The decline and fall of a uniquely American pursuit can be attributed to a number of factors - The Internet, the rise of poker, expensive gas and larceny.

From the NYT commentary by L. Jon Wertheim, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated:

From the BBC:

Controversy never far behind

Controversial Bangladeshi feminist writer Taslima Nasreen has been moved out of the western Indian city of Jaipur to a location in Delhi.

Ms Nasreen had flown from Calcutta to Jaipur on Thursday after violent protests by Muslims.

But she has now been transported to the Indian capital, Delhi, for her safety.

On Wednesday, police in Calcutta used tear gas and baton charges to control crowds calling for her Indian visa to be cancelled.

Rioters blocked roads and set cars alight. At least 43 people were hurt. More than 100 arrests were made.

Critics say she called for the Koran to be changed to give women greater rights, something she denies.