Mancano solo 3 giorni al nostro rientro ad Amsterdam...

Beh, cosa dire, mi manca la vita di Amsterdam...la mia personale routine ma anche la vita propria di Amsterdam: i ristoranti, i locali, la gente.

"We are spoiled"...siamo viziati, dice Brigitte...ed e`vero...siamo abitutati ad avere tutto a portata di mano, a poter scegliere tra centinaia di ristoranti con cucina da ogni parte del mondo, spettacoli teatrali, cinema...tutto. Il Portogallo invece e`piatto: pochi "ristoranti" con tutti le stesse cose, pochi divertimenti, gente monotona, pacata, troppo pacata.

Amsterdam is madness.

Amsterdam e`tornare dall'ufficio e vedere ragazze vestite da infermiera che corrono per la strada, turisti ovunque, gente di tutti i tipi, di tutte le nazionalita`. Non c´e`un gionro uguale ad un altro ad Amsterdam.

Ogni tanto, per riposarti, cerchi un po´di normalita`, un po´di routine. Qui e`il contrario...e`il piattume, e`la noia profonda.

Un pensiero importante va a il Professore, l'italico gatto, mio compagno da oltre una decada, quasi una decade e mezza, che sta attraversando  un periodo difficile.

Auguri Professore!

Sometimes I wonder if my company is one of the few places where most employees are expected to work a forty-hour week *and* work extra time if required. I think I remember reading somewhere that employees tend to work longer hours at international companies (and are paid more) so perhaps my 'long' work week is due to the fact that my company is owned by an American company. Requests for a four-day week are often rejected due to the nature of our work, though some of my colleagues do work from home one day a week.

One of my colleagues has been attending pregnancy classes lately and often tells me how the majority of her fellow classmates work less than twenty hours a week (one of them apparently works four hours a day for three days a week). I know quite a few housewives and always get odd looks when I tell some people that I work forty hours a week and spend 1.5 hours commuting each day. It just seems that it isn't normal for women to work full time in this country and I really wonder why.

Many of the part-timers and unemployed women are women with small children. While I can see why a woman would want to spend time raising and nurturing their children, I don't understand why many of them continue to work part-time or not at all when their children start attending school. I suppose this country is still a little traditional when it comes to family values, though I have to admit that I'm impressed that fathers also enjoy some perks (eg. paternity leave, the chance to work four-day weeks) and many do their fair share of parenting.

Still, I have to wonder what will happen in future decades. Population growth is on a downward trend and there will soon be more pensioners than children, which will no doubt put extra pressure on workers and affect the economy. Will the government take measures to increase the percentage of full-time female workers? I suppose that remains to be seen...

BMEzine.com vs. BME.com

Mother, daughter and tattoos in-between.

Requiem for Scofield’s tattoos? Personally, I do not care how long it takes to put on and off all this stuff – Prison Break is no Prison Break without tattoos, right?

Old and yet sound and still valid advice: do research before choosing (tattoo artist); esp. now when, as it seems, ‘more youths express grief through body art’ (this one’s interesting, at least to consider how true it actually might be).

First and foremost: like Sept. 11, 2001; the Anthrax serial killings and the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City; the association to Islam is linked, without any solid proof, that Muslims were responsible for the incidents.  This could be the act of an anarchist, or even false-flag operative, who is conveniently using Islamic causes in an attempt to take the focus off of him and/or simultaneously sabotage any public relations gains that Muslims may have in the Netherlands or abroad.

But I see a ray of hope from the past few days. The future of Motor racing could be altered into zero emissions by this single most significant event. Hydrogen powered Fuel cells emit nothing but water (H2O) when burnt to convert into electrcity. Formula Zero (The website is in Dutch) is a Go Kart racing championship with cars built with Hydrogen powered fuel cells. Sure, the cars won't do top speeds of 330 Kmph at 18,000 RPM but with much more improvement in Hydrogen Fuel cell technology we could do that speed.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical conversion device. It produces electricity from fuel (on the anode side) and an oxidant (on the cathode side), which react in the presence of an electrolyte.

(Picture: www.formulazero.nl)

The first ever Hydrogen powered Car racing happened last weekend at Rotterdam, Netherlands. The wise used to say "A Journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step". I am glad that the first step in environment friendly racing has been taken. As the interest grows in Green racing the current Formula zero class is expected to grow to Formula 3 very soon. Also, the Formula zero is already recognized by the motor sport governing body FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile).

Dubbed the Formula Zero championship, the contest pitted teams from five countries against each other in a zero-emissions go-kart race. Each team's entry was powered by a commercial fuel cell that produces electricity from hydrogen. A Dutch team won the endurance event, while a Spanish team clinched the award for fastest lap.

So what does this mean to Green Motor sporting and in effect leading to more Green cars?

In one word I will say it as Sponsorship. With sponsorship you will have the much needed funding to get the sport to higher levels. Funding is used to do more research on the car components and build faster, efficient and cheaper engines and fuel cell technology. Improvements in Racing always ties down to usage of those technology in parts by commercial vehicle makers. This will make way for cheaper and more efficient electric and fuel cell cars for the road. If popular car makers like Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Honda enter this racing as teams then the technology will be more accessible for these auto makers and in turn will be easier for them to put it to use for commercial purposes.

