Newser Story Index from May, 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.
Which David Is Our Idol ?
Kansas City Star
|
May 21, 2008 1:16 PM CDT
(Newser) -
We're only hours away from Fox crowning either balladeer (and Simon Cowell fave) David Archuleta, 17, or rocker David Cook, 25, as this season's American Idol. Cook seemed to win last night's live audience, the Kansas City Star reports.
YouTomb Knows Where the Videos Are Buried
Wired
|
May 21, 2008 12:55 PM CDT
(Newser) -
When YouTube videos get taken down, YouTomb is watching. The new site, the brainchild of a group of MIT students, tracks every video removed from YouTube, along with who requested its removal. YouTomb doesn’t archive the videos—“We’re not interested in bootlegged videos of Naruto, ” says co-creator Dean Jansen—it’s...
Spike Lee Plans Jordan Documentary
Variety
|
May 21, 2008 12:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
You might remember Spike Lee's classic "Is it the shoes?" ads for Nike. But the director told a Cannes crowd he'll team up with Michael Jordan again for a different purpose: a documentary on the basketball legend, reports Variety . The NBA will finance the flick, which will feature unreleased footage from Jordan's last two pro seasons.
McDermott Files to End 12-Year Marriage
E! Online
|
May 21, 2008 12:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Dylan McDermott is ending his 12-year marriage, E! Online reports. The actor filed for divorce Friday, citing irreconcilable differences, though according to the documents he and wife Shiva Rose have been separated since last year. In an appropriate twist, McDermott, who is most famous for his 7-year stint playing a lawyer on The Practice , will represent...
Goldwater Vs. JFK Echoes in '08
Salon
|
May 21, 2008 12:19 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The coming Obama/McCain matchup is an echo of another presidential bout, David Talbot writes for Salon —one that never happened between JFK and Barry Goldwater in 1964. Then as now, a young idealist takes on a seasoned ex-soldier over negotiation with hostile governments, to debate a fundamental question of whether it is more important to project...
Ex-Detainee Describes Gitmo Tortures
ABC News
|
May 21, 2008 12:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A man arrested in Pakistan and held as an enemy combatant in Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay was hung from the ceiling, beaten, and shocked with jolts of electricity, he testified to Congress yesterday. The German-born Turkish citizen told lawmakers that US interrogators also forced water down his throat. He was released without charge after nearly...
Gyllenhaal Lands Lead in Prince of Persia
Hollywood Reporter
|
May 21, 2008 11:54 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Jake Gyllenhaal has scored the lead in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time , a Jerry Bruckheimer adaptation of the popular video game, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In the blockbuster fantasy adventure, Gyllenhaal will play a 6th century Persian prince who, along with a feisty princess played by up-and-comer Gemma Arterton must save the world...
Supreme Court Spot Might Be Clinton's Real Dream Ticket
Washington Post
|
May 21, 2008 11:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Forget making her a powerless vice president—Barack Obama should promise Hillary Clinton the first available Supreme Court slot, James Andrew Miller writes in the Washington Post . This, arguably, would give her supporters a better incentive to stay in the Democratic fold, because Justice Clinton could actually "play a major role in charting...
Barkley Pays Up, But It's Not Over Yet
Associated Press
|
May 21, 2008 11:44 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Former NBA great Charles Barkley has paid off his $400,000 gambling debt to a Las Vegas casino, but he's still got a charge left to settle: the district attorney's office is levying a $40,000 processing fee. Barkley says he hadn't known about the extra charge, but plans to "make restitution on that promptly," AP reports.
Network TV Records Worst Ratings Ever
Variety
|
May 21, 2008 11:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
With just a few days left in the 2007-'08 TV season, Fox is set to take the ratings belt from five-time winner CBS. But it’ll be something of a hollow victory, because network TV on the whole recorded its worst year ever, Variety reports. Among the top five networks, audiences fell 7%, and the coveted 18-49 demographic fell 10%.
