Phoenix at about 4 a.m. Friday, the Padres fell behind 6-0 in the first inning and offered little resistance to Arizona starter Dan Haren.
Thome Hits No. 511 as Chisox Crush Rays
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 12:55 AM CDT
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Jim Thome hit his 511th career home run and Javier Vazquez won his third consecutive start to lead the Chicago White Sox past the Tampa Bay Rays, 9-2 on Friday. Thome connected in the third inning for a three-run shot off rookie Jeff Niemann, who was making his second career start. The next batter, Paul Konerko, homered to make it 4-0.
Tulowitzki, Atkins Help Rockies Beat Astros
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 12:43 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Troy Tulowitzki had two doubles and three RBIs, Garrett Atkins had an RBI single and a two-run homer and the Rockies beat Houston 11-5 less than 20 hours after winning a 22-inning marathon in San Diego. Jeff Baker and Chris Iannetta had two RBIs apiece as Colorado won in Minute Maid Park for the third time in its last 14 games.
Cards Rock Cain in Blowout Win Over Giants
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 12:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Matt Cain absorbed the worst beating of his career from the same team he held hitless for six innings last weekend. Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer to cap a six-run fourth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals beat San Francisco 11-1 on Friday. St. Louis reached a season best for runs and tied its high for hit.
Ortiz Hits Grand Slam as Red Sox Crush Texas
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 12:27 AM CDT
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Slumping David Ortiz, who entered the game hitting just .111, blasted a grand slam, Daisuke Matsuzaka stayed unbeaten and the Boston Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 11-3 on Friday. Dustin Pedroia hit his first homer, a two-run shot that capped Boston's five-run fourth inning. The Red Sox won for the sixth time in seven games.
Franzen Lifts Wings Past Predators
Associated Press
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Apr 19, 2008 12:04 AM CDT
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Johan Franzen scored 1:48 into overtime, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators and a 3-2 lead in their first-round series. Valtteri Filppula, who scored Detroit's first goal, poked the puck away and Franzen ended up with it and beat Dan Ellis with a backhander.
After Quick Start, Rangers Move On
New York Times
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Apr 19, 2008 12:00 AM CDT
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So much for home-ice advantage for New Jersey. With tonight's 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers, the Devils were knocked out of the first round of the NHL's Eastern Conference quarterfinals in the fifth game of the best-of-seven series, bowing to a team that has dominated them the entire season by now winning 11 of 13.
Chipper's Two Homers Lead Braves Past Dodgers
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 11:21 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Chipper Jones homered twice for the second game in a row to lead Atlanta past the Los Angeles Dodgers, 6-1 on Friday. Jones hit a three-run shot off Derek Lowe in the fifth to break open a 2-0 game, then added a solo homer against Chan Ho Park in the seventh to make it 6-1.
Renteria Homers in Tigers' Win Over Jays
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 11:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Edgar Renteria hit a two-run home run, Kenny Rogers won for the first time since July and Detroit beat the Blue Jays 8-4 on Friday, handing Toronto its sixth consecutive home defeat. The Blue Jays have not won at home since April 6, when they completed a three-game sweep of Boston. It's Toronto's longest home losing streak since April 2004.
Johnson Drives in Four in Nationals Win
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 10:53 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Nick Johnson hit a three-run double and drove in four runs, leading Washington to a 6-4 win over the Florida Marlins on Friday. Johnson's two-out double in the seventh inning off reliever Taylor Tankersley helped the Nationals end a three-game skid. Washington, which had lost 12 of 13, had scored only five runs in being swept by the Mets.
Orioles Defeat Yanks With Big 6th Inning
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 10:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jay Payton and Melvin Mora had two RBIs apiece in a seven-run sixth inning, Daniel Cabrera took a four-hitter into the seventh, and Baltimore beat the Yankees, 8-2 on Friday. Cabrera and Phil Hughes were locked in a 1-1 duel before the Orioles sent 11 men to the plate in their most productive inning of the season.
Sheets Dominates Early in Brewers' Win
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 10:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Ben Sheets dominated for five innings before a tight pitching arm forced him from the game Friday, and Milwaukee held on for a 5-2 victory over slumping Cincinnati. Sheets (3-0) allowed only a pair of singles, looking very comfortable in a hitter-friendly ballpark where he has never lost. He left for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning with the Brewers...
Santana Leads Mets Over Phillies 6-4
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 10:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Johan Santana struck out 10 over seven innings, David Wright fell a homer short of the cycle and the New York Mets beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 on Friday. Santana (2-2) allowed three runs and four hits, outpitching Cole Hamels in a matchup of two of the best left-handers in the majors. Wright finished 4-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk.
