Newser Story Index from August, 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.
Russia, Georgia Exchange Prisoners
Times (UK)
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Aug 19, 2008 7:31 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Russia and Georgia exchanged prisoners of war today in a gesture that observers hope will reduce tensions and expedite a Russian withdrawal. Fifteen Georgians and five Russians were set free, the Georgian military says. Yet despite the exchange, there was still no movement of Russian troops out of Gori or other parts of Georgian territory, reports...
Pakistan Hospital Bomb Kills 23
Guardian (UK)
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Aug 19, 2008 7:20 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Twenty-three people died today and another 20 were wounded in a suspected suicide bomb attack in a Pakistani hospital. The blast took place in the North West Frontier Province, the highly volatile region bordering Afghanistan. The explosion took place as Shia Muslims were mourning the death of a leader, who had been shot and whose corpse had been transported...
College Presidents Push to Lower Drinking Age
Associated Press
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Aug 19, 2008 7:18 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Presidents of 100 prominent colleges are behind an effort to have the drinking age lowered, from 21 to 18, claiming that earlier experience of drinking younger will reduce students' binge drinking in college. Presidents of Duke, Dartmouth, Ohio State, Syracuse, Tufts and Colgate are among the campaign's supporters, AP reports.
Bombing Outside US Base in Afghanistan Kills 12
New York Times
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Aug 19, 2008 6:57 AM CDT
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A suicide bomber killed 12 workers and wounded 22 others after detonating his vehicle outside a US military base in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, the New York Times reports. No American military personnel were injured or killed. A second suicide car-bomber tried to follow soon after but was turned back, as were militants wearing explosive vests...
Fannie, Freddie Take Another Beating on Bailout Fears
Wall Street Journal
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Aug 19, 2008 6:51 AM CDT
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Share prices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac took another precipitous plunge yesterday as investors fear the home mortgage giants will not be able to avoid a government bailout, the Wall Street Journal reports. An article in Barron’s stoked smoldering concerns that the companies will not be able to raise more capital by selling shares and that...
Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Algeria
Associated Press
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Aug 19, 2008 6:34 AM CDT
(AP) -
A suicide car bomber struck a police academy in Algeria today, killing at least 43 people and injuring 38, says the country’s Interior Ministry. The toll was a "preliminary estimate" for the attack in Boumerdes, some 35 miles east of Algiers. The attack occurred as young applicants were in line to register at the academy. No group...
Memphis Bids Hayes Soulful So-Long
Commercial Appeal (Memphis)
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Aug 19, 2008 6:22 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Thousands gathered at a Memphis-area mega-church to say a final farewell to Isaac Hayes, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. Family members mixed with musicians from across the genres, as well as Hollywood stars, politicians, Scientologists, African royalty, and thousands of ordinary people paying tribute to the soul legend who died earlier this...
'Joker Teens' Nabbed in 'Terror Plot'
ABC News
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Aug 19, 2008 5:46 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Virginia police didn't see the humor of a Joker-inspired prank that terrified dozens of residents, ABC News reports. Two 18-year-olds have been charged with conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism after leaving playing cards with threatening messages on them scattered around their town. Cops say the felony charge—which carries up to 20 years...
Asia Stocks Hit 2-Year Low, Europe Tumbles
Reuters
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Aug 19, 2008 5:11 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Asian stocks hit a two-year low today and European markets opened lower amid fears that the US will be forced to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In Tokyo the Nikkei tumbled 2.3%, leading declines across the region. Stocks of big European banks such as Barclays and Société Générale were sliding.
Musharraf's Exit Leaves Alarming Power Vacuum
New York Times
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Aug 19, 2008 4:46 AM CDT
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Pervez Musharraf was once Washington's most important ally in the Muslim world, but the general-turned-civilian president of Pakistan had become an increasingly unreliable partner in the combat against Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgents, writes the New York Times . Now that Musharraf has resigned, the US will have to work with Pakistan's squabbling,...
