Short stuff

Jars of Clay's self-titled album was the top-selling Christian music act of 1996, according to SoundScan statistics. Other albums in the top five were dc Talk's Jesus Freak, Kirk Franklin and the Family's Watcha Lookin' 4 Andy Griffith's I Love to Tell the Story, and Newsboys Take Me to Your Leader.--
Evangelical Press News Service

Christian musicians Michael Card and John Michael Talbot have each attracted loyal followings, but the combination of these two musicians has proven unpalatable to some in the evangelical community. While Card is from the evangelical mainstream, Talbot is a Roman Catholic monk. Churches have cancelled planned appearances by the artists, and Moody magazine refused an ad for the pair's Brother to Brother duet album.--
EPNS

Actress Bette Midler has banned TV in her home for the sake of her 10-year-old daughter Sophie. "I won't allow it," she says. "I made a pact with myself a long time ago: Never watch anything stupider than you. It's helped me a lot."--
EPNS

Weddings at Disneyland will not be performed by Roman Catholic priests after the Diocese of Orlando banned the practice. "Marriage is a sacramaent, and we believe that all sacraments . . . must be celebrated in a church setting," said Sister Lucy Vazquez, chancellor of the diocese. About 1,700 couples will be married at Disneyworld this year. Weddings there cost $2,500-20,000; the higher price includes a service for 100 guests in front of Cinderella's Castle with a theme banquet, royal trumpeters, a horse-drawn coach, Tinkerbell and fireworks.--
EPNS

International Bible Society has released a Bible translation to be targeted at young and new-English readers. Translators revised the text thought-for-thought instead of word-for-word, resulting in shorter sentences and simpler grammar."
EPNS

Students at Elmbrook Middle School in Elm Grove, Wis. have been ordered to stop imitating the "look" of the rock band Marilyn Manson--fishnet stockings on arms, white face paint, black lipstick, spiked jackets, and pentagram jewelry. The band's leader, named for Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, claims to be a leader in the Church of Satan and is known for vulgar performances. The school ban came in response to a fight that broke out after Marilyn Manson fans "cast spells" on other students. The school also banned material on the occult.--
Evangelical Press News Service

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