Newser Story Index from July, 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.
Does Surfing Equal Reading?
New York Times
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Jul 27, 2008 2:34 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As kids spend more time on the internet and less time reading books, a debate is raging over whether online reading is as educational as the traditional kind, the New York Times reports. While the Web allows readers to quickly gobble up multiple perspectives and information, some experts worry that the internet-obsessed are hurting their intellectual...
'Grateful' Symphony Debuts
NPR
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Jul 27, 2008 2:00 PM CDT
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The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will debut this week an opera derived from the music of the Grateful Dead, on what would have been Jerry Garcia’s 66th birthday. Titled Dead Symphony No. 6, each movement goes truckin' on a different Dead song. The Grateful Dead is “long overdue to be taken as a phenomenon beyond the music itself,”...
Sastre Nets Spain its Third Straight Tour Victory
BBC
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Jul 27, 2008 1:32 PM CDT
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Carlos Sastre won the Tour de France today with a 58-second lead over the second-place finisher, the BBC reports. The 33-year-old is the third Spaniard in a row to win the race. "It's very moving," Sastre said after his first victory in the Tour. "I've dreamt of this since I was a child."
Obama ISO VP Who Can Govern
Politico
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Jul 27, 2008 1:09 PM CDT
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Barack Obama won’t pick a veep based on trying to win a specific region, he said today on Meet the Press . Instead, he’ll focus on “somebody who can help me govern,” Politico reports. The Dem also complimented both Clintons, saying the former first lady “would be on anybody’s short list.” Meanwhile, on This...
McCain Ad Slams Obama for Skipping Troop Meeting
Politico
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Jul 27, 2008 12:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A new John McCain ad goes on the offensive, attacking Barack Obama for canceling a meeting with wounded troops, Politico reports. The clip, which aired in Denver during Saturday Night Live last night, criticizes Obama over his track record with members of the military, sniping: “He made time to go to the gym, but canceled a visit with wounded...
Killer Currents Claim 4 NYC Swimmers
Associated Press
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Jul 27, 2008 12:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Four swimmers have drowned, three are missing, and at least three more have been rescued in two days of deadly ocean currents at Long Island and New York City beaches. Eight-foot waves rocked the area, causing rough seas and a strong rip current. One police lieutenant told the AP he “cannot recall there ever being back-to-back situations like...
Europe Swoons Over Obama
New York Times
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Jul 27, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
While all of Europe—even the right-wing Nicolas Sarkozy—goes ga-ga over Barack Obama, the would-be president is keeping it real, writes an uncharacteristically un-scathing Maureen Dowd in the New York Times. “If you start believing your own hype, which I rarely do, things’ll turn on your pretty quick anyway,” Obama tells...
Idol Also-Ran Holds Cancer Fundraiser
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
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Jul 27, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
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A former American Idol contestant held a sold-out concert in his Indiana hometown last night to help him raise money for his battle against cancer, AP reports. Luke Menard, 29, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma shortly after he was eliminated from the show in March, after reaching the top 16. “I don’t think I would...
Haters, Gas Fail to Crush Hummer Pride
Associated Press
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Jul 27, 2008 11:37 AM CDT
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Sure, the Hummer may be going the way of the dinosaur: Sales are down 40% this year on soaring gas and an eco-image problem, and GM is looking to ditch its troubled brand. But for owners, the AP reports, outsized pride remains part of the package. "It definitely sparks some intense reaction from people on both sides," says one Hummer owner,...
Iran Hangs 29 Convicts, Calls Deaths Crime Deterrent
BBC
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Jul 27, 2008 11:00 AM CDT
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Amid charges of excessive use, Iran hanged 29 convicts this morning in Tehran. The Iranian Supreme Court approved the death sentences, variously on charges of murder, rape, armed robbery, or drug trafficking, the BBC reports. Last year, the country carried out 317 executions, second only to China. Tehran, however, insists the death penalty is an effective...