West Worries as Russia Digs In
New York Times
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Aug 19, 2008 4:17 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Russian forces appear to be hunkering down rather than beginning their promised withdrawal from Georgian territory, the New York Time s reports. Troops are digging in along the highway to Tbilisi and military vehicles are moving in both directions, alarming the West, according to Reuters. Pentagon officials say they have seen no significant Russian...
Two Busted in Honeymoon Murders
Guardian (UK)
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Aug 19, 2008 3:46 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A 20-year-old man and a teenager in Antigua have been charged with murder and robbery in the shooting deaths of a honeymooning British couple last month, the Guardian reports. The two are expected to remain in custody until they face trial. The victims were buried last week at the Welsh church where they were married a month ago.
Terror Cell 'Targeted Queen'
Telegraph (UK)
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Aug 19, 2008 3:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A terror cell busted by British police was apparently plotting an attack on the queen and other royals, reports the Daily Telegraph. Islamic extremist Aabid Hussain Khan, 23, was convicted yesterday of possessing terrorist materials, including detailed information on royal residences, and other London landmarks. The cell included a teenager, Britain's...
Supplies Drop as Big Oil's Power Shrivels
New York Times
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Aug 19, 2008 2:55 AM CDT
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A rapidly changing world order has left the giant oil companies all monied up with nowhere to drill, the New York Times reports. The Western oil giants' share of production has plummeted from over half in the 1970s to just 13% today. Production is falling as oil supplies remain in the hands of foreign state-owned firms which lack expertise.
US Sweeps 400m Hurdles
Miami Herald
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Aug 19, 2008 2:31 AM CDT
(Newser) -
US men swept the 400-meter hurdle competition at the Olympics yesterday, but bronze medalist Bershawn Jackson covered the longest distance—all the way from a rugged Florida neighborhood, reports the Miami Herald. Cheering him inside Bird's Nest stadium was the childhood coach who remembered he "hated to lose just as much at 10 as he...
China Likely to Use Georgia War to Justify Crackdowns
Bloomberg
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Aug 19, 2008 2:10 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The Chinese government will likely seize upon the Georgia conflict to justify crackdowns on its own separatists in Tibet and Xinjiang, according to a Bloomberg analysis. Chinese officials view the Georgia conflict "as the result of Russia's inability to control the country," and they don't want to make the same mistake, said one analyst....
Half in US Say God Can Save the Dying
Associated Press
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Aug 18, 2008 8:43 PM CDT
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Many Americans believe God can intervene to save dying patients, a new survey shows. More than half say that God can revive a family member declared lost by doctors, and nearly 75% agree that patients are justified in seeking extra treatment. "Sensitivity to this belief will promote development of a trusting relationship" between doctors...
Obama Ready to Reveal 'Safe' VP Pick
New York Times
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Aug 18, 2008 8:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Barack Obama will unveil his running mate as early as Wednesday and kick off a tour of swing states before the Democratic convention, the New York Times reports. His pick likely boils down to three politically safe choices, sources say: Sen. Evan Bayh, Gov. Tim Kaine, and Sen. Joe Biden. Some Democrats still hope Hillary Clinton has a shot and Gov....
Want Predictions? Bet on Markets, Not Polls
Telegraph (UK)
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Aug 18, 2008 7:23 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Opinion polls have a spotty track record when it comes to predicting political events, Paul Parsons writes in the Telegraph . He recommends a clearer crystal ball: futures markets, such as the University of Iowa’s Electronic Market. Functionally the same as a financial market, IEM allows individuals to bet between 1 cent and $1 on the likelihood...
Anti-Spam Program Aids Archivists
BBC
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Aug 18, 2008 6:41 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Archivists attempting to convert aging texts into digital copies are turning to a trusted online tool used to block automated spammers, the BBC reports. Many sites that make users write out garbled words or segments of text as a means of proving they’re actual human beings are displaying texts from antique texts that need transcribing.
