Topic: George Michael

LAP98112412 - 24 NOVEMBER 1998 - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA: English pop singer Geoorge Michael departs a news conference after pleading November 23 with a Beverly Hills judge to allow him to fulfill his community service at Project Angel Food, an organization that prepares and delivers 1,000 meals a day throughout Los Angeles to people disabled by AIDS. The judge rescinded his original agreement and ordered Michael to phone schools and other chidren's centers to promote volunteerism. Michael was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service as part of his sentence for committing a lewd act in a public restroom. "I remain at your mercy," Michael said. "Please don't let this unusual opportunity for good go to waste, whatever you think of me. Though volunteerism is a worthy cause, it can't measure up to the needs of the sick and the dying." Michael blames his outspokenous in the media and a new video on the subject of his arrest for the judge's change of heart. UPI jr/wy/Jim Ruymen