How has corruption affected Thailand?
At least corruption didn't stop all the rice from leaving our country. Oh wait…
A) By making it easier to bribe cops.
B) By resulting in poorly constructed buildings.
C) By enabling future generations to think corruption is OK.
D) By causing $35.56 billion to be illegally drained from the country in 2012. Washington-based group Global Financial Integrity placed Thailand eighth on its list of developing countries with the most illegal capital outflows. Through money laundering, tax evasion, crime and false trade documentation, Thailand has seen the percentage of illicit capital movements increase greatly over the years, reports the Bangkok Post. This lost money could have been used to invest in local businesses, healthcare, education, or infrastructure, but we're sure it's better served in an offshore bank account somewhere. On the bright side, Thailand didn't quite match China, which was ranked as the worst offender with about $125 billion illegally flowing out of the country annually.
GARDEN
What surprising thing was found growing in Queen Elizabeth's garden at Buckingham Palace?
A) Money that was actually growing on trees.
B) Animal-shaped hedges.
C) Black roses.
D) Magic mushrooms. Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a red-and-white spotted mushroom known for causing hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects when eaten. The fungi was unearthed by TV presenter and gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh while filming a show at the royal grounds. However, a spokesman for Buckingham Palace says hundreds of mushroom species grow naturally in the garden and confirmed that none of the magic mushrooms are used in any of the royal meals, according to the Telegraph.
UNDERWEAR
Why are manufacturers of a Norwegian underwear brand having trouble bringing their products to the US?
A) Because Americans prefer to go commando.
B) Because the sizes don't match up.
C) Because the undies cause too many wedgies.
D) Because the brand's name is "Comfyballs". The U.S. Patent and Trade Office initially refused to trademark the name because they said it was too "vulgar", according to the New York Post. The patent office went on to say, "The mark does not create a double entendre or other idiomatic expression... When used in this way, the word 'balls' has an offensive meaning." Nevertheless, the brand's founder is challenging the ruling by saying that Comfyballs is named for its "PackageFront" design, which provides "ultimate comfort by reducing heat transfer and restricting movement." We hope they come to a solution soon because Sweatyballs won't be fun for anyone.
