Whiz of the Web: Monday Meat Slices

The best of the internet, chopped into tiny bits and grilled for your enjoyment.

• A new study provides more evidence for the idea that sexual orientation is passed on genetically. There doesn't appear to be a single "gay gene," but a combination of multiple genes, which may be different for each person. Of course, if at this point you still think sexual orientation is a choice, you're not living in a world of reason and facts, anyway, so this probably isn't going to change your mind. Ah, well. (Via)
• There are many websites devoted to many weird and wonderful USB devices, but frankly, Phillyist never tires of them. We want more, MORE! The latest crazy USB gadget to temporarily slake our unending thirst is this USB coaster and drink cooler. Sadly, according to the product review we linked to there, it doesn't seem to work very well. Great idea, though! (Via)
• Another great idea is Poke, a free bit of software for Windows that allows you to cheat in any game, although only in a very specific way - you can use it to change the value of any numerical variable. So, for instance, you could Poke your way into Sims and increase the amount of money your character has; or seriously level up your Barbarian in Diablo 2. Nice. Not that we'd ever do that kind of thing, of course. It's not sporting! (Via)
• WARNING: this next link contains seriously geeky humor. Those with no knowledge of computers, recent world events, or the movie Tron should probably just move on. Those with even a little knowledge of each of these things, however, should rejoice - your joke has come. So now, without further ado, the story: Sark Defends Port Deal.
• For some slightly less geeky humor, we point you toward, oddly enough, the usually extremely geeky web comic Penny Arcade. This time the boys discuss Roman numerals, and the typical childish name-calling ensues. Heh heh. Junkslut.
• And I have even more humor for you! But that's good, right? That's what we all need on a Monday morning. Anyway, this time we turn to one of our favorite and most reliable sources for the funny: the Iranian government! A lecture by a professor and cultural adviser to the Iranian Education Ministry was broadcast on the news recently, and during the lecture, the professor put forward the theory that the cartoon "Tom and Jerry" (see above) is part of a Jewish conspiracy to make the Jews look better. You see, the Jews are the mouse, and the mouse is funny and clever and always beats the cat, and the cat is...Aryans, or something? Yeah, it doesn't even make sense. You can tell this guy is really good with his facts, too; at one point, he says, "The Jewish Walt Disney Company gained international fame with this cartoon." Uh, yeah. Except that it was Hanna Barbera, not Disney, you dumbass. (Via)

Image Credit: this site