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Welcome to my Blog! Anybody, providing he knows how to be amusing, has the right to
talk about himself. - Charles Baudelaire In 2013 I started a series of photo albums on Blurb.com, named '36Exp' (a subject adressed in 36 exposures, a reference to the exposures on most common rolls of 35 mm film: 12, 24 & 36.). The books can be ordered directly from the Blurb.com website. |
BREAKING THE DARKNESS
[18JUN10]
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STREETS OF THE WORLD | JEROEN SWOLFS ![]() Photojournalist Jeroen Swolfs has taken on a challenging project: 'STREETS OF THE WORLD'. He aims for travelling the world in 5 years and to visit all countries to photo-document the centre of each capital... If he succeeds in visiting all countries and do his photography bit, he will be the first person in the world to do so. Meanwhile there is fascinating photography to enjoy! www.streetsoftheworld.nl/ [14JUN10]
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THERE IS NO PROBLEM BEFORE YOU START Clarke and Dawe on the BP oilspill in the Gulf of Mexico: hilarious (if it wasn't so true and sad...) [11JUN10]
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NOVAJA GAZETA | FREEDOM OF PRESS RUSSIAN-STYLE With 'Russian-style' I am referring to the fact that four Novaya Gazeta journalists were murdered between 2001 and 2009.... Novaya Gazeta is a Russian newspaper, well-known in the country for its critical and investigative coverage of Russian political and social affairs. Journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was critical of the Russia's actions in Chechnya, wrote for Novaya Gazeta until her assassination on 07Oct06. The journalist wrote in an essay that the editors received: Visitors every day in our editorial office who have nowhere else to bring their troubles, because the Kremlin finds their stories off-message, so that the only place they can be aired is in our newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. /.end quote Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and State Duma Deputy Alexander Lebedev own 49% of the newspaper and the paper's staff controls the remaining 51% of shares. Gorbachev has long been a friend of the paper. He used the money from his 1990 Nobel Peace Prize to help set up Novaya Gazeta in 1993 and purchase its first computers. On 26Jan2010, the paper's website was subjected to a cyberspace attack and taken offline. As of 01Feb10 the website was still unaccessible. At the height of the attack the server was receiving 1.5 million connections per second. One must have considerable resources to do something like this. In 2010 Dmitry Muratov, Editor-in-Chief, received the Four Freedoms Award, on behalf of Novaya Gazeta. en.wikipedia.org:_Novaya_Gazeta en.wikipedia.org:_Four_Freedoms_Award [09JUN2010]
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PAUL MERTON'S IMPROV CHUMS Yesterday went to attend a performance by Paul Merton's Improv Chums. Their only gig in Holland this tour (?), afaik. My son had seen him during his stay in London, I only know Paul Merton from his witty performance in Have I Got News for You (BBC), which I've been following for many years now. We were not disappointed! Paul was spinning and his 4 'c...hums' Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson and Mike McShane were equally inspired and quick-witted. An admirable performance. ![]() From legt to right: Mike McShane, Suki Webster, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch & Paul Merton
[06JUN10
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WHEN I FEEL TRAPPED AT WORK...
...I'll walk to the window and see:
![]() fences & barbed wire.. [06JUN10]
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IF YOU NEED SPITITUAL HELP ![]() It never ceases to amaze me people would seek help, guided by a crumpled flyer like this. Note: yes, I have erased the telephone number and do not come to me for spiritual help (nor for help in any other way, come to think of it). [06JUN10]
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DAVID OLNEY & SERGIO WEBB | OUDE VEILING 30MAY10 ![]() David Olney and Sergio Webb played in 'De Oude Veiling' ('The Ol'Auction House') in Aalsmeer (Holland). Enjoyed the music, first time I've seen them play, also promoting David Olney's latest cd: Dutchman's Curve. The one I bought is a limited edition with a bonus disc. David Charles Olney (b. 23Mar1948 Providence,RI) is an American folk singer/songwriter. He moved to Nashville in 1973 and formed the band The X-Rays, which gained a reputation during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since then, he has performed as a solo singer/songwriter. His songs have been covered by Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, Linda Ronstadt, and Laurie Lewis, among others. Enjoyed this sympathetic, storytelling singer/songwriter en Sergio Webb deserves credit for playing a mean guitar. One of David's most popular songs is called 'Wait Here For the Cops', in which Sergio convincingly imitates a police siren on the guitar... www.davidolney.us en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Olney Flickr.com YouTube [01JUN10]
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IMMENSELY ONLINE The growing number of people online in Holland, with broadband connections, is stunning. In 2009 the 6.000.000th broadband connection was established in the Netherlands. With 38,1 connections per hundred inhabitants, the Dutch took over from Denmark as the country with the highest percentage of households with a broadband connection. About 80 % of the consumers who have broadband, subscribe to other internet use with the same provider. 55 % of these have a phoneline by the internet provider. TV sees a growth in digital hook-up, over 50 % of the Dutch subscribe to digital television (7.300.000 in 2009). Holland is the most densely populated country in Europe, with a population over 16 million. See also Wikipedia [01JUN2010]
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LISTENING TO GRASSHOPPERS | ARUNDHATI ROY
My newspaper this afternoon featured on the frontpage "Train disaster India by sabotage". [28MAY10]
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31ST DETECTIVE & THRILLERGIDS The Dutch (weekly) publication Vrij Nederland ('Free Netherlands') published their yearly guide on suspense books: 682 books are reviewed this time. The yearly publication has been a valued tradition over 30 years.
