Beer. Such a manly, macho drink. One would rightfully suspect that beer and the art of brewing has always been a man’s realm, but new research by historian Jane Peyton reveals a much different tale, one dominated by women since the get-go. In fact, women played such an integral role in brewing beer that it was only women who were allowed to run a tavern during the Sumerian age and even the Norse respected female brewers so much that all equipment remained theirs by law.

In England ale was traditionally made in the home by women. They were known as brewsters or ale-wives and the sale of the drink provided a valuable income for many households.

It quickly became an essential staple of the diet and even royalty indulged in the tasty beverage.

Queen Elizabeth I, like most people of the era, consumed it for breakfast and at other times of the day.

But by the start of the late 18th century and the Industrial Revolution, new methods of making beer meant women’s contribution slowly started to decline and be forgotten, until now.

Miss Peyton said: “I know men will be absolutely stunned to find this out, but they’ve got women to thank for beer.”

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Now that Tiger has apologized for cheating on his wife with skanky nightclub trolls, leaving pathetic voice mails and even worse sexting messages in his wake, the question remains as to whether or not Tiger’s sponsors will stick around and continue to make easy money. Of course they won’t bolt. In fact, Electronic Arts, who makes millions creating the same golf game every year, though they do upgrade the “08″ and “09″ part of the title, has made it known they will stick by Tiger’s side.

“Our strong relationship with Tiger for more than a decade remains unchanged,” a spokesperson told IGN. “We respect Tiger’s privacy, we wish him a fast recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on the golf course.”

Any speculation about a forthcoming Domestic Abuse DLC pack is unfounded, though we all know how fun it would to chase Tiger around with a Sand Wedge, wailing away at his hastily departing Cadillac.

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Your dream has been answered, albeit at least ten years past its relevency, but hey, better late than never. Actually, this calender isn’t called the Girls of Ultima for trademark reasons, but it is called Mystik and it depicts all the famous characters from the entire Ultima series. Better yet,, these are real flesh-and-blood girls, so you won’t have to feel icky inside staring lovingly at cartoons.

More pics at the official site.

The NPD Group just released a study which found that there has been a significant increase in the total number of female gamers over the last year – up as much as 28%. While the report does break things down in detail, it fails to give any hard numbers that might be of real help to many of the male gamers who spend the majority of their life online. Specifically of concern, but conspicuously omitted – what are the real odds that the party’s scantily-clad Elven warrior-priestess you’ve been chatting online with for weeks isn’t secretly wielding a sword? Or the possibility that the flirty new shooter calling herself “ImH0t4W11″ in your Conduit clan doesn’t carry an extra piece in her belt?

Unfortunately, science may never be able to give us those kind of specifics. However, the report was able to offer this ray of hope for those so concerned:

“These types of players ["extreme" female gamers] account for just four per cent of total gamers, says the report, however their playing habits have become a little less extreme. While they still spend an average of 39 hours a week playing games, that average is down seven hours from 2008.”

GamesIndustry.biz has a few more specifics of interest from the very dense report.