US – Thursday, March 18

Congress passes job-creation bill

A package of tax breaks and highway spending cleared Congress yesterday, the first of what Democrats hope will be several efforts to bring down the 9.7 percent unemployment rate.

Pakistan charges U.S. 5 with terror

A Pakistani court formally charged five young Americans of plotting terrorism in the country yesterday, their lawyer said, in a case that has raised alarm over the danger posed by militants using the Internet.

Bullock gets ‘Blind Side’d by alleged affair

It seemed too crazy to be true — America’s sweetheart Sandra Bullock fell for Jesse James, a heavily tattooed former bodyguard for Slayer turned custom motorcycle maker who was once married to a porn star.

‘The age of the freak is almost here’

For the past few years the tourist shops near where the SXSW Music Conference takes place have been selling goods emblazoned with the axiom “Keep Austin Weird.” And if the first night of live music was any indication, visitors, revelers and performers are taking the sentiment to heart. Here are a few of the highlights from Wednesday

‘Free’ ad leads to fraud suit

NEW YORK. A Wisconsin college student is suing credit firm Experian — the brains behind the ubiquitous FreeCreditReport.com jingles — for fraudulent advertising after she inadvertently signed up for a monthly $14.95 monitoring service.

The key to Kyoto

Kyoto’s temples and Geisha culture are legendary, but this city is no slouch when it comes to mixing in a large slice of contemporary, too.

Published 00:57, November the 25th, 2009

Barclays Center

Barclays Center

Nets arena jumps legal hurdle

Developer Bruce Ratner’s Nets arena in Brooklyn can move forward after the state’s highest court on Tuesday upheld the use of eminent domain at the embattled $5 billion Atlantic Yards project.

The state Court of Appeals ruled that the state could seize homes and businesses standing in the way of Forest City Ratner’s proposed 18,000-seat Barclay’s Center and residential and business towers. A coalition of community groups that brought the suit said they would appeal to Gov. David Paterson to intercede on their behalf.

METRO/CB

The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.

[Flyers by PaperG]