the sentinel amsterdam vol. 5 #15
DESCRIPTION
The Sentinel, Amsterdam tri-weekly e-zine with all that is good and informative on lifestyles with perspectives, opinion and sport from Amsterdam looking out at the rest of the world. We inform, update and entertain from our city just under sea-level.TRANSCRIPT
The SentinelAmsterdamIntegrity heart humour
TRIPPING DAYS
LANDING ON PLANET BASSPERSPECTIVESLIFESTYLESTRAVELOPINION
REVIEwTECHNOLOGYARTFILM
MUSICTRENDSRECOMMENDEDSPORT
FEATURE
vol 5 15 ndash 21 August 2012
JANArsquoS COLOGNE
CONTENTS 02
The Sentinel Amsterdam does not intentionally include unaccredited photosillustrations that are subject to copyright If you consider your copyright to have been infringed please contact us at sentinelpostgmailcom
03CONTENTS
In this issuefEaTurE P04
COlOPHON
The Sentinel Amsterdame-mail sentinelpostgmailcomwebsite wwwthesentineleu
Contributors Nadia Liefmeyer Magenta Tuunes Antonia Egon Simon Owusu David King Dirkje Bakker-Pierre and Simon Joseph
The Sentinel Amsterdam does not intentionally include unaccredited photosillustrations that are subject to copyright If you consider your copyright to have been infringed please contact us at sentinelpostgmailcom
Editors ndash Gary Rudland amp Denson PierreDesign realisation and form ndash Andrei Barburas amp No-OfficenlWebmaster ndash wwwsio-bytestumblrcomWebhost ndash Amsterjammincom
Planet bass
TrIPPINGDaYS P12
50deg 57rsquo N 6deg 58rsquo E
rEvIEw P52
Berlin
PErSPECTIvES P54 SPOrT P80 mOrE
Unfair employment The Gold Room CulTurE P36Parade 2012
CafeacuterEvIEw P40lsquot Nieuwe Diep
STarbEErGuIDE P56Gower Gold
rECOmmENDED P58
SPOTTED P60Where is this in AmsterdamfIlmrEvIEw Room 2c P60
TrENDS P62A fashion of (s)ports
TECHNOlOGY P66TechBit Sio-Bytes
SPOrT P68On the volley
lsquoAmsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the worldrsquo
lsquoWorkers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fillrsquo
lsquoClaumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category lsquo
04FEATURE
lsquoIt was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Boltrsquo
Planet bass
lsquoIt was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggaersquo
lsquoThe first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlandsrsquo
05FEATURE 05FEATURE
and to play louder than conversation-level music blaring out into the Amsterdam West neighbourhood It was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae With a full complement of DJs (special mention to Daddy Fridge and Daddy Yush) singers and a drumologistrsquos one-man orchestra it turned out to be a proper Caribbean session
As it turned out those who came to sample the celebration menu also found themselves driven to the dining-area-cum-dancefloor by the pulsating riddims Jamaica can claim as its gift to world culture This was an excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happenings rather than the confused lsquoghettorsquo versions that South East Amsterdam tends to stage and which usually have very little to do with a Caribbean vibe beyond the superficial predominant skin colour and bass-led beats
The Caribbean for those who can afford it is perhaps the best part of the world to visit for good times and an easily accessible culture Thank goodness for Planet Rose in Amsterdam as those who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendliness while learning that Jamaica is much more than the marketing brand it has become Happy 50th anniversary to the Jamaican people
Amsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the world from one day to the next it seems On 5 August it was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Bolt on the Olympic track but an overall celebration of the culture and pride of the Caribbean nation The occasion was the fully engaging celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence from Great Britain
The happening was organised and hosted by Rose of Planet Rose Caribbean Restaurant (httpwwwplanetroseinfoindexhtml) This is said to have been the first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands and over the years it has come to define the cuisine here especially through Jamaican specialities Indeed Planet Rose has progressed so well that it can now proudly display a 9+ review rating awarded by Amsterdamrsquos other recognised reviewer of affordable quality food and dining Johannes van Dam Johannes is a meat lover and as such you will surely appreciate his opinion when you try the perennial Planet Rose favourite Jerk chicken Truth be told The Sentinel would prefer to point you to the Ital menu as this is closer to what soul food is all about but that can wait for another report
For the day itself Rose managed to gain one of those increas-ingly elusive licenses to erect a bouncy castle for the kids
By Denson Pierre
06FEATURE
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CONTENTS 02
The Sentinel Amsterdam does not intentionally include unaccredited photosillustrations that are subject to copyright If you consider your copyright to have been infringed please contact us at sentinelpostgmailcom
03CONTENTS
In this issuefEaTurE P04
COlOPHON
The Sentinel Amsterdame-mail sentinelpostgmailcomwebsite wwwthesentineleu
Contributors Nadia Liefmeyer Magenta Tuunes Antonia Egon Simon Owusu David King Dirkje Bakker-Pierre and Simon Joseph
The Sentinel Amsterdam does not intentionally include unaccredited photosillustrations that are subject to copyright If you consider your copyright to have been infringed please contact us at sentinelpostgmailcom
