1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. Weird News

Tales Out of School

Weird News From the Classroom

By Buck Wolf, About.com

Remember those awkward moments on the school bus? Teachers who made your life miserable? Feelings of alienation on the playground and cafeteria? Times haven't change.

Vertical Eyebrows a Headache at Oregon high school

Inspired by hip-hop star Soulja Boy, students at a Portland high school have been shaving vertical lines into their eyebrows. The school is offering a choice: shave 'em or go home!

Boys Suspended 7-Days for Banana-Gorilla Stunt

When a bunch of kids dress up like bananas, and another chases them in a gorilla suit, school officials weren't ready to have the drama department take on "Planet of the Apes" for their next production.

Scruffy Students Asked to Sign 'No Torn Jeans' Contract

British Universities are forcing students to sign formal agreements that they won't dress like slobs. No word yet on a rider ordering them to bathe regularly.

Padded Bra Aimed at 7-Year-Old

British supermarket chain Tesco was left defending itself after parent groups slammed a what they called a "bust-booster" padded bra. Store reps say, "It is a product designed for girls at that self-conscious age when they are just developing. It is designed to cover up, not flatter."

Parents Fight Over Which Gang Their Child Should Join

Oh, the travails of a mixed marriage. Mom, who's a member of the Crips, is not so happy with how dad, who runs with the Westside Ballers, wants to raise their 4-year-old.

School Bans Birthday Cake in Fat-Busting Crusade

Birthday cake.Buck Wolf
Remember that day in elementary school when mommy and daddy brought in a birthday cake just for you? Those days are over at one school in New Zealand.

Some Florida Teens Think Drinking Bleach Prevents AIDS

School BusGetty Images
Lawmakers say an abstinence-only curriculum has left a growing number of teens ignorant about sex.

5th-Grader Finds Mistake at Smithsonian

Are education standards rising? Or is someone asleep at one of the nation's most prestigious museums?

Third Graders Arrested in Plot to Kill Teacher

As many as nine boys and girls, ages 8 to 10, plotted to kill their third grade teacher. Police confiscated handcuffs, a steak knife, and a crystal paperweight with which they allegedly planned to knock the teacher unconscious. Two students have been arrested on juvenile charges and a third arrest is expected.

Ultimate Fighting . . . for Kids

Ultimate fighting has been derided as human cockfighting, but now competitors as young as six, some with their parents permission are participating in organized competitions akin to a bare-knuckle Little League.

Explore Weird News

About.com Special Features

What is a Recession?

Sure, we're all talking about it, but what, exactly, defines a recession? More >

Weird Breaking News

A daily look at some of the oddest (and dumbest) crimes around. More >

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. Weird News

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.