[DATE]
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FIGHTING SOCALLED PROGRESS
In the UK a single armer stands in the way of 'progress' and destroys Carlise airfreight plans... Plans to develop Scotland’s Carlisle Airport into a freight storage and distribution centre have been scuppered by a local Irthington farmer, Thomas Brown. Status in Oct.2009: "A farmer has lost his legal battle to halt the expansion of Carlisle Airport." As reported by BBC News. Then, in Dec.2009: "The £25 million redevelopment of Carlisle Airport is threatened by a legal challenge from an Irthington farmer - Gordon Brown has been given leave to apply for a judicial review of Carlisle City Council’s decision in 2008 to grant planning consent for warehousing and offices - The High Court twice rejected his application, most recently in October - But that ruling has now been overturned by the Court of Appeal in London." As reported by Airportwatch.org.uk This was confirmed May2010: "A farmer has triumphed in a legal campaign to overturn planning permission for a freight storage and distribution facility at Carlisle Lake District Airport - Thomas Gordon Brown, of Lane End Farm, Irthington, has insisted that consent should never have been granted to the airport's owners - Stobart Air Ltd - without first carrying out a full assessment of the project's environmental impact - And today (19May10) judges at London's Civil Appeal Court agreed with him and quashed the planning permission granted by Carlisle City Council in March last year." As reported by www.planningresource.co.uk Good for Thomas Brown! [26MAY2010]
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GRAYSON CAPPS | Q-BUS LEIDEN 22MAY10
Yesterday evening I attended a gig by this fine singer/songwriter from the Deep South, Grayson Capps. This was the 3rd time I'd seen him play and each time with different artists; this time he played with Daron Douglas; she played the fiddle.
www.hyenarecords.com/graysoncapps [23MAY10]
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JOE DASSIN
Joseph Ira Dassin (November 5, 1938 – August 20, 1980), more commonly known as Joe Dassin, was a French/American singer-songwriter. [21MAY10]
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VAN ROSSUM IN AMERIKA
The people of God's Own Country have, in general, an unwavering confidence that what the USA does is righteous and just. And injustice needs to be adressed, even by military force. Even abroad. And no, the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States will probably not see great change in these respects. Van Rossem interviews included the Sojouners on Captol Hill. [17MAY10]
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LESSER MAN
[17MAY10]
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GLAUCO DATTINI | PHOTOGRAPHY Some dislike digital photography because it can distort the truth; that was never different and even our classic painters have been accused of this. Wwell, I don't mind if photography creates an interpretation, as long as it is honest and upfront about it. Glauco Dattini has truly made image alteration into an art form, with the most brilliant and amazing results, worthy of praise here. [16MAY10]
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DARK CLOUDS ![]() The photo was taken with my mobile (Nokia 6700), sitting awkwardly, half turned and left arm out streched behind the driver... But I liked the result nevertheless, a bit surreal! [16MAY10]
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MONETARY MATTERS ![]() Cartoon by 'Peter' in Vrij Nederland (15-5-2010) [14MAY10]
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DON MCLEAN | SINGERSONGWRITER
He opens strong with Addicted to Black and while Run,Diana,Run is a bit late in time to be actual it is an excellent one and well-produced. Lovers Love the Spring reminds me of the old crooners. Shadowland and In a Museum jump out at you, nice swing & rhythm. Yes, I like this album a lot, it becomes better even when you listen to it a few times, it grows on you! [13MAY10]
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ASCENSION DAY
[13MAY10]
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THE ROAD TO RECOVERY | BAUERFEIND ![]() Between the Olympic 2010 Winter Games and the Soccer Football World Championship 2010 in South Africa I find myself 'grounded' with a sports injury. I am in good company, as David Beckham is also suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. But I am (we are) on the road to recovery, albeit not with the speed I wished for. My latest phase is the Bauerfeind Achillotrainer... "The Bauerfeind AchilloTrain(er) ankle brace provides therapeutic support and treatment for Achillodynia and Achilles tendon ruptures. The active knitted support sleeve and integrated, viscoelastic tendon pad are anatomically contoured for maximum comfort. The profile tendon insert provides uniform pressure and a local massage effect during movement." Four weeks of this: one down, three to go... [10MAY10]
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PRISON RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS ![]() The thinking behind this prision stands out as remarkable, esspecially if you compare it to countries like most in Latin America, Asia and of course the US.
