Podcasts about Rhine

Hello friends of the History of the Germans. I am afraid there will not be an episode this week. I would have preferred to say that I have caught a bug or something, but the truth is, I just could not put something together that lives up to your and my standards. Sorry, this does not happen very often, but it does. The muse was busy somewhere else or missed the entry point for my humble attic. So, rather than wasting your time with something sub-par, I decided to call it off for this week. I will go back to the drawing board and make sure something sensible shows up in your feed next week.If however you need your weekly fix of German history content, you can go to the History Rage Podcast where Paul Bavil allowed me to go on for far too long about my pet hate, which is people endlessly repeating Voltaire's quip that the Holy Roman empire was neither Holy, nor Roman nor an empire. Not only is that joke 200 years old, it isn't even accurate. https://pod.fo/e/3330ceAnd if you are of a gentler disposition and cannot bear me losing my rag, you can always prepare yourself for next week's episode by listening back to some older episodes where we have discussed the mid-15th century in the Hanseatic League, Prussia, Bohemia and Germany. For instance episode 122, where we heard how right around this time the Hanseatic League's stranglehold over the Baltic led to a collapse of the once sprawling herring fair in Scania and the rise of the Dutch herring industry based in Amsterdam. In episode 136 we covered the 13-year long war between the Teutonic Knights and the cities and major aristocrats of Prussia, that started in 1454 and ended up with the loss of Gdansk and Western Prussia. The Mainzer Stiftsfehde and the Furstenkrieg that also fall into this period is so complex, we had to break it down into multiple podcasts. Episode 186 about Mainz and Hessen, 189 about the Count Palatine on the Rhine and his conflict with Friedrich III, 191/192 where we look at the involvement of Baden and Wurttemberg, and 196 and 197 about the internecine warfare in Bavaria that linked into it. Or just think of a number, any number between zero and 209, and listen to that episode. Either that or listen to any of the thousands ad thousands of other great episodes talented podcasters put out every week.See you next week.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you...

Is a river cruise just a floating hotel, or can it be one of the most authentic ways to travel? In this episode, we explore the world of Riviera Travel river cruises with the brand's North American President, Stuart Milan. As the UK's #1 river cruise and tour operator makes its official entry into the US market, we uncover what "upper premium" travel really means and ask the crucial question: How can you find a genuine, meaningful cultural connection while traveling along Europe's most historic waterways?Stuart Milan reveals the secrets behind Riviera Travel's 40-year success and its expansion as Riviera Travel US. We dive deep into what sets their luxury ships and curated itineraries apart, from their intentionally smaller passenger capacity to their upcoming all-inclusive drinks package in 2026. Stuart explains the unique value proposition of an upper premium river cruise, which combines luxury hardware with incredible value, providing an experience that sits comfortably above standard premium lines without the formalities of ultra-luxury. Discover how these journeys offer an authentic European river cruise experience by docking directly in the heart of medieval cities and ancient towns along the Danube, Rhine, and Douro rivers. You'll learn how you can step off the ship and be immediately immersed in the local culture.Beyond the destinations, we unpack Riviera's specialized programs that cater to specific travel styles. Stuart gives us an inside look at their robust solo travel river cruises, which include entire sailings dedicated exclusively to solo travelers—not just a few single cabins on a regular cruise. He also highlights their comprehensive group travel offerings, confidently stating they have one of the best propositions in the market for groups. We also discuss Riviera's "Grand Tours," which combine their award-winning land tours with their signature Riviera Travel river cruises for a longer, more immersive European vacation. From Stuart's personal journey through the travel industry to the intricate details of what makes a thoughtful holiday, this conversation is your guide to a better way of river cruising.About Our Guest:Stuart Milan is the President of Riviera Travel North America. With a lifelong career in the travel industry, from starting in customer service to launching startup travel brands, Stuart brings a wealth of experience to his role. He is now spearheading the expansion of Riviera Travel, the UK's largest river cruise operator, into the United States, aiming to bring their award-winning "upper premium" European experiences to American travelers.Timestamps / Chapters:(00:00) Can River Cruising Be an Authentic Way to Travel?(03:20) Getting to Know Stuart Milan: His Personal Travel Rituals(08:55) Stuart's Journey: From Customer Service to Travel Company President(14:00) Introducing Riviera Travel: The UK's #1 River Cruise Line Comes to the US(21:00) Defining the "Upper Premium" River Cruise Experience(24:00) Beyond Europe: The Future of Riviera's Global Itineraries(25:10) Combining Land & River: An Inside Look at Riviera's "Grand Tours"(28:15) The "No Tourists Allowed" Debate: Is a River Cruise Truly Authentic?(38:00) Who Travels with Riviera? A Deep Dive into Solo and Group Cruises(45:00) Exciting Giveaway: How to Win a Luxury Princess Cruise to AlaskaEpisode ResourcesLearn more about Riviera TravelDiscover Riviera's Solo Traveler CruisesExplore the Grand ToursEnter the GiveawayInstagramYouTubeLinkedInProduced by Podcast Studio X.

⁠⁠Help keep our podcast going by contributing to our Patreon! AD Rhine is the pen name of the authors Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinsen, who have been friends and creative partners for over 25 years. Their novels Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze follow the Trojan War saga. They are our kind of nerds—so naturally we had to interview them. The story of Troy and its fall still resonates with us thousands of years later. Cowles and Stinsen have tackled this story from the point of view of the women who lived through it on both sides, in their novels Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze. Join us as we discuss the martial women of the Bronze Age, what it's like to co-author a book, and why we keep returning to these ancient tales. Sponsors and Advertising This podcast is a member of Airwave Media podcast network. Want to advertise on our show? Please direct advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

450 - Discover Adventures by Disney Beyond America: Your Ultimate Guide to European, Asian & African Disney Adventures Join us for Adventures by Disney with Hugh!  Sept 13, 2026 Plan a Vacation Join hosts Rob & Kerri Stuart in this milestone 450th episode as they unlock the secrets of Adventures by Disney's incredible international destinations! This comprehensive Disney travel guide covers 41 amazing Adventures by Disney trips across Europe, Asia, and Africa that most Disney fans have never heard of. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Whether it's the Amazon or Amstel, our language, laws, and economies still treat rivers as resources – channels to be dredged, diverted, and controlled. In his latest book, Is a river alive?, Robert Macfarlane asks whether rivers are not objects, but beings with life, agency, and rights. How would it change us to live not above the river, but alongside it?With Is a river alive?, Macfarlane writes his most political book yet. Recognizing rivers as living entities, he argues, is essential to restoring our damaged ecosystems. It calls for a radical reimagining of law, language, and land – a shift from dominion to kinship.This conversation takes place in the Dutch delta, where the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt meet the sea. In collaboration with the Embassy of the North Sea and the Confluence of European Water Bodies, we examine how the Rights of Nature movement could reshape Europe's laws and policies. What can the Netherlands – a country built on water – learn from this shift?In cooperation with Embassy of the North Sea and Uitgeverij Athenaeum.Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you think you know Oliver Cromwell and Prince Rupert of the Rhine? I've discussed both figures on this podcast, but I don't think I've delved into their wives, daughters, mothers or consorts who all give a more nuanced and view of these two major players of 17tg century Britain and Ireland. Miranda Malins, author of a forthcoming history of the Cromwell dynasty, and Mark Turnbull, author of Prince Rupert of the Rhine join to discuss the women of these two men who fought each other during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Links Puritan Princess Rebel Daughter Prince Rupert of the Rhine ⁠Charles I's Private Life Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cruising offers access to some of Earth's most magical destinations—and the added convenience of unpacking only once while you travel. Whether you dream of witnessing penguins in Antarctica or floating past storybook villages on the Rhine, it's time to chart your next unforgettable voyage.Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth is back with cruise expert and travel journalist Meena Thiruvengadam to share her favorite bucket-list cruises, from polar extremes at the edge of the world to often overlooked destinations closer to home.You'll discover how unique ships can feel like Nordic-style hotels at sea, and why the Great Lakes are a surprisingly enchanting destination. You'll also hear about the majestic fjords of Norway, onboard dining splurges that are worth the money, and a river itinerary that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.What You'll Learn:00:48 The place at the top of Meena's list of unforgettable destinations03:09 The surprising beauty of cruising the Great Lakes04:41 How Norway's fjords and northern lights deliver authentic magic06:13 Why specialty dining is worth the splurge on board07:13 The Rhine River itinerary that feels like sailing through a fairy taleConnect with Meena Thiruvengadam:Website: https://travelwithmeena.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meenathiruCTA: What's your bucket-list cruise destination? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

In this episode of the Disorganized Productions podcast, it has been my pleasure to connect once more with the Holistic Car Nomad after recent tech hiccups and network chaos. We dive into the realities of indie content creation—gear, editing, music sourcing, thumbnails, YouTube monetization hurdles, and the grind behind podcasts and video.From drones and DIY filmmaking to workflows, sound design, and the hidden labour around scheduling and distribution, we share actionable insights on creating more with less and keeping momentum without burning out.Our conversation then journeys into ancestral roots, Germanic and Frisian history in the Netherlands, Rome's limits at the Rhine, pagan lifeways, solstices and holy days, runes and symbolism, and how ancient cycles map to modern rhythms.We explore the “as above, so below” lens, the 3-6-9 rest-and-work cadence, living with nature's tempo, and the present “lifting of the veil.”We also touch on Dutch geography, water management, floods, and why fire and water are equal-opposite forces. It has been my pleasure to be a guest on Disorganized Prodcutions again! Thanks to Rob for having me and the amazing chat we had!Find Rob on:https://disorganizedproductions.com/https://holisticcarnomad.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/greyhorn-pagans-podcast--6047518/support.Make sure to share this podcast and subscribe to our Patreon for bonus content and more

This edition revisits a delightful mix of genres. Recently, we learned about the sad passing of Mark Dwane, so it was a shock to hear that Mathias Grassow, a leading figure in the drone genre known for his extensive studio and live work, recently lost his life while swimming in the Rhine. Our thoughts are with his family after this tragic accident. Download Bios: https://we.tl/t-DWbeURD1Ef Playlist 277 02.25 D*Time 'Shadows Of Time' (album Shadows Of Time) https://cyclicaldreams.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-of-time-cyd-0137 09.26 D*Time ‘On The Still Horizon' 16.19 Paul Ellis ‘The Shadow Of Silver Star' (De Lumière et d'Obscurité) www.groove.dl 22.14 Erik Tavis ‘Orion' (MP3 album So Far So Close)https://eriktavis.bandcamp.com 28.18 Christian Fiesel ‘Picknick By The Wayside' (album Full Of Light) https://cyclicaldreams.bandcamp.com/album/full-of-light-cyd-0138 40.24 Matthias Lehmann ‘Green Man Returns' (album Spring Reveals) https://matthiaslehmann.bandcamp.com 48.06 Matthias Lehmann ‘Deilbach' 53.39 Matthias Lehmann ‘Lake Of Dreams' (album Summer Flow) 58.37 Matthias Lehmann 'Something Passes By' 01.01.17 Matthias Lehmann ‘Do You Remember' 01.05.34Jim Ottaway ‘Citadel Of The Stars' (album Cosmic Odyssey) https://jimottaway.bandcamp.com/album/cosmic-odyssey 01.11.33 Jim Ottaway 'Supernova' 01.17.37 ʞu¡0ɹʞS ‘Deep' (album Deep Recorded live on RadioSpiral 19th July 2025) *** https://skroink.bandcamp.com/album/blessed-ordinariness 01.29.06 Michael Neil ‘The Church On The Hill' (album A Moorland Suite) https://michaelneil.bandcamp.com/album/a-moorland-suite 01.32.49 Michael Neil ‘Foales Arrishes' 01.36.38 Lutz Graf-Ulbrich ‘Oasis' (album Lüüls Lab) https://www.kulturkaufhaus.de/de/deta... 01.42.52 Lutz Graf-Ulbrich ‘Mystical Road' 01.50.04 Encounters ‘Limbo' (album Veil Of Echoes) https://encountersmusic.bandcamp.com 01.55.00 Encounters/Kaya Project 'Soothsayer' 01.59.46 Art of Infinity ‘All Galaxies Sun' (album Fly Lounge) www.bscmusic.com 02.01.53 Karmacosmic ‘The Divine Light' 02.05.34 Vamadeva ‘Dreaming Clouds' 02.07.32 Mathias Grassow ‘Fugata' (album The Hidden Treasure 1990) https://mathiasgrassow.bandcamp.com 02.15.09 SÍLENÍ ‘Remain Sane To The Hideous End' (album The Lost Themes) https://sileniproject.bandcamp.com/album/the-lost-themes 02.18.43 SÍLENÍ ‘Shadows of a Holy Past' 02.21.58 Phoanegramma ‘Desertus Dei' (Music For Abandoned Monasteries) https://eighthtowerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-abandoned-monasteries 02.27.42 NamKhar 'Nalanda' 02,38.32 Kloob ‘Echoes From The Crypt' 02.44.37 Marina Mello ‘ponto de vista' (album Deságua) https://buhrecords.bandcamp.com 02.46.58 Marina Mello ‘caminhos' 02.49.57 Shall Remain Nameless ‘Mask 5' (album Oh, I didn't know it was you!) https://shallremainnameless.bandcamp.com/ 02.53.45 Shall Remain Nameless ‘Mask 6' 02.56.08 Ryan Huber ‘Burrower' (album Subterrane) https://ryanhuber.bandcamp.com/album/subterrane Edit ***