Washington Vows Better Airline Safety
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 9:06 PM CDT
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Today Washington vowed to beef up airplane inspections and demanded to know why American Airlines stranded 250,000 travelers last week, the AP reports. "No one at all was well served by what happened," US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said. But she defended federal regulators, saying they did not overreact after learning of lax inspections...
Texas Keeps Sect Kids for DNA Testing
San Angelo Standard-Times
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Apr 18, 2008 8:20 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A judge ruled today that 416 kids seized at a polygamous ranch in Texas will be held for genetic testing, the San Angelo Standard-Times reports. At the end of a 2-day custody hearing, Judge Barbara Walther said the tests were needed to sort out relationships between the sect's parents and children. Earlier, a psychiatrist testified that the kids...
George Will Knows the Working Class?
New Republic
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Apr 18, 2008 7:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
George Will knows blue collar America? Probably not, Jonathan Chait writes in the New Republic , but the "fabulously wealthy, bow tie-wearing, pretentious" pundit still blasted Barack Obama for saying rural voters "cling to" firearms and religion. And Will is not alone—US leaders have long treated blue collar workers as "a...
Illinois Quake? Wow
ABC News
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Apr 18, 2008 6:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A geologist has sent a ripple of curiosity through the media by calling today's Illinois earthquake “not unusual," ABC News reports. The 5.2 temblor, which caused no injuries or major damage, is one of many the state has experienced since 1795. One rocked 500,000 square miles in 1909. "Is this an earthquake zone?" researcher Nano...
DeRosa, Hill Lead Cubs Over Pirates 3-2
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 6:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Rich Hill struggled with his control but won for the first time in three starts this year, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 Friday for their ninth victory in 12 games. Mark DeRosa doubled and drove in a run, and Reed Johnson hit a tiebreaking single in a three-run fourth inning as Chicago sent the Pirates to their third straight...
After Pope Meets Victims, Vatican Considers Change
New York Times
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Apr 18, 2008 6:21 PM CDT
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Just a day after a Washington meeting where Pope Benedict XVI talked with victims sexually abused by Catholic priests, a Vatican official said the church would consider changes to canon law dictating how the church deals with such offenses, the New York Times reports. Cardinal William Levada holds Benedict’s old post as head of the Congregation...
Japan Warns of Croc Danger
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 5:46 PM CDT
(Newser) -
After their research confirmed what many had complained about, Japanese officials today asked the makers of popular Crocs clogs to do something about a design that makes wearers susceptible to getting caught in escalators, the AP reports. The grip and flexibility of the plastic footwear led to several dozen incidents mainly involving young children.
Knicks Fire Coach Thomas
New York Times
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Apr 18, 2008 5:18 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Isiah Thomas was fired today as head coach of the New York Knicks, the Times reports. Team president Donnie Walsh said that Thomas will remain as an adviser, although he’ll have no direct responsibilities. The Knicks were 56-108 in his two seasons at coach; they've made little headway since Thomas was named team president in 2003 and tasked...
For McCain, Dole Better Analogy Than Ike
New York
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Apr 18, 2008 4:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The war to define John McCain hasn't started—the Democrats are still working on each other—but while his advisers look to build the next Dwight Eisenhower, some say McCain may be closer to Bob Dole. John Heilemann of New York tags along as McCain, "a candidate of pronounced and glaring weaknesses," hits the road.
Trainer Refutes Canseco, Says A-Rod's No Juicer
Sports Illustrated
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Apr 18, 2008 4:34 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A personal trainer says he's the man portrayed in Jose Canseco’s latest tell-all as pushing steroids on Alex Rodriguez; but Joseph Dion—called "Max" in Vindicated —denies any juicing ever happened and says he’s “hurt in every way” by the insinuation. The trainer maintains that throughout their relationship,...
Insert Text Here: 'Dilbert' Goes 2.0
New York Times
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Apr 18, 2008 4:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Is it another triumph of Web 2.0, or a concession to the rampantly collaborative tone of the Internet these days? Either way, "Dilbert" has gone interactive, the New York Times reports. On the popular comic’s website, fans can now substitute their own pithy retorts for text bubbles in the final panel, and they'll soon be able to run...
