Friday Odds & Sods Would Really Like It To Be Spring

Hello, amici mei!  I hope you are managing to keep warm on a very freezing Friday afternoon.  Your humble correspondent himself is wrapped under several layers of blankets and sweaters and is sipping hot chocolate like there is no tomorrow.  Nevertheless, like unto the ancient couriers of Persia, neither rain nor snow nor dead of night shall keep me from providing you with your Friday round-up, and that goes for incredibly cold weather as well. So without further ado, I present this week's Odds & Sods.

• A psychiatrist has a session booked to look into a case of writer's block, but instead becomes the one under examination. 
• Two perspectives on modern Scandinavia, the mutually reinforcing strands of extremism in Norway and the trade-offs between life in the American and Swedish dreams.
• The witches of southern Chile were not to be trifled with.  Although if they knew a spell to make the weather warmer, I think we could come to an understanding.
• Finally, a little concoction to make your winter nights go by just a little faster: The Whisky Sling - Heat 6 oz water, pour in a teaspoon sugar, add 2 oz Whisky (Preferably Scotch or Rye). Mix thoroughly and enjoy.  

The Winter of 1888 in New York