CONTINUED HEADLINE: German Far-Right Surges, European Populism on the Rise, and France's Instability GUEST NAME: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY: Judy Dempsey details the Alternative for Germany's (AfD) significant electoral gains in North Rhine-Westphalia, signifying a broader European surge in populism and anti-immigration sentiment, affecting Germany, France, and the UK. She notes discontent among de-industrialized voters, challenges in the German economy, and Elon Musk's unpopularity. Dempsey also describes France's governmental instability and the potential for US migration policies to exacerbate European anti-immigrant feelings. 1799

HEADLINE: German Far-Right Surges, European Populism on the Rise, and France's Instability GUEST NAME: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY: Judy Dempsey details the Alternative for Germany's (AfD) significant electoral gains in North Rhine-Westphalia, signifying a broader European surge in populism and anti-immigration sentiment, affecting Germany, France, and the UK. She notes discontent among de-industrialized voters, challenges in the German economy, and Elon Musk's unpopularity. Dempsey also describes France's governmental instability and the potential for US migration policies to exacerbate European anti-immigrant feelings. 1860 BECHTESGADEN

Heute ist wieder Rhine-Clean-Up Day. Dabei sammeln Freiwillige an Flussufern bundesweit Müll ein, der einfach weggeworfen wurde. Der Bedarf ist groß, denn der Schaden, den der achtlos weggeworfene Müll verursacht, ist es auch. Susanne Henn berichtet

