Did you know . . . ?

(These are just a few comments from recent material from classes I'm taking at the University of Memphis, and from assorted other readings . . .)

That we spend more money on lawn care and landscaping in the United States, than it would take to feed every hungry person in the world? (Source: David Spangler, who cites Heifer Project International. Original citation coming soon.)

It's still legal for a man to rape his wife, in 17 states of the U.S.? (Source: S. Albrecht, professor of sociology; I haven't verified this figure elsewhere yet.)

That each year more than 1 million children worldwide are reportedly forced into child prostitution, trafficked and sold for sexual purposes or used in child pornography? (Source: Mark Hecht, HRI Children's Rights Co-ordinator, writing in _Human Rights Tribune_, V. 4, No. 1, pp. 7-9, January 1997)

That Saudi Arabia, trying to save money now that oil prices are falling, is considering allowing women to drive, only because it would reduce the need for the 500,000 foreign male chauffeurs currently hired to drive them around? (Source: Thomas Friedman, pro-Arab columnist for the _New York Times_, as published by the _Commercial Appeal_ in "Transforming the Middle East," p. A8, 1-29-1999)

That the leading cause of death, both globally and in the U.S., for women age 14-44 is the violence suffered in their own homes? Or that--again both globally and in the U.S.--a woman at home with someone who loves her is *more* likely to be killed than is a police officer on duty? (Source: S. Albrecht, professor of sociology at U. of M., in a lecture on the sociology of gender, February 1, 1999)

Jerry Falwell could tell that Tinkle-Winkle (the purple Teletubby) is gay, just by looking at him??? Wow! I wish my gaydar was that good! Jerry explained that it has something to do with carrying a bag and being purple, and even though most of my gay friends don't carry bags and none of them are purple, I still want to find out where I can sign up for Jerry's "Improve Your Gaydar" seminar!! (Source: _The Commercial Appeal_, Feb. 10, 1999)

That this page has been opened times since 9:20 a.m., March 4, 1999? *wink*

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