As it grows faster and reaches Formula 3 and perhaps Formula 1 someday, Motor Racing can finally give up on oil and become a completely environment friendly sport. This is my dream and until this dream materializes my mind will be at constant battle.

In other news, MDI's (Motor Development International) Air Car is beginning to see some light (It is out in the streets, probably for test rides) and getting ready for 2009 launch in France. This car runs on compressed air which is something that can be easily made available using existing Air Compressor machines (similar to the one that fills air in tyres). I believe Tata has some investment (Beware: Old News!) and involvement with this company and who knows we might see a Tata Indicair or Nano-air soon!

The car boasts a 50 mile range running off of compressed air, and can stretch that further by heating up the air with another power source.

So if you have to go beyond 50 miles you should either start blowing air into the fuel tank with your mouth or use the power of Flatulence caused by Sambar/Vada Paav. Obviously don't do it alternatively!

Up to 80 percent of New Orleans was flooded for weeks and some of the city for much longer. The human tragedy combined with poverty in the area highlighted the debacle of life under sea level along the coast. In the past, stalwart human vision worked to reclaim more of the city from the sea using far less secure methods than would be advisable. Eventually, those decisions came home to rest.

As Hurricane Katrina encroached upon the nation, certain representations began to be made by the federal government a/k/a the Bush Administration about assisting the flood ravaged populace. The lack of organization and coordination bordered on legendary, yet somehow the nation made it though as millions of residents spread themselves across the country to be further assisted by the Feds and a consoling public. The Republican administration, true to their core philosophy and purpose of government, was more concerned more with human collateral damage than the immediate damage to the city and infrastructure. They were reluctant to step in with major rebuilding efforts, offering that insurance should take of the costs for rebuilding much of the devastation. Still, certain promises and representations were made and many were not kept or effectively carried out.

Every day, millions of Americans decide where they want to live. Many Americans opt to live on the coast and in places close to harms way. That is a personal choice that every American has to make along with taking care of any needs such as insurance that support that personal choice. Thirty years ago, because of the devastation that this writer saw with Hurricane Camille, a practical decision was made that life was challenging enough without being forced to rebuild it based on weather. Hurricanes are far more predictable that other natural disasters. The choice not to live on the coast and in harms way was easy.

Yet, millions of Americans, politicians and writers still hold that the American taxpayer was and is somehow responsible for helping the City of New Orleans rebuild the homes and shanties that were effectively destroyed to it's original state or better. The government on multiple levels has properly accepted responsibility for rebuilding the infrastructure of the city that they are responsible for. The residents that choose to stay have done so based on their ability, even their determination to do so. The determination that hurricane survivors have exhibited is the grit that made America great. Much of that grit involves self-reliance, combined with a level of community involvement and commitment.

The government has restored the meager walls that protect the city. Now, it is up to intelligent American citizens to decide whether they choose to live and build in a city effectively under the sea, not upon poverty, oppression and ignorance that built much of the old city. This reality, in fact, is the best of all worlds. The Feds don't need to build federal housing for the disadvantaged in a flood zone or support poverty directly in a hazardous area that is doomed to be scrapped every fifteen years or so. The nation has enough real priorities and issues without investing in foolishness. Even if government already invests foolishly in policy, government is not directly supporting questionable personal choices in locality. That is worthy of praise.

~ E. Manning

Please note: the title of this blog post is a blatant rip-off of Stuff White People Like, but the content (hopefully) lacks the sarcastic, know-it-all tone. This may become a semi-regular feature of my blog as I adjust to life in the Netherlands. Stay tuned.

I just rode a bike for the first time in Amsterdam after weeks of walking around. The following are some of my observations regarding the Dutch people's relationship to bicycling.

1) Everyone in Amsterdam rides a bike. Yes, everyone. Old ladies, old men, little kids, very pregnant women. Parents place young children on the front little seat near the handlebars (you can kind of see it in the picture), or a back seat if there are two children. Some bikes are tricked out with a cargo-carrying portion in front for multiple children. Everyone bikes!

2) No one wears a helmet. Not even babies, the 6-month-olds with soft heads. Luckily I haven't seen any accidents yet.

3) The Dutch are very proficient bicyclists, which makes sense, since they start in utero. They are quick and efficient when navigating the cobblestone streets, multiple lane traffic, trams, pedestrians, etc. The Dutch are such skilled cyclists that it is common for them to multi-task while riding. Here are some things I've seen Dutch people do while riding their bikes: talk on a cell phone, carry a briefcase or purse in one hand, wear high heels, write a text message, listen to an iPod, carry a friend on the back rack, carry a dog in the front crate, hold a leash connected to a happily trotting dog, etc.

4) There are established cycling rules that everyone follows. Many streets have paved bike lanes which cars and pedestrians should not use, stoplights have a special light for bicyclists, people signal with their arms when turning. This is related to the Dutch affinity for rules and order, which may be explored in a later blog post.

