Rotundus.com

• War-Torn Afghanistan Looks to Tourism for Economic Boost
• First Western tourists visit war-torn Iraq
• Tourists flock to Chernobyl radiation zone

It's a little strange to think of a place for which progress is represented with the statement that "by the end of October [2009], the major historical sites are expected to be landmine-free." (That said, I have been in areas in which going off-road would put you in landmine-filled areas).

Personally I'd like to go to all of the above at some point. Chernobyl right now, but I don't plan on either Iraq or Afghanistan for at least a few more years until they've had the opportunity to quiet down further.

WTF, kids swearing earlier now, researcher says

The article quotes one U of Toronto sociologist saying that "There's a real coarseness right now in U.S. political culture. It's not a conversation; it's a rant." I'd agree, although I suspect this is more effect than cause.

One percent of UK people openly gay or lesbian

I wonder how this compares to the percentage of such characters on TV.

Coffee: Is it healthier than you think?

It seems that coffee may be the primary source of antioxidants in the North American diet. Yes. I, of course, drink the stuff purely for the health benefits.

America's True History of Religious Tolerance

The byline: "The idea that the United States has always been a bastion of religious freedom is reassuring—and utterly at odds with the historical record."

If you've got a few minutes to spare (17:46 that is), this is a somewhat interesting talk on how innovation happens. The two-second summary: a lot is derived gradually, based heavily on feedback received during interaction with others.

Why Do Heavy Drinkers Outlive Nondrinkers?

The lead in: "One of the most contentious issues in the vast literature about alcohol consumption has been the consistent finding that those who don't drink tend to die sooner than those who do"

Too Few Women -- Figure It Out: If their numbers in math and science don't add up, blame schools, not brainpower

Basically, the argument here is that brain science suggests that the portion of the brain used for language matures earlier in girls and those parts of the brain used for math mature earlier in boys. Essentially, the author is arguing that a gender-specific curriculum could produce better educated boys and girls.

Williams syndrome children show no racial stereotypes or social fear

"Santos’s results also suggest that racial and gender biases have different origins." Are you really surprised?

Church Giving During the Depression vs. Giving Now

"fewer than 5 percent of churchgoers actually tithe 10 percent of their income; the average ... is now 3.4 percent, or 21 percent less than what dust-bowler counterparts gave during the worst of the Great Depression."