Editors ndash Gary Rudland amp Denson PierreDesign realisation and form ndash Andrei Barburas amp No-OfficenlWebmaster ndash wwwsio-bytestumblrcomWebhost ndash Amsterjammincom
Planet bass
TrIPPINGDaYS P12
50deg 57rsquo N 6deg 58rsquo E
rEvIEw P52
Berlin
PErSPECTIvES P54 SPOrT P80 mOrE
Unfair employment The Gold Room CulTurE P36Parade 2012
CafeacuterEvIEw P40lsquot Nieuwe Diep
STarbEErGuIDE P56Gower Gold
rECOmmENDED P58
SPOTTED P60Where is this in AmsterdamfIlmrEvIEw Room 2c P60
TrENDS P62A fashion of (s)ports
TECHNOlOGY P66TechBit Sio-Bytes
SPOrT P68On the volley
lsquoAmsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the worldrsquo
lsquoWorkers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fillrsquo
lsquoClaumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category lsquo
04FEATURE
lsquoIt was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Boltrsquo
Planet bass
lsquoIt was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggaersquo
lsquoThe first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlandsrsquo
05FEATURE 05FEATURE
and to play louder than conversation-level music blaring out into the Amsterdam West neighbourhood It was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae With a full complement of DJs (special mention to Daddy Fridge and Daddy Yush) singers and a drumologistrsquos one-man orchestra it turned out to be a proper Caribbean session
As it turned out those who came to sample the celebration menu also found themselves driven to the dining-area-cum-dancefloor by the pulsating riddims Jamaica can claim as its gift to world culture This was an excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happenings rather than the confused lsquoghettorsquo versions that South East Amsterdam tends to stage and which usually have very little to do with a Caribbean vibe beyond the superficial predominant skin colour and bass-led beats
The Caribbean for those who can afford it is perhaps the best part of the world to visit for good times and an easily accessible culture Thank goodness for Planet Rose in Amsterdam as those who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendliness while learning that Jamaica is much more than the marketing brand it has become Happy 50th anniversary to the Jamaican people
Amsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the world from one day to the next it seems On 5 August it was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Bolt on the Olympic track but an overall celebration of the culture and pride of the Caribbean nation The occasion was the fully engaging celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence from Great Britain
The happening was organised and hosted by Rose of Planet Rose Caribbean Restaurant (httpwwwplanetroseinfoindexhtml) This is said to have been the first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands and over the years it has come to define the cuisine here especially through Jamaican specialities Indeed Planet Rose has progressed so well that it can now proudly display a 9+ review rating awarded by Amsterdamrsquos other recognised reviewer of affordable quality food and dining Johannes van Dam Johannes is a meat lover and as such you will surely appreciate his opinion when you try the perennial Planet Rose favourite Jerk chicken Truth be told The Sentinel would prefer to point you to the Ital menu as this is closer to what soul food is all about but that can wait for another report
For the day itself Rose managed to gain one of those increas-ingly elusive licenses to erect a bouncy castle for the kids
By Denson Pierre
06FEATURE
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
03CONTENTS
In this issuefEaTurE P04
COlOPHON
The Sentinel Amsterdame-mail sentinelpostgmailcomwebsite wwwthesentineleu
Contributors Nadia Liefmeyer Magenta Tuunes Antonia Egon Simon Owusu David King Dirkje Bakker-Pierre and Simon Joseph
The Sentinel Amsterdam does not intentionally include unaccredited photosillustrations that are subject to copyright If you consider your copyright to have been infringed please contact us at sentinelpostgmailcom
Editors ndash Gary Rudland amp Denson PierreDesign realisation and form ndash Andrei Barburas amp No-OfficenlWebmaster ndash wwwsio-bytestumblrcomWebhost ndash Amsterjammincom
Planet bass
TrIPPINGDaYS P12
50deg 57rsquo N 6deg 58rsquo E
rEvIEw P52
Berlin
PErSPECTIvES P54 SPOrT P80 mOrE
Unfair employment The Gold Room CulTurE P36Parade 2012
CafeacuterEvIEw P40lsquot Nieuwe Diep
STarbEErGuIDE P56Gower Gold
rECOmmENDED P58
SPOTTED P60Where is this in AmsterdamfIlmrEvIEw Room 2c P60
TrENDS P62A fashion of (s)ports
TECHNOlOGY P66TechBit Sio-Bytes
SPOrT P68On the volley
lsquoAmsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the worldrsquo
lsquoWorkers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fillrsquo
lsquoClaumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category lsquo
04FEATURE
lsquoIt was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Boltrsquo
Planet bass
lsquoIt was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggaersquo
lsquoThe first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlandsrsquo
05FEATURE 05FEATURE
