April 17 2010 Booksigning Omaha NE

April 17th, 2010 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm
Stop by The Bookworm in Countryside Village for "The Briton and the Dane" booksigning event. The address is 8702 Pacific Street, Omaha, NE 402-392-287

857 Rhine Valley

History Trivia: In 857, there was mass hysteria in the Rhine Valley due to Ergot poisoning. The hallucinogenic fungus (LSD) replaces the rye grain which was baked as bread and killed thousands. Ergotism is also known as Holy Fire and St. Anthony’s Fire because of the burning sensation symptoms noted in the extremities.

Fourth Crusade

History Trivia: April 12, 1204 - Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) was sacked during the Fourth Crusade. Fire destroyed much of the city which left thousands homeless. The great Library was destroyed. Ancient Greek and Roman works not destroyed by fire were stolen. Unfortunately the Crusaders were ruthless and spared no one and nothing as they inflicted their revenge for the massacre of Roman Catholic merchants and their families which occurred in 1182.

Napoleon banished to Elba

April 11, 1814: Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France and one of the greatest military leaders in history was banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba as required by the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

King of the Western Franks

History Trivia: April 10, 879 – Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks

Official Bransle (Toss the Duchess) Dance

Last night your favorite author learned the steps for the "Branle de l'Official" dance aka Toss the Duchess. Apparently some men were a bit over zealous with tossing - it was not unheard of to hit one's head on the ceiling or perhaps end up on the floor. We also practiced the Rufty Tufty - the steps are easy, it's putting everything in the right order that's a challenge!

Vikings and Paris - 845 AD

History Trivia: In 845 the Vikings led by Ragnar Lodbrok journeyed up the Seine River and arrived at Paris in search of plunder. Paris was spared when Charles the Bald paid a tribute of 7,000 lbs of silver.