Newser Story Index from September, 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.
Royals Party Like It's 1899
Daily Mail (UK)
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Sep 29, 2008 12:55 PM CDT
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Seemingly impervious—or oblivious—to the international economic meltdown, the royal family will throw not one but two lavish celebrations for Prince Charles’ 60th birthday in November, the Daily Mail reports. The Queen will host a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for 170 guests, and Charles' wife, Camilla, will host a five-course...
US War on Terror Hasn't Hurt Al-Qaeda: World Poll
BBC
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Sep 29, 2008 12:43 PM CDT
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In the eyes of many, the war on terror hasn’t damaged al-Qaeda: 29% of responders to a BBC poll conducted in 23 countries said US efforts had not affected the militant group, while 30% say al-Qaeda has actually been strengthened. Overall, 22% thought al-Qaeda had been weakened, while 34% of Americans believed the organization had been damaged.
Bail Set at $50M for 'Rockefeller'
Associated Press
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Sep 29, 2008 12:31 PM CDT
(AP) -
The man who calls himself Clark Rockefeller—a German citizen whose twisted life of multiple aliases unraveled after he was charged with kidnapping his 7-year-old daughter—was awarded bail today at a sum befitting a true Rockefeller. A Massachusetts judge set bail at $50 million for the man authorities say is Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter,...
Racism No Longer Throws Off Polls: Study
Princeton Election Consortium
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Sep 29, 2008 12:21 PM CDT
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The so-called Bradley effect, in which support for minority candidates in opinion polls isn’t matched by votes in actual elections, has disappeared, Sam Wang writes for the Princeton Election Consortium. A study of polling and outcome data from 133 gubernatorial and senate races in 1989-2006 found that before 1996, blacks polled 3.1% higher than...
10 Ways to Replace Overhyped Gizmos
PC World
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Sep 29, 2008 12:07 PM CDT
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You can replace your most over-hyped devices with the tech world's top 10 wallflowers, compiled by PC World . Start with the iPhone: Stop stubbing your fingers on Apple's impractical keyboard interface. Sidekick offers the best QWERTY around. Nintendo Wii is hard to find and offers few good games. Sony PlayStation Portable packs new...
Jury Selection Turns to Facebook, Blogs, Data
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 29, 2008 11:55 AM CDT
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Get called for jury duty these days, and you can expect attorneys to know a lot more about you than they let on. Trial consultants who used to specialize in legwork—visiting neighbors and friends to gather clues to potential jurors' views—are now expert Web surfers, tracing things like spending habits, campaign contributions, letters to...
Holy Season for Two Faiths Intersects in Jerusalem
New York Times
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Sep 29, 2008 11:42 AM CDT
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This year’s intersection of Jewish new-year holidays and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan—a rarity due to Islam’s changing calendar—is felt particularly keenly in Jerusalem, a sacred city for both religions, Ethan Bronner notes in the New York Times . Night has become “a kind of monotheistic traffic jam,” with devout...
TV Lights Tone Down Former NY DA Pirro
New York Times
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Sep 29, 2008 11:33 AM CDT
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Becoming a TV judge seems, in her own words, to have “mellowed” Jeanine Pirro, who long added color to New York’s state political scene with a fiery stint as Westchester County’s district attorney, spiced with a brief Senate run opposite Hillary Clinton and a rocky marriage to a man with alleged mafia connections. “I’m...
Soldier's Mom Loved Obama's Bracelet Nod
Associated Press
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Sep 29, 2008 11:27 AM CDT
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Tracy Jopek says she was “ecstatic” when Barack Obama mentioned her late son in Friday’s debate, even though she’d once asked him not to. But she’s enraged at online critics who accused Obama of exploiting the bracelet she gave him. “I don’t understand how people can take that and turn it into some garbage...
Newman Wanted Charitable Legacy
Associated Press
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Sep 29, 2008 11:22 AM CDT
(AP) -
Paul Newman broached the subject of his philanthropic legacy several years ago while fishing with friends in North Carolina. Even though he was a Hollywood icon, it was a rare moment in which Newman reflected on how he would be remembered after his death, one of his buddies recalled yesterday. "Most of the time he didn't think about legacy,"...
