Newser Story Index from June, 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.
FCC Staff Blesses Satellite Radio Merger
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 16, 2008 7:57 AM CDT
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After languishing nearly a year and a half in regulatory limbo, the merger between XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio may finally get the green light to proceed . The FCC staff has signed off on the $5 billion deal, reports the Wall Street Journal, with some conditions devised by FCC Chairman Kevin Mitchell to protect consumers from price...
Barclays Seeks $7.8B From Sovereign Wealth Funds
Times (UK)
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Jun 16, 2008 7:40 AM CDT
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The UK’s fourth-largest bank, Barclays, is looking to raise capital by issuing $7.8 billion in new equity, underwritten by sovereign wealth funds, the London Times reports. The announcement sent shares soaring in trading today. Barclays has been rumored for weeks to be considering a cash infusion, joining a number of other banks looking to...
Bush to Overhaul Access for Disabled
New York Times
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Jun 16, 2008 7:19 AM CDT
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With an eye to aging Boomers and Iraq vets, the Bush administration is set to propose wide-ranging new rules to improve disabled access to public spaces from retail stores to golf courses, the New York Times reports. The move, which updates implementation of the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act, would affect 7 million businesses and all...
Saudis Bumping Oil Flow 2% to Slow Soaring Prices
Associated Press
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Jun 16, 2008 7:02 AM CDT
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Saudi Arabia, worried soaring prices could weaken the world's appetite for oil, will increase production by 200,000 barrels a day, beginning next month, the Saudi oil minister told UN chief Ban Ki-moon in a meeting yesterday. The move follows a May increase of 300,000 barrels, the AP notes.
Explosive Mentos- Coke Secret Uncapped
ABC News
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Jun 16, 2008 6:35 AM CDT
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You've seen it on hit YouTube videos, but now young researchers have unlocked the secret of the volcanic reaction that occurs when Mentos are dropped into Diet Coke, ABC News reports. Students at Appalachian State University say the rough, dimply surface of the sinking candy disrupts the water molecules in the soda to create powerful "bubble growth...
Dying Patients Helped by Docs' End-of-Life Talks
Associated Press
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Jun 16, 2008 5:51 AM CDT
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While only a third of terminally-ill cancer patients received end-of-life talks from their doctors, those who did fared better, a study has found. Doctors who hedge may think they’re protecting their patients, but patients who got the talk were no more likely to get depressed, avoided living their final days in hospitals, and didn’t spend...
In the Heights Tops Tonys
New York Times
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Jun 16, 2008 5:22 AM CDT
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Last night’s Tony Awards featured an eclectic mix of new shows and revivals, an acceptance-speech rap from a first-time writer, and performances from a variety of musicals young and old. The winners: Best Musical: In the Heights Best Play: August: Osage County Best Revival of a Musical: South Pacific Best Revival...
California Readies for Wave of Gay Weddings Today
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jun 16, 2008 4:52 AM CDT
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San Francisco officials are preparing for an expected tidal wave of weddings this evening as gay marriage officially becomes legal in California at 5pm. But celebrations could be short-lived if a November initiative blocks the court decision that paved the way for the marriages. The San Francisco Chronicle takes a look at California’s support...
A Million Flee Chinese Deluge
Reuters
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Jun 16, 2008 4:24 AM CDT
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More than a million Chinese have fled floods in the southern regions of the nation after some of the worst storms in decades. The deluge comes as China is reeling from a devastating earthquake. The situation is likely to get worse in the next few days with expected flooding along the Yellow River, Reuters reports.
Earliest Monsoon Rains in Century Kill 23 in India
Associated Press
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Jun 16, 2008 3:59 AM CDT
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Monsoon rains pelted India two weeks early for the first time in over a century yesterday, killing at least 23 people, AP reports. Villagers died in floods, landslides and building collapses. Rescuers helped at least 50,000 people in one district in Assam from flooded areas to higher ground, and troops were standing by to help others.
