"Even before the arrival of white colonists, Africa already harbored not just blacks but (as we shall see) five of the world's six major divisions of humanity, and three of them are confined as natives to Africa. One-quarter of the world's languages are spoken only in Africa. No other continent approaches this human diversity." - Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies

- The opposition candidate has withdrawn, saying that it's for the protection of his supporters, but Zimbabwe's presidential runoff 'elections' will proceed against a background of overwhelming political violence.

- The real state of Iraq.

- In the news today, hymen replacement surgery is growing in popularity among Muslim women in Western countries who want to marry back into their culture; also at link, an Appropriations Cmte votes to continue wasting money on abstinence education, a pointer to a statement by Black men against the exploitation of Black women, and the news that sexual violence is now counted as a war crime by the UN.

- There really is water ice on Mars. Wicked.

- It's an oldie, but this story about the sworn virgins of northern Albania explores the only path to social independence for women in a gender repressive society.

- Immigration is the third commonest offense in federal jails, and illegal immigration is a crime so serious that even 13-year-olds and two-year-olds can be exempted.

- "If she's not crying ... I did not do my job"

- Farewell, Mr. Carlin

Now, you. What's on your minds?

Update [2008-6-23 16:5:53 by Natasha Chart]: Correction - US jails changed to federal jails.