China Is an Unlikely Superpower
Washington Post
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Jul 27, 2008 10:27 AM CDT
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American pundits are constantly claiming that China will soon overtake the US as the world’s dominant power—but if you look at the facts, that’s just not true, writes John Pomfret in the Washington Post . “Dire demographics, an overrated economy, an environment under siege, and an ideology that doesn't travel well” mean...
Drunk Brit Gal Pals Force Emergency Landing
Associated Press
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Jul 27, 2008 9:55 AM CDT
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Two drunk British women attacked the flight crew on their charter jet en route from Greece to England, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Germany, AP reports. After being denied alcohol, one of the women swung a vodka bottle and tried to open the cabin door. The women may be charged with attempted assault and interfering with air traffic....
Let Innovators Light Way Out of Energy Crisis
New York Times
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Jul 27, 2008 9:28 AM CDT
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As oil-addicted America looks to its energy future, the nation would be wise to follow in the footsteps of two innovators offering straightforward solutions to the crisis, writes Thomas L. Friedman in the New York Times . “The Jewish Henry Ford” has a plan to turn Israel on to electric cars, while an 80-year-old oilman is creating the...
Taliban Targets Attacks for Maximum Panic in Kabul
Newsweek
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Jul 27, 2008 8:35 AM CDT
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Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan lack the firepower to spark a massive attack, but they’re doing their best to wage psychological warfare on Kabul, Newsweek reports. Creating a sense of instability through frequent small-scale attacks, “we can create panic and undermine the last vestiges of support for the regime,” said a Taliban...
Chinese Gymnasts May be Underage
New York Times
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Jul 27, 2008 8:05 AM CDT
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Two of China's Olympic gymnasts may be younger than the cutoff age of 16, although their passports indicate otherwise, the New York Times reports. He Kexin and Jiang Yuyuan both hold papers citing 1991 birthdates, but previous competition records indicate they may be just 14. Why would China want to slip younger gymnasts onto its team?
Pharma Under Fire Over Pricey Drugs for Kids
Portfolio
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Jul 27, 2008 7:37 AM CDT
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In the face of astronomical hikes in the price of drugs used to treat children, a congressional committee is looking into why companies have increased prescription costs as much as 18-fold when related research and marketing expenses are stable, according to lawmakers. One such company charges $69,000 for a three-vial drug treating infantile spasms—while...
India on Alert as Bomb Toll Soars to 49
CNN
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Jul 27, 2008 7:07 AM CDT
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India steeled for more attacks today as the death toll in a series of bombings soared to 49. A little known group called the Indian Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for 17 blasts that rocked a busy market and hospital in the town of Ahmedabad yesterday. Police today found two other unexploded bombs in the town, CNN reports. As many as 200 people...
Mix Masters Stir it Up in Cocktail Contest
Gourmet
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Jul 27, 2008 6:40 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Bartending is a serious business—just ask the four finalists at the US Bartenders’ Guild National Cocktail Competition held in Chicago this year. All four "mixologists" suffered stage fright while preparing their signature drinks for the judge, reports Gourmet . Despite sweating buckets, Las Vegas native Anthony Alba took first...
China's Wind Power Takes Off
Guardian (UK)
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Jul 27, 2008 6:09 AM CDT
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Although known for its monstrous appetite for coal, China has spent the last few years ramping up its wind-power capacity, the Guardian reports. The amount of wind power generated has grown over 100% a year since 2005, with enormous wind farms popping up across the country. "It is huge, huge, huge," said an official from the Global Wind...
Militia Power Wanes as Iraqi Government Gains
New York Times
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Jul 27, 2008 5:38 AM CDT
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The sway of a key Iraqi militia has declined significantly and it's losing control of its Baghdad strongholds to the government, the New York Times reports. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army once controlled politics and police in areas throughout the city, but supporters became disenchanted by its violence and extortion as American...
