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Written by Staff Reporter   
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
If the world is a global village, then some people still haven’t got out of the bedroom. Only 37 per cent of young Americans can find Iraq on a map, despite the fact that US troops have been there since 2003. Half of young Americans can’t even find New York on a map.

The global do-gooders at National Geographic are hoping to right this wrong with an amazing web resource that aims to teach all of us about the revitalising force of geography. Traditionally, geography-teaching is associated with bearded men in elbow-patched suits and plain plaid trousers droning on about sedimentary deposits and alluvial flood things. 

But, this site will point the would-be worldly wise to an array of online resources, which bring geography to life. Starting here, you can travel the world virtually or take part in some real life high-tech treasure hunting - locating booty hidden all around the world by other gamers. 

The National Geo Bee will help you test your level of global intelligence with questions at varying levels of difficulty – from novice to nerd.  Don’t expect a gold star unless you can answer the following with confidence - The Chuuk and Yap Islands are part of what country?*.

The Sarcasm Society

Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit, but, when properly applied, it’s also the funniest. This fact is well recognised by The Sarcasm Society, a group who are dedicated to furthering the cause of sarky people everywhere through their website.

The Sarcasm Society has strict membership grades and criteria. Their elaborate newbie charter lays out the criteria for membership and restricts what sarcasm tools can be used by members depending on seniority - whether it be the evil grin, sly eyebrow or furtive look. 

Yet, all their efforts could be in vain. After all, sarcasm is an inherent trait, best practised by those who know and not to be tarnished by the newbies on the make.

Take Groucho Marx - one of the most successfully sarcastic men of all time. He didn’t need a society to assist him effortlessly coining hundreds of classic quips, such as, ‘I didn't like the play, but then I saw it under adverse conditions - the curtain was up.’

*Answer – The Federated States of Micronesia. Yes, they do exist, I checked.


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