And speaking of sex, the Freakonomics blog has interviewed author Karen Abbott. Abbott’s new book Sin in the Second City is about Chicago’s Everleigh sisters and their famous turn-of-the century brothel. The interview focuses on the economics of the enterprise:

Q: Did police officers, government officials, and prosecutors receive a discount for services?

A: Minna set a policy of entertaining newspaper reporters and state legislators for free. It worked: the Everleigh sisters got press when they wanted it, and stayed out of the headlines when they didn’t. They also made necessary donations to a roster of politicians in Springfield in attempts to help thwart harmful state legislation, including one check for $3,000.