Quotables

"Many people don't realize that science basically involves assumptions and faith."

Charles Townes, 89, co-inventor of the laser and Nobel Prize winner in physics, upon the announcement last week that he was this year's winner of the Templeton Prize. Mr. Townes was honored for his emphasis on the importance of relating science and religion.

"Up to 2 million."

Los Angeles Times reporter Barbara Demick's response to the question about North Korea: "How many people does your research tell you died in the famine?" Ms. Demick admitted, after criticism of her pro-regime story, "North Korea, Without the Rancor," that about 10 percent of the country's population has starved to death.

"It's like you're not a freak anymore if you have a tattoo. To be a freak you've got to step up a little bit."

Illinois tattoo artist Kevin Veara on the reason some Americans and Europeans undergo dangerous body piercings as tattoos become more accepted.

"I don't think I would take a 5- or a 6-year-old to this. It's way too strong."

Director George Lucas on the upcoming Star Wars Episode III-Revenge of the Sith. Mr. Lucas said the film will be darker than previous Star Wars films and probably rated PG-13.