Newser Story Index from January, 2009
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.
Biotech Boom Finally Fizzles
Portfolio
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Jan 21, 2009 7:00 AM CST
(Newser) -
In the bullish market, biotechnology was flush with investment, even though one drug might take many as 15 years and as much as a billion dollars to produce—but those days are over for the riskiest technology sector. Portfolio reports that 45% of publicly traded biotech companies will run out of cash in the next six to 12 months. "The...
Obama Team Warns: No Magic Wand for Banks
New York Times
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Jan 21, 2009 6:54 AM CST
(Newser) -
While the world watched Barack Obama take the oath of office yesterday, on Wall Street shares in the big banks plummeted as much as 29% as the markets took the worst pounding in inaugural history. Yet when Tim Geithner appears before a Senate committee today, the incoming Treasury secretary will not be prepared to present a detailed rescue plan. As...
First Lady's Fashion Reveals Bold Spirit
New York Times
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Jan 21, 2009 6:35 AM CST
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Michelle Obama's striking fashion choices make her the most glamorous first lady America has seen in a while, Cathy Horyn writes in the New York Times . Her vivid, Isabel Toledo-designed inaugural outfit stood out against the sea of red and black coats on the Capitol steps, Horyn writes, outshone only by Aretha Franklin's spectacular crystal-studded...
Fishermen Rescued After 25 Days in a Floating Cooler
Independent (UK)
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Jan 21, 2009 6:15 AM CST
(Newser) -
Aussie authorities are probing the story of a pair of Burmese fishermen found floating in an industrial-sized cooler, the Independent reports. The men were rescued after a customs aircraft spotting them waving frantically. They told officials they had been adrift for 25 days after their fishing boat sunk in heavy seas, with the loss of 18 other crew...
Digital Switch Hits Glitches
Washington Post
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Jan 21, 2009 5:26 AM CST
(Newser) -
The big switch to digital TV may be less than a month away but many viewers are finding the transition anything but smooth, the Washington Post reports. Consumers are discovering that getting a converter box for older analog sets or buying a new digital TV doesn't always guarantee good reception. Many are expected to lose channels if they don't buy...
Amy Almost Died Twice: Dad
People
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Jan 21, 2009 4:52 AM CST
(Newser) -
Amy Winehouse has teetered on the edge of death twice, her pop reveals in a new documentary about his talented, troubled daughter. The media "doesn't see her lying in bed for days in the dark," he says . "She was close to death twice. We have been working to get her to where she is now." Amy's mom rips husband Blake Fielder-Civil...
Writers Hail Message From a 'Prince'
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 21, 2009 4:23 AM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama's inaugural address showed a literary mastery of language, assorted authors tell the Los Angeles Times . The president's plain speaking and restraint is commended, along with his use of "we" instead of "I." Author Ted Wilmer hails the president's use of "tight language, short sentences and strong images,"...
Noisy Teens Sentenced to Manilow Sessions
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 21, 2009 3:59 AM CST
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Call it cruel and unusual punishment—or at least unusual. When a Colorado judge sentences teenagers guilty of blasting car stereos too loud in Fort Lupton, he often imposes a session of enforced "musical misery," the Los Angeles Times reports. That means a Friday night in his courtroom listening to Barry Manilow, the Barney Song...
Cell Networks Pass Test
USA Today
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Jan 21, 2009 3:29 AM CST
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The Washington DC networks of the major cellphone carriers held up under massive pressure yesterday, handling millions of additional texts and emails without crashing, reports USA Today . There were some delays but AT&T, Verizon and Sprint handled up to three times their normal volume as thousands of spectators at the inauguration shared the stirring...
Credit Card Processor Bares Massive Hacker Breach
Washington Post
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Jan 21, 2009 3:06 AM CST
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A credit card payment processor has disclosed a data breach that experts believe could be the biggest ever and may be putting millions of consumers at risk of ripoffs, the Washington Post reports. Heartland Payment Systems, which handles 100 million transactions from 250,000 businesses every month, believes malicious software allowed intruders to...