This is about Halden Fengsel, Norway's newest prison. Norway's second largest prison has a capacity of 252 inmates and opened on April 8th, 2010. [10MAY10]
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WE ALL FEEL THAT WAY SOME DAYS
...somebody else will have them and I will walk about in my floppy shorts smoking too many cigarettes and trying to make drama out of no damned progress at all.
From: blue cheese and chili peppers, the last verse, by Charles Bukowski [08MAY10]
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FACTOTUM | CHARLES BUKOWSKI
Factotum by Bent Hamer is based on the book by Charles Bukowski. A book by Charles Bukowski was given to me by Alexander, an excellent gift it turned out to be. I like his writing. Funny thing: am presently reading a crime novel by Jo Nesbø, Marekors (EN: The Devil's Star, I'm reading the Dutch translation, Dodelijk Patroon). When Jo Nesbø describes a room, he mentions a bookshelf which has a book by Charles Bukowski there. Back to this film. Hank Chinaski, the fictional alter-ego of 'Factotum' author Charles Bukowski, who wanders around Los Angeles, CA trying to live off jobs which don't interfere with his primary interest, which is writing. Along the way, he fends off the distractions offered by women, drinking and gambling. Factotum is a humorous and strongly autobiographical narrative from "the poet laureate of skid row" that follows an alcoholic drifter through a series of menial jobs as he travels aimlessly across the country. Before devoting himself entirely to writing, Bukowski worked various dead-end jobs, including as a laborer in a dog biscuit factory, a parking lot attendant, stock boy, warehouseman, red cross orderly, elevator operator, poster hanger in New York City subways, shipping clerk, postal clerk and postal carrier. At the age of 23, Bukowski finally lost his virginity to an overweight whore in Philadelphia. In straightforward and unsentimental prose, Bukowski depicts his alter-ego, Henry Chinaski, a loner and outcast who lives for booze and despises work with a passion. The character of Jan is based on Jane Cooney Baker, the great love of Bukowski's life, a widowed alcoholic 11 years his senior with an immense beer belly. Baker spent the last days of her life working as a maid in a cheap hotel before dying of a massive hemorrhage in 1962. As for Bukowski, the self-proclaimed 'barfly' lived out his later years in a ranch-style house in San Pedro, California, with an attractive young wife 24 years his junior, expensive German wines on the rack and a BMW in the driveway. www.boekmeter.nl/book/1621www.alternativereel.com/includes/cult-fiction/display_review.php?id=00004 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factotum_(novel) [07MAY10]
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LARGE CORPORATIONS CAN SEND THE LAW ON YOU Police in California have seized computers belonging to the editor (Jason Chen) of a gadget blog which was involved in the purchase of an iPhone prototype. The phone was lost by a 27-year-old Apple software engineer. 'Gizmodo' (a gadget blog) had admitted it paid $5,000 to an unnamed individual for the 'next generation device', which was reportedly left in a bar by an Apple employee. Apple wrote to Gizmodo last week asking it to return the prototype handset, which it complied with. The technology blog had already published details of the next-generation iPhone, which is expected to be unveiled later this year. When Mr Chen and his wife returned from having dinner on Friday night they found police searching their home! "The officers had a computer and were cataloguing all the items they took from my house. They told me they were here for a few hours already and had to break the front door open because I wasn't at home," he said. ![]() But the iPhone had been returned, so this seems more like harassment to me. The raids were conducted by the Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team (REACT), a Californian computer crime taskforce. The taskforce was set up in 1997 to address the rising problem of computer fraud and identity theft. It works closely with the computer industry and Apple is reported to be one of 25 tech firms to sit on the steering committee. So the lesson here, it seems, is: watch out for large (US) corporations, they can send the law your way to harass you... just like they do in the movies, but then there is a hero who can challenge them and defeat them. No heroes in sight here... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8645884.stm [04MAY10]
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MUSIC FROM THE SOUTH (4)
[04MAY10]
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I SURE COULD USE ONE OF THESE RIGHT NOW [04MAY10]
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THIRTY PERCENT HAPPINESS FACTOR Some days dont get better than thirty percent My head hurts My teeth causes me trouble And my feet feel funny Well, not funny Rather painful in fact