Palin Speaks 'Gibberish,' Isn't Ready to be VP: Zakaria
Newsweek
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Sep 29, 2008 11:14 AM CDT
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Fareed Zakaria joins a chorus of pundits from both right and left who have declared the Alaska governor unqualified to be vice president. "Will someone please put Sarah Palin out of her agony?" the Newsweek columnist writes. When she goes off script, as she had to in the Katie Couric interview last week, he says, “what she has to...
Quaid-Ryan Blame Game Escalates
New York Daily News
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Sep 29, 2008 11:06 AM CDT
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Dennis Quaid is firing back at ex-wife Meg Ryan, who now says he cheated on her before she famously stepped out with Russell Crowe. "It was eight years ago, and I find it unbelievable that Meg continues publicly to rehash and rewrite the story of our relationship," the actor told the Daily News . While promoting her latest flop, The Women,...
House Debate Heated as Bush Pushes Bailout
Politico
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Sep 29, 2008 10:58 AM CDT
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President Bush called on lawmakers this morning to support the hotly-contested bailout bill as the House began debate and leaders on both sides of the aisle counted defections, Politico reports. ““Every member of Congress and every American should keep in mind: A vote for this bill is a vote to prevent economic damage to you and your community,”...
Brits Recruit Spies on Facebook
Guardian (UK)
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Sep 29, 2008 10:55 AM CDT
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Single, love rock 'n roll and lip piercings, and seeking employment as 007 . That could be exactly the kind of Facebook profile Britain's spy agency is seeking as it tries to recruit a more "diverse" type of spook with a new ad campaign on the social networking site. Three different pop-up ads target university grads, those bored with their...
Worried Retailers Call All-Out, and Earlier, Holiday Blitz
Advertising Age
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Sep 29, 2008 10:47 AM CDT
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Holiday displays already are popping up—and they’re likely to increase in number and urgency as retailers try to spruce up what’s likely to be the worst Christmas shopping season in years, reports Advertising Age . With 5 fewer days than last year because of a late Thanksgiving, retailers are scared. “This year we'll certainly...
Paulson's Power Would Be Unprecedented
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 29, 2008 10:41 AM CDT
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Though its passage remains uncertain, the bailout bill would make Henry Paulson the most powerful mortgage financier in history, Peter Gosselin writes in the Los Angeles Times . Paulson got nearly everything he asked for; restrictions supposedly reining him in are little more than window dressing. Additions like the Democrats’ housing-relief...
Stevens Denied Mistrial
Associated Press
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Sep 29, 2008 10:31 AM CDT
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A federal judge denied Ted Stevens’ request for a mistrial today, but not before lashing the Department of Justice for withholding a key witness from the defense, the AP reports. “The government is treading in some shallow water here,” Emmet Sullivan declared. Stevens’ lawyers moved for a mistrial after talking with a witness...
Here Come the Peasants With Pitchforks
Fortune Magazine
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Sep 29, 2008 10:19 AM CDT
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The financial meltdown may have brought simmering economic resentments to a boil and prompted a populist backlash, writes Nina Easton in Fortune . Public opinion indicators—polls, calls to Congress—show widespread fury at the bailout. Long-building anger over growing economic inequality may have combined with disgust at the current crisis...
The Boss Will Rock Super Bowl
Associated Press
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Sep 29, 2008 10:15 AM CDT
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Another Super Bowl, another rock superstar at halftime. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform during the Super Bowl halftime show in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1, reports the AP. Since 2004's debacle, the big game's halftime performers have been oldies but goodies—the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Prince, and Tom Petty—who don't...
Managing Bailout Only Gets Trickier From Here
New York Times
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Sep 29, 2008 10:09 AM CDT
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The Treasury’s bailout plan won’t end the economic crisis, Steven Lohr writes in the New York Times . It’s merely a first, costly step, and overseeing its workings will be a major undertaking for the next administration, as will assisting homeowners and crafting policies for a less credit-happy nation. “This issue is going...
