We interrupt your regularly scheduled blogging to bring news from the netherworld of brain-rotting television:

Victoria Marshman, Yale medieval history student and America's Next Top Model contestant

Confirming our lingering suspicion that it is possible, albeit genetically unlikely, to be tall and thin but not entirely vapid, Yale student Victoria Marshman will be geeking up the runways of America's Next Top Model as the token "smart model," an even rarer breed than the token "plus size model."

And she ain't no Yale accounting major. She's studying medieval history. It doesn't get much dorkier than that.

I, for one, am really enjoying all the pooh-poohing of her self-proclaimed disinterest in fashion going on in the comments to this post on Ivy Gate Blog.

Granted, I have no idea why any self-respecting history geek would volunteer to waste valuable reading time trotting around in stilettos with 12 women who only want to talk about hair and clothing, although I choose to personally believe that she's on a covert mission to destroy this intelligence-eroding show from the inside. But do these commenters really think it's possible to be interested in fashion *and* medieval history? Have you seen how those people dressed?

woman in a wimple, courtesy of wikipedia

Says wikipedia of 13th Century women's fashion:

A floor length, loosely-fitted gown, with long, tight sleeves and a narrow belt, was uniform. Over this was worn the cyclas or sleeveless surcoat (also worn by men). Richer women wore more embroidery, and the mantle, held in place by a cord across the chest, might be lined with fur. Women also wore hose and leather shoes, like men.

Yeah. That's sexy. And you know any medieval history buff worth her salt is prancing around in exactly this getup at any number of renaissance faires.

Anyway, more info at Yale Daily News. The highly intrigued can also watch Victoria's Top Model interview clip:

The intrigued and brave should also check her out looking dorky and bemused on the runway at 2:16 (0:24 if the clock is counting down) of the promotional video:

Fair warning, though: If you watch the full video, you'll be subjected to Tyra Banks announcing the theme of this season of her show: "the future."

OMFG you guys!!! The future!

Embedded video doens't work in most RSS videos. To watch these videos, you'll have to visit the the actual post.

My apologies for the IQ-lowering nature of this post. You didn't need those brain cells anyway.