5) Amsterdammers exude confidence and assertion when riding. To get anywhere in Amsterdam, it is absolutely necessary to be an assertive cyclist. You must believe that the path you are riding is important and all others will make room for you. Do NOT slow down when tourists hesitantly start stepping into the bike lane -- instead, continue at your set pace and they will just have to step back. The same approach should be taken when confronted with other cyclists turning into your lane, and cars anxious to cross in front of you. However, please note that this assertive behavior is most effective when you are aware of your surroundings and can respond quickly to others who aren't so observant. The use of a bell or calling out "Hello!" can be an effective way to gain attention and avoid collision.

6) Some notes about the bikes themselves. The Dutch typically ride old-fashioned, heavy, single-speed bikes. Most of them are plain and black, but some people paint their bikes really bright colors or attach fake flowers to the frame. Bikes should have at least one good lock, most have two, when not in use; bike theft is very common here.

Dutch Apple Pie will be a perfect dessert to serve at Thanksgiving dinner. This Dutch Apple Pie recipe is tried and true and will make a perfect apple pie! Follow this quick and easy directions and your pie will turn out great tasting and make the whole family happy! Apple pie can be stored in the freezer! The best recipe you will find!

A Dutch Apple Pie is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving Dinner

Green tech in 'Formula Zero' race

Delft University's Greenchoice leads the newly established table

The world's first international hydrogen-powered motorsport race was held in Rotterdam this weekend.

Dubbed the Formula Zero championship, the contest pitted teams from five countries against each other in a zero-emissions go-kart race.

Each team's entry was powered by a commercial fuel cell that produces electricity from hydrogen.

A Dutch team won the endurance event, while a Spanish team clinched the award for fastest lap.

Peak power

Founded by Dutch motorsport enthusiasts Godert van Hardenbroek and Eelco Rietveld, Formula Zero is already recognized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the world's motor sport governing body.

The championship consisted of several events, with teams from the UK, US, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium competing for the top honour: zeroth place.

The events included a sprint race, won by a Spanish team called EuplatecH2 with a lap time of 36 seconds. In the endurance event, the Greenchoice Forze team from Delft University took the zeroth place on the podium.

Formula Zero looks set to green up motorsport

That puts the Delft team on top in the standings. In third place was Imperial College London's team Imperial Racing Green, who proved to have the most reliable entry if not eventually the fastest.

"In 10 years if the motorsport industry as a whole hasn't engaged in zero or low emission principles, it probably won't be around," said Greg Offer, who headed up the Imperial team. "Teams that embrace this new technology early on will succeed, and those that don't will fall by the wayside."

Racing excitement won't suffer, though; Dr. Offer says that fuel-cell powered vehicles don't represent a compromise in performance over traditional petrol-fueled engines.

"With a combustion engine, you have to reach three or four thousand rev[olutions per minute] to get your peak power," he says. "With an electric vehicle, it's all there from standing, and they're more efficient."

It is expected that the class will grow to Formula Three standard and then full-size racing class as interest in green motoring escalates. The next event will be held in the US in March. In 2009 the Formula Zero championship will comprise four races.

The train from Schipol to Rotterdam was fast and smooth and sadly not one of the very exciting double decker ones.  It was great to be met by eldest daughter and once I'd dumped my bags we headed off into the city centre.  There are some intersting buildings including the cube house.

Yesterday I was up North to Amsterdam.  I spent the whole day there and battled round the Van Gogh museum - I was delighted to see a handful of Gaugain pictures as well as some by Millet and Monet.  Amsterdam is beautiful and there is another delicious view round every corner.

So a great day spent doing art, shopping and sitting about reading - bliss.  Oh and finally - Happy Birthday Kate! 

I wrestle my carry-on bag out of the overhead bin (and scare some passengers in the process), saddle up, and march on toward the terminal.

Amsterdam's Customs

Umm, is there a such thing as Homeland Security in this country.  Do you people even try to screen people to make sure that we don't have one of Bin Laden's boys trying to get in here?  They pass me through and I'm on my way.

I recover my bags and am greeted by my new co-workers, who graciously decided to come to the airport to meet me. We take the train to my new office.  I open the door, and am pleasantly surprised by the layout.  Very cool!

Okay, so I settle in.  Good thing I bought those European power adapters.  I'm able to connect up all my power devices with no problem.

Some time passes and we decide to go to lunch.  My first eating adventure in Amsterdam... this should be interesting.  I settle for a cheddar wrap and a bottled smoothie; not bad for the first time out.  I wonder how big the Dutch are on turkey.  I have a feeling I'm going to be losing some weight.

Another co-worker invites me to tour apartments with her, her husband and the company hired realtor.  The co-worker who greeted me this morning gave me instructions on how to take the transit to the realtor's office. Okay... here we go!

I make it there successfully.  That wasn't too bad.  This transit ticketing system the Dutch have still makes no sense though.  I have some time to spare so I decide to check out the shopping area not far from the realtor's office.  The Dutch clearly like to shop.  They've got lots of stores here that fit all different tastes.  I'm going to have to check it out when I get a little more free time.

Rewind - What About the Most Important Details?

Some of the guys are probably wondering about Dutch women.  Gentlemen, this city has some beautiful women of various backgrounds.  I am not disappointed.  You won't be either!