Kraft, Mars, Cadbury Hit by Chinese Tainting Scandal
Australia's News Network
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Sep 29, 2008 9:48 AM CDT
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Kraft and Mars are investigating claims by the Indonesian government that products including Oreos, M&Ms, and Snickers imported from China are tainted with melamine, PerthNow reports. The company notes that the products tested melamine-free elsewhere in Asia, and suggests that they could be counterfeit. Still, the firms are supporting a recall....
Hedge-Fund Exodus May Add to Woes
New York Times
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Sep 29, 2008 9:43 AM CDT
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Hedge funds are bracing for a major test of wills tomorrow, the deadline for investors to withdraw from the funds for the rest of the year, the New York Times reports. A spate of withdrawals could cause a cascade of flight from the $2 trillion industry, which has seen its worst year ever, with the average fund down 10%.
Bailout Shows Nominees' Divergent Styles
New York Times
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Sep 29, 2008 9:36 AM CDT
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Last week's tumultuous negotiations over the federal bailout presented the two presidential candidates in their classic modes: John McCain the impulsive firebrand, Barack Obama the even-keel analyzer. Yet while Obama won praise from Democrats for his level-headed response, many Republicans worried about McCain's behavior, especially his insistence...
Ledger's Estate Goes to Daughter
Australia's News Network
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Sep 29, 2008 9:25 AM CDT
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Heath Ledger’s estate will go to his daughter, Matilda, the late actor's dad tells Perth Now . “There is no claim,'' Kim Ledger said of the estimated $16.6 million bequest. “Our family has gifted everything to Matilda.'' Ledger’s will, written before his daughter’s birth in 2005, left everything to his sisters and parents.
No Charges in US Attorney Firings: Report
New York Times
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Sep 29, 2008 9:23 AM CDT
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A Justice Department probe of the firings of a group of US attorneys is ending without recommending charges against former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales or anyone else, the New York Times reports. The investigators' report, to be released today, is nonetheless said to be scathing on the politically motivated firings, and to recommend that a prosecutor...
Veep Debate Bound to Be a Hit
Washington Times
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Sep 29, 2008 9:06 AM CDT
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With the presidential candidates in a tight battle after a closely matched debate, the upcoming vice presidential showdown is bound to be “must-see TV,” said one GOP strategist. Both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden are busy preparing for this week's St. Louis spar, in which Biden will need to refrain from appearing too aloof or aggressive and...
Stocks Down Sharply Despite Bailout Deal
Wall Street Journal
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Sep 29, 2008 9:03 AM CDT
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Stocks once again headed downward at the open this morning, as Wachovia’s selloff stoked fears that the bailout wouldn’t be enough to save financials. The Dow fell 275 points while the Nasdaq dropped 3.6% and the S&P fell 3.1%. “The Fed's bailout plan may be making some progress but there's a general air of disappointment as...
Citigroup to Buy Wachovia, Backed by FDIC
Wall Street Journal
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Sep 29, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
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Citigroup will purchase struggling Wachovia’s banking operations in a $2.2-billion government-backed deal, the Wall Street Journal reports. The FDIC has agreed to take on a portion of potential losses in the plan, which leaves three banks, including Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase, in control of nearly a third of deposits nationwide, the...
Ledger Tot Sues as Insurance Balks at $10M Payout
TMZ
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Sep 29, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
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A trustee representing Heath Ledger's 3-year-old daughter is suing the actor's insurance provider, who is balking at paying out his $10 million death benefits, TMZ reports. ReliaStar Life Insurance Co. says it's withholding payment until they determine whether Ledger's accidental overdose death was a suicide, an investigation that includes quizzing...
Egypt Frees 19 Tourists, Kills Kidnappers
Reuters
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Sep 29, 2008 8:38 AM CDT
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The European tour group kidnapped in Egypt more than a week ago has been freed, according to official reports, after a gun battle between Sudanese troops and the kidnappers. Sudanese officials said yesterday that they’d killed the leader of the kidnappers and five other bandits in a shootout. Though the hostages were being held elsewhere, the...