'Ivy Retardation' Curse of Elites
The American Scholar
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Jul 27, 2008 5:09 AM CDT
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Its advantages are undeniable, but an elite education can also cause a crippling case of “Ivy retardation,” as William Deresiewicz realized while struggling, despite fluency in several languages, to make small talk with his blue-collar plumber in Boston. “The best and the brightest” develop an inflated sense of self-worth and...
Loving Low Dollar, Europeans Come to Shop
MSNBC
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Jul 26, 2008 9:04 PM CDT
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The weak dollar is forcing Americans to shelve travel plans, but Europeans are flying over to score on stellar exchange rates. With the British pound worth $1.99 and the euro $1.58, tourists are coming to the US to shop: More than 15 million visited in the first 4 months of 2008, spending $11.6 billion in April alone—21% more than the same month...
French Fight Ban on Insulting Civil Servants
Times (UK)
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Jul 26, 2008 7:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A Paris publisher has launched a high-profile crusade to legalize an increasingly popular crime: the insulting of public officials, the London Times reports. After being fined €150 for calling a cop a connard —or stupid bastard—Jean-Jacques Reboux got even angrier, and accused civil servants of abusing the law to make money. "It's...
Rugged Riding Game Unlike Snooty Polo
Washington Post
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Jul 26, 2008 7:14 PM CDT
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Don't mistake polocrosse for its snooty cousin, polo, the Washington Post reports. The increasingly popular riding sport is more like rugged lacrosse, because polocrosse players don't just knock a ball around—they scoop, fire, and catch a ball in a hand-held net. "No one's ever heard of it. Not even a lot of horse people," one player...
Watchmen Dazzles at Comic-Con
MTV
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Jul 26, 2008 6:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Thousands of Comic-Con fans cheered yesterday after seeing comic books' holy grail on the big screen, MTV reports. Director Zack Snyder showed an uncut trailer of his dark, violent film adaptation of Watchmen , the only graphic novel to win a Hugo and make Time 's list of the 20th century's greatest novels. The San Diego crowd—many dressed...
Obama's 'One World' Vision Too 'Radical': Bolton
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 26, 2008 6:12 PM CDT
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Barack Obama’s Berlin speech seemed short on content, but actually revealed the senator’s radical globalist thinking, ex-UN ambassador John Bolton writes in the Los Angeles Times . Obama called himself a “citizen of the world,” and said the Berlin Wall fell because “the world stood as one.” But the wall really...
Reality TV: Bad for Child Stars?
Washington Post
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Jul 26, 2008 5:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
CBS’ Kid Nation has drawn its share of controversy, which hasn’t stopped a new crop of kid-centric reality shows from cropping up. NBC is letting teenagers care for babies and toddlers on The Baby Borrowers; a Nickelodeon channel probes children’s emotions on The N’s Student Body ; and A&E’s Psychic Kids teams...
Gramm Guilty of Sparking Subprime Mess
Mother Jones
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Jul 26, 2008 5:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Former Senator Phil Gramm helped create the subprime meltdown, yet faces no punishment—and could even become treasury secretary if John McCain wins in November, David Corn writes in Mother Jones . Eight years ago, a Gramm bill stopped the feds from regulating insurance policies that protected Wall Street securities. These policies, or "swaps,"...
Travel's a Drag for Pro-Tour Surfers
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 26, 2008 4:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Traveling the world as a pro surfer may sound sweet, but surfers say there can be plenty of bummers too, the Los Angeles Times reports. The marathon flights are a drag, and on arrival the many hazards include malaria, stinging sea creatures, food poisoning—and, worst of all, lost surfboards.
Rock Video Games Compete for Top Acts
Rolling Stone
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Jul 26, 2008 4:10 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Aerosmith didn’t release an album in July, but still had their best sales week ever thanks to Guitar Hero: Aerosmith , which bowed to a cool $25 million. Video games have become music’s hottest market, Rolling Stone reports: Rock Band and Guitar Hero are battling for top acts, and musicians are eager to toss in their tunes.