Biker Gangs

The Dutch are very big on bikes.  They are EVERYWHERE.  Women are in heels and skirts riding bikes.  You also have to be careful where you cross.  These people are serious on their bikes.  You WILL get hit.

Apartment Hunting

We viewed about 12 apartments today.  Wow... I need to lower my expectations.  The Dutch just don't do it the way we do it in the US.  I did find one that I really liked.  I wanted to rent it.  But, the owner rented it to someone who got there before me... so disappointing.

I have a backup option.  It's a cool place.  But, the dude who lives there seems kind of dirty.  I know his bathrooms were.  I don't think I'd ever feel comfortable living in that place.  That dude just had dirty written all over him.

Hotel Check-In / Check Out The Hotel

My co-worker warned me that the hotel was pretty lackluster.  I figured I wouldn't make a big deal of it.  It's not a permanent situation.  I'll manage.

Back to the Office

The apartment hunting took much longer than expected.  So, I had to head back to my office to change my bags out for my flight to Copenhagen tomorrow.  I take the train from my hotel to the office. That was pretty easy.

All Packed and Ready To Go

I leave the office feeling confident about my ability to get to and from work.  I take the tram to the transfer point.  I get on the next tram.  I see a sign that looked familiar so I get off.  5 long blocks later, I realize that I got on the wrong tram.  DAMMIT!  I am sleepy.  I'm hungry.  And, I just walked a long damn way.

I get back on the wrong tram going in the opposite direction.  I tell the attendant my story so that she doesn't charge my transit ticket.  She seems to be pretty understanding.  Then, she just busts out laughing.  I'm like "yeah yeah... it was a mistake."  She was like "Yeah, it happens.  People get lost all the time."  Gee, thanks lady.

I eventually get the right tram and make it back to the hotel 40 minutes later than expected.  All of the restaurants were closed.  So, my first dinner in Amsterdam was an orange.  What a way to start out!

Signing Off

I've been up for 40 hours.  It's time for me to get some sleep.  On to Copenhagen tomorrow.  Stay tuned...

Uomo - dipinto di Biancamaria Beltrami

Mens

De stad, een ruïne.
In hun kromheid
streven de zuilen
naar hogere sferen.
Zij torsen timpanen
die een eeuwigheid trotseren
van niets.
Barsten lopen doorheen
het marmer, en eren
de massa,
verpletterd onder het gewicht
van de diamant
die zich mens noemt.

(Dutch, written by Roger Pelgrims)

Uomo

La città, una rovina.
Nelle loro curvature
le colonne aspirano
a sfere più alte.
Portano con sforzo timpani
che affrontano un' eternità
di niente.
Le fenditure attraversano
il marmo, e onorano
la massa,
schiacciate sotto il peso
del diamante
che si chiama uomo.

(Italian, translated by Roger Pelgrims, corrected
by Rina Accardo)

Mensch

Die Stadt, eine Ruine.
Durch ihre Krümme
streben die Säule
nach einer höheren Sphäre.
Sie schleppen Tympana
die einer Ewigkeit trotzen
von Nichts.
Brüchig ist der Marmor,
und die Risse ehren
die Menge,
zerschmettert unter dem Gewicht
des Diamanten,
der sich als Mensch bezeichnet.

(German, translated by Roger Pelgrims)

Mensch

Die stadt, eine ruine.
durch ihre krümmung
streben die säulen
nach einer höheren sphäre.
sie schleppen tympana
die einer ewigkeit trotzen
von nichts.
brüchig ist der marmor
und die risse ehren
die menge
zerschmettert unter dem gewicht
des diamanten
der als mensch sich bezeichnet.

(German, translated by Jakob Schleicher)

Homme

La ville, une ruine.
Par leur courbure,
les colonnes cherchent
des sphères plus élevées.
Elles sont accablées
par des tympans,
qui affrontent une éternité
de rien.
Des fissures suivent
le marbre, et rendent hommage
à la foule,
écrasée sous le poid
du diamant,
qui s’appelle homme.

(French, translated by Roger Pelgrims)

Man

The city, a ruin.
By their crookedness,
the columns striving for
higher spheres.
Weighed down by tympanums
that defy an eternity
of nothing.
Fissures running through
the marble, honouring
the crowd,
shattered by the weight
of the diamond,
called man.

(English, translated by Roger Pelgrims, corrected
by Rhisiart Hincks)

Bniedem

Ilbelt,
herba.
F’taghwighom, ilkolonni
jixxennqu lejn
sferi oghla.
Bi tbatija jgorru
timpani, jisfidaw
eternità ta’ bahh.
Xquq iterrqu
flirham
b’omagg
lirrassa,
imfarrka taht ilpiz
taddjamant
li jissejjah bniedem.

(Maltese, translated by Antoine Cassar)

Dyn

Y ddinas, adfail.
Drwy fod yn gam,
y colofnau’n ceisio
sfferau uwch.
Gan ddwyn pwysau tympanau
sy’n herio tragwyddoldeb
o ddim.
Holltau’n rhedeg drwy’r marmor
gan anrhydeddu’r dyrfa,
a chwalwyd o dan
bwysau’r diemwnt
a elwir yn
ddyn.