How a Young Prince Frederick celebrated his wedding to Princess Charlotte, and started a great Bavarian tradition.Based on the work of Mumfreds. Listen to the podcast at steamy stories.In 1808 people of Württemberg lived in the convergence of three cultures. The masculine lead industry and agriculture of the Germans, the Swiss provided enlightenment of the sciences, and the French liberality and arts added a healthy dose of libertine free thinking and even a tolerance for kinkiness.But Württemberg was moving forward with the final demise of the Holy Roman Empire just a few years earlier. Napoleon had just defeated the Austrian military and established a new Confederation of the Rhine.  The ethnic German people were split apart  and some were under the Austrian protectorate, while the Rhine was under French protectorate on both sides of the Rhine river, including the German homeland.Prince Frederick had watched as his older sister was given to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as a wife for Napoleon's brother, in exchange for his family's continued role of the Württemberg Kingdom, under the occupation of Napoleon's empire. Now Prince Frederick was being pressured by his parents and the court advisors, to strategically marry a well-bred heiress from the kingdom of Bavaria, princess Charlotte.Princess Charlotte was just 18 in the spring of 1810. A debutante, already being aggressively sought by Napoleon, she was terrified. When faced with the two unwanted options, she and her mother agreed that Frederick William was the better option and more respecting of their shared German heritage. Charlotte wept for weeks. She was still a girl of just 18 years. Her parents apologized repeatedly. It was especially difficult because Charlotte had always been a free-spirit and defiant of the stupid rules of etiquette that she violated almost daily.As an enthusiast of all things equestrian, Charlotte refused to ride ‘side-saddle'. She also found the practice to be a convenient excuse when the Royal Physician of Württemberg Court conducted a prenuptial gynecological exam a requirement in the nuptial contract between the kingdoms. As for Prince Frederick William, the marriage was even less anticipated. Charlotte was not the ideal sex object of his fantasies. Where he liked slender, tall older women, Charlotte was busty with a big round ass.Frederick liked the arts and sciences. He enjoyed the opera and studied astronomy.Charlotte loved animals and preferred German folk songs. Charlotte found little appeal in Frederick's lanky physique. She preferred the bulky, athletic, and masculine virility of farm-hands and tradesmen. A fall wedding Festival Back in 1810 Crown Prince Frederick William, sought the hand of the lovely princess Charlotte of Munich. She was the most desired woman in all of the ethnic German kingdoms. He courted her for many months, seeking to prevail over the efforts of Emperor Napoleon of France.Frederick's family negotiated aggressively with her father King Maximilian; whereby Frederick eventually asked Charlotte to marry him.Both kingdoms shared a strong disgust for all things French culture.It was the one topic where the two actually enjoyed conversation and felt compatibility. they were political allies and even business partners; but not at all romantically drawn to desire. She felt the same way he did, and accepted his offer. They were scheduled to marry on October 12th. As the date came close, she was starting to feel some trepidation. He was concerned and asked what was the problem. She shyly told him that she was expected to be with him; only with him, for the rest of her life. He said of course she would be only with him, and he would be only with her, as was customary.She thought carefully, and said; “Forever is a long time.”He did not want her to be so sad and thought for a while. He proposed an idea as a secret plan that they should not tell anyone about.At the wedding there would be a huge and joyous festival; a very German cultural Festival. At the festival she could go among the crowd and choose three men with which to make love.Upon hearing the idea, she was overjoyed at the thought and thanked him for his generosity and gladly accepted.The wedding was indeed a huge and joyous festival where everyone in Munich turned out. The first night of the festival was the night of their wedding. The celebration was scheduled to go on for 5 days.On the second day of the festival the prince approached the princess and told her today would be the day she made her three selections. She would go out and pick three men with which to ‘sow her oats.' She went to her dressing chamber to pick out her sexiest outfit. She chose the shortest dirndl she had. It stopped just below her ass.  The front of the dirndl plunged to show her beautiful Buxom cleavage. On her smooth legs she wore white by high stockings that ended below her dirndl. On her feet she wore elevated wedges. She was a vision. Her body was very visible and very sexy.The prince and princess began to make the rounds, where villagers were celebrating and congregating. As they walked, the men noticed princess Charlotte and paid her a great deal of attention. Offerings were made of pretzels, beer, and all sorts of treats, as she walked through the fair.She was pleasant of all and smiled as she always did. These were her people and she hoped they would come to accept her foreign Prince.Helmut the blacksmithAs they walked through the grounds they came upon a blacksmith, who had a stall set up to shoe horses. Charlotte stopped, and seemed to take a special interest. As one would expect, the blacksmith was quite strong, and also handsome. When she got close, a smile fell across his face and he gave greetings.“ I am Helmut, my princess;” he said in the most cultured enunciation he could contrive. She secretly knew Helmut from her frequent trips to the Stables. But that is their secret. The prince asked the princess if this might be one of the men. She smiled and said; “Indeed this would be one of the men if he so desired.” As the princess continued strolling, the prince stayed back briefly and invited Helmut to a special dinner with the princess that evening at 7:00. He graciously accepted. While he didn't understand what was fully ahead for him, he was happy to be able to spend an evening with the busty and charming princess. Robert the actorThey continued to walk through the fairgrounds with the prince often letting the princess drift ahead so he could see the reactions of the commoners as they look at her beauty. He watch her interact with the men of the Kingdom. As they continued, they came across a play that was just finishing up on the stage. The lead actor was quite athletically fit and very handsome. He flashed a smile at princess Charlotte and catching her off guard, she shyly looked away. The production poster listed the lead actor as ‘Robert.' What Prince Frederick didn't suspect was that Robert was also a part of the local Polo team. The two had secretly met in the Stables. The secret remains to this day. She composed herself and began to smile. He congratulated her and the prince on their wedding. She whispered to the prince that it might be fun to invite him to dinner. Shortly thereafter the prince did just that.Steffan the folk dancerAfter not much longer, the princess stopped in front of the stage where there was folk dancing.One of the dancers was agile, strong, and very skilled. As he lifted his twirling partner into the air, then safely caught her in his arms. She caught the vicarious thrill of experiencing being airborne and caught in his gentle arms. Steffan stepped back for his female dance partner to perform her feature solo. As he caught his breath, he looked out to the applauding crowds. He spotted the royal couple and was pleased. He had caught the princess's eye. She stood and watched him perform. in his lederhosen, not taking her eyes off of him. This was not missed by the dancer, and when the dance was over he came over and introduced himself to the princess. “I am Steffan”, he humbly bowed.This was but a rouse, as the dancer was part of a Mayday festival at the Munich Palace. Charlotte had graciously helped him find the dressing rooms when he'd gotten lost in the palace back halls. Charlotte felt a wetness as she recalled his tryst in her private Chambers just months ago; As Steffan talked with the prince, his eyes glanced up and down Charlotte's body. Memories led to arousal, and after several minutes, Steffan quickly dismissed himself to ‘prepare for the next number.His tight shorts left little to the imagination and it was clear that he was very well built down there. It also became obvious when he was talking to the princess, that she pleased him greatly and that is why he had to make a quick exit.Princess Charlotte smiled at The Prince and he understood that the dancer would be the third. The prince then extended an invite to him.The special guests come to dinner The dinner was scheduled for that evening at 7:00. A fire was made in the large fireplace and the finest Linens, China, and glassware were laid out.The cooks were busy making Gourmet Foods and the prince picked the wines himself. The princess was bathing and getting dressed for the evening. She had taken her time to clean and shave meticulously. She had chosen a metallic gold dress that plunged in the front bodice, and a skirt that stopped right at her bottom, in the back. She also wore matching metallic gold strappy shoes with towering heels. She also wore her gold earrings, necklace, and bracelets. On her right ankle was a gold anklet that the prince had bought her that day for the dinner. She looked irresistible. As the princess dressed upstairs, the men arrived early for the dinner. They too, had bathed and put on their finest clothes. The prince greeted them personally, and the young studs introduced themselves to each other.  The prince poured them each a drink and they toasted to each other and their good fortune. Prince Frederick explained to their astonishment and delight; the agreement the prince and princess had made ,and that they were the lucky men chosen.When the princess arrived downstairs, the prince met her before she walked into the dining room. To her surprise, the prince said that he would not be joining them. He wanted the men to have her to themselves and for her to have the men to herself. After thinking about it a bit, she realized that this might be more fun.The prince told her however, that he couldn't possibly resist watching her sexual conquests and would be watching from special consealments that were created near the dining room.They then walked into the dining room as the men stood up and were formally introduced by name to the princess.As she walked in looking lovely as can be. There were Smiles all around. The prince said his good-byes,and said he would stop in the evening, The princess and her suitors were seated for dinner and were poured wine from the servants. As the conversation began, the men paid great attention to the princess. The men stared deep into the eyes of the princess while she spoke and attended to her every need.Dancing In The ParlorAfter dessert was served Steffan asked the princess if she'd like to dance. She loved to dance and quickly accepted the offer from the handsome man. Charlotte led the man into the Parlor and went over to a cabinet on casters she opened the lid of the music box and cranked up the Armature. The Parlor was filled with the rich sounds of an Austrian Waltz. They began a formal Waltz, with the dancer expertly taking the lead and the princess easily keeping up. They glided around the room while Helmut and Robert looked on, seated on nicely-upholstered wing-back chairs.Not wanting to be left out, Robert cut in and continued the dance;  His intense blue eyes staring into the princesses. Helmut, not wanting to miss his turn, cut in. This allowed the princess to put her hands on his muscular arms as he easily spun her around the Dance Floor. During dinner, Prince Frederick had been sitting in a hall outside the dining room. He took great pleasure in watching the princess charm and be Charmed by the men. He found himself increasingly excited as the dancing started. His new wife was a youthful and sexy dancer, and watching her interact with the men turned him on immensely. When the quartet moved to the parlor, Prince Frederick went upstairs to a balcony overlooking the Parlor. A member of his Württemberg Entourage, Claudine was making her regular checks on his welfare. She was his tutor since he was 10 years old and she was 21.The woman taught Frederick on many subjects, and over time had become an adviser on many matters. She was tall, slender, and elegant. Her lessons often continued in his bed Chambers whenever they could safely conceal the ongoing sex education lessons. Now, 17 years later, Claudine now carries herself as a charming  and confident 39 year old vixen.From the balcony, the prince and his ‘tutor' (and secret lover) sat on the floor, behind the velvet drapes, and silently peered between the balusters, Charlotte's deportment with the young men.The quartet move to a slower song and the blacksmith pulled the princess close for a slow dance. The princess's head had been spinning from her wonderful evening and her third Goblet of wine, and now she was very close to and touching this muscular man. He too could feel her busty body with his strong hands around her firm waist he pulled her in closer to him she didn't pull away as she felt him stiffen.She began to feel a tingle inside herself. Before she knew it Robert the actor had stepped up and taken Helmut's place. As Robert stared into her eyes he leaned forward and gently put his lips to hers and she readily received them as she first did in that pile of straw in the horse stables.He pulled her close to him and continued to kiss her. She then felt a second set of hands on her hips from behind it was Steffan. Her dress was so short that his hands were right above the bottom of the dress. She briefly stopped kissing Robert as Steffen pulled her hips into him and began kissing her neck. Pressing into her rear end was that very large and now very hard cock that had attracted her earlier that day. He raised Goosebumps on her as he kissed her neck.From the balcony, Prince Frederick and Claudine had seen everything. He didn't miss a second of the meal or the dance.  Much like the viral men in the parlor, he too was very hard. To watch the woman he married be so pleased. To be able to watch her talk and flirt and touch and be touched was truly a pleasure. To see the way the young suiters desire her.Claudine began rubbing his crotch while sliding her other hand up under her own skirt.As Steffan continued to kiss the princess on her neck and ears, he slowly ground his cock against her white ass. With his hands around her waist the skimpy dress began fully raising from the grinding as it lifted. The actor in front of her looked down and realized she wasn't wearing any panties. He could see her perfect beautiful shaved cunt. He went wild, grabbing her head and kissing her deeply with his tongue. Steffan also noticing the dress had climbed up her body, began using his large hands to rub her large crack.The princess felt so good she was barely standing at this point, mostly being held up in the sandwich of the men. The blacksmith was standing on the sidelines with his cock out, stroking while looking at the scene he had in front of him.The actor was now kissing down the body of The Princess and Steffan turned the princess's head and began kissing her deeply as he reached in front and grabbed her heating tits and fondling her tall erect nipples. Robert had made his way down to her belly and was closing in on her cunt. The princess shook as Robert's lips came in contact with her cunt lips. He licked her cunt as she held his head against her. After the princess Broke Free from Steffan's kiss, she gave a look towards the waiting blacksmith. The look let Helmut know it was time for him to join the fun. Helmut, unable to contain himself, walked towards the melee. He ignored Steffan and the actor and picked up the princess and carried her to a large couch on the side of the room. He laid her down on the couch and began for lack of a better word, to ravage her body.He grabbed and sucked her nipples and then quickly moved down to her cunt, licking her clit. The other two men were quickly at the couch. The actor began sucking her nipples making the princess squirm. She wrapped her legs around Helmut's head. As Robert & Steffan worked their magic, she began to quiver.This stirred both of the men and their tongues sped up lapping her nipples and clit. Her back arched as the orgasm flowed through her body. As she recovered from her orgasm, the men stood her up and removed her mini dress so that only her gold platform heals and jewelry remained. At this point; Helmut was so turned on, he couldn't wait. He laid the princess back down, and guided his rigid cock inside her. As much as she enjoyed his mouth it felt really good to have his hard warm cock in her.The princess looked next to see that Robert had removed his clothes and had his hard shaft in front of her. The princess reached out and grabbed his cock. Robert's heart was pounding. The hand of this beautiful woman felt so good on him.Steffan stripped off his clothes and joined the group.The princess had her eyes closed as Helmut picked up his pace. She put her right hand on his muscular chest and rubbed down his chiseled abdomen, wrapping her hand around his thick cock as it slid in and out of her. She returned her hand to his chest and continued to jerk off the wood of Robert on her left.One of the thrust of Helmut's threw the princess's head back and as she look to the right she saw the naked body of Stefan.His cock was large and beautiful. It was exactly what she hoped for when she picked him for the evening. She slowed her hand down on the actor as she eagerly grabbed the thick rod of the handsome dancer. She slowly explored the entire length of his cock with her soft hand. He leaned over and touched and kissed her slowly, exploring her mouth; reaching over to gently caress her nipple. She firmly but gently grabbed the base of his cock, and pulled him close to her.  It was perfect, and she began licking and sucking it. She continued to suck as much of the cock as she could fit in her mouth,  to the rhythm of Helmut sliding in and out of her wet cunt. Helmut would not last much longer, and began to pick up speed. The princess began to tremble and slow down the actor and Dancer.As Helmut's hands wrapped around her tiny waist, she put her hands on his waist, to push him in further,He began grunted and began powerfully jack-hammering her. Her entire body was moving as Helmut slammed into her. He began to cum.  She felt his first shot squirt into her body, which pushed her into a full orgasm as her body clinched around him.  He kept pounding, shooting a large load  as she moaned. Charlotte was trembling from the orgasm Helmut had just given her. He held her in his strong arms, as she took a moment to recover. After some time, he withdrew his cock from her.Steffan grabbed the Princess's face with both hands, and kissed her passionately on the lips.He backed up and stared into her eyes. He could wait no longer. As he backed up, the Princess could see his turgid cock, standing at attention. He was extremely hard. With both hands on her waist, he pulled her towards him. He grabbed the base of his rod, and began to run it up and down the length of her cunt lips. He would have to move slowly, to get his large shaft into her tight cunt. Robert and Helmut saw that she might have some troubles, so they went up to the princess. They each took one of her shapely legs. She still had her golden heels on. They each held an ankle in one hand, and with the other they reached up to her inner thigh.They spread her legs wide apart, to give Steffan better access. As his cock pressed into the small opening between her cunt lips, she was both nervous and excited.Cum In The BalconyStill viewing from the Position to see his new wife, as naked and as hard as the other men; he had his cock in his hand. It was ecstasy to see his wife enjoying herself so much to allow her to have a variety he could not provide himself .He also liked being able to just watch the way she flirted, desired, and moved.He could just focus on watching her be sexual. It was such a turn on for him. Claudine sucked his cock while he lay on the balcony floor; her cunt spread wide above his adoring eyes. His cock deep in his concert's throat while the passionate sounds of a foursome filled the Parlor below their lofty perch. As Claudine's juices ran down the tongue of the prince, her inner thighs pressing tight against his ears while she shakes from the oral menstruation he has perfected.Frederick took it all in and paused his urges to thrust while Claudine indulged in the joy of her orgasm. She sucked his tip and flicked his head gently while her Bliss lingered. As Claudine's body came back to the moment, she fixed her desire to the cock in her mouth. Soon her head pressed down on his crotch and his cock rapidly entered and exited her throat. Her tongue synchronized in a swallowing sequence. In less than a minute later, his hips rocketed upward as his balls constricted into the base of his cock. His prostate began a series of jets sending cream deep into Claudine's receptive throat. She knew his body and his signs of eminent release. She's taking a deep breath before plunging down on his explosion with her expert tongue.She used a swallowing sequence to take every last drop into her throat. Claudine had become so proficient that it had been a couple years since she could remember the taste of Frederick's spunk. Downstairs The princess took a deep breath as Stefan's cock slowly entered her cunt.  She felt it spreading her and filling her up. She was very wet but Stephen still took his time. She was so tight he needed to move slowly. He paused after he was completely inside her, to give her a moment to once again get used to his massive cock.With her eyes closed she let out a breath feeling so full in her cunt. Slowly he moved back out and then gently pushed back into her. He increased the speed as she grew used to his size. He slid in and out of her, hitting spots on her that had never been felt before. Helmut and Robert released her legs. Starting at her shoulders, they each kiss down her body, gently touching and tasting her as they worked.From her legs up, they kissed around her breasts, settling on her erect and sensitive nipples. Kissing them, licking and sucking them.In appreciation, she reached out and grabbed each of their firm cocks. With a cock inside her, with two handsome men sucking her nipples and a cock in each hand, her head was spinning. his face and her breathing she began to lose control with that fat cock filling her up and both nipples getting sucked. She began to moan louder and louder and she moaned the man began sucking her nipples faster and faster.Finally she couldn't hold out any longer and began to come.She let out what was almost a scream and seemed to have cum for a full minute. She felt so good after she came completely inside her while he waited and she recovered he couldn't wait any longer and slowly started pumping her she moved her body in time with his and it felt good.Recovering the princess started to feel a tingle as Stefan again picked up the pace. It was at this time the princess saw something to her left. It was the prince. He was so turned on by the event that he had to get closer. He was naked and jacking off his hard cock at the sight of his beautiful bride. She felt so good with the comfort of knowing her husband gave his approval and was so turned on,She looked up and Stefan was staring straight into her eyes. She could feel the pre-cum dribbling inside her, from his massive cock and knew it wouldn't be much longer. It was now just him and her, as he wrapped his large hands around her tiny waist and began to Bear down on her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and started to moan. They locked eyes as he drove into her faster and faster. She could feel his balls slamming into her with each stroke she began to scream  as the orgasm took over and his cock began to twitch.She began wave after wave of orgasm as his cock began to come inside her. She could feel the hot spurts of his semen. He kept pumping till his big cock was drained. She laid back sweaty and completely spent as his cock went limp inside her. Charlotte's good nightWith her eyes closed she felt lips softly touch hers. It was Prince Frederick. He looked deeply into her eyes and thanked her for what she had done. It was such a pleasure to watch her. Stefan prepared warm water and began gently cleaning her up with washcloths. They then helped the princess nymph, to dress into a beautiful tight golden gown. The night had gone on for hours ,with all of the meeting, drinking, and dancing; Charlotte saw each man out separately, and some private words were spoken but not overheard. Frederick told Charlotte he'd be up a bit and she should get her rest. The two never shared a bedroom again.A tradition of need Frederick William and his wife Charlotte remained in two royal families from two Allied kingdoms of the German peoples. It would be years before their fathers' Reigns would be passed on, so the two developed humanitarian causes and charities, to benefit the people of the two kingdoms. Württemberg & Bavaria. This often meant a lot of travel in the two adjoining kingdoms. Together they kept up appearances and showed no public affection to each other.It's not that they lacked a libido; they just had no physical or emotional attraction to anything about each other. In the weeks after Frederick and Charlotte disclosed to each other that they both had romantic interests in other lovers. they both provided discreet accommodations to each other and still kept a mutual respect.Second Year, and the Dirndl Craze Princess Charlotte is widely recognized as the inspiration for Oktoberfest. Her Bountiful bosom is synonymous with the joy of a Bountiful Harvest. The beer garden waitresses all wore the 'Charlotte dirndls' at the Munich Oktoberfest of 1811, 2nd Annual Festival. Charlotte and Frederick traveled the second night to Württemberg to inaugurate a sister Festival there. Some of the Württemberg church ladies initially objected to this Bavarian hussie princess whom their Crown Prince had married. Prince Frederick caught word of the grumbling prudes and decided to tell the organizers that he would personally appear with Princess Charlotte to make the official pronunciation of the beginning of the festival, At the noon hour, all the crowds gathered in the festival Square. Troubadours and dancers, Artisans and Partiers, all stood with a hush as the prince and princess climbed the steps to the platform. "Men and women, People of Württemberg, and guests. It is good to Delight in the Bountiful provisions of the Almighty, and we are truly thankful. We Delight ourselves in the fruit of both our hard work and Providence." Prince Frederick paused then added; "You are all part of that bounty. Delight in each other. I have taken a wife and we celebrate our anniversary with you today."Charlotte was standing just behind, and to the side of Frederick. He stepped back and took her hand to have her step up next to him. She was wearing a new dirndl in the colors of Frederick's Kingdom coat of arms. It was low cut, daring, and revealed a lot of leg. Frederick watched as a few older ladies whispered and expressed some displeasure. Frederick resumed his words; "In our holy scriptures we are commanded to Delight in God's provision. All of it. I conferred with the bishop and I'm confident of the clear meaning of this holy command. In the Book of Proverbs, the fifth chapter and the 18th verse. It commands us, 'Let thy Fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe. Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished always with her love.' " At that word, the men of the festival let out a roar of delight, Frederick and Charlotte turned to each other and smiled. Prince Frederick yelled over the excited crowd, "Bishop Johan, have I spoken accurately? Red-faced, the cleric simply gave a slow affirmative nod. The roar continued again, and the women now also joined in the applause. Prince Frederick stepped away and signaled for his Buxom princess Charlotte to acknowledge the acceptance from his kingdom. Ever the impish and useful girl, Charlotte made the impulsive decision not to curtsy, but bow instead, as a man would.The entire Festival cheered even louder, as the buxom princess gave a 'birds-eye' peek as her busty assets. The crowd began to chant; "We Love Char! We Love Char!" Prince Frederick motioned for a few frauline barmaids to roll a keg to Center Stage. They were all wearing similarly low-cut matching dirndls. The crowds now cheered at fever pitch. These girls were wearing exact replicas of the skimpy dress Charlotte had worn last year, for the special night of the original Munich Festival. The beirmeister tapped the keg and poured the local ale into a Stein. The beirmeister handed the Stein to Prince Frederick. Prince Frederick swiftly drank the entire contents without a pause. Holding up the empty stein, Prince Frederick shouted "O' zapft is! The Keg is tapped! Let Oktoberfest begin!" That's what sealed the legacy of the German ethnic future. Charlotte became the mascot without ever intending to. For her, Oktoberfest was always a way to conveniently compensate for a marriage which completely lacked romance and sexuality. This was all for show. Frederick continued his lust for older MILF trysts and taking interest in tall slender women. Claudine was a frequent counselor and lived in the palace. Charlotte was able to surround herself with virile men who loved her busty figure. As a proud answer to the French Mardi Gras hedonism, the people of Bavaria and Württemberg kingdoms heartily took to the annual fall Harvest Festival we still know as Oktoberfest. It still includes house parties to end the days, and people entertain house guests til wee hours of the morning.It's set for celebrating the conclusion of the harvest, which means The agrarian communities have both time and money for celebrating with energy and enthusiasm. Each year after, new festivals popped up in other cities and the royal couple collaborated in both kingdoms to stagger the dates and coordinate promotions and resources.Württemberg's new king and queen Charlotte became Queen Caroline when Prince Frederick William became King William the first; but the marriage was sexless. After a few years Frederick learned of the death of his cousins Royal husband, in Russia. Princess Catherine Pavlovna met King William while both were visiting Vienna. Frederick was love-struck by the tall Russian granddaughter of Catherine the Great.They were both in their Prime of life and burning with lust for each other. Soon Frederick asked Charlotte for an annulment agreement. For Charlotte, it was liberation. She immediately became the most sought woman in Europe's royal society.Very quickly, Emperor Francis the first of Austria secured her commitment to marriage and become Empress consort of his Austrian Empire with another 46 titles of nobility. Francis was 24 years older than Charlotte and the two did not have children together. But with Charlotte's help, Francis eventually defeated the Napoleon Empire. That meant Württemberg's King Frederick, her first husband, was now subject to her, through her new husband, Francis. Thus begun the great Austrian Empire of Europe for about 100 years to come. by  Mumfreds for Literotica 