Bush London Trip Sparks Clashes
BBC
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Jun 16, 2008 3:25 AM CDT
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Hundreds of anti-war demonstrators clashed with London police as they protested President Bush's visit yesterday, reports the BBC. Protesters chanted "George Bush, terrorist!" but were kept out of the president's earshot as he arrived at 10 Downing Street.
Scientists Honing Gaydar
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 16, 2008 2:57 AM CDT
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Scientists are examining how homosexuality may affect everything from penis sizes to how one navigates new cities, reports the Los Angeles Times . Innate differences between gays and straights rooted in biology could lead researchers to discover the biological origins of sexual orientation.
Label-Free Tainted Tomatoes Tough to Trace
Associated Press
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Jun 16, 2008 2:29 AM CDT
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Two months after salmonella-tainted tomatoes entered the food supply, the FDA has still not tracked down the source. Blame the label-free tomato with no bar codes to help investigators, reports AP. The FDA has had to rely on the fickle memories of victims, who are having trouble recalling if they ate the plum, roma or round variety.
Lakers Still Alive, Beat Celtics 103-98 in Game 5
Associated Press
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Jun 15, 2008 11:25 PM CDT
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Pack up the championship trophy and book a flight back to Boston, the NBA finals aren't over yet. The Los Angeles Lakers are headed East to try a historic comeback of their own. Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, including a decisive dunk in the final minute, and Lamar Odom added 20 as the Lakers, playing with pride on their star-studded stage, prevented...
Woods Birdie Forces US Open Playoff
Associated Press
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Jun 15, 2008 8:27 PM CDT
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Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods have finished in a tie at the U.S. Open, forcing an 18-hole playoff for the first time since 2001. The playoff at Torrey Pines will be Monday. Woods will try to win his 14th major, while Mediate, 45, will try to become the oldest player to win the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open is the only major to play an 18-hole playoff. The...
Beastie Directs Film, Reilly Does Double Header
Esquire
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Jun 15, 2008 8:26 PM CDT
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Who will reign in pop culture next month? A dead drug addict and rapper-turned-filmmaker are on Esquire 's list of predictions: Actor John C. Reilly will compete with Will Farrell for jokes in the upcoming laffer, Step Brothers. Beastie Boy Adam Yauch has directed Gunnin' for that #1 Spot , a doc about high school basketball...
Murdoch's Journal Wins Back a Fan
Slate
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Jun 15, 2008 8:08 PM CDT
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Rupert Murdoch's attempt to make the Wall Street Journal the "first read" for elites, rather than playing second to the New York Times on non-financial stories, looked like a recipe for disaster to Jack Shafer. It was likely to result in me-too coverage crowding out the Journal's signature reporting, he wrote earlier. Now he says he's...
Managers Get No Red Flags in Replay Plan
ESPN
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Jun 15, 2008 8:02 PM CDT
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MLB's current plan for video review may go into effect as early as August 1, but don't expect it to be like the NFL's system. Team managers will have no say in which plays get looked at, and the experts analyzing footage won't even be in the stadium, ESPN reports.
Bush Forced Ruling on Detainees
Newsweek
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Jun 15, 2008 7:45 PM CDT
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President Bush forced the Supreme Court’s hand by overplaying his own over Guantanamo detainees, Stuart Taylor, Jr. writes in Newsweek . Courts usually defer to Washington on national security, but Bush so flouted ordinary "ideas of justice and liberty" that he "put the Supreme Court in an impossible position." Stuck with...
Hundreds Flee Iowa City as River Crests
Associated Press
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Jun 15, 2008 7:15 PM CDT
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The Iowa River crested a foot and a half lower than expected today, but Iowa City officials still ordered hundreds of families to evacuate, the AP reports. Iowa’s governor, with 83 of his 99 counties still disaster areas, cautioned the state’s southeastern region to expect “major and serious flooding.” “We’re not...