Lobbyists to McCain: Gee, Thanks, Traitor
Politico
|
May 21, 2008 11:14 AM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain has been purging his campaign of lobbyists, which has left more than a few feeling betrayed. These are the people, after all, who stuck through McCain when his primary chances looked grim, and kept his campaign financially above water. “If it was OK to have these people working for you in February, why is it not OK today?” asked...
American Cuts Flights, Will Charge $15 for First Bag
Wall Street Journal
|
May 21, 2008 11:01 AM CDT
(Newser) -
American Airlines is cutting flights, jobs, and carrying capacity in its effort to withstand skyrocketing oil prices, the company announced today—and it's adding a $15 fee for some customers' first checked bag. US capacity could fall 12% as up to 85 planes are retired, the Wall Street Journal reports. The announcement sent airline stocks plummeting.
How Buffy Saved a Baghdad Reporter
NPR
|
May 21, 2008 10:55 AM CDT
(Newser) -
NPR correspondent Jamie Tarabay says that watching DVDs of the cult classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer series saved her life—psychologically—while reporting from Baghdad. “It can be a very lonesome gig,” Tarabay recalls, and watching the series’ vampire-fighting star “deal with her private war zone helped me deal...
Microsoft Will Offer Search Customers Cash
Wall Street Journal
|
May 21, 2008 10:46 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Having largely abandoned its bid to buy, in the form of Yahoo, a significant presence in the Internet search business, Microsoft now will give customers money back when they buy items through its Live.com search portal, the Wall Street Journal reports. To be made official today, the move makes clear Microsoft isn't giving up on its search ambitions.
Babysitting Brit Nets Dad a 6-Figure Gig
People
|
May 21, 2008 10:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Not a bad gig: Jamie Spears is pulling down $130,000 a year—all for babysitting his own wayward daughter, reports People. Since Spears quietly quit his catering job in February and made rehabbing Britney's image his full-time career, he's pulled down $2,500 a week from his eldest daughter's estate.
Groom-Slaying Cops Face Disciplinary Hearings
Reuters
|
May 21, 2008 10:27 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The New York cops who were acquitted last month after firing more than 50 bullets at an unarmed man on his wedding day will face police department disciplinary action, Reuters reports. Seven officers are on the hot seat, including the three who were cleared of criminal charges last month, and will now face internal charges mirroring those, an NYPD...
Military at War With Rising Fuel Costs
Wall Street Journal
|
May 21, 2008 10:12 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Fuel costs are hitting the US military harder than most, the Wall Street Journal reports, and it's moving forward with efforts to switch to synthetic, and greener, alternatives. Chugging 340,000 barrels of oil per day, the military is the nation's largest consumer; synthetic fuels and massive solar arrays are already in use, and the military is considering...
Hillary Will Win Huge Leverage in Narrow Defeat
Chicago Tribune
|
May 21, 2008 10:09 AM CDT
(Newser) -
It doesn’t look like Hillary Clinton will be the Dem nominee this year, but she “may gain more leverage from losing than almost any other failed presidential candidate,” says Michael Tackett in a Chicago Tribune piece about what’s in store for the second-place finisher. Assuming she is a “vigorous campaigner” for...
Protester Eggs Microsoft CEO
Associated Press
|
May 21, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was in Budapest this week to give a lecture to Hungarian university students, but the talk took an unexpected turn when he was pelted with eggs. Unlike Bill Gates, who was hit in the face with a cream pie a decade ago, Ballmer was able to dodge the attack. The protester shouted that Microsoft had stolen money from the Hungarian...
France Arrests Basque Terror Group's Leader
Guardian (UK)
|
May 21, 2008 9:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The suspected leader of the ETA, the Basque separatist group and terrorist organization, has been arrested by a joint Spanish and French police operation. Some 30 armed officers raided the Bordeaux apartment of Javier López Peña, who is believed to have headed the ETA since 2004. López Peña has been a police target since...
