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.
Why Are Londoners So Angry?
Times (UK)
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May 17, 2008 6:08 PM CDT
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Most Londoners are living comfortable, even enviable lives, yet they seem to be getting angrier and angrier, Janice Turner writes in the London Times . Minor stresses of everyday life boil over into violent disputes with alarming regularity, reminiscent of pampered resort guests flying off the handle over tiny inconveniences.
NAACP Names Youngest President Ever
Baltimore Sun
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May 17, 2008 5:52 PM CDT
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The NAACP selected its youngest president ever today, picking 35-year-old Benjamin Jealous after a contentious 8-hour meeting. Jealous promised to bring financial stability to the organization by tapping his ties with top foundations nationwide. He said he will also "pull people into this movement" by focusing more on technology, the Baltimore...
Big Brown Wins at Preakness
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 5:36 PM CDT
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Big Brown continued his assault on the Triple Crown today by winning the 133rd Preakness, running away from the rest of the 12-horse field at Pimlico Race Course. With the victory, the powerful bay colt becomes the 30th horse in thoroughbred history to head to the Belmont Stakes with the elusive Triple Crown in his sights. Only 11 have captured...
Why Gay Marriage Won't Be a Hot Issue in 2008 Race
Newsweek
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May 17, 2008 5:34 PM CDT
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Same-sex marriage was a big issue in 2004 and may have nudged the Democrats towards defeat, Karen Breslau writes in Newsweek . The issue is back in the spotlight this election year but she can think of four big reasons why it won't matter as much: Public opinion is shifting toward favoring gay marriage, or at least civil unions. John...
Sex and the Pity: A Widow Ponders Limbo
Nerve
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May 17, 2008 5:02 PM CDT
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After her first weeks of widowhood, one woman noticed the kind yet patronizing treatment she was getting from loved ones—especially when it came to her sex life. Among the platitudes she came to despise: "You look like you could use a hug," and "You're not ready to date," Susan Seligson writes in Nerve.
Danica Ready to Make History at Indy 500
Sports Illustrated
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May 17, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
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No longer just a pretty face, Danica Patrick finally has a win, a winning team, and the fastest car she's ever raced. “I really, really like my chances" in next weekend's Indy 500, she tells Sports Illustrated. "And man, how huge would it be if I could win the thing?"
Kennedy 'Conscious, Talking' in Hospital
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 4:25 PM CDT
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Ted Kennedy is "conscious, talking, joking with family" after having a seizure at the family compound in Hyannisport this morning, the AP reports. The 76-year-old senator spent 2 hours in a Cape Cod emergency room before being flown to Massachusetts General in Boston, the Cape Cod Times reports. He likely did not have a stroke but will...
Like Lincoln and JFK, Obama Is on a New Channel
The Atlantic
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May 17, 2008 4:12 PM CDT
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Lincoln, FDR, JFK... Obama? So runs the line of US leaders who have ruled by harnessing new communication technologies. Obama's mastery of the Web echoes Lincoln's use of newspapers, FDR's use of radio and JFK's use of television. Obama vows to put the Oval Office online if he wins, but Marc Ambinder warns in the Atlantic that he may find the Internet...
Baghdad Collars 1,000 in al-Qaeda Offensive
Reuters
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May 17, 2008 3:34 PM CDT
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Iraqi forces have detained over 1,000 suspected militants in a massive push to drive al-Qaeda out of northern Iraq, Reuters reports. The crackdown centers on Mosul, al-Qaeda’s last major urban foothold. “This operation will last until we finish off all the terrorist remnants and outlaws,” said the Iraqi general leading the charge.
Honeymoon Can't Last for Russia's Power Couple
Wall Street Journal
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May 17, 2008 3:01 PM CDT
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It may look like Vladimir Putin has kept Russia stable by sliding into the PM's chair; optimists even predict he'll share power politely with President Medvedev. But these lovebirds are actually destined to fight, writes Ivan Krastev in the Wall Street Journal: Eventually Medvedev will want to exercise power, and not as Putin’s “mini-me.”
Modern-Day Masons: 'Chic'?
Los Angeles Times
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May 17, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
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The masons are back. After decades of dwindling membership, the world’s most open secret society is enjoying a renaissance—mostly because it’s become less secretive. Freemasons are forbidden from seeking new members, but their rules say nothing about websites: Thanks to Internet publicity, more men are signing up, and they’re...
Pro-Choicers Feel Backlash for Backing Obama
Politico
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May 17, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
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NARAL’s state affiliates are blasting the abortion-rights group’s decision to back Barack Obama, fearing the move could alienate donors loyal to Hillary Clinton. “It’s created a firestorm,” said the president of the group’s New York branch. “Everyone was mystified.” That includes Obama supporters, Politico...
