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US – Thursday, March 18

Puzzle solutions for March 18, 2010

Puzzle solutions for March 18, 2010

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METRO BOSTON

METRO NEW YORK

METRO NEW YORK

METRO PHILLY

METRO PHILLY

Robin Cola, manager at Maxi’s on Liacouras Walk at Temple, is expecting big crowds today and tomorrow.

Even more madness than usual at work

WEST PHILADELPHIA. You’re likely to notice two groups of people at work today: those who are unusually quiet, focused on their computer with the occasional grunt, or those who wouldn’t know a Cinderella or bracket if it fell on their head.

New York City a toxic playground

The 1.8-mile Gowanus Canal’s legacy of noxious pollutants from the manufactured gas plants, oil refineries, tanneries and other industries was acknowledged with a federal Superfund designation this month, but it’s just one of many toxic sites across the city, large and small.

Alumni look for like-minded fans

When last month’s apocalyptic snowstorm never hit, despite empty streets outside, 50 Syracuse basketball fans still attended a local alumni association basketball watch party at the Pour House.

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.

Cooke-ing up a B’s grudge match

When the Bruins and Penguins face off tonight at the Garden, it will be more than a chance for the Bruins to hang on to the final playoff spot in the East.

Boston’s Back Bay is ‘on fire’

Boston real estate brokers are saying the Back Bay market is “on fire,” with 69 sales since January with an average price of $1.4 million. “Many buyers feel the recession is ancient history,” says John Ford, owner of Ford Realty on Charles and Tremont streets. “Last year at this time, peoples’ investment portfolios were losing money. They’ve gained the losses from 2009. Now they are using their recouped losses, and have more confidence in purchasing luxury condos.”

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.

‘The age of the freak is almost here’
Night one of SXSW shows a lot of promise for the weekend that’s in store

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

Photo: GETTY IMAGESThe 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.

Photo: JOE MURPHY/GETTY IMAGESNo. 12 seeds always early upset threats

The notion that No. 12 seeds consistently beat No. 5 seeds isn’t a mere theory perpetuated by an upset-hungry public. The oddsmakers are aware of the history as well.

Photo: GETTY IMAGESPakistan 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.

Photo: GETTY IMAGESReport: HIV patients canceled by insurer

Previously undisclosed records reveal that insurance company Fortis had a company policy of targeting policyholders with HIV. A computer program and algorithm targeted every policyholder recently diagnosed with HIV for an automatic fraud investigation, as the company searched for any pretext to revoke their policy.

Hawaii puts ‘birthers’ on hold

HAWAII. Hawaii’s state House Judiciary Committee this week debated a measure that would allow the state to ignore people who send repeated requests for President Barack Obama’s birth certificate.

Indulge in gaming

At its thriftiest, gaming is still a pretty expensive hobby. Consoles cost a few hundred bucks. Games cost about $60. But why stop there? Bust that wallet wide open with the best new accessories money can buy. Worry about rent later.

Photo: CHAPMAN BAEHLER

Music

‘A fun night of music, a little shindig’ with STP

For the first time in nearly a decade, Stone Temple Pilots will be premiering material from a new album, kicking off a tour with a show tonight at the 3,000-capacity Austin Music Hall at the SXSW Music Conference in Texas. But as guitarist Dean DeLeo says, size doesn’t matter.

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.

How to spend your tax refund like a pro

Spring is in the air: It’s time to hunt down the best deal on this season’s must-have sandals, indulge in one too many candy Easter eggs and, oh yeah, do your taxes.