PLEK-PLEK: EXECUTIONS

"Also memorable was Ms. [Laurie] Anderson's nutty explanation of why we're fortunate that Jesus was born in New Testament times, when executions were by crucifixion, rather than Old Testament times, when executions were by stoning (think sign of the cross)."

New York Times, 26 July, 2002

(In Syria and Iraq nowadays, it seems as if Old and New Testament times have merged.)