Some days dont get better than thirty percent
Spilled coffee down my pants
The couch felt comfortable
[02MAY10]
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54 (dutch) [02MAY10]
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THE LATEST SECURITY THREAT TO USA: OBESITY
[01MAY2010]
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UNFOCUSSED IN BRIGHT LIGHTS
Some days -or nights- are less clear than others ![]() [29APR10]
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GREAT POTATO Just came across an article in my newspaper about.. a potato! The 'Opperdoes' potato grows in the province Noord-Holland in the Netherlands. Its name, 'Opperdoezer Ronde', is protected by 'Beschermde Oorsprongs Benaming (BOB)', something like 'Appellation Contrôlée' in wine, and is grown by 25 growers around the Westfrisian town of Opperdoes on an area no larger than 160 hectares. The ground they grow in is rather unique. The yearly harvest is a little short of 4 million kilograms. The most simple recipe is to boil'em in their skin and serve them with butter... Hi-class restaurants, such as the Okura in Amsterdam, buy them! I never thought of potatoes in terms of exquisite, but maybe I should? [29APR2010]
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PETER VAN STRAATEN
![]() I recently bought this book, again many brilliant cartoons by Peter van Straaten for people to enjoy. Not sure if his work is published other than in the Dutch language. The title of this book would translate as "Does your mother know about this?"
Peter van Straaten (b. Arnhem, 25 - 03 - 1935) is a Dutch cartoonist. He makes political satire as well as portrays common matters in daily life in a unique way. He has a keen eye to zoom in on a subject we probably wouldn't think twice about. Peter van Straaten has won many awards and was knighted ('Member of the Order of Oranje Nassau') on 29APR2009. [27APR10]
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GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH I recently watched David Letterman interviewing Captain Charles Moore, who brought an unnerving message to my attention. When I googled it I noticed it has been described even on Wikipedia! The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also described as the Pacific Trash Vortex, is a gyre of marine litter in the central North Pacific Ocean located roughly between 135° to 155°W and 35° to 42°N.[1] Although many scientists suggest that the patch extends over a very wide area, with estimates ranging from an area the size of the state of Texas to one larger than the continental United States, the exact size is unknown. Since most of it floats below the surface, it cannot be measured in any way by satellite. The existence of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch was predicted in a 1988 paper published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States. Charles J. Moore, returning home through the North Pacific Gyre after competing in the Transpac sailing race in 1997, came upon an enormous stretch of floating debris. Moore alerted the oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer, who subsequently dubbed the region the "Eastern Garbage Patch" (EGP). The area is frequently featured in media reports as an exceptional example of marine pollution. A similar patch of floating plastic debris is found in the Atlantic Ocean. As the plastic flotsam photodegrades into smaller and smaller pieces, it concentrates in the upper water column. As it disintegrates, the plastic ultimately becomes small enough to be ingested by aquatic organisms which reside near the ocean's surface. Plastic waste thus enters the food chain. Some of these long-lasting plastics end up in the stomachs of marine birds and animals, and their young. Besides the particles' danger to wildlife, the floating debris can absorb organic pollutants from seawater, including PCBs, DDT, and PAHs. Aside from toxic effects, when ingested, some of these are mistaken by the endocrine system as estradiol, causing hormone disruption in the affected animal. These toxin-containing plastic pieces are also eaten by jellyfish, which are then eaten by larger fish. Many of these fish are then consumed by humans, resulting in their ingestion of toxic chemicals. [26APR10]
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SIGMUND by PETER DE WIT ![]() I like the absurd humor of the cranky therapist Sigmund a lot; it is published in a newspaper I read, De Volkskrant (in Dutch) and the website has an English version of Sigmund. [23APR10]
