Return of the Swedish Sea-Vikings!

The freighter Arctic Sea is missing, after allegedly having been boarded by a mysterious group of armed Swedes. The Russian Navy has been called in, and is looking for the ship with submarines. (I'd try a pair of binoculars first.)

This article sums up many of the current conspiracy theories, though they seem to have left out UFOs. UFOs are always brought into conspiracy theory sooner rather than later.

They also seem to have left out the notion that the ship simply vanished into the Skummelovstrand Triangle, which seems to be an unconscionable omission.

To me, however, the answer seems clear: the Vikings are back!

If I were looking for malefactors, I'd start by rousting all the tall blonds with shields and chainmail suits.

Brassieres of the Ancient Vikings!

According to the Scotsman, a recent archaeological dig has turned up evidence that Viking women wore metal brassieres. Apparently this ingenious technological advance was suppressed for a millennium or so by the Church.

Archaeologist Annika Larsson sez: "The garments had an aesthetic lingerie effect as well as providing support. I think Viking women would have chatted about clothing styles and designs in simple fashion shows while their men were away marauding."

An argument for the historical existence of the chainmail bikini! As a lad raised on the pulps, I can only give Ms Larsson two big thumbs up!