These messages brought to you by

So today I just realized, I really have not done any sciencey/anthro/nerdy news lately.
Huh, well then. Kinda diverged a little.
So let's see what is up in the academic world then lately, shall we?

• Apparently the Vikings checked out of Greenland early because the thermostat broke.
• The Incan's and the people of Ecuador apparently duked it out. So much so that they made a lake of blood. Lovely.
• Prepare for your jaw to drop at the awesomeness. No seriously, even Bruce Wayne wishes he had thought of this.
• A study into why people in North America don't celebrate fish 'n chips, tea time, posh parties and all things English-y anymore as a culture. Kinda cool.
• If Owen won't get me a puppy, I shall settle for this. His name shall be Ubby
• Raining crystal may be lovely, but I'm fairly sure none of us have either: umbrellas that won't tear to pieces, or sunscreen enough not to get cooked.
• The Evolution of the Cursor: From Stone Age to Fiber optics.
• Endeavor is set to return to earth after it's gallivant to space, thus we see the slow death of humanities wish to understand grandeur beyond ourselves.
• The art of photography is stunning, and totally kick-ace.
• Also, apparently we just need to crack the moon open like an egg and BAM! Moonwater.
• Finally, Reindeer see cooler than you. Yes, yes they do.

xoxo

Oh Silly Ethics.

Controversy at the Smithsonian anyone?
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/03/smithsonian-shipwreck-exhibit.html
The new Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds exhibit seems to be getting a lot of heat at the moment, escalating especially with its opening date being in 2012. The artefact collection apparently was discovered, and recovered by a private German company in the Java Sea. Being a private company, who also sold many of the artefacts (especially ceramics), most archaeologists are calling into question the ethics of the recovery and the ethics of displaying the exhibit.

Concludes Bruce Smith, curator of North American history at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History: "I think this exhibition would send a very bad message to the public, that the Smithsonian doesn't stand for the preservation of archaeological resources and that mining archaeological sites is OK."

Now, that's just the jist of the article. The Smithsonian is setting up a blue-ribbon panel to debate the ethics over this exhibit. The whole time I'm reading this article I keep thinking two things:
1)Would you rather pirates came and sold all of it and didn't document a thing? Because Indonesia didn't participate with the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (mouthful, right there).
2) What are you going to do about it now?
Like really, that's all I can think. After the debate on the ethics is over, and whether or not the exhibit opens, what will be done about the find itself? I'm sure they're going to document everything about every artefact (which I enjoy, don't judge me!) And I'm sure the company who found it has coordinates so they can go back there and comb over it, and discuss the implications of where it was found and omg soil content. But to me, really it feels a little... redundant.
Now watch as every anthro, arky person tries to drive a stake through me for heresy.
But it does! It feels redundant! These people had an archaeologist on site when they dug it up. It's not like they botched it, or maybe they really did. They don't actually tell you in the article. It just feels like if it's such an ethical issue, then they'll probably want to go back over it. Fine, I get cataloging the artefacts, but I swear if they go back and comb through the site itself before they declare it "ethical" I will facepalm.
Also, side note. The Anthropologist in me snickered, in a trolling manner, and thought: "so who deemed it unethical by their standards. You guys remember the first archaeologist right? You'd call them tomb raiders these days."
But thats just me...
Also:
Atlantis? What? What?!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110312135018.htm
Heh. I personally think Plato was a troll with this comment.

Also also!
Help Japan, give a little love:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/impact.your.world/?hpt=T1

Yes I Am A Button Masher Gamer

Thank you to Mandy on her Tumblr for posting the most awesome shirt that totally describes my gaming abilities.
Speaking of the gaming world, Blizzard continues to dangle shiny things in my face and not deliver >.< I should not be treated like a horse plodding after a carrot, and you are taking a ridiculous amount of time to release Diablo III! Come on! When asked what they are even *thinking* for a release date, they say this:
    -- It's too early to estimate Diablo III's release date. As with all Blizzard Entertainment games, our goal is to create a game that is as fun, balanced, and polished as possible. We intend to take as much time developing Diablo III as is necessary to ensure the game meets our own high expectations and those of our players. We're aiming to release Diablo III on both Mac and Windows simultaneously in as many regions as possible, and to localize the game in several languages. We'll have more details to share about countries, languages, and specific dates as we get closer to release.--
Uhm. Really? I totally understand that you are trying to make a super awesome game, because, well, you're Blizzard and that's what you do. But uh, this has been *asks Tooky* about 5 years. I am a patient person, I swear! But all your cinematic trailers and class releases are not helping my waiting jitters.
However, all is not lost as Bioware zomg knows how make my heart pitter and patter. Basically they released the demo so that I can play it way too many times before it's release date. Which is nigh! Oh heaven I'm excited.
And yet, I haven't had time to play the demo!! ARGH! Stupid work. Stupid school. Stupid responsibilities. And, oh yeah, ya know, the same thing as usual lately, wedding planning. >.<
Also, Australia is a little uppity with their whole gaming board of muahaha funsucking directors.. Banning Mortal Kombat? I lol'd when I read that actually. I kinda hope Yahtzee goes to town about it. 
On the closer side of my academia standings...
Otzi is looking good for his 20th Anniversary make over :) Also, he apparently had brown eyes, not blue. That'll change again I'm sure. Always does. 