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CASH FOR CLUNKERS ![]() Over 90 percent of the cars, which were traded in, were 15 years old or older. One could get 1.000 euros for the old 'clunker'. Top 5 traded in: 1.Opel - Peugeot - Volkswagen - Renault - 5.Ford Top 5 bought: 1. Peugeot - Ford - Opel - Renault - 5.Fiat Some 85 percent of the weight of the cars traded in have been recycled: over 50 million kgs of metal and 2.4 million kgs tires. The Dutch government and car industry invested 80 million in this arrangement. And indeed we traded a car (Toyota Yaris) in too, but it was from 1999 (we bought it in 2003) and in exchange we bought a Nov.2006 Hyunday Getz. We think we got a good deal too. [21APR2010]
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EUROPEAN AIRSPACE: WHAT'S OPEN, WHAT'S CLOSED
By The Associated Press (Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:55 AM) Airspace throughout northern and Central Europe was gradually reopening Tuesday, but London airports including Heathrow, one of the world's busiest, will remain closed until Wednesday. P> Here's a rundown on what's open, what's closed, because of the Iceland volcano eruption. Britain: Britain's National Air Traffic Service says London airports will remain closed until Wednesday. Some flights have resumed in Scotland and northern England. Flights in U.K. airspace above 20,000 feet now are permitted. GERMANY: Airspace closed for regular flights Tuesday except for Hamburg and Bremen airports, which were to be open for regular flights later Tuesday. However, airlines are being permitted to operate a limited number of flights from all airports — up to 800 in total Tuesday — under visual flight rules. FRANCE: Flights from the Paris airports to several international destinations resume Tuesday, most French airports now open to limited traffic. The government hopes 100 percent of long-haul flights and 60 percent of medium-haul flights will run Wednesday. NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is open to some flights Tuesday after the Dutch government approved flying under certain conditions. KLM lists about 40 flights due to arrive or depart. Company says it is "resuming normal operations in a phased manner." SWEDEN: Airspace over northern and central Sweden is open. Stockholm's Arlanda airport is open to flights to and from the U.S. and some European destinations. Ryanair's Stockholm hub Skavsta is closed, as are airports in Göteborg and Malmo. Overflights at high altitude are permitted across the country. NORWAY: Aviation officials opened Norwegian airspace Tuesday after weather forecasts indicated the latest wave of ash would pass south of Norway. Authorities had closed airports along the southwestern coast. Oslo's Gardermoen international airport is open for flights to and from the U.S. and some European airports. Oslo's discount airline terminals, Torp and Rygge, are also open. AUSTRIA: Austrian airspace remains open after permission to resume takeoffs and landings took effect early Monday. Some flights continue to be canceled but situation improving. IRELAND: Irish Aviation Authority says Shannon airport in the west was reopening Tuesday but the airports in Dublin and Cork remain closed at least until later Tuesday. Flights above 20,500 feet are permitted. ITALY: Officials say a handful of domestic flights have resumed through Milan as Italy starts reopening airports. Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport is clearing out waiting passengers with 22 international flights and 32 domestic. DENMARK: Danish airspace above 16,600 feet is open, so long-haul flights can cross Denmark at high altitude. There is no landing in Denmark. Airspace under 16,600 feet remains closed until Wednesday. SWITZERLAND: Airspace reopened to regular traffic early Tuesday. POLAND: Authorities closed airspace Tuesday until further notice. CZECH REPUBLIC: Air space and airports remain open. Prague airport has confirmed two thirds of normal daily flights for Tuesday. SLOVAKIA: Air space reopened since midday Monday, but Ryanair canceled all Tuesday flights from Bratislava. SPAIN: Reopened all airports Sunday. FINLAND: Airports closed Tuesday and flight restrictions extended until early Wednesday. Authorities opened airspace briefly Monday. International overflights allowed again above 31,000 feet. LATVIA: Latvian airspace open Tuesday morning, and two flights have landed at Riga International Airport. LITHUANIA: Airspace is open, and first departures have taken place from Vilnius International Airport. All flights at Kaunas Airport are canceled, as are a majority of those at Vilnius. ESTONIA: Tallinn Airport was briefly opened, then closed. It's expected to reopen Tuesday. HUNGARY: Hungarian airspace open since Monday, with some minor restrictions overnight. Some 15 flights departed from Budapest's Ferihegy Airport early Tuesday to destinations including Prague, Paris, Madrid, Athens and Amsterdam. SERBIA and MONTENEGRO: Airspace and all airports open since Sunday. Authorities expect 75 percent of flights to run.
CROATIA: Airspace and all airports are open. Croatia Airlines, the national carrier, restores all domestic and international flights Tuesday.