Prez Orders Halt to Gitmo Trials
Washington Post
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Jan 21, 2009 2:40 AM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama ordered military prosecutors to seek a 120-day halt to legal proceedings at Guantanamo Bay—due to resume today—against five accused 9/11 conspirators, and another case against a Canadian defendant. Documents already filed said the request is made "in the interest of justice and at the direction of the president."...
Obama Blocks Bush 'Midnight Orders'
Reuters
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Jan 21, 2009 2:12 AM CST
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One of President Barack Obama's first acts from the Oval Office was to block the last orders of his predecessor executed in his final days of power, Reuters reports. The White House sent a memo to every federal agency yesterday putting a stop to dozens of so-called "midnight regulations" enacted by George Bush, pending review of the regulations...
Google Ditches Print Ad Biz
Bloomberg
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Jan 21, 2009 1:48 AM CST
(Newser) -
The recession is continuing to hit even mighty Google, which is shutting down its three-year foray into the print advertising business, Bloomberg reports. The operation sold space in 800 newspapers, but was hurt as budget-crunched companies slashed spending on print advertising. Google's decision will be another blow to beleaguered newspapers, but...
Obama: Don't Blame Roberts for Oath Hiccup
ABC News
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Jan 20, 2009 10:01 PM CST
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President Obama is not among those blaming Chief Justice John Roberts for their little oath glitch today. “We’re up there, we’ve got a lot of stuff on our mind, and he actually helped me out on a couple of stanzas there,” Obama told ABC News. Roberts has taken grief for misplacing the word "faithfully" in one line,...
Oprah's Take: 'It's Sacred'
Chicago Sun-Times
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Jan 20, 2009 9:23 PM CST
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The impact of today's inauguration was not lost on Oprah, a key early backer of Barack Obama. "It means everything," she told Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times . "It means everything and more and everything. It's like no moment I ever expected to experience." Sweet found Oprah near the West Capitol steps within a celebrity goldmine...
Winemakers Hope Obamas Help Rekindle Sales
Reuters
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Jan 20, 2009 8:40 PM CST
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President Barack Obama’s affinity for wine is the toast of American winemakers, hopeful that after eight years of teetotalling rule, the new first family will boost domestic sales, Reuters reports. Obama reportedly has a 1,000-bottle cellar in his new $1.65 million Chicago home, drawing raves from oenophiles. And while the White House lacks a...
Hometown Crowd Greets Bush in Texas
CNN
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Jan 20, 2009 8:33 PM CST
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George W. and Laura Bush arrived in Texas today amid the cheering of a crowd waving “W” signs, CNN reports. The former first couple touched down in Midland, Laura’s hometown and the former president’s childhood home, as country stars including Rodney Atkins and the Gatlin Brothers performed. “Today is a good day for the...
Warner Bros. Slashing 10% of Workforce
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2009 8:19 PM CST
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Even the Dark Knight is no match for this economy. Warner Bros. is cutting 800 jobs across all levels of the firm, shrinking its workforce by 10%, the Wall Street Journal reports. That means 600 employees will have to leave, with 300 departing in the next few weeks. The rest will face gradual layoffs over the next two years as their jobs are outsourced...
Let the Parties Begin
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2009 7:52 PM CST
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The first couple changed into new duds after a busy day and dropped in on the first of 10 inauguration balls they are scheduled to attend, the AP reports. They treated partygoers to their first dance as a presidential couple, with Michelle wearing a white, full-skirted dress by Taiwanese designer Jason Wu. The first lady will follow tradition and donate...
Kennedy Going Home Tomorrow
Boston Globe
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Jan 20, 2009 7:42 PM CST
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Ted Kennedy continues to do well after today's seizure and will be released from the hospital tomorrow morning after a night of observation, the Boston Globe reports. His collapse was probably caused by “simple fatigue,” a doctor said. He is surrounded by family at a Washington hospital after being carted off in an ambulance during an...
