Extra, Extra

Ugh, if only I could knit, I would make myself this, which combines my love of television and of sweater vests. [Special Sally]

The SIFA African Children's Choir's van was burglarized in Lawndale Sunday night, and thieves stole computers, camera equipment, passports and other items from the Ugandan children and their tour organizers. "The stolen computers carried financial and tour contact information, as well as irreplaceable videos and photographs of the tour and the children's family members, many of whom have died in the African HIV/AIDS epidemic." Timothy Rand, president of Midway Airport Concessions, donated $10,000 to the group when he heard what happened. [Trib]

According to the Sun-Times, students in affluent areas get more recess and phys-ed than kids who live in poorer neighborhoods. "All 10 affluent schools offered at least 20 minutes of daily recess, usually tacked on to a lunch period of at least 20 minutes. Most of the impoverished schools offered no regular recess and a 20-minute lunch, though two of the schools did squeeze in 10 minutes of recess daily." [S-T]

Some colleges are getting rid of trays in the cafeteria because it reduces the amount of dishwashing and cuts down on food waste. [AP]

Illinois closed more beaches last year than any other state. [WBBM]