Family Sues School in NY Bully Battle
ABC News
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Jun 15, 2008 6:55 PM CDT
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Bullied at school, a Long Island teenager posted an anti-violence video on YouTube that racked up more than 15,000 hits. The 7-minute montage by Patrick Kohlmann, 13, urges kids to stop fighting, but it didn't solve his problem. Now Patrick's parents are suing the school for failing to help him, ABC News reports.
Obama Slams Black Dads on Father's Day
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 6:27 PM CDT
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Barack Obama sharply critiqued black fathers today at one of Chicago's biggest black churches, the New York Times reports. “Too many fathers are M.I.A, too many fathers are AWOL,” he said to a mostly black audience, including his wife and daughters. “I say this knowing that I have been an imperfect father,” he said, “knowing...
Calif. Marriage May Be Mirage for Gay Couples
Washington Post
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Jun 15, 2008 6:11 PM CDT
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Gay couples should exchange vows warily in California this week, Joe Matthews writes in the Washington Post . “California—with its dysfunctional politics and government—may hurt the cause of same-sex marriage,” he warns. An upcoming state ballot on gay marriage could cast the issue into limbo for years, and leave couples in...
Afghan Sex Trade Thrives Despite Taboos
Associated Press
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Jun 15, 2008 5:37 PM CDT
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Sex is selling in Afghanistan despite Islamic laws that make prostitution punishable by death, the AP reports. At least 900 women do it in Kabul, but residents admit only to brothels full of Chinese prostitutes; to be a native Afghan hooker is "very, very bad," one expert said. But 30 years of war and poverty inspire many to try, despite...
Get Ready for Some Hot Robot Lovin'
AFP
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Jun 15, 2008 5:10 PM CDT
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Human-robot love is no longer the stuff of science fiction, AFP reports. At least one researcher predicts that 40 years from now, robots will tell you stories, make you laugh, and swear that they love you. As for sex, robots will be capable of it in 5 years: It's "a sort of an upgrade of the sex dolls on sale now," one expert said.
Hulk Sees Green at Box Office
Variety
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Jun 15, 2008 4:38 PM CDT
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The Incredible Hulk stormed the weekend box office, grossing $54.5 million for Universal and Marvel Comics , Variety reports. Kung Fu Panda fell to second with $34.3 million as the R-rated thriller The Happening surprised analysts by banking $30.5 million in third. You Don't Mess With the Zohan and Indiana Jones claimed fourth and fifth...
Why White Supremacists Prefer Obama
Esquire
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Jun 15, 2008 4:15 PM CDT
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McCain may lead Obama by 10% among white voters, but three of four white supremacists say they prefer the Illinois senator, Esquire reports. The Director of the White Aryan Resistance calls Obama a "black racist," but still supports him because of McCain's economic policies. He "hates the transnational corporations more than...
Embattled AIG CEO Steps Down
Wall Street Journal
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Jun 15, 2008 3:43 PM CDT
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Martin Sullivan has stepped down as AIG's CEO, and the company's board named chairman Maurice Willumstad his successor, insiders tell the Wall Street Journal . The insurance giant's stock has plummeted more than 50% since October due to subprime writedowns, and Sullivan is still embroiled in legal battles with his former boss. The new chief may start...
New Israeli Settlements Have 'Negative Effect': Rice
Associated Press
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Jun 15, 2008 3:34 PM CDT
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Condoleezza Rice said today that Israeli settlement building is having a “negative effect” on Mideast peace talks, the AP reports. “It’s important to have an atmosphere of confidence and trust,” she said at a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. She warned against Israel’s plan to build 1,300...
Gender and Race Aside, Age Pushes to Fore
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 3:17 PM CDT
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Now that a primary season fraught with racism and sexism has ended, the nation now gears up to face its general-election gremlin: ageism. While John McCain, 71, may joke that the primary qualification to be president is "to be very, very, very, very old," the New York Times reports that his age may work for him among ever-more vibrant oldsters...