Combo Heart Pills Enter Trials in London
Guardian (UK)
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Sep 29, 2008 8:16 AM CDT
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Trials begin this week in London on a cheap "polypill" that could cut heart attack and stroke deaths in half worldwide, the Guardian reports. The pill combines four drugs—aspirin, a cholesterol-lowering statin, an ACE inhibitor, and thiazine to battle high blood pressure. The aim is to sell it—for about $1 a month—over...
Extreme Right Wins Big in Austrian Poll
Reuters
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Sep 29, 2008 7:56 AM CDT
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Austrians woke up today to a shock election result, as 2 extreme right parties won nearly a third of the vote and the two main parties posted their worst results since World War II. The next chancellor will probably be Social Democrat leader Werner Faymann, with 30% of the electorate, but he will struggle to form a coalition after ruling out talks...
Islamists Eye Weapons on Pirate Ship
Times (UK)
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Sep 29, 2008 7:26 AM CDT
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Islamic extremists are preparing to unload anti-aircraft guns and grenades from a Ukrainian ship captured by Somali pirates, the Times of London reports, though the ship, taken Thursday as it approached Kenya, is surrounded by US and European warships. Speaking via satellite phone, the seized vessel’s captain said one of his 21-member crew...
Banking Jitters Send European Shares Down
Bloomberg
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Sep 29, 2008 6:59 AM CDT
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Investors drove share prices down across Europe and Asia as bank emergencies multiplied and news of the $700-billion US bailout deal failed to loosen up frozen credit markets, reports Bloomberg. British mortgage lender Bradford & Bingley was taken over by regulators and a trio of European governments jumped in to pull financial-services firm...
Grieving Dad Scores Big Win for Tampa Bay
USA Today
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Sep 29, 2008 6:31 AM CDT
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Green Bay Packers yesterday with crucial support from a player who had just buried his infant son the day before, reports USA Today . Kicker Matt Bryant’s 3-month-old son died last week of causes that are still unknown, but Bryant connected on three field goals in the 30-21 victory.
Wells Closing In on Deal to Buy Wachovia
Wall Street Journal
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Sep 29, 2008 5:38 AM CDT
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Wells Fargo appeared to be close last night to forging a deal to buy struggling Wachovia, the nations's fourth-largest bank, reports the Wall Street Journal . Federal regulators pressured Wachovia to seek a suitor after its share prices plunged 47% last week. Citigroup was also in talks, but Wells now appears to be the preferred bidder, sources said....
Obama Wins Debate Bump
Los Angeles Times
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Sep 29, 2008 5:07 AM CDT
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Barack Obama slightly increased his lead over John McCain after last week’s debate and bad economic news, according to a new Los Angeles Times/ Bloomberg poll. The Democratic candidate is up 49% to McCain's 44%, a 1% gain from last week. The results indicated less confidence among Americans that McCain will strengthen the economy and succeed...
Chavez Building Reactor With Russian Support
Reuters
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Sep 29, 2008 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
In his latest challenge to Washington, Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez has announced that his nation is developing a nuclear reactor—with Russian support, Reuters reports. "We are interested in development of nuclear energy, of course for peaceful purposes—for medical purposes, for electricity," Chavez said yesterday at...
38 Iraqis Killed in Bloodiest Ramadan Day
CNN
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Sep 29, 2008 3:59 AM CDT
(Newser) -
At least 20 people were killed yesterday when a suicide bomber detonated a vest of explosives amid a crowd of onlookers that had gathered after an earlier car bomb exploded in central Baghdad. A total of 34 people were killed in attacks in Baghdad and another four died in Dayala Province, reports CNN. It was the bloodiest day in the Iraqi capital during...
Stumping McCain and Obama May Skip Bailout Vote
Politico
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Sep 29, 2008 3:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Despite the heated campaign debate about the US financial crisis—and John McCain's emergency "suspension" of his campaign until a deal on the rescue package was struck last week—both John McCain and Barack Obama may skip the vote on the bailout, reports Politico. Neither camp has committed to attend, citing campaign events, though...