Reporters Can't Let Trauma Stop Them
Quill
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May 17, 2008 1:38 PM CDT
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One North Carolina reporter is still haunted by the horror of rapes and murders she witnessed every day. But her empathy also made her a better reporter, and that’s worth it, Melissa Manware writes in Quill . When readers, particularly former victims, responded to stories, it made “the work worth the heartache.” But Manware is still...
Bush, Stop Begging the Saudis
Wall Street Journal
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May 17, 2008 1:23 PM CDT
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Whichever adviser sent President Bush to plead with the Saudi king to help bring down oil prices should be canned, the Wall Street Journal opines. Bush had the same request turned down during a visit in January, and the rebuff is even more humiliating the second time around. If Bush wants to go begging, he'd be better off turning to Fed chief Ben...
US Bounty Program Fails to Rein In Terrorists
Washington Post
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May 17, 2008 1:17 PM CDT
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Money may be the root of all evil, but the almighty dollar is doing a poor job to stop it: Washington’s efforts to catch terror suspects using steep bounties is largely a bust, the Washington Post reports. “The program could use some rejuvenation,” said one ex-official. “You can’t just put a price on someone’s...
Bush Attack Provides Boon to Obama Camp
Politico
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May 17, 2008 12:26 PM CDT
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President Bush’s comments this week about Nazi appeasement have allowed Barack Obama to polish his attacks on the administration and John McCain. Obama seized on the criticism as a two-for-one opportunity, saying there’s “no separation” between Bush and McCain on Mideast policy. The Dem’s tough response could signal his...
Pelosi Becomes a Believer on Baghdad Trip
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 12:12 PM CDT
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Nancy Pelosi visited Iraq today, and the staunch war critic said she liked what she heard. After meeting with several top Iraqi and US officials, including Nouri al-Maliki and David Petraeus, Pelosi emerged optimistic about the upcoming provincial elections. She also praised Baghdad for passing a budget and oil legislation, the AP reports.
Big Brown Is Horse to Beat at Preakness
Baltimore Sun
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May 17, 2008 11:53 AM CDT
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He’s big and he’s brown, and he’s perhaps the fastest horse at Pimlico Race Course. So is Big Brown a shoe-in to win today's Preakness Stakes, and heck, the whole Triple Crown? He’s certainly the horse to beat, with odds at 1-4. But some think the 3-year-old’s got a weakness—inexperience, the Baltimore Sun reports.
One Laptop Per Child Embraces Windows XP
Internetnews.com
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May 17, 2008 11:15 AM CDT
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Now that Microsoft has signed on to the One Laptop Per Child initiative—aimed at getting low-cost PCs to kids in poor countries—its Windows XP operating system is again getting a new jolt of life, reports InternetNews.com. The project originally used only free, open-source software such as Linux, but sales were slow because of little enthusiasm...
Clinton Campaigns Against the Media
Politico
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May 17, 2008 10:56 AM CDT
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The Clinton campaign’s new chief target is the media that’s left it for dead, Politico reports. Hillary Clinton’s speeches, ads, and discussions with supporters and superdelegates now focus on what she considers the pundits’ premature verdict that Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee. Her camp hopes the strategy will...
Assassination Plot Delays Tsvangirai Homecoming
Guardian (UK)
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May 17, 2008 9:59 AM CDT
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Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai postponed his return home today after his party discovered an assassination plot against him, the Guardian reports. Citing a “credible source,” MDC said it’s unclear if the government is involved. Tsvangirai has been out of Zimbabwe for more than a month and was to return this weekend...
Mass. Provides Calif. a Preview of Gay Marriage
Los Angeles Times
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May 17, 2008 9:50 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Californians readying for same-sex marriage can look to Massachusetts for a preview of what’s to come, the Los Angeles Times reports. “Massachusetts has been like the reality TV show for gay marriage,” says an author of a book on the subject. And so far, she says, it’s been a success. It's become so ordinary that one kindergartner...
Huckabee VP? 'My Job Right Now Is to Get Him Elected'
Newsweek
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May 17, 2008 8:42 AM CDT
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Mike Huckabee's as busy as ever two months after dropping out of the GOP race, giving speeches around the country and campaigning for GOP candidates everywhere—including, of course, John McCain, who is said to have the former preacher on the top of his list of potential veeps. So would he accept? "It's impolite to start saying that if the...
Famously Bad Poet Fetches Big Bucks at Auction
Wall Street Journal
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May 17, 2008 8:05 AM CDT
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William McGonagall had a tough time after deciding poetry was his calling, being roundly insulted by critics and even pelted with rotten fruit. But the 19th-century Scotsman has been remembered long after his peers—as the worst poet ever to mangle the English language. His works commanded a price higher than a J.K Rowling first edition at an...
