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Controversial caroling faces strict limits

By TIMES WIRES
Published December 15, 2006

The choir from Howell High School near Detroit can sing all the Hallelujah Chorus, Weep O Mine Eyes and Glory, Glory it wants at this year's holiday concerts, but for every religious song, there better be 3.3 Jingle Bells or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or something, because that's the law. The district has a 10-year-old policy that requires school concerts to consist of no more than 30 percent religious selections. "During this time of year, when it comes to holiday concerts, it's a dicey issue," said James Borst of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. Officials said they are willing to revisit the policy, but only if a parent or student suggests it.

Looking for fair, balanced coverage

Satellite TV provider Yes TV in Israel dumped BBC World from its channel lineup. It seems that Israelis are a little tired of what they perceive as a bias against Israel on the British network. So what all-news channel did Yes TV get to replace BBC World? Al-Jazeera, the unofficial channel of Osama bin Laden.

Do these pants make me look guilty?

New rule: If you're going to rob a house, don't spend a lot of time trying on the clothes you are planning to steal. And definitely don't do it in front of an Internet-connected security camera. Joao Pedro Wettlauser of Sao Paulo, Brazil, was on a business trip in Germany when his cell phone alerted him that something was going on at home. So he went to his laptop and watched a guy robbing his house. He called his wife who called the cops. "She told us the details about the thief and where in the house he was as we surrounded the house," officer Americo Rodrigues told Reuters. The cops broke in and collared him as he was trying on some of Wettlauser's clothes.

Find enough fault, and go home early

A lot of businesses have incentive programs for employees. And the Toronto police had a particularly unique one called "25 and home." It was a benchmark in public safety. It works like this: Write 25 traffic tickets in one shift, and you get to go home early! This was a very popular program that lasted right up until someone found out about it. "I find it is an affront to the public interest and cannot be condoned as legitimate law enforcement behavior," said hearing officer Neale Tweedy, who ordered that the practice end immediately.

[Last modified December 15, 2006, 01:10:28]