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.
6 Ways the GOP Can Get Back on Its Feet
Politico
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May 15, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
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Six months before an election in which some estimate Republicans could lose 20 seats in the House and five in the Senate, insiders tell Politico how the GOP can pick itself up: Write some policy. “It’s critical that our candidates have a very clear set of principles,” says Mitt Romney. Think tax-cutting and spending-slashing....
Are Wii Fit? Nintendo Helps Make a Dent
New York Times
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May 15, 2008 1:32 PM CDT
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Nintendo’s Wii Fit system can turn a couch potato into a workout warrior—or at least make that potato a bit less lumpy, Seth Schiesel writes in the New York Times . The system, launching in North America next week, could be THE next big home fitness trend, pushing that treadmill out to the curb and banishing the Thighmaster forever.
Interview Goofs You Can't Make Up
CNN
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May 15, 2008 1:22 PM CDT
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Do research, don't lie, be professional: Interview tips seem basic enough to follow, but CNN reports the many job seekers have committed serious gaffes we all should learn from: Asking interviewer to leave office so you can take a call Admitting you may quit job if your uncle dies and inheritance kicks in Requesting a ride home ...
Dot Gov Must Act on Looming Dot Everything Shortage
PC World
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May 15, 2008 1:18 PM CDT
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The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says businesses aren’t working hard enough to promote an upgrade to the current Internet protocol, which is set to run out of IP addresses by 2011. So it’s pushing for governments to spend more on IPv6 equipment, software and services, as well as fund R&D for the new protocol,...
Mortgage Deal Close in Senate
Wall Street Journal
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May 15, 2008 1:11 PM CDT
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A Senate committee is close to agreeing on expansion of a government insurance program for refinanced mortgages, the Wall Street Journal reports. Though ridden with partisan conflict as recently as a week ago, staff for Democrat Chris Dodd and Republican Richard Shelby said today the sides were nearing a compromise, and a vote to move the measure...
Chicago Ducks Foie Gras Ban
Chicago Sun-Times
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May 15, 2008 1:00 PM CDT
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A Chicago restaurant ban on foie gras pate that animal lovers love to hate has been lifted by city legislators after two years. The ban caused widespread derision among foodies, fury in the restaurant industry—and plaudits from animal rights advocates who wanted to save the force-fed ducks and geese whose super fatty livers make the pate. Mayor...
Calif. Justices Strike Down Gay Marriage Ban
Los Angeles Times
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May 15, 2008 12:42 PM CDT
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The California Supreme Court legalized gay marriage today, calling state laws discriminatory, the Los Angeles Times reports. The moderately conservative body found that same-sex couple must be allowed to marry, in a case stemming from the 2004 San Francisco unions that the same judges intervened to stop. An initiative on the November ballot could...
Quake Toll Could Top 50K
Reuters
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May 15, 2008 12:39 PM CDT
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The death toll from China’s devastating earthquake could ultimately top 50,000, Reuters reports. Some 20,000 have been confirmed dead, but Chinese officials fear for tens of thousands trapped under rubble, as rescuers contend with landslides, destroyed roads, and collapsed bridges. But even among those above ground, the multitudes of newly homeless...
Farewell to Hillary, and to Sexism
Washington Post
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May 15, 2008 12:24 PM CDT
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Hillary Clinton will almost certainly not be the Democratic nominee for president, and the end of her campaign is a relief for Marie Cocco in the Washington Post —but not for political reasons. The end of the Democratic primary, she writes, will also put to rest the sexist rhetoric of Clinton's opponents and the media, who have called her a...
Thriller Joins Top US History Trove
Variety
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May 15, 2008 12:13 PM CDT
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Michael Jackson's Thriller has been added to the prestigious National Recording Registry's archive of the most important recordings in American history, Variety reports. The monster 1982 hit joins 24 other "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" new additions to the collection, including a 1925 recording of the first-ever...
Spitzer Makes Amends—With His Donors
New York Post
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May 15, 2008 12:11 PM CDT
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Eliot Spitzer had $2.9 million in the bank for a presumed reelection campaign, but the disgraced New York governor has done something rather uncommon for politicians: offered a refund. An email obtained by the New York Post reports that Spitzer will return what remains in his campaign coffers to anyone who makes a request. "When have you ever...
'Greenwashed' Products Mostly Hype
Boston Globe
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May 15, 2008 11:44 AM CDT
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"Green" is in, and many new products being marketed as Earth-friendly are in reality only marginally less unfriendly. The Boston Globe points to hybrid SUVs that get barely better mileage than their standard brethren, water bottles that use less plastic but still require large amounts of energy to make and deliver, and "non-toxic"...