Warren Prayed for All—but Invoked Jesus
Newsweek
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Jan 20, 2009 7:24 PM CST
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Laden with pre-inaugural controversy, Rick Warren’s invocation today was “both inevitable and surprising,” writes Lisa Miller in Newsweek . “Inevitably,” he focused on being inclusive, alluding to Christian, Muslim, and Jewish rites; the "unkempt" pastor knows how to “strike an empathic, populist chord.”...
Europe Is Giddy for US: Can It Last?
Washington Times
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Jan 20, 2009 7:07 PM CST
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In France, the magic of Barack Obama’s inauguration is “a bit like the liberation after World War II,” says one French analyst. This particular sentiment “may have hit the hyperbolic stratosphere,” writes Elizabeth Bryant in the Washington Times , but it reflects a groundswell. “Fundamentally, the French expect...
Obama Speech Bodes Well for the Constitution
Nation
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Jan 20, 2009 6:40 PM CST
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All presidents swear to uphold the Constitution when they take the oath of office, but John Nichols is pleased that Obama went further than that in his inaugural address today, he writes for the Nation . Invoking Ben Franklin, Obama rejected “as false the choice between our safety and ideals,” adding that generations of Americans have...
Ouch! Madonna Debuts Bandaged Look
Daily Mail (UK)
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Jan 20, 2009 6:25 PM CST
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So much for aging gracefully. Madonna posed for promo shots for her Hard Candy CD in an all-white getup with bandages at chest and wrist, "looking as though she’d sustained several injuries,” though at 50 she remains in exquisite shape, the Daily Mail reports. The ensemble was probably meant to appear tough, but “judging...
Bush Twins Offer Tips to Obama Girls
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2009 6:11 PM CST
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As they enter the White House, Malia and Sasha Obama can benefit from advice from two who know exactly what they’re going through: Jenna and Barbara Bush, who penned an open letter to the Obama girls in the Wall Street Journal . The twins offer advice on where to go (the staff Christmas party), who to see (staffer Ramsey’s the best hugger),...
Patriot Act Treats Unruly Passengers as Terrorists
Los Angeles Times
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Jan 20, 2009 5:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
What sounds like a fair punishment for spanking your children on a plane and having an argument with a flight attendant? How about a felony conviction, 3 months in prison, and the loss of custody of your children? As unreal as it sounds, that’s exactly what happened to one of 200 Americans convicted of an act of terrorism under the Patriot Act...
Thousands With Tickets Turned Away From Mall
Washington Post
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Jan 20, 2009 5:46 PM CST
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While some fought to escape the Mall after the inauguration, thousands of frustrated ticketholders were barred from entering to see the swearing in of President Barack Obama, the Washington Post reports. “It is irresponsible to issue all of these tickets and not let the people in,” one Californian said. Hopeful attendees reported waiting...
Despite Warren, Calif. Gays Celebrate Obama
The Advocate
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Jan 20, 2009 5:27 PM CST
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A crowd gathered today at West Hollywood’s premier gay bar to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration, but also to watch with dismay as Rev. Rick Warren took the Capitol stage, the Advocate reports. Many in the community were shocked by Obama’s choice of the anti-gay marriage pastor to deliver the invocation—and many hissed...
Live-Streaming Websites Smash Records With Obama
Crain's New York Business
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Jan 20, 2009 5:23 PM CST
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Websites streaming video of the inauguration reported record activity today, while a partnership between Facebook and CNN enabled thousands of people a minute to comment on the proceedings, Crain's reports. By late afternoon, CNN reported 21.3 million live video streams, while MSNBC had 9 million live streams and 5 million on-demand streams. ...
7 Nominees Confirmed; Clinton Vote Tomorrow
Chicago Tribune
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Jan 20, 2009 4:58 PM CST
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The Senate met after the inauguration today and promptly confirmed seven of President Obama’s nominees by unanimous vote, with the notable exception of Hillary Clinton, the Chicago Tribune reports. A vote on Clinton has been scheduled for tomorrow after Harry Reid and Sen. John Cronyn, who has concerns about the Clinton Foundation’s disclosures,...