How a Young Prince Frederick celebrated his wedding to Princess Charlotte, and started a great Bavarian tradition.Based on the work of Mumfreds. Listen to the podcast at steamy stories.In 1808 people of Württemberg lived in the convergence of three cultures. The masculine lead industry and agriculture of the Germans, the Swiss provided enlightenment of the sciences, and the French liberality and arts added a healthy dose of libertine free thinking and even a tolerance for kinkiness.But Württemberg was moving forward with the final demise of the Holy Roman Empire just a few years earlier. Napoleon had just defeated the Austrian military and established a new Confederation of the Rhine.  The ethnic German people were split apart  and some were under the Austrian protectorate, while the Rhine was under French protectorate on both sides of the Rhine river, including the German homeland.Prince Frederick had watched as his older sister was given to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as a wife for Napoleon's brother, in exchange for his family's continued role of the Württemberg Kingdom, under the occupation of Napoleon's empire. Now Prince Frederick was being pressured by his parents and the court advisors, to strategically marry a well-bred heiress from the kingdom of Bavaria, princess Charlotte.Princess Charlotte was just 18 in the spring of 1810. A debutante, already being aggressively sought by Napoleon, she was terrified. When faced with the two unwanted options, she and her mother agreed that Frederick William was the better option and more respecting of their shared German heritage. Charlotte wept for weeks. She was still a girl of just 18 years. Her parents apologized repeatedly. It was especially difficult because Charlotte had always been a free-spirit and defiant of the stupid rules of etiquette that she violated almost daily.As an enthusiast of all things equestrian, Charlotte refused to ride ‘side-saddle'. She also found the practice to be a convenient excuse when the Royal Physician of Württemberg Court conducted a prenuptial gynecological exam a requirement in the nuptial contract between the kingdoms. As for Prince Frederick William, the marriage was even less anticipated. Charlotte was not the ideal sex object of his fantasies. Where he liked slender, tall older women, Charlotte was busty with a big round ass.Frederick liked the arts and sciences. He enjoyed the opera and studied astronomy.Charlotte loved animals and preferred German folk songs. Charlotte found little appeal in Frederick's lanky physique. She preferred the bulky, athletic, and masculine virility of farm-hands and tradesmen. A fall wedding Festival Back in 1810 Crown Prince Frederick William, sought the hand of the lovely princess Charlotte of Munich. She was the most desired woman in all of the ethnic German kingdoms. He courted her for many months, seeking to prevail over the efforts of Emperor Napoleon of France.Frederick's family negotiated aggressively with her father King Maximilian; whereby Frederick eventually asked Charlotte to marry him.Both kingdoms shared a strong disgust for all things French culture.It was the one topic where the two actually enjoyed conversation and felt compatibility. they were political allies and even business partners; but not at all romantically drawn to desire. She felt the same way he did, and accepted his offer. They were scheduled to marry on October 12th. As the date came close, she was starting to feel some trepidation. He was concerned and asked what was the problem. She shyly told him that she was expected to be with him; only with him, for the rest of her life. He said of course she would be only with him, and he would be only with her, as was customary.She thought carefully, and said; “Forever is a long time.”He did not want her to be so sad and thought for a while. He proposed an idea as a secret plan that they should not tell anyone about.At the wedding there would be a huge and joyous festival; a very German cultural Festival. At the festival she could go among the crowd and choose three men with which to make love.Upon hearing the idea, she was overjoyed at the thought and thanked him for his generosity and gladly accepted.The wedding was indeed a huge and joyous festival where everyone in Munich turned out. The first night of the festival was the night of their wedding. The celebration was scheduled to go on for 5 days.On the second day of the festival the prince approached the princess and told her today would be the day she made her three selections. She would go out and pick three men with which to ‘sow her oats.' She went to her dressing chamber to pick out her sexiest outfit. She chose the shortest dirndl she had. It stopped just below her ass.  The front of the dirndl plunged to show her beautiful Buxom cleavage. On her smooth legs she wore white by high stockings that ended below her dirndl. On her feet she wore elevated wedges. She was a vision. Her body was very visible and very sexy.The prince and princess began to make the rounds, where villagers were celebrating and congregating. As they walked, the men noticed princess Charlotte and paid her a great deal of attention. Offerings were made of pretzels, beer, and all sorts of treats, as she walked through the fair.She was pleasant of all and smiled as she always did. These were her people and she hoped they would come to accept her foreign Prince.Helmut the blacksmithAs they walked through the grounds they came upon a blacksmith, who had a stall set up to shoe horses. Charlotte stopped, and seemed to take a special interest. As one would expect, the blacksmith was quite strong, and also handsome. When she got close, a smile fell across his face and he gave greetings.“ I am Helmut, my princess;” he said in the most cultured enunciation he could contrive. She secretly knew Helmut from her frequent trips to the Stables. But that is their secret. The prince asked the princess if this might be one of the men. She smiled and said; “Indeed this would be one of the men if he so desired.” As the princess continued strolling, the prince stayed back briefly and invited Helmut to a special dinner with the princess that evening at 7:00. He graciously accepted. While he didn't understand what was fully ahead for him, he was happy to be able to spend an evening with the busty and charming princess. Robert the actorThey continued to walk through the fairgrounds with the prince often letting the princess drift ahead so he could see the reactions of the commoners as they look at her beauty. He watch her interact with the men of the Kingdom. As they continued, they came across a play that was just finishing up on the stage. The lead actor was quite athletically fit and very handsome. He flashed a smile at princess Charlotte and catching her off guard, she shyly looked away. The production poster listed the lead actor as ‘Robert.' What Prince Frederick didn't suspect was that Robert was also a part of the local Polo team. The two had secretly met in the Stables. The secret remains to this day. She composed herself and began to smile. He congratulated her and the prince on their wedding. She whispered to the prince that it might be fun to invite him to dinner. Shortly thereafter the prince did just that.Steffan the folk dancerAfter not much longer, the princess stopped in front of the stage where there was folk dancing.One of the dancers was agile, strong, and very skilled. As he lifted his twirling partner into the air, then safely caught her in his arms. She caught the vicarious thrill of experiencing being airborne and caught in his gentle arms. Steffan stepped back for his female dance partner to perform her feature solo. As he caught his breath, he looked out to the applauding crowds. He spotted the royal couple and was pleased. He had caught the princess's eye. She stood and watched him perform. in his lederhosen, not taking her eyes off of him. This was not missed by the dancer, and when the dance was over he came over and introduced himself to the princess. “I am Steffan”, he humbly bowed.This was but a rouse, as the dancer was part of a Mayday festival at the Munich Palace. Charlotte had graciously helped him find the dressing rooms when he'd gotten lost in the palace back halls. Charlotte felt a wetness as she recalled his tryst in her private Chambers just months ago; As Steffan talked with the prince, his eyes glanced up and down Charlotte's body. Memories led to arousal, and after several minutes, Steffan quickly dismissed himself to ‘prepare for the next number.His tight shorts left little to the imagination and it was clear that he was very well built down there. It also became obvious when he was talking to the princess, that she pleased him greatly and that is why he had to make a quick exit.Princess Charlotte smiled at The Prince and he understood that the dancer would be the third. The prince then extended an invite to him.The special guests come to dinner The dinner was scheduled for that evening at 7:00. A fire was made in the large fireplace and the finest Linens, China, and glassware were laid out.The cooks were busy making Gourmet Foods and the prince picked the wines himself. The princess was bathing and getting dressed for the evening. She had taken her time to clean and shave meticulously. She had chosen a metallic gold dress that plunged in the front bodice, and a skirt that stopped right at her bottom, in the back. She also wore matching metallic gold strappy shoes with towering heels. She also wore her gold earrings, necklace, and bracelets. On her right ankle was a gold anklet that the prince had bought her that day for the dinner. She looked irresistible. As the princess dressed upstairs, the men arrived early for the dinner. They too, had bathed and put on their finest clothes. The prince greeted them personally, and the young studs introduced themselves to each other.  The prince poured them each a drink and they toasted to each other and their good fortune. Prince Frederick explained to their astonishment and delight; the agreement the prince and princess had made ,and that they were the lucky men chosen.When the princess arrived downstairs, the prince met her before she walked into the dining room. To her surprise, the prince said that he would not be joining them. He wanted the men to have her to themselves and for her to have the men to herself. After thinking about it a bit, she realized that this might be more fun.The prince told her however, that he couldn't possibly resist watching her sexual conquests and would be watching from special consealments that were created near the dining room.They then walked into the dining room as the men stood up and were formally introduced by name to the princess.As she walked in looking lovely as can be. There were Smiles all around. The prince said his good-byes,and said he would stop in the evening, The princess and her suitors were seated for dinner and were poured wine from the servants. As the conversation began, the men paid great attention to the princess. The men stared deep into the eyes of the princess while she spoke and attended to her every need.Dancing In The ParlorAfter dessert was served Steffan asked the princess if she'd like to dance. She loved to dance and quickly accepted the offer from the handsome man. Charlotte led the man into the Parlor and went over to a cabinet on casters she opened the lid of the music box and cranked up the Armature. The Parlor was filled with the rich sounds of an Austrian Waltz. They began a formal Waltz, with the dancer expertly taking the lead and the princess easily keeping up. They glided around the room while Helmut and Robert looked on, seated on nicely-upholstered wing-back chairs.Not wanting to be left out, Robert cut in and continued the dance;  His intense blue eyes staring into the princesses. Helmut, not wanting to miss his turn, cut in. This allowed the princess to put her hands on his muscular arms as he easily spun her around the Dance Floor. During dinner, Prince Frederick had been sitting in a hall outside the dining room. He took great pleasure in watching the princess charm and be Charmed by the men. He found himself increasingly excited as the dancing started. His new wife was a youthful and sexy dancer, and watching her interact with the men turned him on immensely. When the quartet moved to the parlor, Prince Frederick went upstairs to a balcony overlooking the Parlor. A member of his Württemberg Entourage, Claudine was making her regular checks on his welfare. She was his tutor since he was 10 years old and she was 21.The woman taught Frederick on many subjects, and over time had become an adviser on many matters. She was tall, slender, and elegant. Her lessons often continued in his bed Chambers whenever they could safely conceal the ongoing sex education lessons. Now, 17 years later, Claudine now carries herself as a charming  and confident 39 year old vixen.From the balcony, the prince and his ‘tutor' (and secret lover) sat on the floor, behind the velvet drapes, and silently peered between the balusters, Charlotte's deportment with the young men.The quartet move to a slower song and the blacksmith pulled the princess close for a slow dance. The princess's head had been spinning from her wonderful evening and her third Goblet of wine, and now she was very close to and touching this muscular man. He too could feel her busty body with his strong hands around her firm waist he pulled her in closer to him she didn't pull away as she felt him stiffen.She began to feel a tingle inside herself. Before she knew it Robert the actor had stepped up and taken Helmut's place. As Robert stared into her eyes he leaned forward and gently put his lips to hers and she readily received them as she first did in that pile of straw in the horse stables.He pulled her close to him and continued to kiss her. She then felt a second set of hands on her hips from behind it was Steffan. Her dress was so short that his hands were right above the bottom of the dress. She briefly stopped kissing Robert as Steffen pulled her hips into him and began kissing her neck. Pressing into her rear end was that very large and now very hard cock that had attracted her earlier that day. He raised Goosebumps on her as he kissed her neck.From the balcony, Prince Frederick and Claudine had seen everything. He didn't miss a second of the meal or the dance.  