Rotterdam

May 14, 1940, marks a somber day in the history of the Netherlands, particularly in the city of Rotterdam, when the devastating German bombing raid unfolded. This event, occurring within the broader context of World War II, not only left a profound mark on Rotterdam but also stirred significant repercussions in the course of the... Continue Reading →

VE Day

I put this together back in May of 2015 for my regular show. I had been looking for some good audio to intro the VE Day show, and by the time I was done looking, I had this. Before I released it, I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes and just let... Continue Reading →

The Air Sample

I cannot tell you where we were, but you may safely assume that it was... more or less... downwind. A very long way downwind, but downwind nevertheless. I was standing the Weapons Tech watch, and the growler rang in MCC. It was the Chief of the Watch, who wanted me to go back to AMR2... Continue Reading →

Reinheisgebot

On April 23, 1516, a pivotal moment in brewing history was marked by the adoption of the Reinheitsgebot, also known as the German Beer Purity Law. This regulation, which was initially decreed by Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria, established a significant standard for the brewing of beer not only in Germany but also set a... Continue Reading →

Roland Garros

I am - or at least to be - a pretty big fan of tennis. Especially in 1the 70's and 80, and once spent an entire Independence Day weekend in the hospital watching my beloved Andrea Yeager at Wimbledon. I also particularly love the French Open, and the red clay courts. It takes place at... Continue Reading →

The Capitulations of Santa Fe

On April 17, 1492, the Capitulations of Santa Fe were signed, marking a pivotal moment in world history. This document outlined an agreement between Christopher Columbus and the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, sanctioning Columbus’s proposed expedition to reach the Indies by sailing west. This bold initiative not only reflected the maritime ambitions of the... Continue Reading →

Fontainebleau

The Treaty of Fontainebleau, signed on April 11, 1814, marked a pivotal moment in European history, concluding the Napoleonic Wars' War of the Sixth Coalition and initiating a period of relative peace in Europe. This treaty not only ended Napoleon Bonaparte's rule over France but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Europe. To fully understand... Continue Reading →

The trial of Adolf Hitler for his role in the Munich Putsch of November 1923 is a pivotal event in the history of Germany, marking a significant moment in the rise of one of history's most notorious figures. This article explores the events leading up to the trial, the proceedings themselves, and the broader implications... Continue Reading →

Realpolitik

The dismissal of Otto von Bismarck by Kaiser Wilhelm II on March 20, 1890, marked a pivotal moment in German and European history. This event not only signaled the end of the career of one of Europe's most formidable statesmen but also heralded a significant shift in German domestic and foreign policy that would eventually... Continue Reading →

Amerigo Vespucci

Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer whose name became synonymous with the New World, played a pivotal role in the age of exploration. His life story intertwines with the discovery and mapping of the Americas, leaving a legacy that would forever change the course of history. Born on March 9, 1454, in Florence, Italy, Amerigo Vespucci... Continue Reading →

Battle at the Sit River

On a personal note, I recently completed one of my ASU classes on World History, which introduced me to the general history of the Mongol Empire. I found it fascinating and have already signed up for more classes that deal more specifically with the Mongols and their conquests... The Battle of the Sit River, fought... Continue Reading →

The White Rose

In the dark and oppressive milieu of Nazi Germany, a flicker of resistance sparked in the heart of Munich, embodied by a group of audacious students and their professor who dared to challenge the Goliath of the Third Reich. This was the White Rose movement, a beacon of courage and moral conviction in a time... Continue Reading →

Strasbourg

In the midst of the fourteenth century, a grievous shadow was cast over the city of Strasbourg, marking a day of profound tragedy and a moment that would etch itself into the annals of history with the dark ink of sorrow and despair. On February 14, 1349, the city became the stage for a harrowing... Continue Reading →

True Love

The matrimonial alliance between Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert, consummated on the tenth of February in the year of our Lord 1840, stands as a monumental tableau in the grand tapestry of British history. This was not merely an exchange of vows between two sovereign individuals; it was an intricately woven confluence of... Continue Reading →

Unrestricted Submarine Warfare

February 1917. It feels like stepping back into a time when the world was perched on the precipice of change, especially for the United States. This was a moment when the echoes of war across the Atlantic were about to resonate deeply with the American people and their government. Let me paint you a picture... Continue Reading →

The Death of the King

In the annals of French history, few events have been as pivotal and contentious as the execution of King Louis XVI. His reign, marked by a maelstrom of socio-political upheavals, culminated in a dramatic climax that forever altered the course of the nation. This article delves into the life of King Louis XVI, the tempestuous... Continue Reading →

“I Was Told That It Was Obligatory”

Picture this: Europe, 1919. The echo of gunfire has faded, but the continent lies in tatters. The Great War, a brutal saga of unprecedented scale, has finally ground to a halt. Cities are in ruins, fields are scarred by trenches, and millions have been lost to the horrors of a conflict unlike any before. Empires,... Continue Reading →

The Basel Massacre

On January 9, 1349, amidst the chilling winds of medieval Europe's brutal winter, the city of Basel became the stage for a horrific event known as the Basel Massacre. As the Black Death mercilessly ravaged communities across the continent, fear and superstition took hold, leading to a violent outbreak of anti-Semitic violence. In this dark... Continue Reading →

The End

I had gotten out of the Navy in June of 1991, after the 1st Gulf war. Having spent my entire Navy career as a Ballistic Missile fie Control Technician, I was particularly interested in the goings on in the USSR. My entire life had been dedicated to the eradication of both communism and the evil... Continue Reading →

Matisse

Henri Matisse, born on December 31, 1869, in Le Cateau-CambrĂ©sis, France, is celebrated as one of the foremost artists of the 20th century, known for his vibrant use of color and original draughtsmanship. He was initially destined for a career in law, but an appendicitis attack led him to discover painting during his convalescence, changing... Continue Reading →

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