US Must Seize Chance to Make Impact on Darfur
Wall Street Journal
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May 15, 2008 11:33 AM CDT
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The US will take over as president of the UN Security Council next month, and, in the Wall Street Journal, Mia Farrow and Nancy Soderberg say that ending the Darfur genocide should be a key goal during its term. Sudan is denying entry to all non-African UN peacekeepers, the actress and the ex-ambassador explain, so the US must coordinate support...
Ashlee Auctions Rights to Cover 'Secret' Wedding
New York Daily News
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May 15, 2008 11:10 AM CDT
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Rumor has it that one media outlet is offering seven figures to cover Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz’s maybe-shotgun wedding, an affair so secretive that not even the guests know where it will be. Friends and family were sent an e-vite (yes, an e-vite), telling them only to book hotels in the LA area. Then on Saturday private cars will pick them...
Lucky Alaska First to Hit $4 Gas
Reuters
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May 15, 2008 11:03 AM CDT
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It's here. Alaska has the painful distinction of becoming the first state where gas is selling for an average of $4 a gallon, Reuters reports. The average for the rest of the US is hovering at $3.76, but Connecticut, California, New York, and Illinois could all join Alaska in the $4-a-gallon club after Memorial Day weekend.
Bush: Obama Would 'Appease' Terrorists
CNN
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May 15, 2008 10:57 AM CDT
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He didn't name names, but he didn't need to. President Bush used an appearance before Israel’s Knesset today to accuse Barack Obama of the “foolish delusion” that “we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals.” In comments aimed at Obama’s support among American Jews, CNN notes, the president compared the Democrat...
Mayor Vows to Fill SF With Electric Cars
Wired
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May 15, 2008 10:39 AM CDT
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The streets of San Francisco might not be paved in gold, but they'll soon be clogged with electric cars if Mayor Gavin Newsom has anything to say about it. Newsom is in talks with Project Better Place to fill the city with electric car charging stations, a move that could push the technology into the mainstream. “It would be terrific if this...
Is Obama Playing It Too Safe? Is Clinton Really Finished?
Washington Post
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May 15, 2008 10:24 AM CDT
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John Edwards’ endorsement may have helped Obama turn the page on recent troubles, but pundits say he should face up to them—or he leaves an opening for Hillary to climb back in: Sure, it was a “rational, prudent decision” to skip West Virginia, David Broder allows, but it will keep Obama’s blue-collar question...
Foreclosures Go Upscale
Washington Post
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May 15, 2008 10:11 AM CDT
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Luxury homes—once seemingly immune from the mortgage crisis—are starting to hit foreclosure lists across the nation, the Washington Post reports. And, real-estate agents predict, it’s just the beginning of a trend likely to grow as more buyers who bought beyond their means with adjustable-rate and interest-only mortgages are hit...
AT&T Starts Rationing iPhones
The Boy Genius Report
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May 15, 2008 10:02 AM CDT
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AT&T is limiting customers to one iPhone purchase each to keep the popular product in stock longer, according to a newsflash sent to managers and picked up by the Boy Genius Report, and Apple's online stores have already sold out of iPhones. Apple is known for managing its stock effectively, and the disappearing inventory is fueling speculation...
Edwards' Endorsement Is No Game-Changer
Newsweek
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May 15, 2008 9:45 AM CDT
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John Edwards’ endorsement of Barack Obama may “hammer another nail into Clinton’s subterranean coffin,” but it won’t do much to sway primary voters, Andrew Romano writes in Newsweek . Had Edwards taken a pro-Obama stand a few months ago, it might have helped the senator with blue-collar voters. But at this point, the...
Quake Grief Compounded for Single-Child Chinese Families
New York Times
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May 15, 2008 9:26 AM CDT
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Thousands of parents in China's earthquake-hit Sichuan province are grieving for their children today and for most, the misery is particularly heart-wrenching because they have lost their only child, reports the New York Times. China's one-child policy was strictly enforced in the poor and populous province, and the quake took a heavy toll on its...
Angelina: It's Twins!
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 9:02 AM CDT
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The rumors are true: it's going to be a double bundle of joy for Brangelina, AP reports. Angelina Jolie confirmed she was expecting twins after Jack Black let the news slip while the Kung Fu Panda co-stars were being interviewed for the Today show. The new twosome will be the 5th and 6th children for Jolie and partner Brad Pitt.
CBS Shells Out $1.8B to Buy CNET
Wall Street Journal
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May 15, 2008 8:33 AM CDT
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CBS has agreed to buy CNET for $1.8 billion, the Wall Street Journal reports. The merger comes just as CNET was facing a full-scale shareholder revolt. Now, those investors are getting $11.50 a share, a price the stock hasn’t touched in two years and a 45% premium on yesterday’s close. Those shares immediately soared to $11.30 in premarket...
