First up is the factoid that the suicide rate in the United States rises ~17% for every 500 meters above sea level. So those of us who live close to a mile above sea level have a suicide rate 55% higher than those living at sea level. Having lived at both altitudes, I have no clue as to why there is such a difference. Really piques my curiosity. Anyone have any idea why? Gives a whole new meaning to hang'em high.
Next up is the odd conjunction of two factoids to make one oddity.
Factoid 1 - 10% of all convicted murderers in the United States are women.Leading to the oddity that women murderers are disproportionately less likely to be executed. Why? Inquiring minds want to know. Is it a sympathy or sex thing?
Factoid 2 - 1% of all executions for murder in the United States since 1977 have been women.
What lesson are we to learn from these facts? The only morals I can come up with are 1) live near sea level and 2) make sure your sex change operation is complete if you are of the male persuasion and are contemplating murder.
What odd facts have made you go ?huh? of recent times?
I love odd facts. These are particularly strange.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the women who commit those 10% of murders are more likely to get convicted of second degree murder, which would disqualify them from the death penalty? Hmm. Interesting.
That suicide thing is weird. I've never heard anything like it. Very strange. Thanks for adding to the things rattling around in my head.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have some odd facts there! So what happens if you live below sea level? Does that mean that suicide rates are pretty much non-existent? Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteAs for the women murders, that's is indeed an interesting fact. I actually know someone (a female high school classmate) who is currently awaiting the penalty phase for murdering her husband and two sons. Seems like the Prosecutors are going for the death penalty for her too. I wonder what's going to happen to her...