China Military Welcomes Obama Era
Financial Times (UK)
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Jan 20, 2009 4:57 PM CST
(Newser) -
China has called for better military relations with the US in its biannual report, whose release analysts say was timed with President Obama’s inauguration, the Financial Times reports. The relationship between the two was strained by the US decision to sell $6.5 billion in arms to Taiwan. “In the new era, we hope that both sides can...
Abdul Stalker Committed Suicide by Overdose
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2009 4:45 PM CST
(Newser) -
The American Idol hopeful and Paula Abdul fan found dead outside the celebrity’s LA home in November committed suicide with prescription drugs, the AP reports. A coroner’s report, delayed for toxicology tests, did not specify which drugs killed Paula Goodspeed. Police had long suspected suicide, though no note was left.
Meet Obama's 'Beast'
Wired
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Jan 20, 2009 4:03 PM CST
(Newser) -
The latest limousine to join the presidential fleet is essentially a tank with a Cadillac exterior, Wired reports. The armored vehicle—code-named “Stagecoach” but dubbed “The Beast” due to its makeup—is the world’s most sophisticated car. The Secret Service and General Motors refuse to divulge specs for Caddy...
Docs: Kennedy Awake, Alert After Seizure
ABC News
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Jan 20, 2009 3:53 PM CST
(Newser) -
After being hospitalized for a seizure suffered during an inaugural luncheon, Ted Kennedy is himself again, say those close to him. When one is undergoing treatment for brain cancer, a source tells ABC News, “these things happen,” and Kennedy is stable. “He’s fine,” said friend and fellow senator Chris Dodd. “He...
Clinton, Cornyn Share Words
Politico
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Jan 20, 2009 3:42 PM CST
(Newser) -
Hillary Clinton and John Cornyn shared some spirited words today after the inauguration, Politico reports. Cornyn is blocking a Senate vote today on Clinton’s confirmation as secretary of state over concerns about the transparency of Bill Clinton’s foundation. While the conversation seemed animated, a rep for Cornyn said it “appeared...
Obamas Walk Parade Route to Screaming Crowds
CNN
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Jan 20, 2009 3:28 PM CST
(Newser) -
President and Michelle Obama have gotten out twice to walk along the parade route from the Capitol to the White House this afternoon—to the full-throated delight of the record crowd, CNN reports. Between the cold and the day’s general demands, the Obamas kept their strolls brief as they headed toward the area where they would view the parade....
Dow Tumbles 332, Below 8,000
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2009 3:21 PM CST
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A spirit of optimism swept through America today as Barack Obama was sworn in—except on Wall Street, where financial trouble at home and in the UK sent the Dow below 8,000 for the first time since November, the Journal reports. The Dow fell 332.13 to close at 7,949.09. The Nasdaq shed 88.47, settling at 1,440.86, and the S&P 500 closed...
Flight 1549 Passengers Get $5K to Offset Lost Luggage
CNN
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Jan 20, 2009 3:18 PM CST
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Saying that passengers of Flight 1549 will not get their belongings back for months, if ever, US Airways sent each $5,000, CNN reports; the airline also provided “an obvious reimbursement” of the ticket price. As part of the investigation, all luggage must be weighed in its “current state,” dried for 8 weeks, and weighed again...
'Human Gridlock' Plagues Ceremony
Washington Post
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Jan 20, 2009 3:16 PM CST
(Newser) -
The record-breaking crowd—an estimated 1.8 million people—at today’s inaugural events is overwhelming Washington’s streets and mass-transit systems, creating long waits for spectators trying to exit the Mall area, the Post reports. Hours after the swearing-in, some were still waiting to enter Metro stations. “It’s...
Race Hovers on Edges of Obama's Speech
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2009 3:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
Barack Obama made only subtle reference to his race in today’s inaugural address, but it came up again and again throughout the 18-minute address. He said that America owed its prosperity to “the makers of things,” who “endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth,” and that the election of a black man was a...