Karzai Warns Pakistan He'll Send Troops Over Border
BBC
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Jun 15, 2008 2:33 PM CDT
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Citing the right to self defense, Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned that his country may send troops across the border with Pakistan to fight militants who have killed Afghans, BBC reports. "When they cross the territory from Pakistan to come and kill Afghans and to kill coalition troops it exactly gives us the right to go back and do the same."
Inside Academia, Subtler Sexism
Inside Higher Ed
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Jun 15, 2008 2:17 PM CDT
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Gender discrimination at research universities is surely much better than it was in decades past, but a study based on interviews of female faculty finds that sexism remains on campus, Inside Higher Ed reports. While overt shows of bias are rare, a host of subtler, “deeply entrenched inequities” have replaced them. Noted by the report are:
Obama Gets Personal With Voters
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 1:40 PM CDT
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Seeking to shake criticism that he’s nothing more than a talented orator, Barack Obama has spent the week meeting voters face-to-face, the New York Times reports. His massive primary-campaign rallies were energizing, but also “isolating,” said his chief strategist. So instead the presumptive Democratic nominee has hosted round-table...
Pearl Jam Mixes Dylan, Politics at Bonnaroo
Rolling Stone
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Jun 15, 2008 1:00 PM CDT
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Pearl Jam stormed Bonnaroo's massive stage last night for a 3-hour live show that mixed B-sides and Bob Dylan covers with a heapin' helping of politics, reports Rolling Stone . The performance in front of tens of thousands was rare for grunge's supergroup, reports the AP, which has largely avoided such scenes since 9 were trampled to death at a 2000...
Bush Running Out of Time to Catch Bin Laden
Times (UK)
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Jun 15, 2008 12:32 PM CDT
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President Bush has renewed the hunt for Osama bin Laden, enlisting the aid of British special forces to make the capture before he leaves the White House next year, the Times of London reports. Bush's European farewell tour moved today to England, which has participated in renewed raids in northern Pakistan. “Bush is swinging for the fences...
Meet the Press Remembers Russert
Politico
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Jun 15, 2008 11:42 AM CDT
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With the moderator's chair empty, Tom Brokaw began this morning's edition of "Meet the Press" by urging the show's guests not to cry, Politico reports. Friends and admirers of longtime host Tim Russert gathered to recall the highlights of his career and what made the ultimate political junkie.
I Was Never In It to Win It: 'Accidental' Idol
Rolling Stone
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Jun 15, 2008 11:32 AM CDT
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David Cook almost didn't audition for American Idol —he was there to offer moral support to his younger brother. But goading from his family kicked off a whirlwind journey that took him from fledgling Midwest rocker to Billboard star. Cook tells Rolling Stone about his modest beginnings—and his early skepticism about the Idol pop...
Snoop's Wife Busted on DUI Charge
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 15, 2008 11:13 AM CDT
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Snoop Dogg’s wife was arrested early yesterday on suspicion of drunk driving, the Los Angeles Times reports. Shante Broadus, 32, was issued a citation and is scheduled to appear in court next month. Police would not comment on whether other people were in the vehicle. Broadus and Snoop Dogg have been married since 1997 and have three children.
Arms Smugglers Had Nuke Blueprints
Washington Post
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Jun 15, 2008 11:02 AM CDT
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Smugglers who sold weapons parts to Libya, Iran, and North Korea also had blueprints for a compact nuclear weapon—plans that could have been sold “to some of the most treacherous regimes in the world," warns an upcoming report by American and international investigators. The device could be attached to missiles used by Iran and many...