Fla. Keys Unfazed by Fay
Associated Press
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Aug 18, 2008 6:11 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Tropical Storm Fay has scared off tourists but left laid-back Florida Key residents unconcerned, the AP reports. "We're not worried about it. We've seen this movie before," said one Floridian who was stocking up on food and whiskey today. The storm that killed at least eight in Haiti and the Dominican Republic did lash the Keys today, and...
Disappointment Has a Silver (Medal) Lining
San Diego Union-Tribune
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Aug 18, 2008 5:45 PM CDT
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Despite failing to win an individual medal, and her tearful insistence that she cost the US the team gold, gymnast Alicia Sacramone is enjoying wild popularity among fans across the world, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "I guess it's kind of surprising,” said Sacramone, who has climbed as high as fourth ("volcanic") on...
Fishburne Joins CSI Cast
TV Guide
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Aug 18, 2008 5:17 PM CDT
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Laurence Fishburne, who starred in Boyz in the Hood and The Matrix , will return to TV this fall, joining the cast of CSI. Fishburne will replace William Petersen and will play an ex-pathologist now teaching a college course in criminalistics, reports TV Guide . He'll first appear in the hit CBS show's ninth episode, currently set to air December...
McCain Pulls Even with Obama in Ohio: Poll
The Hill
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Aug 18, 2008 4:55 PM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain has caught up to Barack Obama in Ohio, a possible indication that staunch Hillary Clinton supporters have neither forgiven nor forgotten, the Hill reports. Obama led in the crucial swing state in June and July, but a new poll shows him and McCain tied at 45%. Almost 90% of Republicans support McCain, to just 75% of Democrats backing Obama....
Derby-Winning Filly Dead at 31
Associated Press
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Aug 18, 2008 4:42 PM CDT
(AP) -
Genuine Risk, one of only three fillies to win the Kentucky Derby, died this morning in Virginia. She was 31. The 1980 Derby winner died peacefully after eating a hearty breakfast and being turned out in her paddock, said an administrator at Newstead Farm, adding that the chestnut mare had not been ill. Genuine Risk was the only filly to finish in...
Religion No Excuse for Not Treating Gays: Calif. Court
San Francisco Chronicle
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Aug 18, 2008 4:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
California doctors must provide services to gays and lesbians in line with all other patients, even if it conflicts with their religious beliefs, the state’s supreme court ruled today. The justices unanimously shot down an effort by a San Diego County fertility clinic's physicians to use religion as grounds for refusing artificial insemination...
Cyberattack Could Easily Cripple US
CNN
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Aug 18, 2008 4:16 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The internet infrastructure of the US may be vulnerable to a cyberattack similar to those launched against Georgia before and during the Russian invasion, CNN reports. Large-scale online attacks, meant to overwhelm and shut down internet servers from anywhere in the world, are cheap and relatively easy to execute—and would catch America underprepared,...
Go Figure: Candidates Differ Wildly on What 'Rich' Means
Los Angeles Times
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Aug 18, 2008 4:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
If there was a "gotcha" question in Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren's interviews with the presidential candidates Saturday, it was asking them each to take a shot at defining "rich." Barack Obama said people making more than $250,000 per year. John McCain went with $5 million—a figure he immediately regretted—"I'm...
Hostesses Wow after Grueling Preparation
Reuters
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Aug 18, 2008 3:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The hostesses helping to hand out medals at the Beijing Olympics are earning high praise for their glamor and grace. But while they make their jobs look simple, a whopping amount of training and a meticulous selection process brought the women to the world stage. Candidates were chosen using precise physical measurements and had to endure a "charm...
An Olympic Medal, but Then What?
New York Times
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Aug 18, 2008 3:47 PM CDT
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When Olympic careers end, many athletes endure emotional stress or cope with the comedown by turning to drugs, the New York Times reports. Few can expect the multi-million-dollar endorsement deals that await Michael Phelps, and many fail to redirect their focus. The fix, says one sports psychologist, is to identify a BHAG: a "big, hairy, audacious...