[20APR2010]
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VOLCANIC ASH CONTAMINATION IN N.EUROPE - UPDATE
![]() From http://news.bbc.co.uk/ The airline industry says its losses have soared over $1bn (UKL650m; 740m euros), since much of Europe's airspace was closed five days ago because of the spread of ash. Update later in the day: Britain's air traffic control body said airspace in Scotland, parts of the north of England and Northern Ireland would reopen on Tuesday. Lufthansa, meanwhile, was allowed by the German aviation authority to operate 50 long-haul flights to Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf. France said it would reopen Lyon airport later on Monday, before opening air corridors for flights between Paris and southern French cities, and eventually all its other airports. Some passenger flights will be allowed to leave Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam from Monday night, said the Dutch transport minister. Belgium said it would begin reopening the country's air space on Tuesday morning. [19APR2010]
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TRAFFIC TEST ON BICYCLE
![]() Another sign that Spring is here: grammarschools have their classes take exams to further safe participation to traffic. Observes make notes on the kids' performance. 'Everybody' has a bicycle in Holland, it is a common form of transport; people do their shopping on them, go to work, etc. There often are seperate bikeways, - crossings and also traffc lights esspecially for people on bicycles. [19APR2010]
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AIDMONEY: SEPERATE THE GENEROUS FROM THE SHOW OFFS
Below statistics show generosity is not as it is proclaimed on the news.. It does seem that the smaller countries provide for the poor! Significant: The Netherlands, a tiny country by most standards, plays a generous hand. A price to pay inhopes of being heard by the big players? Italy, with clown Berlusconi at the wheel, doesn't put the funding where his loud mouth is. Italy spends less than half of what the Netherlands donate, while it has over four times as many inhabitants! Great Britain is the only country that made a significant increase since 2005: from 0.36% to 0.6%. And what to think of the US: the wealthiest, strongest and most influential nation?
Full article, with lots of other facts, such as shortfall of the USA in graphics, in terms of promises and actual funding: www.globalissues.org See also other issues on www.globalissues.org, "Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All" [16APR2010]
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VOLCANIC ASH CLOSES N. EUROPEAN AIRPORTS
Airports of Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Paris were expected to remain closed until Saturday, 17Apr2010. A situation of havoc is also created on airports which see passengers for Amsterdam (e.g. tourists returning from Easter holidays) unable to depart...
April 16 (Bloomberg) -- Fraport AG’s Frankfurt airport was closed this morning due to the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland moving across Europe, and will remain closed for an undetermined period, an official at Germany’s DFS air traffic control agency said. Qantas, which has more than 1,000 passengers holding at Asian stopovers, canceled four services today and is unlikely to resume Europe flights before April 18, spokesman David Epstein told reporters. Singapore Airlines Ltd. axed eight flights while Air China Ltd. and All Nippon Airways Co. also scrapped services.
REUTERS - A huge ash cloud from Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull spread out across Europe on Friday causing air travel chaos on a scale not seen since the Sept. 11 attacks. [16APR10]
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VOLCANIC ASH DISRUPTS N. EUROPEAN AIR TRAFFIC ![]()
What if Volcano Eyjafjallajökull continues to discharge ash into the atmosphere for months or even years... It could seriously effect life as we know it! [15APR10]
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BORING DAYS BROKEN NIGHTS Rising to the day After a restless night Slithering down the stairs Clumsy clutching to crutches And cursing my fate It is profanities I pray After breakfast and medication Retreating to my center of universe The couch my laptop and books I seek accord and reconciliation Solitude defines the day Ideas and intentions Indefinitely delayed I retire, energy left unspent From couch to bed Cursing my temporary fate While laying down my head More profanities I pray ¶ ---RL [14APR10]
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NORTH AMERICA UNDER DUTCH INFLUENCE
![]() Add to this an unknown number of Flemish-speaking Belgians. The members of the 'Young Dutch branch' as the Dutch migrants in the 19th & 20th century were called, followed the example of the 17th century Dutch colonists, the 'Old Dutch branch': they settled in the US grouping together. In the 19th century, the 'Young Dutch branch' was concentrated in the American Midwest. Historian Swierenga has calculated that, of the 60.000 - 70.000 Dutch immigrants who had arrived in their new country in 1870, more than 90 percent lived in only 18 countries in 7 states. Only in the course of time the Dutch settlers spread out over a larger area. The Dutch left their mark in American society and culture.
THE DOLLAR The letter a in Dutch was often pronounced o in American English; one also see this in baas = boss. Spanish pesos have also been referred to as Spanish Dollars (or just Dollars) since 1684.