Much like the viral men in the parlor, he too was very hard. To watch the woman he married be so pleased. To be able to watch her talk and flirt and touch and be touched was truly a pleasure. To see the way the young suiters desire her.Claudine began rubbing his crotch while sliding her other hand up under her own skirt.As Steffan continued to kiss the princess on her neck and ears, he slowly ground his cock against her white ass. With his hands around her waist the skimpy dress began fully raising from the grinding as it lifted. The actor in front of her looked down and realized she wasn't wearing any panties. He could see her perfect beautiful shaved cunt. He went wild, grabbing her head and kissing her deeply with his tongue. Steffan also noticing the dress had climbed up her body, began using his large hands to rub her large crack.The princess felt so good she was barely standing at this point, mostly being held up in the sandwich of the men. The blacksmith was standing on the sidelines with his cock out, stroking while looking at the scene he had in front of him.The actor was now kissing down the body of The Princess and Steffan turned the princess's head and began kissing her deeply as he reached in front and grabbed her heating tits and fondling her tall erect nipples. Robert had made his way down to her belly and was closing in on her cunt. The princess shook as Robert's lips came in contact with her cunt lips. He licked her cunt as she held his head against her. After the princess Broke Free from Steffan's kiss, she gave a look towards the waiting blacksmith. The look let Helmut know it was time for him to join the fun. Helmut, unable to contain himself, walked towards the melee. He ignored Steffan and the actor and picked up the princess and carried her to a large couch on the side of the room. He laid her down on the couch and began for lack of a better word, to ravage her body.He grabbed and sucked her nipples and then quickly moved down to her cunt, licking her clit. The other two men were quickly at the couch. The actor began sucking her nipples making the princess squirm. She wrapped her legs around Helmut's head. As Robert & Steffan worked their magic, she began to quiver.This stirred both of the men and their tongues sped up lapping her nipples and clit. Her back arched as the orgasm flowed through her body. As she recovered from her orgasm, the men stood her up and removed her mini dress so that only her gold platform heals and jewelry remained. At this point; Helmut was so turned on, he couldn't wait. He laid the princess back down, and guided his rigid cock inside her. As much as she enjoyed his mouth it felt really good to have his hard warm cock in her.The princess looked next to see that Robert had removed his clothes and had his hard shaft in front of her. The princess reached out and grabbed his cock. Robert's heart was pounding. The hand of this beautiful woman felt so good on him.Steffan stripped off his clothes and joined the group.The princess had her eyes closed as Helmut picked up his pace. She put her right hand on his muscular chest and rubbed down his chiseled abdomen, wrapping her hand around his thick cock as it slid in and out of her. She returned her hand to his chest and continued to jerk off the wood of Robert on her left.One of the thrust of Helmut's threw the princess's head back and as she look to the right she saw the naked body of Stefan.His cock was large and beautiful. It was exactly what she hoped for when she picked him for the evening. She slowed her hand down on the actor as she eagerly grabbed the thick rod of the handsome dancer. She slowly explored the entire length of his cock with her soft hand. He leaned over and touched and kissed her slowly, exploring her mouth; reaching over to gently caress her nipple. She firmly but gently grabbed the base of his cock, and pulled him close to her.  It was perfect, and she began licking and sucking it. She continued to suck as much of the cock as she could fit in her mouth,  to the rhythm of Helmut sliding in and out of her wet cunt. Helmut would not last much longer, and began to pick up speed. The princess began to tremble and slow down the actor and Dancer.As Helmut's hands wrapped around her tiny waist, she put her hands on his waist, to push him in further,He began grunted and began powerfully jack-hammering her. Her entire body was moving as Helmut slammed into her. He began to cum.  She felt his first shot squirt into her body, which pushed her into a full orgasm as her body clinched around him.  He kept pounding, shooting a large load  as she moaned. Charlotte was trembling from the orgasm Helmut had just given her. He held her in his strong arms, as she took a moment to recover. After some time, he withdrew his cock from her.Steffan grabbed the Princess's face with both hands, and kissed her passionately on the lips.He backed up and stared into her eyes. He could wait no longer. As he backed up, the Princess could see his turgid cock, standing at attention. He was extremely hard. With both hands on her waist, he pulled her towards him. He grabbed the base of his rod, and began to run it up and down the length of her cunt lips. He would have to move slowly, to get his large shaft into her tight cunt. Robert and Helmut saw that she might have some troubles, so they went up to the princess. They each took one of her shapely legs. She still had her golden heels on. They each held an ankle in one hand, and with the other they reached up to her inner thigh.They spread her legs wide apart, to give Steffan better access. As his cock pressed into the small opening between her cunt lips, she was both nervous and excited.Cum In The BalconyStill viewing from the Position to see his new wife, as naked and as hard as the other men; he had his cock in his hand. It was ecstasy to see his wife enjoying herself so much to allow her to have a variety he could not provide himself .He also liked being able to just watch the way she flirted, desired, and moved.He could just focus on watching her be sexual. It was such a turn on for him. Claudine sucked his cock while he lay on the balcony floor; her cunt spread wide above his adoring eyes. His cock deep in his concert's throat while the passionate sounds of a foursome filled the Parlor below their lofty perch. As Claudine's juices ran down the tongue of the prince, her inner thighs pressing tight against his ears while she shakes from the oral menstruation he has perfected.Frederick took it all in and paused his urges to thrust while Claudine indulged in the joy of her orgasm. She sucked his tip and flicked his head gently while her Bliss lingered. As Claudine's body came back to the moment, she fixed her desire to the cock in her mouth. Soon her head pressed down on his crotch and his cock rapidly entered and exited her throat. Her tongue synchronized in a swallowing sequence. In less than a minute later, his hips rocketed upward as his balls constricted into the base of his cock. His prostate began a series of jets sending cream deep into Claudine's receptive throat. She knew his body and his signs of eminent release. She's taking a deep breath before plunging down on his explosion with her expert tongue.She used a swallowing sequence to take every last drop into her throat. Claudine had become so proficient that it had been a couple years since she could remember the taste of Frederick's spunk. Downstairs The princess took a deep breath as Stefan's cock slowly entered her cunt.  She felt it spreading her and filling her up. She was very wet but Stephen still took his time. She was so tight he needed to move slowly. He paused after he was completely inside her, to give her a moment to once again get used to his massive cock.With her eyes closed she let out a breath feeling so full in her cunt. Slowly he moved back out and then gently pushed back into her. He increased the speed as she grew used to his size. He slid in and out of her, hitting spots on her that had never been felt before. Helmut and Robert released her legs. Starting at her shoulders, they each kiss down her body, gently touching and tasting her as they worked.From her legs up, they kissed around her breasts, settling on her erect and sensitive nipples. Kissing them, licking and sucking them.In appreciation, she reached out and grabbed each of their firm cocks. With a cock inside her, with two handsome men sucking her nipples and a cock in each hand, her head was spinning. his face and her breathing she began to lose control with that fat cock filling her up and both nipples getting sucked. She began to moan louder and louder and she moaned the man began sucking her nipples faster and faster.Finally she couldn't hold out any longer and began to come.She let out what was almost a scream and seemed to have cum for a full minute. She felt so good after she came completely inside her while he waited and she recovered he couldn't wait any longer and slowly started pumping her she moved her body in time with his and it felt good.Recovering the princess started to feel a tingle as Stefan again picked up the pace. It was at this time the princess saw something to her left. It was the prince. He was so turned on by the event that he had to get closer. He was naked and jacking off his hard cock at the sight of his beautiful bride. She felt so good with the comfort of knowing her husband gave his approval and was so turned on,She looked up and Stefan was staring straight into her eyes. She could feel the pre-cum dribbling inside her, from his massive cock and knew it wouldn't be much longer. It was now just him and her, as he wrapped his large hands around her tiny waist and began to Bear down on her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and started to moan. They locked eyes as he drove into her faster and faster. She could feel his balls slamming into her with each stroke she began to scream  as the orgasm took over and his cock began to twitch.She began wave after wave of orgasm as his cock began to come inside her. She could feel the hot spurts of his semen. He kept pumping till his big cock was drained. She laid back sweaty and completely spent as his cock went limp inside her. Charlotte's good nightWith her eyes closed she felt lips softly touch hers. It was Prince Frederick. He looked deeply into her eyes and thanked her for what she had done. It was such a pleasure to watch her. Stefan prepared warm water and began gently cleaning her up with washcloths. They then helped the princess nymph, to dress into a beautiful tight golden gown. The night had gone on for hours ,with all of the meeting, drinking, and dancing; Charlotte saw each man out separately, and some private words were spoken but not overheard. Frederick told Charlotte he'd be up a bit and she should get her rest. The two never shared a bedroom again.A tradition of need Frederick William and his wife Charlotte remained in two royal families from two Allied kingdoms of the German peoples. It would be years before their fathers' Reigns would be passed on, so the two developed humanitarian causes and charities, to benefit the people of the two kingdoms. Württemberg & Bavaria. This often meant a lot of travel in the two adjoining kingdoms. Together they kept up appearances and showed no public affection to each other.It's not that they lacked a libido; they just had no physical or emotional attraction to anything about each other. In the weeks after Frederick and Charlotte disclosed to each other that they both had romantic interests in other lovers. they both provided discreet accommodations to each other and still kept a mutual respect.Second Year, and the Dirndl Craze Princess Charlotte is widely recognized as the inspiration for Oktoberfest. Her Bountiful bosom is synonymous with the joy of a Bountiful Harvest. The beer garden waitresses all wore the 'Charlotte dirndls' at the Munich Oktoberfest of 1811, 2nd Annual Festival. Charlotte and Frederick traveled the second night to Württemberg to inaugurate a sister Festival there. Some of the Württemberg church ladies initially objected to this Bavarian hussie princess whom their Crown Prince had married. Prince Frederick caught word of the grumbling prudes and decided to tell the organizers that he would personally appear with Princess Charlotte to make the official pronunciation of the beginning of the festival, At the noon hour, all the crowds gathered in the festival Square. Troubadours and dancers, Artisans and Partiers, all stood with a hush as the prince and princess climbed the steps to the platform. "Men and women, People of Württemberg, and guests. It is good to Delight in the Bountiful provisions of the Almighty, and we are truly thankful. We Delight ourselves in the fruit of both our hard work and Providence." Prince Frederick paused then added; "You are all part of that bounty. Delight in each other. I have taken a wife and we celebrate our anniversary with you today."Charlotte was standing just behind, and to the side of Frederick. He stepped back and took her hand to have her step up next to him. She was wearing a new dirndl in the colors of Frederick's Kingdom coat of arms. It was low cut, daring, and revealed a lot of leg. Frederick watched as a few older ladies whispered and expressed some displeasure. Frederick resumed his words; "In our holy scriptures we are commanded to Delight in God's provision. All of it. I conferred with the bishop and I'm confident of the clear meaning of this holy command. In the Book of Proverbs, the fifth chapter and the 18th verse. It commands us, 'Let thy Fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe. Let her breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou ravished always with her love.' " At that word, the men of the festival let out a roar of delight, Frederick and Charlotte turned to each other and smiled. Prince Frederick yelled over the excited crowd, "Bishop Johan, have I spoken accurately? Red-faced, the cleric simply gave a slow affirmative nod. The roar continued again, and the women now also joined in the applause. Prince Frederick stepped away and signaled for his Buxom princess Charlotte to acknowledge the acceptance from his kingdom. Ever the impish and useful girl, Charlotte made the impulsive decision not to curtsy, but bow instead, as a man would.The entire Festival cheered even louder, as the buxom princess gave a 'birds-eye' peek as her busty assets. The crowd began to chant; "We Love Char! We Love Char!" Prince Frederick motioned for a few frauline barmaids to roll a keg to Center Stage. They were all wearing similarly low-cut matching dirndls. The crowds now cheered at fever pitch. These girls were wearing exact replicas of the skimpy dress Charlotte had worn last year, for the special night of the original Munich Festival. The beirmeister tapped the keg and poured the local ale into a Stein. The beirmeister handed the Stein to Prince Frederick. Prince Frederick swiftly drank the entire contents without a pause. Holding up the empty stein, Prince Frederick shouted "O' zapft is! The Keg is tapped! Let Oktoberfest begin!" That's what sealed the legacy of the German ethnic future. Charlotte became the mascot without ever intending to. For her, Oktoberfest was always a way to conveniently compensate for a marriage which completely lacked romance and sexuality. This was all for show. Frederick continued his lust for older MILF trysts and taking interest in tall slender women. Claudine was a frequent counselor and lived in the palace. Charlotte was able to surround herself with virile men who loved her busty figure. As a proud answer to the French Mardi Gras hedonism, the people of Bavaria and Württemberg kingdoms heartily took to the annual fall Harvest Festival we still know as Oktoberfest. It still includes house parties to end the days, and people entertain house guests til wee hours of the morning.It's set for celebrating the conclusion of the harvest, which means The agrarian communities have both time and money for celebrating with energy and enthusiasm. Each year after, new festivals popped up in other cities and the royal couple collaborated in both kingdoms to stagger the dates and coordinate promotions and resources.Württemberg's new king and queen Charlotte became Queen Caroline when Prince Frederick William became King William the first; but the marriage was sexless. After a few years Frederick learned of the death of his cousins Royal husband, in Russia. Princess Catherine Pavlovna met King William while both were visiting Vienna. Frederick was love-struck by the tall Russian granddaughter of Catherine the Great.They were both in their Prime of life and burning with lust for each other. Soon Frederick asked Charlotte for an annulment agreement. For Charlotte, it was liberation. She immediately became the most sought woman in Europe's royal society.Very quickly, Emperor Francis the first of Austria secured her commitment to marriage and become Empress consort of his Austrian Empire with another 46 titles of nobility. Francis was 24 years older than Charlotte and the two did not have children together. But with Charlotte's help, Francis eventually defeated the Napoleon Empire. That meant Württemberg's King Frederick, her first husband, was now subject to her, through her new husband, Francis. Thus begun the great Austrian Empire of Europe for about 100 years to come. by  Mumfreds for Literotica 

