The Herding Dust Bunnies Weekly Link Round-Up

There actually hasn't been much going on around here this past week. Taking abrupt stabs at spring cleaning may be necessary but not very interesting. (I think the "abrupt stabs" are an attempt to scare my herds of dust bunnies into submission....)  Hmmm... cleaning, cooking, stocking up on groceries, dodging raindrops, knitting, a trip to The Poisoned Pen, and reading. That pretty much sums up the week. It makes me sound too much like a domestic goddess-- and boy howdy, is that steering you folks off on the wrong track!

I did mention herds a minute ago, didn't I? Well, I've got a herd of links here for y'all. Head 'em up! Move 'em out!

Books, Movies & Other Interesting Tidbits

• In the UK, one book got 20% of the vote when readers were asked which one had their favorite opening line.
• Scientists are working on an eye scanner that could detect Alzheimer's disease early. 
• Add this to my Must See List: Maggie Smith stars in The Lady in the Van. 
• I learned a bit more about the 60-year friendship of two phenomenal actresses: Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. 

Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones

• The secrets of the Santa Priscilla catacombs.
• Researchers are learning about the diet of ancient South Americans by analyzing mummy hair.
• Scientists have found the first-ever woolly rhino in Siberia.
• A shoe store that has been closed for forty years is a time capsule.
• A unique Roman tombstone has been found in Cirencester, England.
• 25 years later, a $500 million Boston art heist still remains a mystery.
• A stolen Picasso worth millions has been discovered in New York.
• Scientists have discovered what medieval cathedrals originally looked like. Think they're beautiful now? See how they looked way back then!
• Archaeologists have found a mystery woman buried near England's Richard III.
• A German pensioner needs a drill to dig for the Nazi-looted Amber Room, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. 
• Archaeologists have discovered a long-lost ancient city in Honduras.
• Genghis Khan's lost fortress has been uncovered in western Mongolia.
• 10 new archaeological clues about Roman warfare. 
• A Microsoft co-founder says he's found a sunken Japanese World War II warship.

The Happy Wanderer

• A family is hard at work restoring an abandoned French chateau. (I've been following their work on their Facebook page.)
• The 20 least-visited national parks in the western United States. (Location has a lot to do with the number of visitors. Fortunately Denis and I have been to some of them.)
• 13 experiences you can only have in Arizona.

Channeling My Inner Elly Mae Clampett

• Sometimes being the winter caretaker at Yellowstone would suit me right down to the ground, even with my aversion to cold. You'll see why!
• I learned two things when I followed this link: (1) I never knew there was such a thing as a peacock spider, and (2) I never thought I'd say that a spider was pretty! (And they're so tiny!)
• Contrary to appearances, this weasel does not have a ticket to ride!
• Two llamas on the loose reminded me of the time I looked out the window and saw an ostrich in my yard.

I  ♥  Lists

• The 20 best books in translation you've never read.
• 5 pets who helped solve their owners' murders. 
• 9 authors who regretted the success of their work.
• 13 great book prints for your walls.

That's all for now. Don't forget to stop by next Friday when I'll be sharing a freshly selected batch of links for your surfing pleasure. 

Have a great weekend-- and read something fabulous!