Microsoft Takes Windows to the Walls
CNET
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May 15, 2008 8:22 AM CDT
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Microsoft has already unveiled mega-expensive “Surface” computers, with which a user interacts solely through touch. Now, cNet reports, it's unveiled an impressive lower-budget version: the TouchWall. Touchwall looks like an ordinary projector, except that the image it projects on the wall is itself an interactive touch screen.
Girl Pulled From Quake Rubble After 50 Hours
CNN
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May 15, 2008 8:07 AM CDT
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A girl was rescued from school dorm rubble last night after 50 hours trapped in the wreckage from China’s earthquake, CNN reports. She was calling “uncle, save me," said a rescuer. "The voice could haunt me for the rest of my life.” The rescue was a bright spot as China reported that nearly 400 dams were cracked in the quake,...
Obama Apologizes for Calling Reporter 'Sweetie'
Detroit News
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May 15, 2008 7:48 AM CDT
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Barack Obama has apologized to a reporter for an off-the-cuff term of endearment, reports the Detroit News. While the candidate was stumping in Detroit, the TV journalist called out a question, and he responded: "Hold on one second, sweetie.” He later left her a phone message, calling his remark “a bad habit” that meant “no...
McCain Sees Troops out of Iraq by 2013
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 7:40 AM CDT
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John McCain thinks he can end the Iraq war and bring most troops home within his first term as president, he says in the text of a speech, obtained by the Los Angeles Times , to be delivered this morning. McCain’s doesn't acknowledge a policy change, but includes a list of what he expects to accomplish in his first term: “By January 2013,...
Myanmar Junta Claims Win on Constitution
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 7:22 AM CDT
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Burmese voters overwhelmingly approved a constitution legitimizing military rule, the junta announced to widespread skepticism today. The vote held Saturday did not include two cyclone-ravaged areas where aid to victims is still largely being blocked by the government, but state media said those votes couldn't change the outcome. Turnout elsewhere...
Lakers Top Jazz, Take 3-2 Lead
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 7:13 AM CDT
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So much for Kobe Bryant's sore lower back. Bryant scored 26 points, his teammates kept Utah at bay down the stretch, and Los Angeles Lakers extended the stunning home success by NBA teams in the second round of the playoffs, beating the Jazz 111-104 on Wednesday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.
PS3 Sales Help Sony Get Its Q4 Game On
Wall Street Journal
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May 15, 2008 6:59 AM CDT
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Sony reported fourth quarter profits of $277 million yesterday, driven largely by its once-sputtering PlayStation 3, which passed Microsoft's Xbox 360 and is nipping at the heels of Nintendo’s Wii . The results vastly improved on a loss of $643.6 million a year ago, reports the Wall Street Journal .
Key Mississippi Loss Rattles Republicans
New York Times
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May 15, 2008 6:57 AM CDT
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This week's mauling of the GOP candidate in a special Mississippi election marked the third time this year that a "safe" Republican seat was lost to the Democrats, and GOP bigwigs are sweating about how that bodes for November, the New York Times reports. The party had banked that the Barack Obama connection would turn voters off Democrat...
Raunchy Stern Prank Enrages Dolly
E! Online
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May 15, 2008 6:24 AM CDT
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Dolly Parton has become the latest victim of a Howard Stern audio mashup and the country legend is livid, reports E! Online. The shock jock and his henchmen chopped up and remixed Parton quotes to make it sound as if she was spewing out raunchy and racist remarks. The fuming singer issued a statement hinting that a lawsuit could be on the way.
Austrian Man Murders Family With Ax
CNN
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May 15, 2008 5:43 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Austria made crime headlines again yesterday when a man walked into a Vienna police station and confessed to killing five family members with an ax, CNN reports. He killed his wife and 7-year-old daughter, as well as his parents and father-in-law in other cities, a police spokesman said. Police found the five bodies with ax wounds. The man cited “financial...
18 Afghans Killed by Bomber in a Burka
Reuters
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May 15, 2008 4:59 AM CDT
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A suicide bomber wearing a burka killed 18 people today in a western Afghanistan bazaar, Reuters reports. A spokesman for the Taliban, which claimed responsibility for the attack, said the bomber was a man. The past two years have been Afghanistan’s bloodiest since 2001, and some Western officials fear a return to anarchy in the country.
Hard Choice for Polygamy Moms: Your Cult or Your Kids
Dallas Morning News
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May 15, 2008 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Mothers from the Yearning for Zion polygamist compound in Texas may have to distance themselves from their religion—or face not getting their children back, the Dallas Morning News reports. Texas officials have prepared a list of goals the women need to work toward to prove they can provide a home free from the risk of child sexual abuse—and...
Youngest Supernova Discovered
National Geographic
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May 15, 2008 3:55 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Scientists have discovered the remains of the youngest exploding star, or supernova, ever seen in the Milky Way, shedding new light on the life cycles of stars. The baby supernova G1.9+0.3 is a mere 140 years old, reports National Geographic . Supernovas are a vital component of galaxy development because the exploding stars disperse high-energy particles...