xoxo

Flamethrowers anyone?

So it's been cold and snowing across the eastern seaboard, and I'm sure there are many people who are truly tired of picking up a shovel *again* after a ridiculously long winter. Actually, I think we all are. I personally could not stand to look at a snow shovel for forever a long, long time. Because really snow is great, and fun, and all snowman's and catching it on your tongue for the first three inches. After that it's basically frozen hell >_<
And you know, this happens every year. Funny how that works. But every year you hear this on the tv:
"And city council is trying to find more money to put into the snow removal budget so that roads with be in better conditions! We'll send out ever plow, man and child to clear that snow!"
And then the next year comes and your driving through five feet of slush with no plow in sight. Until after the damned snow melts.
So you'd think we'd have better plans. We do have a whole year 3 months to plan for this fluffy white stuff. What could possibly be our solution?
http://gizmodo.com/5751902/the-mayor-of-boston-wanted-to-fight-snow-with-flamethrowers-in-1948
Flamethrowers? Flamethrowers.
How have we not thought of this before!
This mayor is a genius, I vote him for mayor! Talk about b.a. ingenuity!
I move for a budget expense to have flamethrowers implemented to dispense of this snowy threat! Because honestly, how awesome would that be. Other countries would dare not mess with us even. After all, we'd be using flamethrowers to get rid of snow, imagine what we'd do to them. Because of one man's idea we could be a country with the imagery of being totally b.a. with no snow.
But alas, we're a country with the image of igloos, dog sleds, people name Doug and Bob and the word 'Eh!' because of snow.. Gah!
We don't get the flamethrowers because we're peace-keepers, that's the reason isn't it? Nrrrrgh...
Also, as I usually post Anthro News. I'm sure some may wonder why there has been no news pertaining to the matters with Egypt's museum.
That's because I'm still crying over it.
For those who don't know..
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2011/feb/03/raiders-egyptian-museum-cairo-egypt
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/02/egypt-update-rare-tomb-may-have.html
Crying harder...
http://www.livescience.com/culture/egypt-museum-cairo-110303.html
They better have the bloody army guarding everything. Mob mentality = sheer idiots.. Amongst other words.
Aside from my ranting my week has been pre occupied with picking flowers. For my wedding. Heh. My wedding. So funny to say. However, I finally decided.

 This isn't an exact example of a boquet I want, but it's close. It's what I'm basing my idea off of. Green hydrangea and cream gerbera's. ^_^ They look cuuuuuute. 

Now, off to plan glorious centerpieces and many other things that will probably make my brain melt. Oh and do homework. Right.

Nygah. 

xoxo 

A Long Time Ago...

There was a girl who wrote in her blog, but then she became busy with work and life and things. But hey, you were warned!
Yeah, I'm terrible.
Now it has been a super busy summer for me, and I have much to write about but a bit too much for one post. So no worries, I'll definitely write about it! I learned much this summer, how could I not, really. I have had a crazy summer at my job working at the Military Museums. You have to be a bit crazy to work there, but that's alright because I already am so I just felt at home.
Meanwhile back in Egypt 3,500 years ago they were making bagels!
Apparently Mt. Vesuvius is a hotter number than we thought.
Finally, Starbucks in 1550 Ottoman Empire? Well, in a bizzare way.