Young Republicans Staking Out Positions on the Web
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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Aug 18, 2008 3:38 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Online activism has long been a strength of the Democratic party, but a group of young Republicans is taking its message to the Internet in an attempt to sway younger voters, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. MoveRed.org is attempting to make up lost ground for the GOP online by targeting young voters with its own YouTube series.
Financials Skid, Spark Sell-Off
MarketWatch
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Aug 18, 2008 3:26 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The markets took a tumble today as familiar fears about a government bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac returned to the fore, MarketWatch reports. Led by its financial components, the Dow fell 180.02 to close at 11,479.88. The Nasdaq shed 35.54, settling at 2,416.98, while the S&P 500 dropped 19.54 to close at 1,278.66.
On Land and Sea, Passport Info in the Cards
Miami Herald
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Aug 18, 2008 3:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Starting this month, US residents have the option to use a wallet-size passport card instead of the traditional booklet when crossing land and sea borders, the Miami Herald reports. The cards, which aren't accepted for air travel, cost less than standard passports and speed the border-crossing process. The State Department expects to issue as many...
West Primed for Dems' Taking
Los Angeles Times
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Aug 18, 2008 3:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The West has long been a Republican stronghold, but Democrats have a chance there in November, Ken Salazar writes in the Los Angeles Times . Salazar himself beat the Republican establishment to win a Colorado Senate seat in 2004. Independents are now the region’s largest voting bloc, he writes, and communities are frustrated by 7 years of “feeling...
Baby Whale to Yacht: Are You My Mother?
Australia's News Network
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Aug 18, 2008 3:03 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A disoriented baby humpback whale in the waters off New South Wales, Australia, apparently decided a yacht was its mother, the Daily Telegraph reports. Government naturalists lured the calf, which was nuzzling the boat and trying to nurse, out to sea by towing the yacht. "It's a very sad situation," said a National Parks and Wildlife spokesman....
Close Casting Calls for Stars
New York Post
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Aug 18, 2008 2:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Some of today's brightest stars nearly landed iconic TV roles, but didn't for better or worse. Author Eila Mell reveals a few near-misses to the New York Post : Harrison Ford turned down the part of "Meathead" in All in the Family . Mickey Rooney also passed on bigot Archie Bunker. Rosie O'Donnell was...
'Sacrifice' Is Dirty Word in Energy Plans
Salon
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Aug 18, 2008 2:39 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama are each touting a plan to save America from the looming energy crisis, but they're providing too many sunny outlooks and not enough tough candor, Walter Shapiro writes in Salon. "The Ten Commandments of politics now began, 'Thou shalt not talk honestly to the American people about sacrifice,'"...
Grand Canyon Rescue Resumes
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
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Aug 18, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Rescue operations resumed this morning in the Grand Canyon, as helicopters airlifted campers and residents stranded by severe flooding, the Arizona Republic reports. Around 400 people have been evacuated since yesterday, and rescue workers are still searching for 11 tourists who remain unaccounted for—although the local sheriff says it’s...
It's Obama's World, But McCain Has a Foothold
Washington Post
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Aug 18, 2008 2:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain seemed personal, clear, and passionate. Barack Obama seemed nuanced, composed, and competent. So who won? Dueling Washington Post op-eds come down on either side. Consummate Washington insider Sally Quinn argues that Rick Warren's serial interviews weren't a debate, meaning there can't be a winner. But the candidates presented dueling...
Georgian Conflict Highlights Eastern Anxieties
Christian Science Monitor
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Aug 18, 2008 2:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
As Russian forces continue to roll through Georgia, both Eastern and Western nations are reconsidering their relations in the face of an emboldened and insolent Moscow. The Christian Science Monitor examines this new geopolitical reality from the perspective of ex-Soviet states determined to prevent a renaissance of Russia's hegemony over its neighbors....