and to play louder than conversation-level music blaring out into the Amsterdam West neighbourhood It was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae With a full complement of DJs (special mention to Daddy Fridge and Daddy Yush) singers and a drumologistrsquos one-man orchestra it turned out to be a proper Caribbean session
As it turned out those who came to sample the celebration menu also found themselves driven to the dining-area-cum-dancefloor by the pulsating riddims Jamaica can claim as its gift to world culture This was an excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happenings rather than the confused lsquoghettorsquo versions that South East Amsterdam tends to stage and which usually have very little to do with a Caribbean vibe beyond the superficial predominant skin colour and bass-led beats
The Caribbean for those who can afford it is perhaps the best part of the world to visit for good times and an easily accessible culture Thank goodness for Planet Rose in Amsterdam as those who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendliness while learning that Jamaica is much more than the marketing brand it has become Happy 50th anniversary to the Jamaican people
Amsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the world from one day to the next it seems On 5 August it was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Bolt on the Olympic track but an overall celebration of the culture and pride of the Caribbean nation The occasion was the fully engaging celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence from Great Britain
The happening was organised and hosted by Rose of Planet Rose Caribbean Restaurant (httpwwwplanetroseinfoindexhtml) This is said to have been the first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands and over the years it has come to define the cuisine here especially through Jamaican specialities Indeed Planet Rose has progressed so well that it can now proudly display a 9+ review rating awarded by Amsterdamrsquos other recognised reviewer of affordable quality food and dining Johannes van Dam Johannes is a meat lover and as such you will surely appreciate his opinion when you try the perennial Planet Rose favourite Jerk chicken Truth be told The Sentinel would prefer to point you to the Ital menu as this is closer to what soul food is all about but that can wait for another report
For the day itself Rose managed to gain one of those increas-ingly elusive licenses to erect a bouncy castle for the kids
By Denson Pierre
06FEATURE
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
04FEATURE
lsquoIt was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Boltrsquo
Planet bass
lsquoIt was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggaersquo
lsquoThe first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlandsrsquo
05FEATURE 05FEATURE
and to play louder than conversation-level music blaring out into the Amsterdam West neighbourhood It was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae With a full complement of DJs (special mention to Daddy Fridge and Daddy Yush) singers and a drumologistrsquos one-man orchestra it turned out to be a proper Caribbean session
As it turned out those who came to sample the celebration menu also found themselves driven to the dining-area-cum-dancefloor by the pulsating riddims Jamaica can claim as its gift to world culture This was an excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happenings rather than the confused lsquoghettorsquo versions that South East Amsterdam tends to stage and which usually have very little to do with a Caribbean vibe beyond the superficial predominant skin colour and bass-led beats
The Caribbean for those who can afford it is perhaps the best part of the world to visit for good times and an easily accessible culture Thank goodness for Planet Rose in Amsterdam as those who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendliness while learning that Jamaica is much more than the marketing brand it has become Happy 50th anniversary to the Jamaican people
Amsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the world from one day to the next it seems On 5 August it was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Bolt on the Olympic track but an overall celebration of the culture and pride of the Caribbean nation The occasion was the fully engaging celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence from Great Britain
The happening was organised and hosted by Rose of Planet Rose Caribbean Restaurant (httpwwwplanetroseinfoindexhtml) This is said to have been the first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands and over the years it has come to define the cuisine here especially through Jamaican specialities Indeed Planet Rose has progressed so well that it can now proudly display a 9+ review rating awarded by Amsterdamrsquos other recognised reviewer of affordable quality food and dining Johannes van Dam Johannes is a meat lover and as such you will surely appreciate his opinion when you try the perennial Planet Rose favourite Jerk chicken Truth be told The Sentinel would prefer to point you to the Ital menu as this is closer to what soul food is all about but that can wait for another report
For the day itself Rose managed to gain one of those increas-ingly elusive licenses to erect a bouncy castle for the kids
By Denson Pierre
06FEATURE
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
lsquoIt was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggaersquo
lsquoThe first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlandsrsquo
05FEATURE 05FEATURE
and to play louder than conversation-level music blaring out into the Amsterdam West neighbourhood It was of course all about post-independence beat music ranging from rocksteady and ska to speaker-busting reggae With a full complement of DJs (special mention to Daddy Fridge and Daddy Yush) singers and a drumologistrsquos one-man orchestra it turned out to be a proper Caribbean session
As it turned out those who came to sample the celebration menu also found themselves driven to the dining-area-cum-dancefloor by the pulsating riddims Jamaica can claim as its gift to world culture This was an excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happenings rather than the confused lsquoghettorsquo versions that South East Amsterdam tends to stage and which usually have very little to do with a Caribbean vibe beyond the superficial predominant skin colour and bass-led beats
The Caribbean for those who can afford it is perhaps the best part of the world to visit for good times and an easily accessible culture Thank goodness for Planet Rose in Amsterdam as those who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendliness while learning that Jamaica is much more than the marketing brand it has become Happy 50th anniversary to the Jamaican people
Amsterdam can reflect just about anywhere in the world from one day to the next it seems On 5 August it was all about Jamaica not just the sheer electricity of Bolt on the Olympic track but an overall celebration of the culture and pride of the Caribbean nation The occasion was the fully engaging celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence from Great Britain
The happening was organised and hosted by Rose of Planet Rose Caribbean Restaurant (httpwwwplanetroseinfoindexhtml) This is said to have been the first restaurant of this flavour in the Netherlands and over the years it has come to define the cuisine here especially through Jamaican specialities Indeed Planet Rose has progressed so well that it can now proudly display a 9+ review rating awarded by Amsterdamrsquos other recognised reviewer of affordable quality food and dining Johannes van Dam Johannes is a meat lover and as such you will surely appreciate his opinion when you try the perennial Planet Rose favourite Jerk chicken Truth be told The Sentinel would prefer to point you to the Ital menu as this is closer to what soul food is all about but that can wait for another report
For the day itself Rose managed to gain one of those increas-ingly elusive licenses to erect a bouncy castle for the kids
By Denson Pierre
06FEATURE
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
06FEATURE
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
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CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
05FEATURE 07FEATURE
lsquoAn excellent alternative event and Amsterdam should have more of these authentic happeningslsquo
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
08FEATURE
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
05FEATURE 09FEATURE
lsquoThose who find her and her team wonrsquot just lick their plates clean but will get a taste of relaxation and friendlinesslsquo
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
SPORTCLASSIFIEDS 10
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
CLASSIFIEDS 11
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
12TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoIt seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it
meticulouslyrsquo
Janarsquos Cologne
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
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22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
13TRIPPING DAYS
lsquoThe mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business
is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern livingrsquo
By Denson Pierre
When it comes to long-term planning I am very much a man who lives in the moment I am not known for planning things so far ahead they can only leave room for perfection Jana is my only female German friend I consider worthy of that title away from Facebook where the term can be diluted to mean lsquoreasonable acquaint-ancersquo at times We got to know each other during the time she lived and worked here in the Netherlands some five years ago and she moved back to Germany 25 years ago She had been inviting me to come over to Cologne for some time to get a feeling for why she loved it there so much I have just returned from four days spent in one of the great old cities of Europe with an industrially romantic backdrop of the mighty Rhine which is a massive very busy working waterway in spite of its natural beauty
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
14TRIPPING DAYS
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
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CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
In order to make this comparison (as you will see from some of the photos) I felt obliged to look at Amsterdamrsquos own central transport hub and all its nearing completion or just completed structural work illuminated by brilliant warm summer morning sunshine This has been a rare sight and feeling in Dutch summers of recent years so I was happy to be carrying a camera