(Welsh, translated by Rhisiart Hincks)

Mabden

Ar gêr, un dismantr.
Dre vout kamm,
ar c’holonennoù o klask
sferioù uheloc’h.
En ur zougen pouez tabourinoù
o taeañ ar beurbadelezh
a netra.
Faoutoù o redek dre ar marbr
en ur enoriñ an engroez,
freuzet dindan
pouez an diamant,
a vez graet anezhañ
mabden.

(Breton, translated by Rhisiart Hincks)

Homem

A cidade, uma ruína.
A curvatura
das colunas que aspiram
aos planos mais elevados.
Portando tímpanos
que desafiam uma eternidade
de nada.
Fissuras atravessando
o mármore, honrando
a multidão,
esmagada pelo peso
do diamante,
que se chama homem.

(Brasilian Portuguese, translated by
    André Pacheco Bartholomeu)

Omu

‘A città, ‘na ruvina.
‘Ni li sghimbèci
i culunni s’allonganu
versu lu celu.
Portanu cu fatica timpani
c’affrontanu ‘n’eternità
ri nenti.
I fissùri passanu attraversu
u marmu, e portanu rispettu
a ‘a gènti,
sopraffatti r’u pisu
ru diamanti
ca si chiama omu.

(Sicilian, as in the hometown of Rina - 
translated by Rina Accardo)

Omu

A' città, 'na ruina.
'Ne' sô scunucchiamenti
i culonni si stirunu
versu cieli cchiù jàuti.
Sumpòttunu timpani
ca cummattunu contra n' tempu 'nfinitu
ri nenti.
I nginagghi si nficcunu no'
màmmuru, je ci portunu rispettu
â fudda,
stancata rô pisu
rô diamanti
ca si chiama omu.

(Sicilian, as in Catania,
the hometown of Pierpaolo -
translated by Pierpaolo De Luca)

Menneske

Byen, ein ruin.
Gjennom krummingane
strevar søylene
mot ein høgare sfære.
Dei er nedtyngde av tympan
som trassar ei æve
av inkje.
Sprekker skjer gjennom
marmoren, og ærar
mengda,
knuste under vekta
av diamanten
som kallar seg menneske.

(Nynorsk, translated by Rolf Theil)

Menneske

Byen, ein ruin.
Gjenom krummingane
strevar søylone
mot ein høgare sfære.
Dei er nedtyngde av tympan
som trassar ei æva
av inkje.
Sprekker skjer gjenom
marmoren, og ærar
mengdi,
knuste under vekti
av diamanten
som kallar seg menneske.

(Høgnorsk, translated by Rolf Theil)

Menneske

Byen, en ruin.
Gjennom krumningene
strever søylene
mot en høyere sfære.
De er nedtynget av tympaner
som trosser en evighet
av intet.
Sprekker skjærer gjennom
marmoren, og ærer
mengden,
knust under vekten
av diamanten
som kaller seg menneske.

(BokmÅl, translated by Rolf Theil)

Mtu

Mji, mabaki.
Kwa mapindi yao
nguzo zinajitahidi
kufika maeneo ya juu zaidi.
Zinainamishwa na gebu
zinazoshindana na milele ya utupu
nyufa zinajitokeza kwenye.
Marumaru, zinazoheshimu
umati.
Zinazovunjwa na uzito
wa almasi
iitwayo mtu.

(Swahili, translated by Nino Vessella)

Homo

Urbs, fragmines.
In curvitate
columnae affectant
ad orbes superiors.
Tympana perferentes
qua sempiternitatem praetereunt
ex nihil.
Rimae ferebantur
per marmorem venerantur
vulgum,
comminuuntur gravitate
lapis
qui se homo appellat.

(Latin, translated by Omar Kemperman)

Homo

La urbo, ruino.
Por ilia malrekteco,
la kolonoj atingas
por pli alta sferoj.
Timpanoj pezigas ilin,
kiuj defias eternecon
de nenio.
Fendigoj trakuras
la marmoron,
honoranta la amason,
frakasis de la pezilo
per la diamanto,
nomigis homon.

(Esperanto, translated by Formiko, corrected
 by Narbleh) 

Mänsligheten

Staden, en ruin.
Genom dess krokighet,
strävar kolonnerna mot
högre sfärer.
Nedtyngda av tympanon
som trotsar en evighet
av intet.
Sprickor löpandes genom
marmorn, hedrandes
folksamlingen,
söndersplittrad av vikten av
diamanten kallad
människa.

(Swedish, translated by Johan (Eoghan)
Sandberg)

Inimene

Linn, varemed.
Oma kõverdatuses,
sambad püüdlemas
kõrgematesse sfääridesse.
Timpanite alla surutud
mis trotsivad ei millegi
igavikku.
Praod jooksevad läbi
marmori, austades
masse,
purustatud teemandi
raskuse poolt,
kes nimetab end inimeseks.

