Monthly Archives: March 2009

SETTLERS OR RAIDERS? (COMMENT).

SETTLERS OR RAIDERS? (COMMENT). Apparently, the controversy over what the Vikings were like is referred to in shorthand as “raiders or traders?” It is hard to reconstruct ways of peaceful living from over a thousand years ago, while conquests and … Continue reading

Posted in History | 2 Comments

“THE FURY OF THE NORSEMEN” (COMMENT).

“THE FURY OF THE NORSEMEN” (COMMENT). Dick Weisfelder commented here on my post on new research which suggests that the Vikings were model immigrants to England who co-existed peacefully with the natives. Dick said that: “I suspect generalizations of this … Continue reading

Posted in History | 5 Comments

TWO USEFUL FRENCH WORDS.

TWO USEFUL FRENCH WORDS. Back in the day the phrase “control freak” was not in use. There were lots of control freaks around, but the phrase and the concept did not exist. Being able to apply the label makes it … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

A POEM FOR THE EQUINOX.

A POEM FOR THE EQUINOX. Spring, at last. You can think of this poem by Wallace Stevens as being about the equinox. (poem via wikiquote) The sun, that brave man, Comes through boughs that lie in wait, That brave man. … Continue reading

Posted in Literature | Leave a comment

THE “OVERBITE BUILDING.”

THE “OVERBITE BUILDING.” Are there any buildings that are loved by no one? Another step has been taken toward the demolition of the O’Toole Building in Greenwich Village. Here is an earlier article about the building with a good picture … Continue reading

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“…PAINTING THEMSELVES BLUE…”

“…PAINTING THEMSELVES BLUE…” In addition to my mother’s Danish ancestors, I have my father’s Irish ancestors. One day when my daughter Annalisa was four, she greeted me at the door. She was very excited. “Remember, Daddy,” she said. “Remember when … Continue reading

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WERE THE VIKINGS “MODEL IMMIGRANTS”?

WERE THE VIKINGS “MODEL IMMIGRANTS”? The Danegeld stands as strong evidence that the Vikings were pretty tough customers. However, this article on the Vikings in the Independent is headlined that “New research suggests they were model immigrants who co-existed peacefully … Continue reading

Posted in History | 4 Comments

THE DANEGELD.

THE DANEGELD. Although the concept of an offer that can’t be refused is now associated with my wife Mary Jane’s Italian ancestors, I can remind her that my Viking ancestors pioneered the concept over a thousand years ago. This wikipedia … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, History, Politics | 1 Comment

CARROTS AND STICKS.

CARROTS AND STICKS. An important Communist back in the eighties (some thought he would have had a shot at the number one position if he hadn’t had the unfortunate name of Romanov) said that capitalists didn’t understand incentives. They were … Continue reading

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THE KYRGYZSTAN AIR BASE.

THE KYRGYZSTAN AIR BASE. Economists and merchants think in terms of trading “goods.” But abstaining from doing harm can also be traded for goods. Hence, the offer that can’t be refused. Large areas of the world— whole countries, but also … Continue reading

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