Sox a Game Away From Twins Showdown
Chicago Sun-Times
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Sep 29, 2008 3:04 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The American League Central Division crown is still up for grabs with the resounding White Sox win yesterday over the Cleveland Indians, 5-1, snapping a five-game losing streak. The Sox—a half game behind the Minnesota Twins—play a make-up game against the Detroit Tigers today. If the Sox lose, the Twins take the division. If the Sox win,...
House Votes on Bailout Package Today
Washington Post
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Sep 29, 2008 2:39 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The House votes today on the nation's largest government bailout, followed by the Senate as soon as Wednesday, the Washington Post reports. The bipartisan compromise would grant Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson broad latitude to purchase assets at any price from any firm. Free-market Republicans have dropped their opposition, but the $700 billion...
Gov. Vetoes Ban on 'Lap Dog Driving'
Sacramento Bee
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Sep 29, 2008 2:18 AM CDT
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Californians can keep driving with pets on their laps since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have banned such behavior, reports the Sacramento Bee . The "Paris Hilton Bill," as it was named by conservatives, was one of 95 measures that the Terminator terminated over the weekend. Schwarzenegger said he is only signing...
China's First Space Walker Back on Earth
Space.com
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Sep 29, 2008 1:54 AM CDT
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China's third manned space mission ended successfully yesterday when the Shenzou 7 spacecraft made a soft landing in Inner Mongolia, reports Space.com. The re-entry vehicle descended beneath a giant parachute, a hatch opened and the happy astronauts clambered out. The flawless return to earth was broadcast live on television. The mission included...
If You Can't Beat ’Em, Eat ’Em: Chef
Independent (UK)
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Sep 28, 2008 8:53 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Where most Spaniards see the ocean's roadkill, one daring chef sees entree, the Independent reports. Carme Ruscalleda, who has garnered five Michelin stars for her restaurants, wants to serve up jellyfish—16 tons of which washed up on Andalucia beaches last year—at her restaurant near Barcelona. "They really have quite a wonderful...
Pre-Election Wedding 'Fantastic': McCain Insider
Times (UK)
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Sep 28, 2008 8:25 PM CDT
(Newser) -
John McCain's campaign may have another surprise up its sleeve: the pre-election wedding of Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter, Bristol. Rumors are swirling in campaign circles about the 17-year-old and 18-year-old Levi Johnston tying the knot, the London Times reports. A wedding “would be fantastic" for the campaign, a McCain insider says.
Eagle Eye Soars At Box Office
Variety
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Sep 28, 2008 8:05 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Eagle Eye flew into first at the weekend box office by grossing $29.2 million, Variety reports. The Diane Lane-Richard Gere romantic drama Nights in Rodanthe swooned into second place with $13.6 million, while Lakeview Terrace ranked a neighborly third by banking $7 million. Spike Lee’s Miracle at St. Anna opened with a disappointing...
If Roe Goes, States May Ban Cross-Border Abortions
Washington Post
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Sep 28, 2008 7:51 PM CDT
(Newser) -
If John McCain wins and puts conservatives on the Supreme Court, not only could Roe v. Wade go down—states may prohibit women from crossing state lines for abortions, Linda Hirshman writes in the Washington Post . Past rulings and Constitutional interpretations don't clearly support such laws, but times have changed since 1972, and many top...
Mac Runs Hot, Obama Cool
Newsweek
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Sep 28, 2008 7:30 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Crises like the Georgian conflict and the credit crunch have revealed how differently Barack Obama and John McCain would rule. McCain’s fitting moniker is Mr. Hot, write John Meacham and Evan Thomas in Newsweek . By suspending his campaign, gambling on Sarah Palin, and see-sawing on the economy, McCain shows himself to be “a candidate...
As Mayor, Palin Helped Herself to Perks
Associated Press
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Sep 28, 2008 6:50 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Sarah Palin vows to battle political boys' clubs, but her mayoral record shows that girls' clubs can be useful too, the AP reports. While mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin accepted gifts from merchants—even thanking one for an "awesome" facial—and argued for rulings that favored her family. Other examples abound: A waiver eased...
