according to the UN 1.3% of NewZealand women have been raped. 0.9% for the UK, 0.4% in the US. Of course the numbers in certain parts of Africa are probably far worse, but there are no reliable stats. in many countries the perpetrator faces little chance of any onerous sanction.
now, in south africa, comes the 14 cent Rapex device
Shaped like a female condom and worn internally, its hollow interior is lined with 25 razor-sharp teeth, which fasten on to an attacker’s penis if he attempts penetration.
via danger room
i’m not sure exactly when i’m going to the hay festival this year. I wish i had time to stay for the whole thing. i just had a look at the draft schedule. i’m interested in seeing the following:
bruce robinson
martin amis
richard perle
clive james
marcus brigstock
richard dawkins
simon schama
i particularly want to see perle*.
i think this will be our 4th year. the events are not the main purpose. there’s also the dozens of bookshops in the village, and the scenery. the kids love the whole thing. there’s always a circus, plays, kids writers. we always go canoeing on the wye. it’s good.
*Bonus quote from Perle on the Pulitzer prize-winning Seymour Hersh:
Sy Hersh is the closest thing American journalism has to a terrorist, frankly.
