These are not a bunch of free-ranging hippies, on the contrary: the World Wide Fund for Nature organized the event in Grugapark in Essen with a very clear goal in mind – to publicize the need to protect our forests as wildlife habitat. What better excuse do 848 people need to hug a tree? Viel Spaß!

Alexander Knappe grew up in Cottbus and had a promising career in soccer, until an injury when he was 18 years old forced him to give it up. He was later on X-Factor and finally got his big break with this song, “Weil ich wieder zu Hause bin” (“Because I’m back home again”), when it reached number 79 in the German pop charts in June, 2012. Kopfhörer aufsetzen, Musik aufdrehen!

In this first segment, Yabla’s own reporter Diane interviews artist Monika Kaeser about her exhibition in the Faust Archive and Museum in Knittlingen, Baden-Württemberg. Ms. Kaeser takes impressions of carvings etched in the walls of medieval towers by those imprisoned there long ago and transforms them into fascinating watercolor images!

The Bad Vilbel Castle Festival has all the requirements for a great night out: beautiful gardens, top-notch cuisine, a great wine selection, and an excellent theater stage. Wine, dine, and theater in the ruins of a medieval castle…Enjoy!

The Folkwang Museum put together a fantastic exhibition of James Bond posters for 007 fans, a few examples of which are available to see online. Were developments in modern society reflected in British spy films? Were James Bond’s martinis really “shaken not stirred?” Take a taste of this video cocktail and find out!
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Continuing with relative clauses, the class gets into the details of which noun is actually being described in the relative clause, and Aaron verbally decapitates Isaac Newton in the process! Luckily the apple fell on Newton's head, which remained firmly attached to his neck. Viel Spaß beim Lernen!

The band Sportfreunde Stiller has had a summer of sold-out shows on the tail of their latest hit single “Applaus, Applaus” (“Applause, Applause”) In this Interview, three bandmembers talk about coming to terms with middle-age while retaining their youthful outlook and inspiration from their fans. Kopfhörer aufsetzen, Musik aufdrehen! (video copyright dpa)

Singer-songwriter Johannes Oerding presents his song "Morgen" (Tomorrow). There's no time like the present!

If you thought polo was just a bunch of people on horses slapping a ball around, watched by some rich old ladies in funny hats, you are not all wrong. On the other hand, it makes for some great entertainment! Watch this installment of Rhein Main Aktuell for more!

American kids get to make up their own "dungeons" in basements for Halloween fun, but in Germany you can go to the real Frankenstein Castle! Strictly for those who enjoy being frightened... viel Spaß am Halloween! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

In this second of a two-part series, Diane resumes her interview with artist Monika Kaeser and our tour of her latest exhibition. Comprised, in part, of rubbings taken from medieval sites left by the socially ostracized, her work “in the present breathes [life into] the past and the future is born.”

Max Herre is back with his new single "Cloud Nine" and discusses his supposed new role as a ladies's man and his collaborative work with German superstar Udo Lindenberg. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The natives (or non-natives, in this case) are particularly restless today. Mia and Jacob are flirting in whispers so much that Barbara is forced to hush them a few times. So despite the teen shenanigans, we make some progress with relative clauses and have some fun doing so!

German rockers Luxuslärm dish out another heavy spoonful of heavy rock in the number "Does She Love You Like I Do?"

It is not known for nothing as the most important automotive exhibition in the world: the International Automobile Exhibition is underway yet again in Frankfurt and includes a record number new models from the manufacturers.