This is a totally random observation, but why does it seem like Dutch names sound like they should be in a sci-fi story? The trick for a certain kind of sci-fi name is to sound very modern but also vaguely reminiscent of a bygone era. General Petraeus sounds oddly futuristic, but also linked to the human past. Petraeus’ father was named Sixtus, which sounds like he should be a judge or court schemer in some tale set in the 24th century. Hugo Grotius always sounded like a mad scientist’s name to me. Anyway, I now return to writing my column.