In 1785 Thomas Jefferson wrote in a memo for Congress, in which he claimed
the following:
See also www.rootsofcash.com/money-history-dollar In 2011, while visiting Scotland, I came across a Daaler coin, check HERE.. [14APR2010]
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NEW FRUIT: PINEBERRY
White strawberries are not rare as garden supply stores in the UK have other white varieties of strawberry called White Soul and White Delight. [13APR10]
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QUIET NIGHT DUTY
[11APR2010]
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by ALEX (background image by RL) [11APR2010]
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ALEX | THE LOVE SONG OF ROSETTA THULE
Say, what a feeble way it is to float on watered ways But no wishing well in the world could lend enough water or depth, to pallor Or copy your somniferous almond gaze The country sighs, breathes out when you leave A slight relief – The land inhales a welcome grief, the air the very Essence of ‘good’ You are pretty, ‘Setta, pretty as pie but I? Well I am wretched, ‘til I die I float in a dreamland, around you, Or I am your floorboards, trampled barefoot A strange universe you create, or is it me, craving an idol? An eidolon I feel myself – a priest, stuck in the wishing well where the water’s lack is minerals You, the link between my dirty feet, to my open eyes on my curved neck Working your way through the dreck in the water supply But I never will bow! to those who poison the reservoir – If it is, in fact, them, Who rule. Here’s to you, truly yours -Rosetta Thule [11APR2010]
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CHARLES BUKOWSKI | LOVE IS A DOG FROM HELL (POEMS 1974-1977)
we will taste the islands and the sea Henry Charles Bukowski, born Heinrich Karl Bukowski, (August 16, 1920 – March 9, 1994) was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer. [11APR2010]
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US MILITARY MURDER REUTERS STAFF
5th April 2010 10:44 EST WikiLeaks has released a classified US military video depicting the indiscriminate slaying of over a dozen people in the Iraqi suburb of New Baghdad -- including two Reuters news staff. Reuters has been trying to obtain the video through the Freedom of Information Act, without success since the time of the attack. The video, shot from an Apache helicopter gun-site, clearly shows the unprovoked slaying of a wounded Reuters employee and his rescuers. Two young children involved in the rescue were also seriously wounded. The military did not reveal how the Reuters staff were killed, and stated that they did not know how the children were injured. After demands by Reuters, the incident was investigated and the U.S. military concluded that the actions of the soldiers were in accordance with the law of armed conflict and its own "Rules of Engagement". Consequently, WikiLeaks has released the classified Rules of Engagement for 2006, 2007 and 2008, revealing these rules before, during, and after the killings.
WikiLeaks has released both the original 38 minutes video and a shorter version with an initial analysis. Subtitles have been added to both versions from the radio transmissions.
WikiLeaks obtained this video as well as supporting documents from a number of military whistleblowers. WikiLeaks goes to great lengths to verify the authenticity of the information it receives. We have analyzed the information about this incident from a variety of source material. We have spoken to witnesses and journalists directly involved in the incident.
WikiLeaks wants to ensure that all the leaked information it receives gets the attention it deserves. In this particular case, some of the people killed were journalists that were simply doing their jobs: putting their lives at risk in order to report on war. Iraq is a very dangerous place for journalists: from 2003- 2009, 139 journalists were killed while doing their work. Dutchman Rob Gongrijp is co-producer of this website www.collateralmurder.com and his website http://rop.gonggri.jp has fascinating details on how this came to be...
"I’m in Washington DC right now where I just assisted WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange put on a press conference. Before today I was in Iceland for almost two weeks, yet again without properly seeing it. Apart from that one day at the volcano I haven’t gotten out much. That is to say: I have literally spent all the other days in “the bunker”, locked away behind closed curtains in rented apartments in Reykjavik, working to get things ready for today. At least I can now tell you all what I have been helping WikiLeaks with....." [10APR10]
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JAN LEEUW 09.apr.1925 - 03.nov.2008
[09APR10]
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CLIMATE CHANGE & RISING SEA LEVELS CLAIM VICTIM A tiny tropical island has vanished: New Moore Island (long the focus of regional dispute between Bangladesh and India) has been claimed by climate change... Regional sea levels have risen dramatically over the past decade, now overwhelming this tiny speck. New Moore Island once sat several feet above sea level; it was a tiny speck of only 3.6-sq kilometer, but this event is a significant fact nonetheless. More on this, see Wikipedia [08APR10]
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MUSIC FROM THE SOUTH (3) ![]() A band which I have always placed in the (US) South is The Band. I was quite mistaken as the original group (1967–1976) consisted of four Canadians! These were: Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, vocals); Richard Manuel (piano, harmonica, drums, saxophone, organ, vocals); Garth Hudson (organ, piano, clavinet, accordion, synthesizer, saxophone); and Rick Danko (bass guitar, violin, trombone, vocals), while the one American was Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar, vocals). But that doesn't mean their music wasn't from the South, right? While watching the dvd box The Blues (by Martin Scorcese), I noticed Eric Clapton quoting his inspiration from 'Big Pink', contributing to Clapton's decision to leave the successful popgroup Cream Because they were always "the band" to various frontmen, Helm said the name "The Band" worked well when the group came into its own and left Saugerties,NY to begin recording their own material. They recorded two of the most acclaimed albums of the late 1960s: their 1968 debut Music from Big Pink (featuring the single "The Weight") and 1969's The Band. They broke up in 1976, but reformed in 1983, without founding guitarist Robbie Robertson.
