Billy Tompson: Internet picks of the week

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Internet picks of the week

Christwire

Christwire is a bit like satirical news site The Onion, except every story is written from the point of view of a homophobic conservative Christian. Considering that vast swathes of US media subscribe to a similar life view, plenty of the stories here run the risk of being just a little too believable. Amid the scaremongering tales of satan, commies and "the gay agenda", there's some classic dry comedy. The Faith Links section includes visits to such roadside attractions as The Living Bible Museum, home of the world's most horrific waxworks, and there's an article explaining why vajazzling is "the newest threat to your college son".

If It Were My Home

Ever wondered what your life would be like if you'd been born and raised in a completely different country? This ingenious website will give you a little statistical snapshot by comparing your home nation with practically everywhere else on the planet. For example, if France were your base instead of the UK, you would use "23.73% less electricity". You'd also "live 1.93 years longer" but be "two times more likely to have HIV/Aids". There are lots of other bits of national data, most startling when you start probing less wealthy nations ? you'd die 17.78 years sooner if you'd been born in Haiti. As well as the percentages, there are maps that compare the sizes of countries, as well as further reading and some lively debate.