One of the greatest economic crashes of all time came in the 1600s in the Netherlands. People just went berserk over tulips and pretty well based their economy on them. Naturally, this couldn't last and the market crashed rather spectacularly. But it is a fascinating period of time to study. Extreme measures would be taken to secure a rare tulip bulb. Apparently, at the height of the craze, one bulb was traded for the following :
• four tons of wheat
• eight tons of rye
• one bed
• four oxen
• eight pigs
• 12 sheep
• one suit of clothes
• two casks of wine
• four tons of beer
• two tons of butter
• 1,000 pounds of cheese
• one silver drinking cup.
That's a lot of gouda, people.
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15 comments:
Wow! Your med terminology studies certainly take you far and wide in the realm of academic inquiry... Your devotion to your studies is a lesson to us all...teehee!
Fascinating little post though... how'd you find out about it? Where can I read more?
M.
That is whack.
Wiggity wack?
Hmm, that is pretty interesting Janna!! My mom loves tulips...we have oodles of 'em in our yard!!
No, just plain whack.
So, how many tulip bulbs would it take to buy a Playstation 2?
The collapse of the Dutch tulip market ruined the economy over in the Netherlands. After going bananas with tulips the Dutch learned their lesson. Now they don't tip at places like Russ's or Applebees.
Dutch people don't go to Applebees. It's too expensive. However, the observation regarding Russ' is dead on. However, being ever solicitous for the eternal destiny of Russ' waitstaff, they will leave tracts. This is seen to be an acceptable substitute.
I like tulips but not THAT much.
You know, ironically enough, some of those tracts are on T.U.L.I.P.
Life's a funny old thing
lol, go figure Janna!! If I ever make it to russ's i fully intend to leave a tip and a TULIP tract, hows that?
I'll make sure to go to Russ' and leave a tract on head coverings and post-mil end times. Just for giggles.
Head coverings for Russ' waitresses? You mean like dutch lace caps, right? Like you wear with wooden shoes? Interesting idea there. A little gimicky no doubt, but not completely without merit as a marketing strategy...
I always thought Russ' should have Dutch Dancers out in the parking lot. If anything, it would give those poor sign-holders in front of Little Ceasers something interesting to watch.
I've offered to do the dancing for them, but oddly enough, they just laugh and walk away.
The managers don't want you klompen dancing in the parking lot? That's just shocking. :-)
Ah, the Little Ceasars sign holders - how many times have I compared their job to mine? Do they have a better deal or a worse? An unknowable answer to be sure.
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