Kennedy Leaves Hospital
CNN
|
May 21, 2008 9:27 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Ted Kennedy waved to well-wishers and gave a smiling thumbs-up as he left Massachusetts General Hospital and headed for home this morning, a day after the discovery of a malignant brain tumor. “Senator Kennedy has recovered remarkably quickly from his Monday procedure and therefore will be released from the hospital today ahead of schedule,”...
As Fuel Soars, Airlines Clip Regional Flights
New York Times
|
May 21, 2008 9:17 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Soaring fuel prices have prompted airlines to cut service—sometimes completely—to some 400 cities nationwide as carriers look for ways to maximize load and cut costs, reports the New York Times . Airlines reduced flights in May by 22,900 from a year ago, a 3% decline, and discontinued service to 30 cities. Analysts say there’s more...
Why Gen Xers Hate Corporate Jobs
BusinessWeek
|
May 21, 2008 9:04 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Generation Xers don't seem to be clambering to the top of the corporate ladder in the numbers they should be—and many are turned off by corporate life altogether. BusinessWeek has 10 reasons why this might be so: Xers started their careers just as the economy went into its early '90s tailspin Remembered big corporate layoffs has...
NFL Owners Opt Out of Collective Bargaining Agreement
ESPN
|
May 21, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
As the NFL deals with Spygate's embarrassment, an even bigger concern has appeared on the horizon: the league's owners voted unanimously yesterday to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, which could lead to a lockout in 2011. Commissioner Roger Goodell insists that there will be at least three more seasons of football before any...
Rondo Dishes Out Another Celts Home Win
Boston Herald
|
May 21, 2008 8:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Kevin Garnett may have notched the most points with 26, but it was Rajon Rondo who really hurt the Detroit Pistons in Boston's Game 1 win last night. The blossoming point guard logged more than 40 minutes on the court, finishing with 11 points, seven assists, and five steals to only one turnover, reports the Boston Herald .
Oil Tops $130
Associated Press
|
May 21, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Oil set yet another record today, with prices hitting $130.47 a barrel in electronic trading in Asia and Europe, the AP reports, on supply concerns and renewed worries about the dollar. Crude closed at $128.98 in the last New York Mercantile Exchange session. Oil futures have roughly doubled over the past year.
Mr. Sulu Will Finally Tie Knot With Gay Lover
BBC
|
May 21, 2008 8:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Less than a week after California lifted its ban on gay marriage, Star Trek actor George Takei plans to beam up to the altar and marry his longtime partner Brad Altman, BBC reports. After 21 years together, the couple is suddenly facing the “delicious dilemma” of deciding where to marry, the 71-year-old actor wrote on his website.
Obama Pulls Ahead of McCain by 8 Points
Reuters
|
May 21, 2008 8:12 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama, who claimed a majority of pledged delegates last night after his win in the Oregon primary, has opened up an 8-point lead over John McCain in national polling, reports Reuters. Obama, who was tied with McCain in the Reuters/Zogby poll a month ago, also doubled, to 26 points, his lead over Hillary Clinton among Democrats. In a Clinton-McCain...
Oilman Pickens Throws in With Icahn in Fight to Control Yahoo
Wall Street Journal
|
May 21, 2008 7:59 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Carl Icahn's proxy bid to replace Yahoo’s board won the backing of legendary oilman T. Boone Pickens yesterday, reports the Wall Street Journal, but without a firm offer from Microsoft to acquire Yahoo the effort could still struggle . "I'll jump in with Carl. He goes in first, I jump in behind him," Pickens told CNBC.
'20th Hijacker' Tried Suicide at Gitmo
Reuters
|
May 21, 2008 7:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A man accused of being al-Qaeda's 20th 9/11 hijacker tried to kill himself at Guantanamo Bay last month, Reuters reports. A lawyer for the Saudi said he cut his wrist open after learning that the Pentagon had filed capital charges against him. The charges were dropped last week without explanation but the Pentagon has reserved the right to reinstate...
