It Ain't Necessarily So

Reminiscent of the Harper's Index, the current issue of Time is chock-full of answers to questions that you didn't know you had.

Why do we laugh?

Scientists think laughing evolved to promote social group activity–you laugh 30 times as much when you’re with others

Why is a Cheerio a circle?

The “o” matches the cereal’s name, which was originally CheeriOats when it debuted in 1941

What are we most afraid of?

One study found that Americans’ biggest personal fear–even more than public speaking–is walking alone at night

And so on.

All very interesting, until the reader comes across a subject that he knows something about, for example , where's the best beach in America? Time's answer: Huntington Beach in Orange County. The only Hawaiian entry that made the Top Ten is Hapuna Beach (#8) on the Big Island.

Hey, Time, having computers and data analysts doesn't change your opinions into facts.