From Cologne Central to Janarsquos neighbourhood of Suumldstadt (District South) which I liken to Amsterdamrsquos De Pijp (1997-1999 vintage) in terms of feel blend of businesses afford-able housing and a certain lack of pretentiousness displayed by members of its community who may well in fact be very high income earners Janarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle classers De Pijp seems to have become Cologne is alive with smiling folk polite hospitality and customer service-geared staff Prices may not be dramatically less than those here but the difference is that with wages on the rise and the economy remaining stimulated and in growth those prices must feel comfortable for Cologne residents Over a long weekend spent criss-crossing the city on various outings I can honestly say that I saw just one frontline prime location standing empty and looking for new tenants Businesses are being patronised and things roll along in what has become an alien manner in most places Even here in Amsterdam lsquoto
To understand Janarsquos level of unrelenting organisation about which I tease her whenever we have contact I should mention that the trip was agreed in May Yes May Apparently Jana had more than four months already planned-out including weekends and it seems that when Germans make a plan they stick to it meticulously I now have even greater respect and admiration for this national characteristic or stereotype The simple 2 hour 15 minute journey on the German-engineered NS ICE HighSpeed train from Amsterdam to Cologne Central (Ubf) is like time travel Not in the lazy manner Hollywood tries to program us into believing can only happen with the right leading man and woman and a ridiculous plot but travel back to a time just five years ago when most mature economies in Europe were so effervescent In Cologne (and Germany) it is as if there hasnrsquot been the same economic strife and physical bruising that has pained my eyes and heart throughout the many cities I have happened to visit over the past four years
The mood of the residents is confident relaxed and businesslike when business is what fuels everything that is tangible in modern living This creates an instantly happy city With this immediate impression it was time to head out and see how Amsterdam matches up in terms of being recommended for an activity filled yet cultured and chilled weekend break
lsquoJanarsquos patch has not yet turned into the characterless pit of trendy and posing middle
classers De Pijp seems to have becomersquo
lsquoHere in Amsterdam lsquoto rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming
far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectorsrsquo
15TRIPPING DAYS
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
16TRIPPING DAYS
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
number of women including Jana choosing for wine or the typically German wienschlosser (wine with water added)
So great food lovely drinks fun people loads of activities museums and cultural options consistent with a very old city classy sporting facilities an English-language cinema (I saw lsquoPrometheusrsquo again not even subtitled in German) a river and promenade not costing a cent for relaxation or exercise and most importantly everything seems to work Not as a clicheacuted take on the German nation but a reality Given that all these things do work and the residents are not outwardly stressed about their economic situation you would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continent
Thank you Jana and no doubt I will see you there again soon Not even the Neo-Nazi rally held across in Viereck Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over the same weekend could detract from the positive role of Germany in Europe And it is great to see the economy there continuing to grow despite the malaise almost everywhere else It must really be all in the planning
httpwomensrunrunnersworlddebericht-koeln7-159-laeuferinnen-beim-women-s-run-koeln-2012277061htm
rentrsquo lsquoclearance salersquo and lsquomoving outrsquo signs are becoming far too common throughout the cityrsquos various business sectors (not to mention all those heavily German investedowned but forever 70 empty skyscrapers in Zuider Amstel and Sloterdijk)
Recreation is pleasant in Cologne Kolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably available in glasses traditionally the size of what we would call a fluitje There is a reasonably heavy tourist presence in the city on a sunny weekend and the only people I observed drinking large measures of kolsch from half litre or even larger measured glasses were the English tourists who were most likely in the city for a friendly football match Kolsch is class-A lager and refreshing as can be It was evident though that a high proportion of beer lovers were opting for the tall and tastier lsquowhitersquo and cloudier specialities imported from other regions of Germany with that tradition and a wider variety of beer types This could also have been an aberration as the white beers are also citrus flavoured and this tells the brain that they are thirst quenching (the 200pm temperatures over the days I spent in Cologne were 24˚C 26˚C and 28˚C) Maybe these conditions also contributed towards the great
lsquoKolsch the local trade-protected name for lager beer made within the confines of greater Cologne is affordably availablersquo
lsquoYou would be wise to plan a trip to Cologne and experience some joy in a time of difficulty for most across the continentrsquo