Israel Confirms Peace Talks With Syria
BBC
|
May 21, 2008 7:26 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Israel and Syria have been holding secret peace talks, with Turkey as the middleman, the two sides announced today, acknowledging for the first time the long-rumored negotiations. Syria is technically at war with Israel over the Golan Heights, which the Israelis seized in 1967. Israel is ready to give the Golan back, the BBC reports, if Syria will...
Numbers Back American Idol Worship
Portfolio
|
May 21, 2008 7:03 AM CDT
(Newser) -
American Idol —the highest-rated show of the 21st century—finishes its seventh season tomorrow, moving Portfolio to some Idol chatter: Total number of episodes since its debut in 2002 (as of May 19): 270 Number of seasons ranked the No. 1 show on television: 3 Value of the Idol franchise, per Advertising Age...
Kelly Jurors Watch Child Porn Video
E! Online
|
May 21, 2008 6:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The kiddie-porn trial of R&B superstar R. Kelly kicked off yesterday with a viewing of the tape behind it all, E! Online reports. "You will see the sex acts he commands her to do—vile, disturbing, and disgusting sex acts that were choreographed, produced, and starred in by Robert Kelly," said the lead prosecutor before showing the...
McCain's Media Chief Steps Down
Washington Post
|
May 21, 2008 6:05 AM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain's top media adviser is keeping his promise and stepping down from his role in the senator's campaign, the Washington Post reports. Mark McKinnon said last year that he had no desire to work against Barack Obama if he became the Democratic nominee. Insiders say the departure of the former Bush campaign aide will be a heavy blow to McCain's...
Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Fat Fridge
Salon
|
May 21, 2008 5:21 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Indiana Jones has a new enemy. Pediatrician Rahul Parikh is irritated about Indy's marketing tie-ins to high-calorie foods like Burger King's "Indy Double Whopper" and Snicker's "Adventure Bar." Parikh has been enjoying the films of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg for decades, but he's also watching kids grow obese, thanks in...
Bush Apologizes for Koran Target Practice
Reuters
|
May 21, 2008 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
President Bush yesterday called Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki to personally apologize for the use of a Koran in target practice by a US military sniper. Maliki told Bush the incident was humiliating for Muslims and indicated the apology may not be enough, Reuters reports. The soldier who shot up the holy book has been sent back to the US, and...
Murdoch Names Thomson New Journal Editor
New York Times
|
May 21, 2008 4:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Rupert Murdoch has named Wall Street Journal publisher Robert J. Thomson as its top editor, reports the New York Times . Thomson, whom Murdoch made publisher just five months ago, was previously the top editor of Murdoch's Times of London. His appointment is expected to speed the pace of change at the paper, in the wake of the resignation of former...
Lebanon Forges Peace Deal
BBC
|
May 21, 2008 3:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A civil war in Lebanon may be averted by a new agreement reached in Qatar, reports the BBC. The deal includes fresh elections next year, a power-sharing government, a new president, and a pledge by Hezbollah not to use weapons in Lebanon. The pact was reached after five days of talks between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah following Beirut clashes...
Carter Aide Hamilton Jordan Dead at 63
Associated Press
|
May 21, 2008 3:07 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Jimmy Carter's former chief of staff, Hamilton Jordan, has died at the age of 63 after battling cancer for more than 20 years, AP reports. Jordan was at the core of Carter's "Georgia Mafia," and helped propel the Democrat into the White House in 1976. "He was a great strategist," said Carter's former communications chief. "He...
Piazza Retires After 16 Seasons
Associated Press
|
May 21, 2008 2:58 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The most prolific hitting catcher of all-time is hanging up his spikes. After 16 years, Mike Piazza is calling it a career, one that saw him amass a .308 lifetime batting average and 427 homeruns; 396 of those dingers came as a catcher, which is the most all time, reports AP. "It has been an amazing journey,” said the 12-time All-Star.