(Estonian, translated by Lauri Laugen)

Człowiek

Miasto, ruina.
Poprzez swoje wygiecia,
kolumny wysiegaja do
wyzszych sfer.
Obciazone bebenkami
które przeciwstawiaja sie wiecznej
nicosci.
Szczeliny biegnace przez
marmur, slawiacy
tlum,
popekany pod ciezarem
diamentu,
zwanego czlowiekiem.

(Polish, translated by Rad Cech)

Człowiek

Miasto, ruina.
Krzywizna kolumn
sięgających ku wyższym sferom
pod uciskiem tympanonów
co pustce wieczności stawiają
czoło.
Kruchego marmury rysy
cześć oddają tłumowi
co pod ciężarem diamentu
zwanego człowiekiem
rozbity.

(Polish, translated by Jacek Zukowski)

Hombre 

La ciudad, una ruina.
En su curvarse,
las columnas aspiran
a más altas esferas.
Sujetan con esfuerzo
tímpanos, que afrontan
la eternidad de nada.
Las grietas atraviesan
el mármol, y rinden homenaje
a la masa,
aplastadas bajo el peso 
del diamante
que se llama hombre.

(Spanish, translated by Maria J. Santos)

An duine

An cathair, mar fothrach.
Na colúin ag déanamh a ndícheall
léibheann uachtarach a shroicheadh.
Róualaithe
le tiompáin
a thugann dúshlán shíoraíocht
neamhní.
Scriostar scoilteáin a ritheann trí mhean
an mharmair, ag tabhairt onóir
don slua,
le hualach
an diamaint
ar a dtugtar an duine.

(Irish, translated by Darrach Ó Murchú)

Hende

E siudat, un ruina.
Den su kurvanan
e kolumnanan ta aspirá
esferanan mas altu.
Nan ta shou tímpanonan
ku ta afrontá un eternidat
di nada.
Skernan ta kore dor di
e marmer i ta onra
e masa,
aplastá bou e peso
di e diamante
ku ta yama su mes
hende.

(Papiamentu, translated by Liberta Rosario)

***

Hanno collaborato alla traduzione of the poem ‘Mens’ di Roger Pelgrims:

 1. www.logos.net - Logos Quotes -

 Rina Accardo, Rhisiart Hincks, Antoine Cassar, André Pacheco Bartholomeu, Rolf Theil, Nino Vessella, Pierpaolo De Luca, Maria J. Santos, Jacek Zukowski and Liberta Rosario.

 2. www.unilang.org

 Omar Kemperman, Formiko, Johan (Eoghan) Sandberg, Jacob Schleicher, Darrach Ó Murchú, Lauri Laugen and Rad Cech.

Setelah beberapa hari, saya berjumpa dengan senior saya yang ternyata sudah memiliki buku tersebut. Tentunya saya ingin mengetahui isi atau minimal sekilas tentang buku tersebut. Rasa penasaran bertambah dan mendorong untuk browsing di internet. Kagetnya lagi ternyata buku itu sudah didigitasi oleh om gugle,

The History of Java
By Thomas Stamford Raffles
Published by J. Murray, 1830
Item notes: v. 1
Original from the New York Public Library
Digitized Oct 11, 2007

The History of Java
By Thomas Stamford Raffles, Sophia Raffles
Published by John Murray, 1830
Item notes: v.2
Original from Harvard University
Digitized Sep 9, 2005
868 pages
Tentunya legal dan hasil dari pemindaian buku asli yang berbahasa inggris...wooooww. Ternyata terdapat beberapa edisi buku ini yang telah didigitasi oleh om gugle. Buku ini terbagi dalam dua volume dan hasilnya pun tidak mengecewakan.

Bagi yang berminat boleh liat di alamat berikut:

1. The hystory of java volume 1, Download pdf

2. The hystory of java volume 2, Download pdf

Selain buku diatas, ternyata ada buku lain yang masih berhubungan dengan buku ini, yaitu:

History of the Indian Archipelago
By John Crawfurd
Published by , 1820
Original from the University of Michigan
Digitized Feb 17, 2006

man i had a stink weekend and my desire to go to Ethiopia has grown. Solomon has not emailed me in days and I am getting worried. He's probably waiting for something though.

Well, congratulations to the Ethiopian runners, but the Kenyan winning the marathon may shock some of the more patriotic, I am neither so I think it's better the Kenyan than the Eritrea. Eritrea has wronged me in so many ways you could fill plenty of blogs with it. But I'm lazy and I don't have the time or energy.

Anyway, I did wish a Swede or a Dutchman would win the marathon. Show people that all Euros aren't bad at running. Good on Romania for doing so earlier though. That woman was amazing!!!!!!!

PS. Kenenisa is nice. I know.

Printmaking is annoying and I do not like doing it, but I like the end result. Pain is pleasure and pleasure is painful. Whoop-de-doo-dah-day. Life sucks, just grip something and talc your hands.

Speaking of holding on, it seems Rahel Yohannes does the best job of all. This girl looks like she has not missed a meal in her entire life- yeah it doesn't feel right when you're wrong doesn't it Bob G? Now you know how I feel 24/7. Go Rahel Yohannes.

Well, I might have to go now. I kind of need to eat some food myself.

DEHNAHUNNU KE'EMILYA

and Solomon Mengstea- if you are reading this- EMAIL ME SOON!