Mills' PR Flack Quits, Calls Her 'Mental Maniac'
New York Post
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Jul 26, 2008 3:40 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Heather Mills’ publicist quit this week over an alleged tell-all book, the New York Post reports. Michele Elyzabeth, who once posted videos online defending Mills, grew exasperated when Mills accused her of writing an insider's account. “I told her I was sick of her outbursts,” says Elyzabeth, “I said, ‘You have a couple...
Iraq Needs Its No-Bid Oil Contracts
Washington Post
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Jul 26, 2008 3:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
US lawmakers have been raging against no-bid deals struck by foreign oil companies in Iraq—but impeding them would be pure folly, energy consultant Raad Alkadiri argues in the Washington Post . Most of these companies have already advised Iraq on its oil fields for free; Baghdad only sought to formalize the business with contracts, which aren't...
Indian Bombings Kill 29
Reuters
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Jul 26, 2008 2:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A series of small explosions rocked an Indian city for the second straight day today, Reuters reports. At least 29 people were killed and 88 injured in a wave of blasts in Ahmedabad, which has a history of Hindu-Muslim tensions. Yesterday, at least one person was killed in a similar series of bombings in the technology hub of Bangalore. No group has...
Slowdown No Problem for Luxury Goods
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 26, 2008 2:22 PM CDT
(Newser) -
If America’s economy is failing, at least it’s going down in style. Sales of luxury goods have been surprisingly strong this year, despite the overarching economic gloom, the Wall Street Journal reports. Brands such as Hermès and Burberry have seen double-digit growth, as Americans continue to snap up expensive jewelry, Swiss watches,...
Sastre Poised to Win Tour
New York Times
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Jul 26, 2008 1:58 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Spain's Carlos Sastre looks poised to win the Tour de France after the last leg before Paris, the New York Times reports. Barring a crash or concerted attack, Sastre, who leads his nearest competitor by 1 minute and 5 seconds overall, will roll to victory in the capital tomorrow. He wasn't out front today, but still held onto the yellow jersey by...
Bin Laden Driver's Soft Spot: McDonald's Fries
Reuters
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Jul 26, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Osama bin Laden’s driver warmed up to interrogators after he was given McDonald’s french fries, Reuters reports. He "even appreciated that McDonald's fries are not good cold," an FBI agent testified yesterday at Salim Hamdan’s war crimes trial. In another instance, he perked up when permitted to call his wife—after...
Phew! Gas Sinks Below $4
CNN
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Jul 26, 2008 1:04 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Gas prices dipped below $4 today for the first time in almost 2 months, CNN reports. A survey by AAA showed that a gallon of regular cost an average of $3.983, 2 cents lower than yesterday. The move continues a trend over roughly the last week in which prices have dropped 10 cents, and they could fall an additional 25 cents by the end of summer, AAA...
More Kids Take Grown-up Drugs in Obesity Fight
New York Times
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Jul 26, 2008 12:33 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Doctors are prescribing drugs to more and more children to treat conditions related to obesity, the New York Times reports. Data released by pharmacy plans show that medication for Type 2 diabetes has seen the biggest increase—151% from 2001 to last year. And this month, a pediatricians group recommended cholesterol-lowering drugs for kids...
Chrysler to Scrap Leasing
Detroit Free Press
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Jul 26, 2008 12:07 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Chrysler will no longer offer auto leases through its financial arm, due to the declining value of used automobiles, particularly trucks and SUVs, the Detroit Free Press reports. Instead, it plans to focus on financing, which could lead to better deals for those who buy cars through loans. Given the present economic climate, “Chrysler is just...
Starving Russian Bears Menace Miners
Associated Press
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Jul 26, 2008 11:32 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A pack of starving bears has surrounded a platinum mine in Russia's remote Kamchatka peninsula, the Los Angeles Times reports. Two guards have been eaten, and terrified miners are refusing to work. The government has sent a team of snipers to kill the ravenous bears, thought to be starving because of widespread salmon poaching.