Gimp Can't Hold Tiger Back
Golf.com
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Jun 15, 2008 10:26 AM CDT
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Phil Mickelson is out of the picture, and Rocco Mediate doesn't worry Tiger Woods much. For most of the US Open's third round yesterday, Tiger's biggest threat was his own left knee, Golf.com reports. The knee would send his tee shots flaring off the fairway, and then Woods would muster up a spectacular answering shot to secure eagle.
Are Tomatoes From Local Farms Safer?
Newsweek
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Jun 15, 2008 10:02 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Salmonella-tainted tomatoes that sickened 228 people in 28 states may be a boon to the local-food movement, but Newsweek takes a look at whether "locavores" should be so smug. Equating smaller farms with safer practices—and long-distance shipping with more time for bacteria to infect food—more produce-lovers are turning to farmers’...
McCain's War Views Echo '74 Thesis
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 9:24 AM CDT
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“A man’s ability to perform credibly as a prisoner of war” is founded on “a strong belief in his nation’s foreign policy,” John McCain wrote in a 1974 essay that shows the seeds of the candidate's views on public support for war. The New York Times takes a look at the essay, which was written during his time at...
Sketch Released in Schoolgirl Sleepover Murders
CNN
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Jun 15, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
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Police have released a sketch of a “person of interest” being sought for questioning in the mysterious shooting deaths of two young schoolgirls that have stunned a small rural community in Oklahoma. The man was seen on the same isolated dirt road where the bullet-riddled bodies of two friends who had spent the night together at a sleepover...
Consumers Rattled by 'Green Overload'
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 8:30 AM CDT
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Inundated with reports on how best to save the environment, many consumers are left confused and suffering from an information overload the New York Times dubs “green noise.” Many eco-facts are contradictory and options are puzzling (is it better, for example, to get a used car, or a hybrid?). Environmental groups worry that too much...
Secret UK Terrorism Files Left on Train—Again
Independent (UK)
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Jun 15, 2008 7:48 AM CDT
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For the second time this week, confidential British government documents on fighting terrorism were left on a train and passed to the media. The papers blast countries like Iran for financial policies that can be used to terrorists’ advantage, reports the Independent , which released no other details about the documents. Earlier this week, a...
Bush Gushes About Carla
BBC
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Jun 15, 2008 7:25 AM CDT
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President Bush today complimented Nicolas Sarkozy on his wife, calling her “a really smart, capable woman,” the BBC reports. “I can see why you married her,” he added. In Paris as part of his European tour, Bush called the French president by his first name and noted that “America’s first friend was France”...
Gays, Like Everyone, Find Marriage a Mixed Blessing
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 6:50 AM CDT
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It’s been four years since Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, and there are winners, losers—and everything in between, the New York Times reports. In what one gay married man calls “a mixed bag,” it appears that gays are more likely to rush into marriage, more likely to marry older, and more likely to sign pre-nuptial agreements....
Bolting Clinton Fans? It's a GOP Myth
New York Times
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Jun 15, 2008 6:27 AM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain's aggressive courtship of Hillary Clinton's female supporters shouldn't surprise anyone who's been paying attention, Frank Rich writes in the New York Times. "The fictional scenario of mobs of crazed women defecting to Mr. McCain" rather than Barack Obama fits right in with the "new bogus narrative" that ignores a...
California to End Last Outpost of Segregation: Prisons
Christian Science Monitor
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Jun 15, 2008 5:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
California will fully integrate its prison system next month, making it one of the last states to do so, the Christian Science Monitor reports. The state will end the practice of separating new arrivals to the nation's largest prison system based on race. Both guards and inmates are bracing for a spike in racial violence in cramped cells.
Wedding Biz a Pricey Sham
Times (UK)
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Jun 15, 2008 5:28 AM CDT
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The wedding industry is a bloated, $10 billion sham that presses each bride to "express her essential self," Janice Turner writes in the London Times . Butterflies in boxes? Check. A “lifesized butterscotch-flavored effigy” of the bride? Check. But as odd offerings increase and wedding bills average $40,000, marriages have hit...
