A North Korean music prodigy risked his life to escape the communist country so he could pursue his love of jazz. Reuters reports Kim Cheol-woong, 31, first heard jazz piano while studying overseas. The classically trained pianist wanted to play the less regimented style of music, but could not do so in the dictatorial regime.

A prominent rabbi says the outbreak of deadly bird flu in Israel is God's punishment for efforts to legalize gay marriages. Rabbi David Basri, according to Reuters, is a well-known teacher of Kabbalah or Jewish mysticism.

A Chantilly High School teacher accused of giving pot to a student was arrested Monday. Thomas Newlun, 53, faces charges including distribution of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Police say the teacher gave a small amount of marijuana to a 17-year-old student after Friday's class. The boy handed the drugs over to a school security officer.

A teacher in Japan apologizes for viewing a baseball game against rival South Korea during class. Reuters reports that fans from both countries watched the World Baseball Classic game last week, which South Korea won 2-1.

To students at Eagleswood Elementary School, she used to be Mr. McBeth. Now, after undergoing a sex change, 71-year-old Lily McBeth is ready to return to teaching. Despite criticism from parents, the Board of Education on Monday stood by its decision to allow McBeth to resume working as a substitute teacher -- "Miss McBeth. "