Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe DO YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT CONTROVERSY? As if there isn't enough unrest in the Holy City, a McFlap is developing over a recently opened McDonald's in the central Jerusalem bus station. Advertisement The Jerusalem Rabbinical Council -- responsible for certifying restaurants as kosher -- has refused to give the establishment its approval after its owner rejected their suggestions on accommodation, which included changing the name of several branches to "McKosher." The owner attempted to compromise with the suggestions "McExpress" or "The Kosher McDonald's," and even suggested a logo change from red to blue. All to no avail; the franchise owner further infuriated authorities by posting signs that proclaim the food is kosher despite a lack of certification, and that the branch will close on the Sabbath. The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court ruled last December that the owners of the new central bus station must allow McDonald's to open a branch, despite Orthodox threats of a boycott. Advertisement (From UPI Hears) THINGS WE DON'T UNDERSTAND Roseville, Minn., city leaders have "started working with a government guru called in to help the notoriously combative group find 'consensus' and 'karma', according to a story in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The newspaper reports that Carl Neu, who is described as "a nationally known consultant from Lakewood, Colo.," has already met with council members one-on-one and that some future encounters will be open to city residents, who are footing the bill for his services that the city manager says will not exceed $6,500. (From UPI's Capital Comment) NEWS OF OTHER LIFE FORMS Fox has confirmed that David Duchovny -- one of the original stars of the long-running, Emmy-winning sci-fi series "The X-Files" -- will appear in the series' final episode, a two-hour special scheduled for May 19. Duchovny played alien-chasing FBI Agent Fox Mulder for eight seasons, before phasing out his participation last season. This season has largely focused on the ongoing investigation by Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and her new partner, Agent John Doggett (Robert Patrick), into Mulder's disappearance. Fox said the series' final five episodes will "begin to provide highly anticipated answers to many of the show's most-asked questions." Duchovny will direct one of the episodes, scheduled to air April 28. Advertisement The show has collected 15 Emmys, including best actress in a drama series for Gillian Anderson in 1997. (Thanks to UPI Hollywood Reporter Pat Nason) TODAY'S SIGN THE WORLD IS ENDING Authorities say the investigation into a crematorium where almost 300 bodies have been found could last a year. They've asked President Bush to declare an emergency, asking for assistance because of "significant environmental degradation" caused by the discovery of bodies at the Tri-State Crematory in Noble, about 90 miles northwest of Atlanta. The bodies were found buried on the crematorium grounds, in sealed concrete vaults and in the backyard of the facility's operator. In addition, body parts have been found in a nearby lake. Brent Marsh, 28 -- who took over operation of the crematorium from his parents in 1996 -- is jailed on 16 felony counts of theft by deception for allegedly taking money for cremations that were never performed. He allegedly has told investigators that the crematorium no longer worked properly. AND FINALLY, TODAY'S UPLIFTING STORY A new clean-up campaign is under way in New Orleans' French Quarter, the destination of millions of tourists each year. A nonprofit alliance launched the two-year initiative after business researchers reported increasing complaints from visitors about the unsightly litter and smells in the often-crowded streets of the historic quarter. Tourism is the lifeblood of New Orleans, and the complaints were enough impetus for the city's hospitality industry to get with residents of the quarter and government officials to form the group and get a program started to clean up the area. Advertisement Officials say tourism has been especially heavy this year with the Super Bowl and the annual Mardi Gras celebration.
