Random Research Absurdity

Okay, I came across a Latin reference to someone wearing armor (or possibly a shield) blackened with lead. And so I was wondering if this was a common practice and if such a treatment could be useful in strengthening the leather, since the author made of point of saying it was hard (well, 'not soft' actually, well... 'no softer than himself' - kind of cool phrasing, really...).

So of course I go to google, type in 'leather armor blackened' and, silly me, I get twenty zillion WOW hits and "Frodo's Orc Armor - Boiled Leather Armor Scales"! Sometimes I wonder what possessed me to study a topic that is so close to the realms of fantasy as well as being spelled exactly the same way as one of the commonest words in the English language!!! (I lead many brave men into battle clad in my lead-blackened armor where they hurl heavy leaden bullets at our foes with their mighty slings. Or something.)

Fortunately only one more hour till gathering involving beer commences. Yippee! Mighty hops will frolic with sun-drenched barley in a delightful dance of... okay, no more Latin for me. : P

Assassination Foiled by Couch, or Why One Should Always Invest in Quality Furniture...

Couldn't resist sharing yet another bizarre tidbit that, to my twisted mind, was insanely funny. All you normal folks out there may not agree, of course, but such is life... and death...

And thus Tacitus speaks of Nero's attempt to have his mother, Agrippina, done in:
"The ship had made no great way, and two of Agrippina's household were in attendance, Crepereius Gallus standing not far from the tiller, while Acerronia, bending over the feet of the recumbent princess, recalled exultantly the penitence of the son and the re-entry of the mother into favour. Suddenly the signal was given: the canopy above them, which had been heavily weighted with lead, dropped, and Crepereius was crushed and killed on the spot. Agrippina and Acerronia were saved by the height of the couch-sides which, as it happened, were too solid to give way under the impact."

Bwahahahaaaa! Curses, I would have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn't been for you meddling... couch arms.

Ruh roh, Shaggy! (Ok, now I'm picturing Agrippina being saved by a clumsy dog and the Harlem Globe Trotters. I think it's time for me to take a wee break!!)