When a plane lands at the Princess Juliana International Airport, in the Dutch part of Caribbean island Saint Martin, it does so by descending directly over tourists vacationing at a beach right next to the runway. You can find many awesome similar videos over on YouTube, including one where a plane's reactors literally blows holidayers into the ocean. Something tells me one could design a great action piece around this location.

More Fun Stuff

]]> http://kellyinnl.wordpress.com/?p=107 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:13:09 +0000 Kelly http://kellyinnl.wordpress.com/?p=107 Today's post is about food... Chinese food in particular. ;)

I read an interesting article the other day about the origin of the word 'bapao'. Bapaos, as you may know, are rather yummy treats that resemble steamed buns and come with a variety of fillings, including kip sate (chicken satay), rundervlees (beef) and falafel. The author claims that when you say the word 'bapao', you are actually speaking Chinese. According to the author, 'ba' is the Chinese word for 'meat' and 'pao' is the Chinese word for 'bread'.

Now, I have to say that I have my doubts about this as I studied Mandarin at university and know for a fact that the Chinese word for 'meat' is pronounced 'rou' (肉). There's a chance that meat is called 'ba' in one of the many dialects of Chinese but it certainly isn't called 'ba' in either Mandarin or Cantonese (two of the major dialects of Mainland China). The 'pao' claim is a bit more credible as 'bao' (包) can mean 'bread' or 'bun' in Mandarin and the real Chinese steamed stuffed bun is called 'baozi' (包子). Perhaps I'm being a bit too pedantic here but it irritates me when I see jokes or articles about the Chinese language and food which lack proper research. For the record, babi pangang is NOT Chinese, despite what some of my colleagues would have me believe; it's Indonesian ('babi' is Indonesian for 'pork'). **

Continuing with my rant about Chinese food, I was a bit annoyed about an article in our local paper Almere Vandaag, which featured an article about an Almere baker who is working at the Heineken House in Beijing. In this article, he makes the statement that 'in China eten ze bijna alleen maar rijst, dus er komen hier veel mensen', implying that many of the Dutch visitors are eating at the Heineken House as that people in China only eat rice.

I don't know why this bugs me but it really shows how ignorant some people can be and how annoying certain stereotypes continue to be perpetuated. Yes, rice is indeed a staple food in *southern* China where the land is more fertile and more suited to growing rice. Wheat-based foods, such as noodles and dumplings, are the staple foods of northern China, although you can find rice in many homes and restaurants thanks to domestic (and foreign) trade. It's quite likely that the man didn't know that rice is mostly used as a filler rather than an actual meal. You'd only eat the rice if you're still hungry at the end of a meal and, in social gatherings, would show that your host wasn't very generous with the food.

To be honest, I don't really see why there's a need for the Heineken House. I've seen articles about it in all of the free daily newspapers this past week, about how they're baking fresh bread every day as the Dutch visitors miss Dutch bread and how they're serving all sorts of Dutch foods and snacks (presumably because there's nothing to eat but rice and scorpions!). Are people feeling homesick for Dutch food after only a few weeks in China? Try living without bread for a year. I did when I was living in China and Taiwan and it really didn't bother me as there was much nicer food to eat. I'll settle for a nice plate of dumplings over a broodje kaas any day. ;)

Do any of the other countries participating in the Olympics have anything similar to the Heineken House? I would really love to find out as I don't want this rant to sound too anti-Dutch (I'm sure they're not the only ones missing the food and surroundings they are more comfortable with). Still, I find it a bit silly that people aren't taking the opportunity to try as many Chinese dishes during their time in Beijing. It only seems to perpetuate the stereotype that the Dutch take their own food with them when they go on holiday...

And to conclude this pointless rant, I'd like to leave Chinese food aside and proclaim my love for Swirls, one of my favourite feel-good foods in this country. I tried their current special, the Pineapple Swirl, today. Het was heeeeeerlijk! :)

** I may have studied Mandarin and be a Sinophile but there's always a chance that I am wrong about all this. Please correct me if there are any glaring errors in this post. ;)

This august I’ve been in Amsterdam for a holiday. I’ve been there years ago, just for a day, and I saw really little of the city. This time, the first thing I learned is that the dutch love to show off themselves, from the red light shop windows to their houses, always with big windows which show you everything they do, and I really mean everything. Consequently, their houses seem to be shops as the shops seem to be houses.
Second thing I learned is that the Lonely Planet is often wrong. Restaurants, clubs and other places recommended by this famous guide, often don’t exist anymore (maybe they never existed?) or they’re open in days and times which are different than the written ones. An example, in Amsterdam, is the record shop Solex Experience, that’s supposed to be in the centre of the city but looks like a private home, with shoes beyond the usual glass door, and is inexorably closed at the three o’clock in the afternoon.
My friend who wanted to visit it has been disappointed, and me too, even if I had only heard about Solex but never checked for her. So, the first purpose of this post is ask to Solex (or who’s in her stead) if the shop still exists, if that was the right place, if sometimes it opens or maybe where it is now.
But the unsuccessful mission made me curious about her music, so since I’ve been back to Italy I listened to her records and I like it a lot. It’s already amazing that she played a cover of the Stooges song “1969”, completely in her style, that you can listen to on her official site; Besides, the most of her songs are an irresistible mix of electronics, pop, sonic recycling and various musical knowledge.
Moreover, Elizabeth Esselink (that’s her name) seems to have the intention to animate the dutch music scene (maybe that’s why she closed her shop), as testified by her current project:

“This summer I've started a new project called Solex Ahoy. With an old motor boat I’m sailing through all 12 Dutch provinces accompanied by musician / captain Bart van Poppel. In every province we pick up a few musicians (one by one) for an improvisation session that will be recorded aboard.
Every musician is asked to improvise to a loop which will be heard on his/her headset. At the end of this trip I’ll be able to cut ‘n paste 12 songs out of these jams that will reflect the sound of every one of the 12 Dutch provinces. In that way you can look at it as an audio-map of The Netherlands.
I’ve invited a wide range of musicians. A bunch of young and talented girls & boys and a few musicians who’s fame has already stretched to quite a few years.
Kick off is Monday August 18th and we expect to be back in Amsterdam October 1^st”.

We would need somebody to do something like this in Italy as well. But who? Who has the credibility and the will to do it? Hm. I’m afraid anybody.

Sono stato in vacanza ad Amsterdam, quest’agosto. C’ero passato una volta, solo per un giorno, anni fa, vedendo veramente poco. La prima cosa che ho capito, stavolta, è che gli olandesi amano mettersi in mostra, dalle vetrine a luci rosse alle case con finestroni da cui vedete tutto, ma proprio tutto, quello che fanno. Di conseguenza, le case sembrano negozi e i negozi sembrano case.
La seconda cosa che ho capito è che la Lonely Planet sbaglia spesso. Ristoranti, locali e quant’altro, segnalati dalla famosa guida, spesso non esistono più (non sono mai esistiti?) o sono aperti in orari e giorni diversi da quelli segnalati. Uno di questi, ad Amsterdam, è il negozio di dischi Solex Experience, segnalato nel centro della città, che ha tutto l’aspetto di una casa privata, con tanto di scarpe visibili dalla solita vetrina, e che ovviamente alle tre di pomeriggio è inesorabilmente chiuso.
Il mio amico che voleva visitarlo c’è rimasto male, ed ero curioso anch’io, che avevo sentito a malapena parlare di Solex. Così, il primo scopo di questo post è proprio chiedere a Solex (o chi per lei) se il negozio esiste ancora, se è lì o no, se qualche volta apre o eventualmente dove si trova adesso.
La missione fallita mi ha però incuriosito verso di lei, così appena tornato in Italia sono andato ad ascoltarmi i dischi, e devo dire che mi piacciono molto. Già è fantastico che abbia fatto una cover di “1969” degli Stooges, completamente nel suo stile e ascoltabile sul sito ufficiale, in più molti pezzi sono un irresistibile mix di elettronica, pop, riciclaggio sonoro e scibile musicale vario.
In più Elizabeth Esselink (è il suo nome) sembra anche essere intenzionata a fare da animatrice della scena musicale olandese (forse per questo ha chiuso il negozio), come testimonia il suo progetto attuale:

“Quest’estate ho avviato un nuovo progetto chiamato Solex Ahoy. Con una vecchia barca a motore andrò in giro per tutte le 12 provincie olandesi, accompagnata dal musicista/capitano Bart Van Poppel. In ogni provincia imbarcheremo qualche musicista (uno a uno) per una sessione improvvisata da registrare a bordo.
A ognuno dei musicisti verrà chiesto di improvvisare su un loop che potrà sentire sulle sue cuffie. Alla fine del viaggio potrò così realizzare 12 pezzi estratti da queste jams, che riflettano il suono di ciascuna delle 12 provincie olandesi. In questo modo, li si potrà guardare come ad una audio mappa dell’Olanda.
Ho invitato tanti musicisti. Un mucchio di ragazzi e ragazze, giovani e di talento, e qualcuno la cui fama è in crescita negli ultimi anni.
L’avvio è previsto per lunedì 18 agosto e ci aspettiamo di essere di nuovo ad Amsterdam per il primo ottobre”.

Bisognerebbe che qualcuno facesse una cosa simile anche in Italia. Ma chi? Chi è che ha la credibilità e la voglia per farlo? Mah. Nessuno temo.

]]> http://pbtt.wordpress.com/?p=6589 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 18:40:03 +0000 pbtt http://pbtt.wordpress.com/?p=6589 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The Dutch Navy and a squad of U.S. Coast Guard raiders seized 4.6 tons (4,200 kilograms) of cocaine from a Panamanian-flagged freighter that had set sail from Venezuela, Dutch and U.S. officials said Friday.

The Dutch Navy said it is the largest haul of cocaine it has ever intercepted.

"This seizure underlines the excellent cooperation between all our partners in the region and once again confirms the importance of our presence in the Caribbean," said Rear Adm. Peter Lenselink, the commander of Netherlands Forces in the Caribbean.

Source

Go Rudy! Maar je ziel verkopen om je succes te vinden... tsss