Obama Begins Inaugural Parade
Associated Press
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Jan 20, 2009 2:50 PM CST
(AP) -
Barack Obama's motorcade is on its way to the White House, heading a parade that pays homage to pioneers who paved the way for the nation's first black president. Re-enactors of a black Civil War regiment, World War II's surviving Tuskegee Airmen, and Freedom Riders who battled for civil rights are assembled to follow Obama's limousine on its way down...
Publishers Rush to Meet Need for Financial Advice
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2009 2:46 PM CST
(Newser) -
Book publishers and sellers are rushing to meet demand for personal-finance titles as the unrelenting economic crisis combines with New Year’s resolutions to prompt consumers to seek professional advice, the Wall Street Journal reports. However, the thrown-together texts might not prove very helpful: Many authors fail to provide specifics and...
Obama's Speech a 'Home Run'
Time
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Jan 20, 2009 2:41 PM CST
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The early reviews are in from Barack Obama’s inauguration address, and the news is positive. Here’s what the critics are saying: At the National Review , Michael Knox Beran thought the speech was a “home run.” It predictably had “a few lines at which a conservative would cavil,” but impressed with its somber...
Bush Street Gets Overnight 'Update' in SF
NBC Bay Area
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Jan 20, 2009 2:36 PM CST
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Partisan pranksters struck San Francisco overnight, covering four blocks of signs on the city’s Bush Street with “Obama Street” signs, NBC affiliate KNTV reports. The covers look professional, and chalk messages on the pavement encourage pedestrians to look up and notice the “change.” A rally is planned today at the street’s...
Kennedy Suffers Seizure, Collapses
Politico
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Jan 20, 2009 2:20 PM CST
(Newser) -
Ted Kennedy suffered an apparent seizure and was taken from an inaugural lunch at the Capitol today by medical personnel, Politico reports. Kennedy’s health troubles came minutes after fellow senator Robert Byrd also had to leave the event due to medical troubles; Byrd was conscious but was having trouble eating, a witness said.
Carter Gives Clinton the Cold Shoulder
ABC News
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Jan 20, 2009 2:17 PM CST
(Newser) -
The bad feeling between Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter was on display today as the two ex-presidents ignored each other on the way to the inaugural platform, ABC reports. Carter greeted Barbara and George HW Bush warmly but walked straight past Bill and Hillary. The feud goes back to 1980, when Clinton reportedly thought Carter’s loss cost Clinton...
First Family: Day 1
Australia's News Network
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Jan 20, 2009 2:12 PM CST
(Newser) -
Guess who beat out the world's media to snag the best vantage point to film today's historic inauguration? Malia Obama not only watched her father from a front-row seat, but also brought along her camera, reports Australia's News Network. The 10-year-old and her sister, Sasha, 7, lit up the stage in their J Crew coats. Click the image to view a slideshow...
Slump in TV Sales May Push Smaller Makers Out
Wall Street Journal
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Jan 20, 2009 2:09 PM CST
(Newser) -
A steep decline in demand for flat-panel TVs could push smaller manufacturers out of the market, the Wall Street Journal reports. As the economy sours and larger makers achieve economies of scale, the price gap between top brands and cheaper rivals has shrunken dramatically. The top five makers accounted for 60% of sales in the third quarter of 2008,...
Girls Wear J. Crew to Inauguration
Us Weekly
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Jan 20, 2009 1:50 PM CST
(Newser) -
Malia and Sasha Obama turned up for Dad’s swearing-in today dressed in clothes from J. Crew, Us reports. Malia, 10, appeared in a periwinkle double-breasted coat with a blue-ribbon bow for a belt, while Sasha, 7, wore a pink coat with an orange scarf and satin belt over her coral-colored dress.
Russian Gas Again Flows to Europe Through Ukraine
Reuters
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Jan 20, 2009 1:25 PM CST
(Newser) -
Gas is again flowing from Russia to Ukraine, a major gas gateway for Europe, after disputes between the two countries shut down supplies for two weeks, Reuters reports. Leaders couldn’t agree on a 2009 gas contract amid political tensions over Ukraine’s wish to join NATO; 20 European countries were affected by the cutoff. Now, Hungary and...