Taliban Frees Kidnapped Pakistan Envoy
Reuters
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May 17, 2008 7:19 AM CDT
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Taliban militants released Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan today soon after the Pakistani government liberated over 40 Taliban fighters, a Pakistan security official said. The government has not yet given official details of Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin’s release. He had been kidnapped February 11, along with his driver and guard, on...
China Flood Warnings Cause Stampede
BBC
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May 17, 2008 6:59 AM CDT
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Rescue efforts in Beichuan, near the epicenter of China’s earthquake, turned to chaos today as fear of flooding caused a stampede of thousands, the BBC reports. A flood warning was issued after a landslide-blocked river threatened to burst its banks, CNN reports. “Everybody just ran. People who were in the process of being rescued had to...
Ex-Olympian Gets 46 Months for Check Fraud
Washington Post
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May 17, 2008 6:13 AM CDT
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Disgraced Olympic gold medalist Tim Montgomery was sentenced to 46 months yesterday for his part in a check-fraud scam, the Washington Post reports. Montgomery, who still faces heroin-dealing charges, once held the 100m world record but was stripped of it for doping. He has a son with Marion Jones, who is in prison for lying about doping and about...
Like eHarmony, Only for Kitties
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 6:09 AM CDT
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There's no shortage of dating websites that use personality profiles to come up with "scores" and assess compatibility; now, the AP reports, animal shelters are using a similar program to help pair famously fickle felines with owners. Some 45 facilities use Feline-ality, which assigns cats colorful personality types: leader of the band, personal...
Pentagon to Build Giant Prison in Afghanistan
New York Times
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May 17, 2008 6:05 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Pentagon is planning to build a huge new detention complex in Afghanistan, reports the New York Times , acknowledging that the US expects to hold prisoners there for many years to come. The 40-acre, $60-million facility at Bagram Air Force Base will replace the existing makeshift prison in a converted aircraft hangar, where more than 600 prisoners...
Kobe, Lakers Advance to Western Finals
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 3:38 AM CDT
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The Los Angeles Lakers reached the NBA's Western Conference finals for the first time in four years by beating the Utah Jazz 108-105 on Friday. Kobe Bryant scored 34 points for LA, which held off a furious rally by the Jazz to clinch the series 4-2. Los Angeles plays the winner of the San Antonio-New Orleans series to be decided Monday.
Lefty Saunders Leads Angels Over Dodgers
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 3:22 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Joe Saunders bounced back from his lone loss of the year and Vladimir Guerrero drove in two runs without a hit to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2 Friday night. Saunders (7-1) held the Dodgers to two runs in 7 1-3 innings, giving up five hits, walking two and striking out one.
Byrnes Breaks Slump, D-Backs TopTigers
Associated Press
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May 17, 2008 3:07 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Eric Byrnes lined out to left field in his first at-bat Friday night and finally felt good about his swing. Byrnes broke out of a monthlong slump with a homer and two RBIs, Dan Haren pitched seven innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat Detroit 4-3 to hand the slumping Tigers their fifth straight defeat.
Blackburn Pitches Twins Past Rockies
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 11:54 PM CDT
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Nick Blackburn pitched seven strong innings and Delmon Young doubled twice and scored two runs to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night. Blackburn (4-2) struck out five and didn't walk a batter to help the Twins end a three-game skid. Joe Nathan remained perfect in 13 save opportunities.
Rangers, Hamilton Smack Astros
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 11:42 PM CDT
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Josh Hamilton went 5-for-5 with two long homers and five RBIs, and the Texas Rangers, with six home runs total, beat the Houston Astros 16-8 Friday night in a wild Lone Star Series opener. Ian Kinsler scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning on a close play that led to the ejection of Astros manager Cecil Cooper.
Sonnanstine Tames Cardinals in Rays' Win
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 11:25 PM CDT
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Andy Sonnanstine carried a shutout into the eighth inning and added two singles to a 12-hit outburst in the streaking Tampa Bay Rays' 3-1 victory over sagging St. Louis on Friday. Akinori Iwamura had three hits and an RBI for the AL East leaders, who are eight games above .500 for the first time in franchise history.
Kotsay's Double Gives Braves Win Over A's
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 11:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Mark Kotsay knocked in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning with a two-out RBI double, and the Atlanta Braves edged the Oakland Athletics 3-2 Friday night for their eighth straight home victory. The loss was a season-high fourth in a row for the A's, who have dropped six of seven on their current nine-game road trip.
Tomko, Soria Help Royals Beat Slumping Marlins
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 10:53 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Brett Tomko pitched six innings Friday for his first victory in nearly six weeks, and two unearned runs helped the Kansas City Royals extend their winning streak to five games by beating the slumping Florida Marlins 7-6. Closer Joakim Soria allowed a run for the first time this season when he gave up a two-run homer to Jeremy Hermida in the ninth.