Send us a text and chime in!Ten community college presidents of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (AC4) unanimously nominated Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine to represent the state's community colleges on the Arizona Commerce Authority's Board of Directors on August 22. Dr. Rhine is replacing Mohave Community College President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein. Dr. Rhine, the tenth president of Yavapai College, has over 36 years of leadership experience in colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia and Arizona. Dr. Rhine serves on numerous local, regional and national commissions, task forces and boards including service on the Commission on Economic and Workforce Development for the American... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/dr-lisa-rhine-appointed-to-arizona-commerce-authority-board/Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

This year, it's all about travel brands making their entry into Europe river cruising. We’ve been surprised this year by the number of established names moving in to the Rhine, Danube and beyond: Celebrity Cruises, Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions among them. With Lisa Fitzgerald, a river-cruise expert advisor and founder of Fitzgerald Travel, and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman, we’re exploring why each of these brands is approaching river, and how they’re doing it in different ways. We’ll also look at the popularity of emerging destinations around the world, and numbers from Viking, the biggest river cruise line. This episode was edited for length and clarity. Since it was recorded on May 23, more information has been published about Celebrity's foray into river cruising -- and stay tuned for even more. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series This episode is the finale of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. New episodes return to the Folo Sept. 15! Related reports New: Celebrity River Cruises reveals room categories and first itineraries https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Celebrity-River-Cruises-room-categories-first-itineraries New: Viking's advance bookings surge amid continued expansion https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Viking-sells-out-2025-capacity-expands-global-offerings Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More companies are attracted to river cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/river-cruise-attracts-more-travel-companies River cruise lines are excited that Celebrity is wading into the business -- why? https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/River-lines-react-to-Celebrity-Cruises-entry No slowing down for river cruising: 2026 looks better than 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/River-cruise-bookings-surging-for-2026?ct=river Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Fine-dining-in-the-Vintage-Room-on-Riverside-Debussy?ct=river Fitzgerald Travel https://fitzgeraldtravel.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental politics has traditionally been a peripheral concern for international relations theory, but increasing alarm over global environmental challenges has elevated international society's relationship with the natural world into the theoretical limelight. IR theory's engagement with environmental politics, however, has largely focused on interstate cooperation in the late twentieth century, with less attention paid to how the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century quest to tame nature came to shape the modern international order. The Ideal River: How Control of Nature Shaped the International Order (Manchester UP, 2022) examines nineteenth-century efforts to establish international commissions on three transboundary rivers - the Rhine, the Danube, and the Congo. It charts how the Enlightenment ambition to tame the natural world, and human nature itself, became an international standard for rational and civilized authority and informed our geographical imagination of the international. This relationship of domination over nature shaped three core IR concepts central to the emergence of early international order: the territorial sovereign state; imperial hierarchies; and international organizations. The book contributes to environmental politics and international relations by highlighting how the relationship between society and nature is not a peripheral concern, but one at the heart of international politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Environmental politics has traditionally been a peripheral concern for international relations theory, but increasing alarm over global environmental challenges has elevated international society's relationship with the natural world into the theoretical limelight. IR theory's engagement with environmental politics, however, has largely focused on interstate cooperation in the late twentieth century, with less attention paid to how the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century quest to tame nature came to shape the modern international order. The Ideal River: How Control of Nature Shaped the International Order (Manchester UP, 2022) examines nineteenth-century efforts to establish international commissions on three transboundary rivers - the Rhine, the Danube, and the Congo. It charts how the Enlightenment ambition to tame the natural world, and human nature itself, became an international standard for rational and civilized authority and informed our geographical imagination of the international. This relationship of domination over nature shaped three core IR concepts central to the emergence of early international order: the territorial sovereign state; imperial hierarchies; and international organizations. The book contributes to environmental politics and international relations by highlighting how the relationship between society and nature is not a peripheral concern, but one at the heart of international politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

Environmental politics has traditionally been a peripheral concern for international relations theory, but increasing alarm over global environmental challenges has elevated international society's relationship with the natural world into the theoretical limelight. IR theory's engagement with environmental politics, however, has largely focused on interstate cooperation in the late twentieth century, with less attention paid to how the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century quest to tame nature came to shape the modern international order. The Ideal River: How Control of Nature Shaped the International Order (Manchester UP, 2022) examines nineteenth-century efforts to establish international commissions on three transboundary rivers - the Rhine, the Danube, and the Congo. It charts how the Enlightenment ambition to tame the natural world, and human nature itself, became an international standard for rational and civilized authority and informed our geographical imagination of the international. This relationship of domination over nature shaped three core IR concepts central to the emergence of early international order: the territorial sovereign state; imperial hierarchies; and international organizations. The book contributes to environmental politics and international relations by highlighting how the relationship between society and nature is not a peripheral concern, but one at the heart of international politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was the Grand Alliance simply a partnership born of necessity? Or was it also a missed opportunity for post-war civilizational cooperation among the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union? Once it became clear that the Allies would eventually defeat Hitler's Germany, the varying post-war ambitions and political goals of Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt quickly brought cooperation to an end. Humanities West asks on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II: What were Stalin's strategic goals for Russia's and its neighbors' futures as victory became assured? How did Churchill's strategies to retain as much as possible of the British Empire interfere with those goals? And was an aging Roosevelt capable of thwarting both those strategies and imposing, however inadequately and insincerely, a vision of Pax Americana on the globe? "From Their Archives" Norman Naimark will attempt to untangle what Stalin was thinking about how he wanted to shape the future once it was clear that the Allies would win the war. There is much we still do not know about Stalin's “real” intentions, but the opening of the Soviet archives for research in the 1990s offer important insights into the way the Soviet dictator thought about the world. "In Their Own Words" Ian Morris will convey, in their own words, Churchill's and Roosevelt's perspectives on the Grand Alliance and the post-war world order. Churchill: I can never trust Stalin but can in the fullness of time talk around Roosevelt; and even without India, we can rebuild the world with the British Empire at its core. Roosevelt: I can usually handle Stalin and can always flatter Churchill; it's the Republicans I can't abide. But even without them, we can rebuild the world with democracy and American money at its core. "Walking in a Father's WWII Footsteps" Bill Hammond will describe walking in a father's WWII footsteps, an October 2023 trip to Europe he took with two of his brothers, where they traced their father's path from his landing at Salerno, Italy, through Avellino, Monte Cassino and Rome, to his landing on the French Riviera at St. Raphael, and then up through Draguignan, Remiremont and the Foret Domaniale du Champ du Feu, earning two silver stars and two purple hearts before crossing the Rhine in a dash through southern Germany to finish the war near Kufstein, Austria. A Humanities Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums. In association with Humanities West. Organizer: George Hammond  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first half of a special two-part conversation, Devin Patrick Hughes speaks with broadcaster and author John Suchet about Beethoven's beginnings in Bonn, his precocious childhood on the Rhine, his mentors and patrons, and the myths surrounding his father and early works. Together, they explore Beethoven's revolutionary ideas, his first “unplayable” compositions, and the legendary (and mysterious) meeting with Mozart. Along the way, Suchet shares insights from his new book, In Search of Beethoven: A Personal Journey, and we hear the music that shaped the young Beethoven and echoed throughout his career. Featured Music All works composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, unless noted. Große Fuge, Op. 133 — Artemis Quartet (live, Paris 2001) Musik zu einem Ritterballet, WoO 1: No. 8 Coda — Günther Herbig & Staatskapelle Berlin (1971) Quartet WoO 36 No. 3 in C Major: I. Allegro Vivace — Christoph Eschenbach, Norbert Brainin, Peter Schidlof, Martin Lovett Sonatina in E-flat Major WoO 47, Kurfürstensonate No. 1 — Jörg Demus Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II, WoO 87 — Reetta Haavisto, Juha Kotilainen, Leif Segerstam, Turku Philharmonic, Chorus Cathedralis Aboensis Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: II. Adagio — Johannes Brahms, Itzhak Perlman, Chicago Symphony, Carlo Maria Giulini “Aria de Florestan: Gott!” from Fidelio — Jonas Kaufmann, Nikolaus Harnoncourt 12 Variations on “Se vuol ballare”, WoO 40 — Yehudi Menuhin & Wilhelm Kempff For more information on John Suchet, see https://www.johnsuchet.co.uk. You can find his most recent book In Search of Beethoven, A Personal Journey where ever books are sold. You can always find more info at OneSymphony.podbean.com.  If you appreciate what we do you can Support the show and get exclusive content at patreon.com/onesymphonywithdevinpatrickhughes. Feel free to rate, review, or share the podcast! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music.

