Watercooler Stories

Texas 911 dispatcher's joke falls flat

WATAUGA, Texas, April 13 (UPI) -- A 911 dispatcher in Watauga, Texas, has been reprimanded for jokingly asking a mother if police should shoot her daughter to break up a sibling fight.

The mother, identified only as Lori, said she came home recently to find her two daughters, one of whom has emotional problems, involved in a fight, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported.

When she called police to say her 12-year-old was out of control, dispatcher Mike Forbess said: "OK. Do you want us to come over to shoot her?"

The mother filed a complaint and Forbess received a written reprimand.

However, the mother said the punishment is "a slap in the face that ... my 911 call was not important enough that he had to make a joke about it."

Forbess apologized, saying his joke was "inexcusable."

Male student suspended for wearing makeup

WHITTIER, Calif., April 13 (UPI) -- A high school student in Whittier, Calif., was suspended for wearing lipstick and eye makeup he says he wears for religious reasons.

Pacific High School officials say freshman James Herndon, 16, who wears black lipstick and red eye makeup that complements his red Mohawk to express the religious beliefs he shares with his mother, a Wicca priestess, violated school policy by wearing his cosmetic products on school grounds. The school, however, has failed to produce documentation of the policy, the Whittier Daily News reported.

"If I can't wear makeup, then the girls or the staff can't wear makeup either," said Herndon, who said his suspension violates his constitutional right to free expression.

VH1 Classic to host 'Classic Passover'

NEW YORK, April 13 (UPI) -- Cable network VH1 Classic has announced "Matzo and Metal: A Very Classic Passover," a Passover special starring Jewish hard rock artists.

The special, scheduled for April 24, the second night of Passover, will feature Dee Snider and JJ French of Twisted Sister, Scott Ian of Anthrax and Leslie West of Mountain proving they're no schlemiels when it comes to performing a traditional Seder and kibitzing about their Jewish heritage and experiences in the music industry.

Kosher foods will be provided by the special's sponsor, Manischewitz.