Extras
The Straight Dope by Cecil Adams, crossword by Matt Jones, News of The Weird
What really accounts for America’s high incarceration rate?
The U.S. incarceration rate bears no close relation to the crime rate. For the past quarter century, the U.S. crime and imprisonment rates have headed in opposite directions.
Why are there so many transgender women in Thailand?
To start with the possibly obvious, the Thai sex trade is booming: it’s estimated there are some 200,000 prostitutes in the country, and the industry produces $2.5 billion to $4 billion each year.
Gay Marriage: One step forward, two steps back
Sure, one could argue that the same thing could be true for straight people, but when you’re gay and you don’t have the support of your loved ones, the words “I told you so,” take on a whole new meaning.
How do we know how to pronounce ancient Egyptian?
It won’t surprise you to learn our knowledge of how to pronounce Egyptian hieroglyphics begins with the Rosetta Stone.
Can weed cure cancer?
Increasing cannabinoid levels have in fact been found to reduce tumor growth in mice in several different trials, by both inducing cancer-cell death and preventing proliferation, in almost all types of cancer cell tested.
He’d rather be a player than be gay
Who you date is irrelevant. People’s opinions about your sexuality are irrelevant. Whether they are pointing fingers in judgment or waving flags in show of support, what they have to say is irrelevant.
Is earth at risk of being destroyed by a supernova?
No supernova candidates are within striking distance of us now. However, as the stars wheel through the cosmos over astronomical time, some may come within range.