Petty Officer George “Curt” Davison (USN) and Cpl Tom Lacey Cpl Tom LaceyTom grew up on Wheaton, IL and enlisted into the Army on July 15, 1943. After completing Basic at Camp Fannin, Tom volunteered and completed Radio School (FM SCR 300s) at Camp Maxey and was then assigned Company C, 99th Infantry Division. After arriving in Liverpool Oct 1944, Tom was deployed to the ETO 3 weeks later and was trucked to the Siegfried line near Krinkelt and then battled in the Hurtgen Forest Campaign. On Dec 16, 1944, Tom was awoken to heavy barrage at the start of the Battle of the Bulge. The 99th defensive positions were overrun by several German companies after a rolling barrage. While Tom was engaged in several small arms skirmishes, air to air combat raged overhead. Tom lived through relentless artillery barrages from both the enemy and US 105s and helped evacuate one of his buddie’s (Red Netter) who had been hit. The 99th withdrew to an advantageous strategic position on the Elsenborn Ridge. Tom spent the next 3-4 days along with Sgt Baker (C Co) within foxholes on this infamous ridge, defending their position from the onslaught of German forces. The 99th assisted with a counterattack led by Shermans in the 9th Armored. Tom and his comrades in the 99th were the 1st to cross the Rhine at the bridge at Remagen in March 1944 despite being shelled by devastating 88 mm artillery fire. Tom was discharged at Ft Lewis on Feb 2, 1946. Tom leaves us with the following pearls: There is little correlation between rank and leadership, basic training is effective, the GI was not only a good soldier, but a good innovator, medics were brave, well-trained and effective, the Red Ball Express was instrumental in US victory, never hate your enemy, everyone has something good to offer to the world, you never know where the next hero will come from and pray daily to your guardian angel. Petty Officer George “Curt” Davison (USN)PO Davison (99 years old) served as an Electrician’s Mate on the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Rudderow that travelled to nearly 30 locations in the Pacific Theatre of Operations from 1943 to 1946. The USS Rudderow participated in submarine hunter-killer patrols, escort of resupply and troop reinforcement convoys and oversaw landings of landing crafts. Curt observed the suicide attacks on US ships by enemy pilots and the impact of a severe typhoon on his ship to the extent that the deck was under water. Curt’s ship also carried some of the soldiers who had survived the Battaan Death March after their release from prison camps. Curt was honorably discharged from the Navy in the summer of 1946. Curt believes that being in the Navy was an adventure and enabled him to see many places and become good friends with many sailors throughout the US. Curt recommends that no matter what your age, that you should stay active as he has been awarded thousands of medals and holds several state, five national and one world record as a Senior Olympian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petty Officer George “Curt” Davison (USN) and Cpl Tom Lacey Cpl Tom LaceyTom grew up on Wheaton, IL and enlisted into the Army on July 15, 1943. After completing Basic at Camp Fannin, Tom volunteered and completed Radio School (FM SCR 300s) at Camp Maxey and was then assigned Company C, 99th Infantry Division. After arriving in Liverpool Oct 1944, Tom was deployed to the ETO 3 weeks later and was trucked to the Siegfried line near Krinkelt and then battled in the Hurtgen Forest Campaign. On Dec 16, 1944, Tom was awoken to heavy barrage at the start of the Battle of the Bulge. The 99th defensive positions were overrun by several German companies after a rolling barrage. While Tom was engaged in several small arms skirmishes, air to air combat raged overhead. Tom lived through relentless artillery barrages from both the enemy and US 105s and helped evacuate one of his buddie’s (Red Netter) who had been hit. The 99th withdrew to an advantageous strategic position on the Elsenborn Ridge. Tom spent the next 3-4 days along with Sgt Baker (C Co) within foxholes on this infamous ridge, defending their position from the onslaught of German forces. The 99th assisted with a counterattack led by Shermans in the 9th Armored. Tom and his comrades in the 99th were the 1st to cross the Rhine at the bridge at Remagen in March 1944 despite being shelled by devastating 88 mm artillery fire. Tom was discharged at Ft Lewis on Feb 2, 1946. Tom leaves us with the following pearls: There is little correlation between rank and leadership, basic training is effective, the GI was not only a good soldier, but a good innovator, medics were brave, well-trained and effective, the Red Ball Express was instrumental in US victory, never hate your enemy, everyone has something good to offer to the world, you never know where the next hero will come from and pray daily to your guardian angel. Petty Officer George “Curt” Davison (USN)PO Davison (99 years old) served as an Electrician’s Mate on the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Rudderow that travelled to nearly 30 locations in the Pacific Theatre of Operations from 1943 to 1946. The USS Rudderow participated in submarine hunter-killer patrols, escort of resupply and troop reinforcement convoys and oversaw landings of landing crafts. Curt observed the suicide attacks on US ships by enemy pilots and the impact of a severe typhoon on his ship to the extent that the deck was under water. Curt’s ship also carried some of the soldiers who had survived the Battaan Death March after their release from prison camps. Curt was honorably discharged from the Navy in the summer of 1946. Curt believes that being in the Navy was an adventure and enabled him to see many places and become good friends with many sailors throughout the US. Curt recommends that no matter what your age, that you should stay active as he has been awarded thousands of medals and holds several state, five national and one world record as a Senior Olympian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Vacay, we sit down with Uli to hear all about an unforgettable springtime journey through the heart of Europe. The adventure begins in Switzerland’s enchanting Black Forest, followed by a luxury Avalon Waterways cruise along the Rhine, from Basel to Amsterdam, with views of medieval castles and timeless riverside towns. But the journey doesn’t stop there. Uli takes us off the beaten path on a coach tour across Germany, discovering hidden gems and fairytale villages before venturing into the Czech Republic and ending among the stunning peaks of the Bavarian Alps. Along the way, we uncover the magic of traveling with local guides, the charm of Europe’s storybook towns, and the unique experiences that make this itinerary so special. Whether you’re dreaming of river cruising, medieval history, or alpine escapes, this episode will inspire your next great European adventure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jet's nomination for the Trapped History Hall of Fame is an oldie – 850 years old, to be precise. A Renaissance Woman centuries before the Renaissance, a queen of music, philosophy, science and medicine, the Mother of Everything: we give you Hildegard von Bingen. Throw in poetry, mysticism and sainthood and you have perhaps the greatest genius of the medieval world. Kings, emperors and popes certainly thought so as they sought our her teachings on the weightiest matters of their age.So tune in to find out why a Gladiator thinks an Abbess should be in the Hall of Fame . . .

IT'S NEARLY TIME FOR OCTOBERFEST! And The Wine Yogi Kristal Alfonso has created a SPECTACULAR list of local Octoberfest events if you want to slap on the lederhosen and head out to enjoy German beer and food. She's also got a bunch of wine tastings coming up at The Wine Gallery in the Springs that you can join. We're also going to talk about the trip she just took that is the Mandy Connell Adventure next year down the Rhine. It's already almost sold out so if you want to go with us you may want to call now before we do the advertising push to sell the rest out.

In this engaging message, Ps. Michael shares some lessons learned from visiting sites along the Rhine river in Europe which shows us how to live a life of legacy.

Recorded for release W/C 28th July 2025 This week you join us onboard the MS Geoffrey Chaucer from Riviera travel on their Rhine Cruise to Switzerland. Don't forget you have until midnight on the 11th of August 2025 to use the code JASONRIV15 to save 15% on any holiday from https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/ Call 01283 893062 and chat with their friendly team at their Burton-on-Trent head office to book. T's&C's Apply #Ad

On Sunday 23 October 1642, at Edgehill during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Parliament and the Royalists met on the field of battle. In an inconclusive engagement, both sides left the field largely intact, but one man's name would be known throughout England. Prince Rupert of the Rhine led a stunning cavalry charge on the King's right flank, breaking through the Parliamentarians. But, as with so many cavalry advances, the thrill got the better of him and he pressed his attack too far, thus threatening the infantry. Rupert's reputation grew however, but who was this foreign prince? Mark Turnbull joins to discuss this brilliant soldier, sailor and renaissance man. Mark has written a new book that has found new material, not easy in a crowded field. Episode Links Prince Rupert of the Rhine: King Charles I's Cavalier Commander Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Granit Xhaka was “too important to lose,” said Erik ten Hag. Just days later the Swiss midfielder has swapped the Rhine for the Wear and jumped ship to Sunderland. A new midfield maestro for the Mackems, but where does this leave Ten Hag heading into a season where four of their stars have fled the Dutchman's rule?Dotun, Lars Sivertsen & Jonathan Johnson give their thoughts on that. Plus, with French football's finances still in limbo, could a new in-house Ligue 1 broadcast model be the lifeline the league desperately needs?Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025Ask us a question on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the safety of your community was at risk due to a chronic police shortage? Join us in this urgent conversation with Sarah Heringer, who courageously shares her personal journey of loss and the ongoing struggle with crime in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine area. Together, we examine the critical shortage of police officers, exacerbated by hiring freezes and budget constraints since 2008, and stress the importance of city leaders prioritizing public safety to prevent further tragedies like Sarah's.Sarah discusses the challenges faced by local businesses in Cincinnati, where crime poses a significant threat to the downtown area's vibrancy. Despite robust support for local enterprises, there's palpable frustration with city leadership's muted response to crime and their lack of vocal backing for law enforcement. We explore whether political pressures are silencing city leaders and underscore the judicial system's crucial role in maintaining community safety, all while highlighting Sarah's heartbreaking story as a catalyst for change.Lastly, we address the growing issue of juvenile crime and the broader lack of accountability in government-funded programs aimed at reducing violence. With millions invested and no clear success metrics, Sarah emphasizes the need for transparency and measurable outcomes.

The podcast schedule structure has been happily altered, so here's the latest from Amsterdam, the Rhine, boarding the Viking River boat, nice family time, no hot weather weather, music, big smies, and even a little baseball. All aboard for some fun!

