Similarly, the biotech giant Cargill has begun manufacturing a polymer from vegetable oils that is used in polyurethane foams, which is found in beddings, furniture and car-seat headrests.

Twenty two people have been put in quarantine in Subei county near Jiuquan after a man died last week from pneumonic plague, the West China Business News reports. The national health authorities have sent experts to help deal with the case.

After all the sociologizing about family tradition, geography, religion, economic status, blue and red states, and clan influence, perhaps Gilbert and Sullivan came closest: “I often think it’s comical / How Nature always does contrive / That every boy and every gal / That’s born into the world alive / Is either a little Liberal / Or else a little Conservative!”

Be gladde lordes bothe more and lasse, / For this hath ordeyned our stewarde / To chere you all this Christmasse / The bores heed with mustarde.