I don’t know why, but everyone’s been tuning into this blog about the dissection of a giant squid. Takes me right back to Marine Biology, 10th grade. My lab partner was a lesbian and way too interested in the dissection of squid.

A Stony Brook University study forged since 2005 has revealed evidence that early hominids lived in tiny, separate bands for 100,000 years, and came incredibly close to extinction some 70,000 years ago. Extremes in climate helped contribute to an estimated dwindling down to about 2,000 humans worldwide.

The genetic study examined for the first time the evolution of our species from its origins with “mitochondrial Eve,” a female hominid who lived some 200,000 years ago, to the point of near extinction 70,000 years ago, when the human population dwindled to as little as 2,000.

After this dismal period, the human race expanded quickly all over the African continent and emigrated beyond its shores until it populated all the corners of the Earth.

The expansion marked the end of the Stone Age in Africa and the beginning of a cultural advancement that has led several archeologists to consider it the start of modern man, with the advent of language and complex and abstract thought.

The migrations out of Africa are estimated to have begun some 60,000 years ago. But little was known about the human trajectory between Eve and that period.

It’s nice to know that written in our DNA is the fortitude to survive, even if it means suffocating all of our natural resources and bloating the world’s population to around 6 billion people. Go hominids!

The hospital in Baralaba, a tiny town in Queensland, 200 miles northwest of Brisbane, has been plagued by red back spiders for months.

Staff has tried to ward them off by spraying with pesticides, to no avail (WTF!?!?!). The only other option was to close the hospital for fumigation. Mother Nature’s a b*tch.

link

In an attempt to break a world record for most hours flying using party balloons, a Brazilian Roman catholic Priest, suspended by 1,000 helium balloons, is now missing. His aim was to raise money to build a rest-stop church for truckers.

Even on my best day I couldn’t make this shit up.

Wacky news story of the day or sign of the impending apocalypse? Either way, this is why I listen to the BBC in the morning:

“Father Adelir de Carli lifted off from the port city of Paranagua on Sunday, equipped with a parachute, thermal suit, satellite phone and a GPS device.

A sea and air rescue operation is under way after he lost contact with port authority officials late on Sunday.

He wanted to break a 19-hour record for the most hours flying with balloons.

Father Carli was hoping to raise money to fund a rest stop for lorry drivers in Paranagua, one of Brazil’s major ports for agricultural products.”

Yeah, I don’t think I have anything else to add. Complete lyrics to Jimmy Webb’s “Up, Up and Away” and a full wikipedia synopsis of The Flying Nun after the jump. (more…)

StumbledUpon the Top 11 Deserted Beaches Around The World. Couldn’t resist sharing it with you, dear Synthesis reader. Let’s go on a virtual vacay together…

Cayo Costa, Florida

On a barrier island off Florida’s southern Gulf coast, it is reachable only by private boat or a small public ferry that charges $25 per person for day visitors.

Once you arrive, though, count on having at least some of its nine miles of soft white sand all to yourself.

See the rest of ‘em.

Check out these awesome pics French photographer Cedric Delsaux snapped of Star Wars characters in modern day surroundings. EPIC!