Absent Original Scripts, Studios Reel in Lit
Variety
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Apr 18, 2008 3:43 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Movie execs counting on a flood of scripts after the writers strike wrapped up in February are snug and dry and turning to books and magazine articles instead, Variety reports. Plump with new fiscal-year budgets, studios are snatching up literary pieces faster than in years past; prison escapes, sunken-ship salvage, and offshore drilling are likely...
Strong Earnings Propel Rally
Bloomberg
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Apr 18, 2008 3:22 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Stocks rallied to weekly gains today as the markets absorbed last night's strong earnings report from Google and industrial multinationals Caterpillar and Honeywell recorded unexpected first-quarter growth, Bloomberg reports. Google propelled the Nasdaq up 61.14 to close at 2,402.97. The Dow rose 228.87 to 12,849.36, and the S&P 500 climbed 24.77...
Bush Tabs 'Problem Solver' to Head HUD
Washington Post
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Apr 18, 2008 3:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
With the housing market in turmoil, President Bush is turning to an investment banker-turned-bureaucrat to head HUD, the Washington Post reports. Steven Preston, 47, has run the Small Business Administration since 2006 after a stint at Lehman Brothers; he succeeds Alphonso Jackson, who announced his resignation 2 weeks ago amid allegations of uethical...
Microsoft Weighs Subscription Model for Office
Wall Street Journal
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Apr 18, 2008 3:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Microsoft is considering introducing a subscription-based business model for its Office suite of applications in the US, the Wall Street Journal reports. The firm said it was launching a beta testing program, “Albany,” and expected to make the subscription generally available by the end of 2008. Microsoft’s Office is facing some...
McCain Made $259K in ’07
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 2:55 PM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain reported $259,000 in 2007 taxable income and $215,304 in 2006, the AP reports. The figures—modest in comparison to the Obama and Clinton tax returns—don’t include the income of his wife, Cindy, whose wealth has been estimated at $100 million. The presumptive Republican nominee gave $105,000 to charity last year and donated...
Margarine Shortage Stymies Passover Bakers
Wall Street Journal
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Apr 18, 2008 2:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jewish families are facing a culinary crisis: a shortage of margarine that’s kosher for Passover. The lack of available stick margarine in particular is frustrating cooks who bake confections that offset the holiday’s ban on leavening, the Wall Street Journal reports. "There are so few really tasty things at Passover that when you...
Couric Gets Vote of Confidence
Mediabistro
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Apr 18, 2008 2:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Katie Couric will anchor the CBS Evening News for a long time to come, the network's CEO told staffers today, TVNewser reports. Les Moonves dropped in on the daily news meeting to dispel recent rumors that Couric is not long for the newscast, which sits at the bottom of the ratings heap. At the meeting, Couric said the show is "very much family."
World's Smallest Transistor Sets Path to Better Chips
BBC
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Apr 18, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Scientists in England have created the world’s smallest transistor, the BBC reports. At 1 atom thick and 10 atoms wide, it could be the key to creating microchips beyond the power of silicon. The transistor is made of graphene, a single layer of graphite and an excellent conductor of electricity. And unlike with silicon, the smaller a graphene...
Streamlining AT&T Plans 4,600 Layoffs
Wall Street Journal
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Apr 18, 2008 2:23 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As it adjusts its business model to lowered demand for landlines, AT&T will lay off 4,600 employees, the Wall Street Journal reports. The company plans to create about the same number of new wireless, broadband, and TV jobs, a trade-off that will create savings through dropping more senior, white-collar workers. "There are parts of the business...
UK Psychics Foresee Trouble
Independent (UK)
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Apr 18, 2008 2:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Britain’s mediums are consulting their crystal balls about a new EU law that might expose them to lawsuits, the Independent reports. A group of them marched up Downing Street today to deliver a 5,000-signature petition to No. 10, hoping to convince the government not to adopt the European measure. “What we have here is a fundamental attack...
Reich, Nunn, Boren Endorse Obama
Boston Globe
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Apr 18, 2008 1:49 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama today picked up endorsements from three Democratic Party bigwigs: Robert Reich, a longtime Clinton friend and ex-Labor Secretary, and two ex-senators with foreign policy clout—Sam Nunn of Georgia and David Boren of Oklahoma. Reich said he decided to endorse because he was "appalled" by Hillary Clinton's negative ads in...
Carter Meets With Hamas Chief
Associated Press
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Apr 18, 2008 1:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jimmy Carter met today with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal despite protests from the US State Department and the Israeli government. A Hamas deputy told the AP the agenda would include strategies to calm tensions between Israel and Hamas, as well as the fate of a kidnapped Israeli soldier. Carter has said that the group must be engaged for peace talks...