A side order of spinach please

Firstly, Happy Birthday Kevin Bacon! You have such a delicious name!
So my hand may be permanently cramped up from writing up so much research at work. o_O Eesh. My fingers no longer fing! Well.. Not really. At least it's interesting, and not studying something like.. Math *shudder* No, I have had an obsession with military medals as of late, and today I was studying up on the Victoria Cross. ^_^ Which, has to be my favorite (which is probably because it's the highest honour, but yes). Although the Commander of the British Empire medal is really faaancy, I feel like someone wearing it would fall right over.
Alright, geekiness aborted.
For now.
I did go to an amazing BBQ last night though. It was all old co-workers from my last job, also in a museum. But a little more fun, in a living history, dressing up and gossiping and re-enacting, kind of way. It was funny though, since I hadn't seen any of them in a year (which I missed them terribly) So when I rang the doorbell I suddenly heard the high pitched squee, next thing I know I'm being buried in a hug and it's all smiles and the same as it was before :) Perhaps the funniest part besides clothespin doll soap operas was my ex-Fort Husband introducing me to new people as "This is my ex-country/fort wife. The useless white one." *eyeroll* Then again, there's a reason the HBC guys married the Aboriginal woman, they knew the land, how to work and were tough. Not delicate like those Europeans and Eastern Canada "ladies". Which in the HBC, as a white girl, I guess I was supposed to be. Pah, that didn't happen.
And that's the extent of my life's excitement. I lead a very boring life, but not Neanderthal!
After all, you would have to lead a pretty stellar action packed life to look like Popeye
Also, I wish I was in Los Angeles! Because mummies are always cool, especially with CT scans ^_^

"It's not the size of the fwoosh, it's how you use it."
- Richard

The Original Trampoline Club

Happy 4th of July to you America! It's once again that time of year when you blow up half the yard with fireworks, and bbq anything that possibly has even been known as edible.

It's wonderful. Really.

Back in Canada though, Twilight: Eclipse takes precedent over the G20 and G8 summit, as I can't seem to find the latest news on it on Canada's website without having to do all but backflips searching. For good news anyways. All I seem to find is Anarchists and Riots, oh and some poor recruitment office getting a bad case of punk terrorists. Apparently nothing on the Maternal Care incentive for Africa or anything about the International Debt Recovery. It seems the world just wants the drama. Hmph. 

On another, more awesome note, I had my birthday party! Epic? I think so. My sister, the lovely bakerista baked all of the treats. Cake pops and cupcakes were had. Now you may ask yourself, "Andi, what's a cake pop?" Well, let me show you. 

There were also yellow ones at one point, but those apparently went very fast! My sister happened to eat the very last one just a second before the picture! >.< Ah well. Also, cupcakes were involved, both of the lemon and mint chocolate chip type. 

Can you say delicious? I know I can. Her lemon ones are always the biggest hit, they taste lemony, but not too lemony. And you would think the English Major could be more descriptive, but no. That's how good they are, they defy all description! Ahaha.

Anyways.

So it was very delicious and much fun was had, and smores, and parallel parking smores into mouths. And, oh yes, The Original Trampoline Club. Which is secret, so ssshhhh! Needless to say the neighbors probably got the wrong ideas when they kept hearing, "Hey! Come be Tramp #6!" Yes, clarity seems to come after being a fool. But that's okay. 

Now, though this all sounds like something a 16 year old would do at their party, which it so is, I'm actually celebrating me 20-something or other birthday. I'm getting old -_-

This means I have to take finishing my degree seriously, ohhh deary. Also, finding a career. Hmm. Well, we'll get back to that at an undisclosed time. Never. 

In OTHER news!

Tibetans are cooler than you! As evident by lots of acronyms and cool words. Also, lactose intolerance has come to light for me:

"The Tibetan example of human evolution beats the previous record holders in northern Europe, whoevolved lactose tolerance to digest the milk sugar lactose over the course of about 7,500 years." 

     Jeremy Hsu, July 1st, 2010. Livescience.com

This suddenly explains much to me. Well, not really. But it does explain that people who are lactose intolerant can say it's not their fault. It's evolutions fault!

Also, Queen Cleopatra knew how to party but not how to mix her drinks, apparently. Or maybe she did a little too well. Also, I do adore the old Cleopatra movie with Elizabeth Taylor. She was a spunky lady! 

Also, they had movies back in the Prehistoric era. I wonder how much cover charge was? Probably a lot, a whole goat most likely. No one would have wanted to mess with Neanderthal bouncers! 

Lastly, the evolution of the human is a beautiful thing. According to NPR, we're a pretty legit species and they're going to be giving a series called "The Human Edge", which I am looking forward to. Also, they probably say one of my most favorite lines, ever. 

"And no complaints about big hips, please, ladies — without them, you couldn't bear babies with big brains."

I totally nearly died laughing! It is true though, just sayin'. 

Now, it's a sunday. Church is over, and I have food to munch on, in healthy abundance. Left over chocolate cupcakes and cookies. Oh yeah. 

"Congratulations, you're officially made if another year around the sun."

-Anon.