NY Sculptor Builds Fortune Out of Legos
Portfolio
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Aug 18, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
For New York artist Nathan Sawaya, earning a six-figure salary is child's play. That's because Sawaya makes his living creating arresting sculptures from Lego blocks. Once a stressed-out Wall Street attorney, he began building the whimsical pieces at night as a way to unwind. Now, he tells Portfolio , he gets commissions from rock stars and big spenders...
McCain Rips Obama on Defense
New York Times
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Aug 18, 2008 1:37 PM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain blasted Barack Obama’s “shifting positions” on Iraq during a speech before a veterans group today, the New York Times reports. McCain slammed Obama for a vote against troop funding, and anti-surge statements. “Both candidates in this election pledge to end this war and bring our troops home,” he said. “The...
'Supermom' Torres Won't Rule Out 2012 Games
Philadelphia Inquirer
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Aug 18, 2008 1:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Though Dara Torres says she’s looking forward to hanging with her 2-year-old, the US swimmer’s three silver medals in Beijing have some asking if she’ll aim to compete in the 2012 Olympics—when she’ll be 45. "I don't know," Torres told the Philadelphia Inquirer . “Right now I want to just … spend...
7 Songs That Scream Summer
Salon
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Aug 18, 2008 1:12 PM CDT
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Salon’s critics pick the songs that sizzle in summer 2008—from Estelle and Kanye West's sartorial lust to Tilly and the Wall's bubble gum New Wave: Estelle with Kanye West, “American Boy”: Elegant English beats blend with in-your-face American lyrics. Jonas Brothers, “Burning Up”: Saccharine silliness...
Thinking Inside the Box Means Greener, Cheaper Vino
New York Times
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Aug 18, 2008 1:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A move by Italy toward wine in boxes should be a kick in the grapes for US producers and consumers, Tyler Colman writes in the New York Times . “But the sky isn’t falling. Wine in a box makes sense environmentally and economically,” the author and blogger continues, given how a switch would shrink carbon footprints and transportation...
Indian State Recommends Eating Rats
Reuters
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Aug 18, 2008 12:47 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Faced with high food prices and ebbing grain reserves, officials in the Indian state of Bihar have endorsed the consumption of rats, Reuters reports. The state government sees the strategy as a way to reduce the pest population as well as curb the demand for grain, and has even proposed that restaurants start offering the rodents.
Russia's Saber-Rattling Puts NATO Into Rethink Mode
Christian Science Monitor
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Aug 18, 2008 12:34 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The invasion of Georgia has NATO trying to figure out exactly how strong Russia’s rejuvenated military is, and what the alliance should do about it, Gordon Lubold writes in the Christian Science Monitor . It’s clear the military has rebounded from its 1990s malaise, but it doesn’t look like its Cold War self, whether or not it has...
Obscure Tiebreaker Gives China's He Gold Over Liukin
New York Times
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Aug 18, 2008 12:21 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Chinese gymnast He Kexin won a gold medal on the women’s uneven bars today, despite exactly same score as American Nastia Liukin, the New York Times reports. Liukin and He each scored 16.725, but since gymnastics no longer gives out dual medals, He was awarded the gold, thanks to a lower average deduction total—a margin of just 0.033.
Musharraf Gone, but Pakistan's Woes Remain
Guardian (UK)
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Aug 18, 2008 12:15 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A “hanging out to dry” by his former colleagues in Pakistan’s army was the last straw for Pervez Musharraf, Jason Burke writes in the Guardian , but indications that the military will likely stay out of politics is one of the few hopeful signs of the president's departure. A poor economy and Islamic militancy remain—and the...
Sexual Confusion Drove LiLo to Drugs, Men
News of the World (UK)
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Aug 18, 2008 12:02 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Lindsay Lohan bedded a string of men and took drugs to suppress her lesbian urges before she embraced her relationship with Samantha Ronson, a pal of the actress’ ex-girlfriend tells the tabloid News of the World . “From the start Lindsay was very confused about her feelings so did more and more drugs to stifle the sexual attraction she...