The Band's music fused many elements: primarily old country music and early rock and roll; every member was a multi-instrumentalist.
In late summer 1965, Bob Dylan was looking for a backup band for his first U.S. "electric" tour. Levon and the Hawks were recommended by blues singer John Hammond, who earlier that year had used Helm, Hudson and Robertson on his Vanguard album So Many Roads. With Dylan, they played a tumultuous series of concerts from September 1965 through May 1966, The Band reunited with Dylan, first in recording Dylan's album Planet Waves, released in January 1974, and then for the Bob Dylan and The Band
1974 Tour, which played 40 shows in North America during January and February 1974. Later that year, the live album Before the Flood was released, documenting the tour.
By 1976, Robertson was weary of touring. After having to cancel some tour dates due to Manuel suffering a severe neck injury in a boating accident in Texas, Robertson urged the Band to retire from touring with a massive Thanksgiving Day concert on November 25, at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California.[25] The concert featured a horn section with
arrangements by Allen Toussaint, and a stellar list of guests, including Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Van Morrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Ronnie Wood, Paul Butterfield, and Neil Diamond.
In 1983, the Band reformed and recommenced touring, though without Robertson. In 1994 Robertson appeared with Danko and Hudson as The Band for the second time since the original group broke up. The occasion was the induction of The Band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Helm, who has feuded with Robertson for years over accusations of stolen songwriting credits, did not attend.
Rick Danko died in his sleep at age 56 on 10 December 1999. Robertson became a music producer and wrote movie soundtracks (including acting as music supervisor for several of Scorsese's films) before a highly praised comeback with a Daniel Lanois produced, eponymous solo album in 1987. He released a second solo album, Storyville, in 1991. Pity he stopped recording his music as I liked his solo productions very much.
In 2007 Levon Helm released a new album, an homage to his southern roots called Dirt Farmer, which was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album on 09 February 2008. Electric Dirt followed in 2009 which also won a Grammy Award. Helm regularly performs concerts at his barn in Woodstock, New York. Links: [07APR10]
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FLYING TIGERS OVER CAMBODIA | LARRY PARTRIDGE
The first chapter of 'Flying the Frontiers, Vol.3 by Shirlee Smith Matheson (subtitled 'Aviation Adventures Around the World') details the career of Cedric 'Ced' Mah, who really started his career as a Tiger pilot flying the 'Burma Hump'. [06APR2010]
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REMARKABLE NEWS | DRIVING
Came across two items in my newspaper this weekend. I looked them up on the internet.
[05APR10]
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PICKING UP THE PIECES | DENNY McCARTNEY
[04APR10]
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TENNESSEE STUDS
[03APR2010]
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INDIA POPULATION CENSUS More than two million census workers will cover an estimated 1.2 billion people, defining them in demographic, socio-cultural and economic terms, including such parameters as mobile phone and Internet usage and banking access. "This census is the largest exercise of its kind in human history. Our goal is to identify, count, record and issue identity cards to every Indian citizen," Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said ahead of the launch. The census in the world's second-most populous country is held every 10 years. China, with a population of 1.3 billion, also has a census every 10 years. With about two-thirds of the Indian population in hard-to-reach rural areas, the census is the main source of data for everyone from manufacturers of cars and marketers of toothpaste to government officials planning and implementing key programs. The government will also, for the first time, spend about 35 billion rupees ($786 million) on preparing a National Population Register (NPR), which will have photographs and fingerprints of all persons above the age of 15 years. The NPR will pave the way for the ambitious Unique Identification scheme, which aims at issuing a smart card and UID number to every Indian citizen, enabling easier access to banking, welfare payments and boost tax collections. [REUTERS]
[02APR10]
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CAPITALS
[01APR10]
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VOLKSKRANT TURNS TABLOID
[01APR10]
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