I almost think I should be starting a book review in the sidebar, because I have to post another...

...Interesting read of the week: A Tale of Two Cities is a really smooth thing to read when you're taking a history class that covers the French Revolution. If you didn't like Great Expectations, you can stop right now I guess, cuz it doesn't get any less Dickens-like (ie - more readable). I still think it's a good book, though.

Cheers to He for VI 2.0. :-)

OK, how soon does everyone start their Christmas shopping? I usually start thinking in October, saving in November, and buying in December (hey, I'm a procrastinator, so sue me). Mom on the other hand does things year round.

***Warning: The following made up story is not only typical Ho, but contains suggestive dialogue. Actual facts, where present, are credited to Chapter 31 in Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past and in bold. Viewers beware.***

STDs Find Roots in "Chimney Sweeps"

New Bolognia, CR - Researchers at the What the Hell is That-Institute of Higher and Much Weirder Learning released a study today that traces the origin of several sexually transmitted diseases, as well as at least one form of cancer, to a class of men known in the early 19th century as "chimney sweeps." Not much is known of these men, other than the fact that they were very dirty and always carried long sticks that they claimed were an integral part of their job.

Dr. James Riley, associate professor of medicine at the Institute, explains these findings. "Is it any real surprise that the diseases that take the cleanliness out of THE dirty act originated with creepy guys like that bum Bert in Mary Poppins? C'mon, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that 'chimney sweepers' were nothing but your average manwhores. We should have seen through that job description a long time ago." As to the diseases themselves, he adds, "Believe it or not, our cancer research led to our first clue. We can positively trace the first cases of cancer in the big potato sack (if you catch my drift) to 'gentlemen' of the 'chimney sweeping' occupation. Sick bastards."

The not-so-glamourous times in which the "sweepers" lived only hastened the worldwide spread of these maladies. Poor sanitation, crowded living spaces, and men who came home from factories expecting a nice submissive wife ready for bed 7 days a week led to the wildfire-like spread across the world.

"This opens all new doors for us, into all of the cultures that were flourishing during the Industrial Revolution. Some of my colleagues are entertaining the idea of finding the 'chimney sweeps' of Asia, Africa, and North America. Personally, I find it hard to believe that pre-IR 'farmers' were just what they claimed they were. 'Planting seeds' and 'ho(e)ing'? Gimme a break."