USDA to Ban 'Downer' Cattle
Washington Post
|
May 21, 2008 2:49 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The USDA plans to ban all so-called "downer" cattle from the food supply to safeguard consumers from illnesses such as mad cow disease. Such animals are too weak or injured to walk, which can often be an indication of illness. Disturbing video of workers in a California slaughterhouse using electric prods and a fork lift on cattle unable...
Book Giant Weighs Bid for Chief Rival
Wall Street Journal
|
May 21, 2008 2:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barnes & Noble is mulling a possible bid for its nearest rival, Borders, reports the Wall Street Journal . America's biggest book chain, with 22% of the market, has assembled a team of 30 executives and experts to study a takeover of the second biggest, with 12% of the market. Such a takeover would likely raise anti-trust issues.
Indy Champ Castroneves Considering NASCAR
Los Angeles Times
|
May 21, 2008 2:13 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves is considering trading in his Indy car for a NASCAR stock car, reports the Los Angeles Times . "I won't deny that I'm thinking about it," Castroneves said. "It would be great to one day try the cars. But at this point I'm focusing on Indy cars and winning the Indianapolis 500 again"...
Bulls Land No. 1 Pick in Lottery
Associated Press
|
May 21, 2008 12:12 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Jay-Z may have gold records and a clothing line and Larry Bird may have MVPs and championship rings but neither was able to bring their teams, the Nets and Pacers, respectively, the luck necessary to win the NBA’s draft lottery. That honor went to the Chicago Bulls, who had just a 1.7 percent chance of landing the No. 1 spot in the draft, reports...
Jessica Alba Gets Hitched
People
|
May 20, 2008 10:59 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jessica Alba married movie producer Cash Warren yesterday in a quiet courthouse ceremony in Beverly Hills, People reports. The actress, who is expecting a girl with Warren this summer, wore a long blue dress and “looked happy but nervous,” a source says. No one else attended the ceremony. The couple met on the set of Fantastic Four ...
Late-Term Abortion Ban Overruled in Va.
Reuters
|
May 20, 2008 10:23 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A federal appeals court struck down Virginia’s ban on a late-term abortion procedure, ruling that the law burdened a woman’s right to choose, Reuters reports. Although the Supreme Court upheld a similar federal law last year, the appeals court ruled that Virginia's ban went further because it provided no protection for doctors who performed...
Obama Claims Delegate Majority; Wins in Oregon
CNN
|
May 20, 2008 9:33 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama said tonight that his campaign had reached a pivotal milestone by clinching a majority of the pledged delegates at stake in the Democratic primary, CNN reports. Addressing a rally in Iowa—the state that put his campaign on a winning path—Obama declared that victory is "within reach." He spoke just before learning...
Indy's Whip Master Braces for Windfall
Seattle Times
|
May 20, 2008 8:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Indiana Jones set is again beating down the door of the Washington man who's made most of the bullwhips used in the movie blockbusters, the Seattle Times reports. David Morgan, 82, handcrafted eight more for the fourth installment, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull , which premieres at midnight tomorrow; there's a 6-week waiting...
Hillary Vows to Press On
CNN
|
May 20, 2008 7:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton made clear she has no intention of dropping from the race in the wake of her resounding victory in Kentucky. She told supporters that more people have voted for her than for any candidate who's run for the Democratic nomination, CNN reports. "We've got to get this right," she said, insisting she's more electable candidate....
Barack Fails to Make Gains With White Voters in Ky.
Associated Press
|
May 20, 2008 6:55 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama showed little evidence that he's been able to make amends with white working-class voters, exit polls in Kentucky show. Whites make up about 90% of the state's electorate, and Clinton won 71% of their votes, including three-fourths of those who didn't complete college. In addition, only about 40% of working-class whites said they would...