Bacon Breaks Record as Art Market Sizzles
Reuters
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May 15, 2008 3:30 AM CDT
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A 1976 triptych painting by Francis Bacon became the most expensive piece of contemporary art ever sold when it went for $86.2 million at auction last night, Reuters reports. Seventeen other artists also set records at the sale, boosting Sotheby's to the best night in its 300-year history and quashing predictions that the economic slowdown would douse...
Crazy Ants Munch Through Houston
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 3:12 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Houston, you have an ant problem. Billions of ravenous ants have invaded the city and are chomping their way through the city's electrical equipment, causing shorts and failure, AP reports. The previously unknown species—dubbed "crazy raspberry ants"—apparently arrived in Texas on a cargo ship. The invading army is resistant to...
Ohio AG Quits Amid Sex Harassment Scandal
Columbus Dispatch
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May 15, 2008 2:45 AM CDT
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The Ohio attorney general who once vowed to dismantle the state's "culture of corruption" resigned yesterday just hours after a raid on his office by state troopers seeking evidence of illegal activity. Democrat Marc Dann is embroiled in scandal linked to an affair with an aide and was under threat of impeachment after workers filed complaints...
Mussina Stops Streaking Rays
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 12:11 AM CDT
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Robinson Cano went 4-for-4 and drove in a run to back the pitching of Mike Mussina, helping the New York Yankees end the Tampa Bay Rays' six-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. Mussina (6-3) allowed one run and five hits over 6 1-3 innings to win his fifth consecutive decision.
Nationals Topple Mets 5-3
Associated Press
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May 15, 2008 12:06 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Ryan Zimmerman hit a long homer and Tim Redding pitched two-hit ball for six innings, sending the Washington Nationals to a 5-3 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday night. Jesus Flores hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the seventh off Aaron Heilman, who was booed on and off the mound by the Shea Stadium crowd.
Glavine Gets 1st Win for Braves since 2002
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:59 PM CDT
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Tom Glavine pitched 5 2-3 effective innings to earn his first win for Atlanta in six years and the Braves held on for an 8-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night. Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson each hit solo homers and Brian McCann drove in three runs to support Glavine (1-1).
Reds Hook Marlins 7-6 in Extras
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:54 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Cincinnati Reds blew a six-run lead in the ninth, but Paul Janish singled home the tiebreaking run in only his second big-league at-bat for a 7-6, 10-inning victory over the Florida Marlins on Wednesday night. Renyel Pinto (1-2) walked two with two outs before Janish, who arrived from the minors earlier in the day, singled to right field to end...
Verlander Loses Seventh As Tigers Fall to Royals
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:48 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Luke Hochevar pitched six strong innings and Joey Gathright drove in the only runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 2-0 on Wednesday night and hand Justin Verlander his AL-leading seventh loss. Hochevar (3-2), the first overall pick in the 2006 draft, limited the Tigers to four singles while striking out five and walking three.
Cards Best Bucs 5-1
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:44 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Todd Wellemeyer allowed two hits into the eighth inning and Albert Pujols had two hits, reaching base for the 41st straight game to start the season, helping the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Wednesday night. Cesar Izturis and Troy Glaus both had three hits and an RBI for the Cardinals, who ended a three-game losing streak.
Lilly, Cubs Best Padres 8-5
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Ted Lilly struck out 11 in six innings to win his third straight start, and Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto homered to lead the Chicago Cubs over the San Diego Padres 8-5 Wednesday night. Backed by three RBIs apiece from Soriano and Soto, Lilly (4-4) allowed six hits and four runs in six innings.
Stars Avoid Sweep, Send West Finals Back to Detroit
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:27 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Detroit's goal with a guy barely in the crease, if at all, didn't count. Dallas' goal with a guy clearly in the crease did count. Apparently, that's what it takes to slow the mighty Red Wings. Loui Ericksson's goal about 12 minutes after Detroit's was waved off, then third-period goals from Mike Modano and Brenden Morrow sent the Stars past the Red...
C's Best Cavs, Take 3-2 Series Lead
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 11:17 PM CDT
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Someone is going to have to win in Boston to keep the Celtics from winning their 17th NBA title. Cleveland hopes for one more chance. Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 16 rebounds, Rajon Rondo added 20 points and 13 assists, and the Celtics beat the Cavaliers 96-89 on Wednesday night to move within a win of the Eastern Conference finals.
Stairs' Slam Lifts Jays Over Twins
Associated Press
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May 14, 2008 10:59 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Matt Stairs hit a grand slam and Roy Halladay rebounded from a shaky start to help the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5 on Wednesday night. Halladay (4-5) has been the victim of poor run support all season, getting only 3.14 runs per outing entering Wednesday. Stairs' slam in the first inning gave the right-hander a 4-0 advantage.