Join us as we study and discuss some of the most important characters in the Bible, how they point to Christ  and what we can learn and apply in our lives from their stories. Today we visit the life of a man after God's own heart: David. Reach out at:unshakenpsalm622@gmail.comChrist the Word Sermonshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christ-the-word-church-sermons/id1515599033Christ the Word Truth and Lifehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/christ-the-word-church-sunday-classes/id1699277705Fellow Heirs Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fellow-heirs/id171490

Alan Kinder was waiting to be drafted into the military during World War II, but when he arrived at the Army recruiter, he was told his eyesight was too poor. The next time he tried to join, his eyesight wasn't any better. This time, the Army took him anyway.Kinder was trained in sound ranging as part of the 14th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. His job was to determine how far away the enemies were and what vehicles they might have with them. The battalion landed at Utah Beach just a few weeks after D-Day. Months later it would be part of the Battle of Nancy, in eastern France, and the Battle of the Bulge.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Kinder explains how sound ranging worked and how his unit helped to chase the Nazis from Normandy to the eastern edge of France. He will take us inside their work at the Battle of Nancy, almost being killed near the Battle of the Bulge, and his memory of the cost of war from the Bulge that he's only been able to talk about in recent years.Kinder will also share his memories of crossing the Rhine and the final weeks of the war before the German surrender.

is a river cruise worth it? Which one of your favorite shows was nominated for an emmy? Special K has a wild story from Zurich where he almost became a victimSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they dive into an exclusive AmaWaterways river cruise opportunity that wine and food lovers won't want to miss! Ryan shares details about his hosted group cruise through France's renowned Bordeaux wine region, sailing July 16-23, 2026.Featured Cruise: Taste of Bordeaux Wine-Themed River CruiseShip: AmaWaterways AmaDolce Dates: July 16-23, 2026 Route: 7-night round-trip from BordeauxHighlighted Destinations & Experiences:Bordeaux wine regions: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Libourne, Blaye, CadillacExclusive wine tastings at UNESCO World Heritage vineyardsCulinary experiences: Market visits with onboard chefs, truffle hunting, bread baking in historic windmillsCultural immersion: Castle tours, citadel visits, walking tours along scenic riverfrontSpecial group activities: Wine and food pairing dinners, chef's table experiencesExtension OptionsPre-Cruise: 4-night Spanish Basque Country (Bilbao, San Sebastian) - $1,440/personGuggenheim Museum visitMichelin-star dining experiencesSpanish pintxos tastingsPost-Cruise: 3-night Loire Valley & Paris - $1,590/personFairytale châteaux visitsParis landmarks tourRomantic city explorationSpecial Pricing (Through July 2025)Triple Savings Promotion:$1,000 off per personComplimentary cabin upgrade$100 onboard credit per stateroomGroup Pricing:Category B (French Balcony): $5,848/person (upgraded to Category A)Category E: $4,348/person (upgraded to Category D)First two bookings: Additional 5% discount$400 deposit required per personWhy Choose This Cruise?Ryan emphasizes the "relaxed, boutique onboard experience" that AmaWaterways is known for, comparing it to staying in a luxury boutique hotel. The itinerary focuses on authentic French wine culture, smaller off-the-beaten-path towns, and immersive culinary experiences that differ from typical Rhine or Danube river cruises.Perfect for: Wine enthusiasts, foodies, couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking luxury travel with cultural immersion.How to BookContact Ryan at WonderandBeyondTravel.com - click "Work with Ryan" and mention "AmaWaterways Group" in your email.Experience France's wine country like never before with expert guidance and exclusive group amenities!Support the showLove the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

July 15, 2025 ~ In this episode of "Well~Traveled with AAA," we're joined by Katina Athanasiou, Senior Vice President of Sales and Services for the Americas at Celebrity Cruises, a proud travel partner of AAA. Katina shares exclusive insights into the highly anticipated launch of Celebrity River Cruises, debuting in 2027. Learn how Celebrity is bringing its signature modern luxury cruise experience to Europe's legendary rivers, including the Danube and Rhine. We explore what sets these new boutique river cruises apart—from elegant, Edge-class-inspired ships and immersive cultural itineraries to exciting  shore excursions, authentic local experiences, and regionally inspired fine dining. With a focus on personalized service and upscale comfort, Celebrity River Cruises promises a refined and refreshing way to explore Europe. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first European river cruise, this episode offers a first look at an exciting new way to travel with AAA and Celebrity.

For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/inmBJ6AlwNU. Judy and I had the great honor and delight of interviewing the doyenne of Jewish cooking, Joan Nathan. Our interview took place on a cruise along the Main River in Germany, where we were on a tour of Jewish historical sites along the Main and Rhine. Joan was on the tour, and we all had the magnificent experience of a bistro meal with her, using her own recipes. We'll be doing another episode about how the experience of touring Jewish-related sites in Germany fits in with my (Bruce's) writings about forgiveness. It's complicated! But for this episode, we're focusing on Joan Nathan. She talks about how her career got started, her long marriage that ended with her husband's death about five years ago, and more. Joan's website is http://joannathan.com/. Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer's newsletter right from our homepage. Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com. Bruce's latest book, Betrayal and Forgiveness: How to Navigate the Turmoil and Learn to Trust Again is now available! More information at https://brucechalmer.com/betrayal-and-forgiveness/. And here's the link to leave a review: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=B0D4B6KL79

PREVIEW LONDINIUM 90AD: Gaius & Germanicus remark that Russia manages the Ukraine front in the way Rome managed the Danube and Rhine front with occasional extreme violence. Michael Vlahos. Friends of History Debating Society. @michalis_vlahos 1600 SABINE WOMEN

While businesses on both sides of the Atlantic are hoping that the UK-US trade deal - which comes into effect today - will provide a much needed boost, we look at whether Canada can get a breakthrough in talks with their North American neighbour in Washington. Sam Fenwick discusses how backlogs are piling up at major shipping ports across Europe as logistic companies struggle to deal with US president Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies, while unusually low water levels on the Rhine make it even harder for barges to move goods through Germany and the Netherlands. And have you ever tried to scam a scammer? We find out how an AI bots creator in Australia is tackling the growth of fake calls and text messages. The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

In the 1920s, a Virginia horse named Lady Wonder stunned the public with her supposed psychic powers - spelling out answers, solving crimes, even picking presidents. Was she a telepathic marvel, as Dr. J.B. Rhine believed? Or a clever illusion, as magician John Scarne claimed? Discover the story behind the horse that made America believe.

A week ago Patrick Heringer was killed by a man who was on parole in Over the Rhine. Patrick's widow Sarah joins Willie to discuss the changes that need to be made to the police force in Cincinnati, and why city leadership is to blame for her husband's death.

Today is all about travel brands making an entry into Europe river cruising. We’ve been surprised this year by the number of established names moving in to the Rhine, Danube and beyond: Celebrity, Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions among them. With Lisa Fitzgerald, a river-cruise expert advisor and founder of Fitzgerald Travel, and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman, we’re exploring why each of these brands is approaching river, and how they’re doing it in different ways. We’ll also look at the popularity of emerging destinations around the world, and numbers from Viking, the biggest river cruise line. We also talk about Brinley’s trip on Riverside Luxury Cruises – this episode was recorded in mid-May, so that trip has already concluded, and we've included some of her reporting in the show notes. This episode was edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands. https://www.globusandcosmos.com At the end of this episode, stay on for a special, bonus discussion about the latest from the Globus Family of Brands between Camille Olivere, Globus' chief sales officer, and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group, Travel Weekly's parent company. Related reports Trafalgar's river cruise debut is seen as just a first step https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Trafalgar-river-cruise-debut-seen-as-just-a-first-step?ct=river Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More companies are attracted to river cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/river-cruise-attracts-more-travel-companies River cruise lines are excited that Celebrity is wading into the business -- why? https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/River-lines-react-to-Celebrity-Cruises-entry No slowing down for river cruising: 2026 looks better than 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/River-cruise-bookings-surging-for-2026?ct=river Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Fine-dining-in-the-Vintage-Room-on-Riverside-Debussy?ct=river Fitzgerald Travel https://fitzgeraldtravel.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Wagner - Gotterdammerung: Dawn and Siegfried's Rhine JourneySlovak Radio Symphony Orchestra Uwe Mund, conductorMore info about today's track: Naxos 8.550211Courtesy of Naxos of America Inc.SubscribeYou can subscribe to this podcast in Apple Podcasts, or by using the Daily Download podcast RSS feed.Purchase this recordingAmazon

On November 14th and 15th 1475 one of the grandest events in the history of the Holy Roman Empire took place, the Landshuter Hochzeit, the nuptials of Georg, the Rich, son of Ludwig, the Rich and grandson of Heinrich, the Rich, all of them dukes of Bayern-Landshut, and Hedwig, the daughter of king Kasimir IV of Poland and Lithuania. The event attracted 10,000 guests, amongst them the Counts Palatine on the Rhine, the Dukes of Württemberg, the archduke Maximilian of Austria and the emperor Friedrich III himself. It lasted several days during which the eminent invitees as well as the citizens of Landshut ate, drank, danced and watched an endless row of tournaments, plays and musical performances.The fame of these festivities reverberated through the ages, so that in the 19th century the burghers of the town decided to stage the event again, initially annually and nowadays every 4 years. The reenactment involves over 2,000 participants, and culminates in a procession through the city, complete with bridal carriage, musicians and Landsknechte, all in splendid historical costumes.Which leaves us with more questions than answers. How come the most powerful ruler of central Europe, Kasimir King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania married one of his precious daughters to the son of the ruler of half a duchy, hundreds of miles from his capital; secondly, how such a duke became so rich he could afford to stage an event that counted amongst the grandest weddings of this already very ostentatious century; and lastly, why Landshut is today a gorgeous, but only medium sized country town, and by no means the beating heart of Bavarian commerce, culture and politics. That is what we are going to explore in this episode.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture Controversy

Now in full length! Sorry! From early morning mists on the Rhine to fish markets, merchant quarrels, and the echo of church bells, this episode immerses you in the sounds, sights, and stories of a single day in the city's economic center. Learn how trade, guilds, and the legendary Staple Law shaped Cologne's rise to power—and follow merchant Jakob's anxious wait for his long-overdue ship. A vivid journey through the rhythms of everyday life in medieval Europe

Talking more about rising crime in OTR (Over-the-Rhine), including a recent fatal stabbing, and criticize the mayor's perceived inaction and slow response.A bizarre news story is shared about a woman in LA encountering a naked man pleasuring himself in her home after a break-in, who was later described as being in an "altered mental state".We have listener talkbacks, covering topics such as KiddChris' peculiar wiping habits and humorous jabs at other radio personalities like Jon Jon from Kiss 107.1.KiddChris recounts attending a David Spade comedy show at the beautiful Taft Theater and discusses the joys and challenges of being an "Uber driver" dad to his daughters.They touch upon the TSA's frustration with travelers presenting improper IDs like Costco cards for flights, and personal reasons for abstaining from alcohol due to health and social dynamics.Finally, the hosts critique the concept of "automatic fame" on free social media platforms, arguing that viral content doesn't always indicate true talent or long-term success.

The hosts discuss a new tiki bar opening in OTR (Over-the-Rhine), with one host expressing skepticism about its longevity due to OTR's business closures and the seasonal nature of a tiki bar.⁣⁣The widespread presence of cicadas in the Loveland area is mentioned, with descriptions of their noise, falling into pools, and their mating purpose.⁣⁣McDonald's is bringing back the Snack Wrap on July 10th, after discontinuing it in 2020 due to it slowing down kitchen operations. Popeye's is also adding chicken snack wraps.⁣⁣The hosts debate classic rock power ballads, specifically disliking Guns N' Roses' "November Rain" due to its length and Axl Rose's performance, while praising Prince's talent.⁣⁣A prank call or wrong number audio clip is played, where one person repeatedly tries to talk about a truck while the other insists they have the wrong number and threatens prosecution.⁣⁣A creepy story from California is shared about a man who stalked a woman, slept outside her house, broke in, and bit and licked her toes while she was sleeping, leading to his arrest.⁣⁣The "Can I Sue" segment with Stuart W. Penrose covers: ⁣⁣Trevor Bauer's legal victory where his accuser, Lindsay Hill, was ordered to pay him over $300,000 for settlement violations and has been arrested and charged with assault and abuse.⁣⁣A caller's sister, who has Parkinson's and tardive dyskinesia, faced discrimination at a Dunkin Donuts in Virginia when staff locked doors and called the police, believing she was intoxicated. Legal advice is given to seek an attorney specializing in disability discrimination.⁣⁣A discussion about the ethics and challenges of criminal defense attorneys representing unsavory clients, such as the "foot fetish guy," murderers, or child predators, and how they must set personal feelings aside to do their job.⁣⁣

This week, we're heading into the world of parapsychology with a visit to the legendary Rhine Research Center in North Carolina—an institution that's been quietly pushing the boundaries of the human mind for nearly a century. Founded in the 1930s by J.B. and Louisa Rhine at Duke University, the center has long been a hub for rigorous scientific inquiry into phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. Recently, friend of the show Allison Jornlin invited Scott on a trip to the Rhine to help renowned researcher Dr. Nancy Zingrone donate materials from her and her late husband's extensive paranormal library. While there, Scott met John G. Kruth, Executive Director of the Rhine and one of the foremost experts on the scientific study of consciousness and psychic phenomena, who joins us to share the fascinating history of the Rhine. Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode.