Notes on History

The story of Rome's founding serves as a means to explore a key historical concept: that history sometimes says more about us than about those who lived in the past. And of course there's an Archie Bunker reference, because who else can explain this better?

A few notes on Roman society in its early days and its first leader. Romulus is back, so lock up your wives and daughters!  No. Umm... no. Seriously. 

The first half of a narrative covering the importance of the year 1066. If you live in the English speaking world and don't know what happened in 1066, please put down your Nintendo and and give this a listen on your cell-phone telephone or your computing machine. 

The second half of a discussion about the Norman Conquest of England, where we learn that showing up late to the party when everyone is already passed out drunk is, in fact, the best way to win beer pong. 

Today, we'll have a look at why "Indiana Jones and the Application for Removal of Historical Artifacts (form 22b-17)" was never greenlit by Lucasfilm. Paul will discuss two archaeological digs, one at Mark Twain's summer home and one at Hadrian's Wall, and explain why the less exciting of the two is far more common. 

Who needs "Netflix and chill" when you could have "Podcast and Third Century Roman Monetary Reforms?" Today's episode discusses how bad money management on the part of the government can lead to horrific inflation, which is at least 5% more exciting than it sounds. 

Today Paul discusses a few examples of how geography has affected the course of history, but in the grand scheme of things and at a very local level. 

Today you'll hear a comparison of two stories: the story of Zhang Fei at the Changban Bridge and Horatius Cocles at the Sublican Bridge. Buckle up and prepare yourself for some dramatic reading by Paul, who clearly found his true calling in life as anything other than a voice actor. 

Today, Paul takes a look at the maybe made up story of Henry Tandey and his brief encounter with history's greatest monster. For all of you out there who bafflingly yearn to wear a Charlie Chaplin mustache but can't because, well, you know... Tandey's the guy who let it happen. But probably not. 

Today Paul tells the story of William Blackmer, and explains the roundabout ways genealogists sometimes make a point. Look away, armchair genealogists (you might not like this)!

Today Paul discusses the wider cultural and political problems that led to William Blackmer's death. This episode is one of those times to keep in mind that the world used to be a much, MUCH different place. 

Today Paul tells the story of the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, an event in which one of his own ancestors participated. The real story, however, is all about how the British idea that the Colonists needed the British military was, in fact, pure weapons grade Poppycock. 

Paul follows up with a point he made recently about how British attitudes towards the Colonies made the American Revolution not just possible, but probable. The Proclamation of 1763 was unnecessarily provocative, and not in that 90's late night Cinemax sort of way.  

This recording isn't an actual episode: it is a reading of the text of the Proclamation of 1763, which is the subject of this week's actual episode "Poking the Bear." Skip this one if you're specifically interested in Paul's commentary rather than the actual text of the Proclamation. 

This week, Paul takes a look at the Currency Act of 1764, in which the British Parliament showed itself to be grossly incompetent. Of course, Americans don't like being outdone...

This recording is a reading of the Currency Act of 1764. Listeners will find this week's actual episode, "Mugging the Bear," alongside this recording. 

Paul discusses the Intolerable Acts and explains why, as Mitchell and Webb suggest, the British were the baddies. Also, try saying "Massachusetts Legislature" five times fast, and let me know how it goes. 

Just because its Christmas, Paul takes a short break from his notes on the American Revolution to discuss why using a dating system based on the birth of Jesus is not only a good idea, but a great way to stick it to the man!