Cavs Win, Force a Game 7
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 10:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
LeBron James scored 32 points - 19 in the second half - and the Cavaliers forced a decisive and fitting finale to this home-sweet-home playoff series with a 74-69 victory Friday night over Boston, which has gone from regular-season road kings to postseason road kill. The Cavs are attempting to become the 14th team to overcome an 0-2 deficit and win...
Dunn, Reds Win Fourth Straight, 4-3 Over Indians
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 10:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Adam Dunn homered and drew a tiebreaking walk with the bases loaded in the eighth inning Friday night, sending the Cincinnati Reds to their season-high fourth straight win, 4-3 over intrastate rival Cleveland. The Reds got homers from Brandon Phillips and Dunn, then won it with the only run in the game not produced by a homer.
Olson Sparks O's Past Nationals
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 10:11 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Luke Scott homered, Melvin Mora hit a tiebreaking double in the fifth inning and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Washington Nationals 5-3 Friday night for their sixth win in seven games. Left-hander Garrett Olson (3-0) struggled through five innings but remained undefeated in four starts since being recalled from Triple-A. Olson allowed three runs and...
Werth Rips 3 Homers; Phils Crush Jays
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 9:56 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Jayson Werth homered in his first three at-bats and tied a Philadelphia Phillies record with eight RBIs in a 10-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night. Werth had a chance to tie the major league record of four homers in a game but fouled out to first base to end the seventh inning.
Soriano Homers Twice, Cubbies Beat Pirates
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 9:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Alfonso Soriano homered in his first two at-bats, Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa also homered and the surging Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 Friday for their seventh win in eight games. Soriano connected on the first pitch from Tom Gorzelanny for his third leadoff homer in four games and launched a three-run shot in the second inning, making...
Wine Whiz Mondavi Dead at 94
San Francisco Chronicle
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May 16, 2008 7:54 PM CDT
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California wine master Robert Mondavi died peacefully today in his Napa Valley home at age 94, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Disciples and critics alike have praised the vintner for elevating West Coast wine from jug juice to world-class vino. "His legacy and his vision for what California could do remains with us as guidepost and a source...
Thanks , Carrie, You Ruined Everything
New York Post
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May 16, 2008 7:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Thanks, Carrie. You and your Sex and the City gal pals have set Mr. Big-size expectations for fans who "continue to worship at the SATC altar," Sara Stewart gripes in the New York Post . Cultural fallout includes: Brunch: Men now think all female-only meals are sex gabfests. High-heels: No one sprints around Manhattan in...
Huckabee Jokes About Gun Pointed at Obama
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 6:57 PM CDT
(Newser) -
At an NRA convention today, Mike Huckabee quipped that an offstage sound was Barack Obama leaping from a loaded gun. “That was Barack Obama,” the former Arkansas governor said. “He just tripped off a chair. He's getting ready to speak and somebody aimed a gun at him and he—he dove for the floor." The Obama camp has not...
Cat and Mouse Cause Massive Albanian Blackout
Reuters
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May 16, 2008 6:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
It’s an unlikely reason for a power outage: A cat and mouse engaged in a chase accidentally ran into high-voltage cables at the main power station in Tirana, frying themselves and causing a 72-hour blackout in some districts of the Albanian capital, Reuters reports. Outages are relatively common in Albania, but they usually result from the Soviet-era...
Saudis Won't Budge on Oil
Associated Press
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May 16, 2008 6:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Saudi Arabia's leaders today denied a request from visiting President Bush that they boost oil production to help ease rising gas prices, the AP reports. "Supply and demand are in balance today," the kingdom's oil minister said, with the commodity pushing $128 per barrel. "How much does Saudi Arabia need to do to satisfy people who are...
San Francisco Coffee Scene Heats Up
San Francisco Chronicle
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May 16, 2008 6:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Plans for tapping the premium coffee market are percolating in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Chronicle reports in an in-depth look at the new generation of roasters. Emphasizing freshness and preparation, next-gen roasters are building Northwest-inspired businesses that offer patrons ground-to-order $8 cups, or $9-$11 pots prepared by a $20,000...
This Is 'Playing.' This Is 'Outside.'
Los Angeles Times
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May 16, 2008 5:48 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Using the flap over a New York 9-year-old allowed to find his own way home from Bloomingdale's as an example of a sea change, Rosa Brooks, writing in the Los Angeles Times, reminds us that allowing children to be outside on their own used to be the norm. "'Play,' incidentally, is a mysterious activity children engage in when not compelled to...
IRS Employees Charged With Sneaking Into Records
ComputerWorld
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May 16, 2008 5:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Five employees at a California branch of the Internal Revenue Service have been charged with illegally inspecting citizens’ tax information, ComputerWorld reports. Exactly whom the workers were snooping on was not disclosed, but there were up to 13 victims, all in 2006. Court dates on misdemeanor charges are pending for all suspects.
