Magic Statistics

These responses given on various British quiz shows are not just hilariously wrong, they're bonkers.

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE (BBC2)

Jeremy Paxman: What is another name for "cherrypickers" and "cheesemongers"?

Contestant: Homosexuals.

Paxman: No. They're regiments in the British Army who will be very upset with you.

—

BEACON RADIO, Wolverhampton

DJ Mark: For £10, what is the nationality of the Pope?

Ruth from Rowley Regis: I think I know that one. Is it Jewish?

—

THE BIGGEST GAME IN TOWN (ITV)

Steve Le Fevre: What was signed to bring World War I to an end in 1918?

Contestant: Magna Carta?

—

JAMES O'BRIEN SHOW (LBC)

O'Brien: How many kings of England have been called Henry?

Contestant: Well, I know there was a Henry the Eighth. . . er . . . Three?

—

STEVE WRIGHT IN THE AFTERNOON (RADIO 2)

Wright: Johnny Weissmuller died on this day. Which jungle-swinging character clad only in a loincloth did he play?

Contestant: Jesus

—

DAVE LEE TRAVIS SHOW (BREEZE FM)

DLT: In which European country are there people called Walloons?

Contestant: Wales.

One hopes this final howler is not indicative of the average Briton’s knowledge of Islam.

PHIL WOOD SHOW (BBC GMR)

Wood: What 'K' could be described as the Islamic Bible?

Contestant: Er. . .

Wood: It's got two syllables . . . Kor . . .

Contestant: Blimey?

Wood: Ha ha ha ha, no. The past participle of run . . .

Contestant: (Silence.)

Wood: OK, try it another way. Today I run, yesterday I . . .

Contestant: Walked?

For more hilarity, read the full list at the Daily Mail.

Two more scientific studies corroborate earlier findings indicating that smoking cannabis damages one's lungs far more than does smoking tobacco.

One study found a higher risk of lung cancer for those who smoked one joint a day compared with those who smoked 20 cigarettes a day over the same period.

Another found bullous disease - a form of emphysema - occurs 20 years earlier in cannabis smokers.

The studies appear in Respirology and the European Respiratory Journal.

Cannabis use has been linked to serious physical and mental illnesses.

Previous related posts:

• Cannabis smoke more toxic than tobacco
• Dramatic increase in mental illness among cannabis users
• Marijuana triggers schizophrenic and psychotic episodes

I add my voice to the choruses of “Bravo!” rising from the Canadian blogosphere.

MP Keith Martin (Lib - Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca) has launched a private members’ motion to repeal the section of the Canadian Human Rights Act empowering human rights tribunals to investigate thought crime.  The motion, designated M-446, is short and sweet (to those who support freedom of speech):

That, in the opinion of the House, subsection 13(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act should be deleted from the Act.

Dr Martin’s political history makes it plain that he is not a closet Conservative masquerading as a Liberal.

Martin, a medical doctor and pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia Liberal MP for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca on Vancouver Island, was the former Reform Party's Opposition Health Critic. He left the Canadian Alliance party in 2004 after complaining that the party was allowing "social conservatives" and pro-life members to have a voice in the party.

For acting to restore free speech rights for Canadians, a Liberal-supporting blogger has accused Martin of “mov[ing] to ensure Nazi rights!”.  (Mike Brock has a screen shot.)  Hmmmm.

As Binks wisely says, freespeechers must make Canada’s parliamentarians aware of our strong support for Martin’s motion.

First, “send a thank-you note to Keith Martin. — one cannot communicate how important a step is that he has taken here.” as TimeImmortal suggests.

Second, take time to mail your MP & the PM’s Office. Now. “Support & vote Yes on M-446.”

Third: Spread The Word.

A list of current MPs is posted at Parliament’s website.

I agree with Ezra Levant that this is a golden opportunity for the Conservative government to put human rights tribunals in their place.  Stephen Harper, do the right thing: Support Motion M-446.

Previous related posts:

• What does the Diocese of San Joaquin have to do with Mark Steyn?
• Steyn critics prove they don’t understand freedom of speech
• I support Mark Steyn, Maclean’s, and free speech