US – Tuesday, February 9

Plant blast under investigation

Federal investigators headed to Connecticut yesterday to determine the cause of an explosion at an unfinished power plant that killed at least five workers and hospitalized dozens of others.

Pressure grows for sanctions

International pressure for new sanctions against Iran grew yesterday after Tehran announced plans to make higher-enriched uranium and add 10 nuclear sites in a year, raising Western fears it wants to develop atom bombs.

Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M

Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.

Dancing while the skinny lady sings

You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.

‘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.

Let me count the ways ...

‘Tis the season for writing love letters. But that can be a daunting endeavor, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Should you put it in verse, use flowery language, get erotic? As with almost anything in life, the simpler you keep it, the easier (and often better) it will be. It doesn’t sound that romantic, but think of your love letter as a laundry list of the reasons why you adore your sweetheart. It’s kinda like Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43: “How do you love your partner? Count the ways!” Here’s how to do it without rhyming or pulling out a thesaurus:

Published 00:08, April the 24th, 2009

“Phil Markoff is Innocent Until Proven Guilty,” a Facebook group.

“Phil Markoff is Innocent Until Proven Guilty,” a Facebook group.

‘Craigslist Killer’ case spins in cyberspace

NEW YORK. The “Craigslist Killer” case is playing out on the Internet.

Boston police posted on Craigslist asking victims of the accused, Philip Markoff, to come forward. Markoff allegedly targeted women through ads for erotic services on the Web site.

Supporters of the Boston University med student created a Facebook group “Phil Markoff is Innocent Until Proven Guilty,” dedicated to reminding the public “that people like Phil are suspects, not killers.” Markoff’s attorney says his client will plead not guilty.

Authorities put Markoff, 23, on suicide watch after finding shoelace marks around his neck.

He is charged with murdering Julissa Brisman, 26, an aspiring model and actress from New York City, who advertised massages on Craigslist, and robbing and kidnapping another woman who advertised on the Web site. Rhode Island police expect to charge him with a similar attempted robbery there.

METRO