LA Prof Discovers New World on Foot
Los Angeles Times
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Jul 26, 2008 11:18 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Forced by high gas prices to start walking again, one Los Angeles professor discovered something new: her neighborhood. No longer wanting to drive to a park to walk her dog, Diana Wagman took it through the neighborhood, where she found reburbished homes, furniture on the curb, and—who knew—her neighbors, she writes in the Los Angeles...
Obama Wraps Up Tour in London, Defends Trip
Reuters
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Jul 26, 2008 11:05 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama wrapped up his international tour today in London, chatting for two hours with PM Gordon Brown on Iraq, the economy, and the "special relationship" between the US and Britain. Obama, preparing to head home to Chicago, defended his trip to Europe and the Mideast as polls in the US show that Americans have mixed feelings about...
Obama Brother Surfaces in Britain
Sun (UK)
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Jul 26, 2008 10:53 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama’s Kenyan half-brother Bernard has emerged in England after a British tabloid tracked him down. Bernard Obama told the Sun he was “proud of my brother” and said he was sure Barack would win the White House. “He will be a breath of fresh air for the world,” said Bernard, 37, who was visiting his mother in...
Senate Passes Massive Housing Relief Bill
Associated Press
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Jul 26, 2008 10:37 AM CDT
(AP) -
Congress has passed a housing rescue bill aimed at sparing 400,000 struggling homeowners from foreclosure. President Bush is expected to sign the measure quickly. The Senate passed the legislation by a 72-13 vote in a rare Saturday session. The measure lets homeowners who cannot afford their monthly payments refinance into more affordable government-backed...
Here Comes the Botox
New York Times
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Jul 26, 2008 10:21 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The latest trend among brides-to-be is to set up matching beauty procedures for the wedding party, the New York Times reports. With more women getting married in their 30s and photos more immediately accessible online, many brides are eschewing traditional thank-you gifts of matching bracelets in favor of matching Botox injections for their bridesmaids....
Cuban Youth Prefer Facebook to Revolution
Christian Science Monitor
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Jul 26, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Cuba's youth are restless, but many are more concerned about access to Facebook, flat-screen TVs, and trips abroad than political change, reports the Christian Science Monitor . Young people say that they pressured Raul Castro to allow cell phone and computer ownership, but they remain disillusioned about the prospects for greater change.
Disney Fever Sweeps Shanghai
Wall Street Journal
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Jul 26, 2008 9:23 AM CDT
(Newser) -
As rumors fly about Disney’s interest in building a theme park in Shanghai, residents are already taking action to profit from the project. They're adding on to their property and establishing false businesses, figuring they’ll be compensated for the loss of such holdings if Disney takes control of the area, the Wall Street Journal reports....
Giggling Fab 4 Tape Discovered
Telegraph (UK)
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Jul 26, 2008 8:51 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A 1964 recording of the Beatles laughing too hard to finish a song is to be auctioned, reports the Daily Telegraph . The 30-minute tape captures the Fab Four repeatedly breaking down in giggling fits while trying to record the ballad "I'll Follow The Sun." The comical history tour is expected to fetch at least $20,000.
'Yeti' Hairs Sent for DNA Tests
BBC
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Jul 26, 2008 8:12 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Scientists hope DNA tests will clear up the mystery of hairs claimed to be from a "yeti," or giant ape-like creature, the BBC reports. The hairs, found in dense jungle in India, are not from any known animal in the area. They also bear a strong resemblance to hairs never identified that were collected by Sir Edmund Hillary when he climbed...
Body Language Bares Rivals' Key Differences
LiveScience
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Jul 26, 2008 7:37 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The presidential hopefuls are saying a lot more than just words, reports LiveScience. Body language experts analyzing John McCain and Barack Obama's movements have discovered major differences in the kind of leaders they are likely to be. McCain's firm stance and tendency to grip the podium send out a message of stability, while Obama's looser movements...