17TRIPPING DAYS
18TRIPPING DAYS
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20TRIPPING DAYS
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22TRIPPING DAYS
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24TRIPPING DAYS
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26TRIPPING DAYS
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CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
18TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TRIPPING DAYS 19
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
20TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TRIPPING DAYS 21
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
22TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TRIPPING DAYS 23
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
24TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TRIPPING DAYS 25
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
26TRIPPING DAYS
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TRIPPING DAYS 27
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS 28
For complete and world class tours of Prague
Packages includebull Hidden and playful Prague (for families with young children)bull Literary Praguebull Prague Architecture through the agesbull Religion and the citybull The old city at night
These are detailed tours designed for visitors who wish to explore with great detail and not suitable for simply sight-seeing tourists
Day segments and ratesPR 0800-1230hrs AG 1330-1630hrs UE 1730-2130hrsAll sessions are priced at u 25 per single adult Group size upper limit = 8 Accompanied children under the age of five are gratis and school aged children pay 25 Family package rates are negotiable
ContactJaroslav Cernosek+420 251 620 008Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 29
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
30PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThe Dutch language was not required and still is not for manyrsquo
lsquoIn 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in Englishrsquo
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
Spreek je Nederlands of niet Unfair employment
31PERSPECTIVES
lsquoSend them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their facersquo
many businesses to re-adjust Since the economic crisis began in 2008 many international companies have been closing andor relocating to cheaper countries leaving many unemployed people behind to sort out their own unemploy-ment benefit
This is not such a bad fate since the Netherlands has premium unemployment benefits However it is now very difficult for people who donrsquot speak Dutch to exercise their rights given that institutions like the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) refuse to deliver information in English over the telephone Funnily enough the UWV does have an English version of its site that provides complete information to European citizens working in the Netherlands (see link below) Nevertheless I cannot find any government statement that prohibits the UWV from providing information in English It makes little sense for them to refuse to provide information in English to newly unemployed Europeans (or any other legally resident international) who have paid their taxes and have the right to receive information on Dutch unemploy-ment regulations from the designated offices Many international residents who find themselves having to call the UWV have even been told to ask someone in the street and have them speak in Dutch over the phone This is a very uncomfortable situation for anyone who has just gone through a dismissal I find it almost outrageous from a humanistic point of view that a civil service should suggest using lsquosomeone in the streetrsquo to translate someone elsersquos personal circumstances This is not a fair way to treat the many people who for years have paid heavily into the
Around 10 years ago or thereabouts tax conces-sions led to a considerable number of multina-tional companies moving their headquarters to Amsterdam Many workers from all over Europe came to the Netherlands to fill the vacancies Dutch people couldnrsquot fill since usually English plus another (non-Dutch) European language was what was required to work in these compa-nies Many German Italian Spanish Greek Portuguese Nordic and Central and Eastern European people relocated to Amsterdam to work in their own languages (plus English) The Dutch language was not required and still is not for many of these jobs such as call-centre agents in international companies like Booking or Stream Most of these full-time employees are not even provided with a Dutch course by the companies European Union citizens are not required to take the inburgering (naturalisation) test and the English language is deemed more than adequate since it is spoken effortlessly at almost all institutions
Between 2000 and 2010 the Netherlands needed all the internationals it could get working here paying taxes and increasing business with their home countries through their language support Just like that however in 2010 the Belastingdienst (Inland Revenue) was ordered to discontinue the practice of offering information in English forcing
By Valeria Scimia
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
lsquoPeople can then learn their European employ-ment rights without needing to search many
caves to find themrsquo
32PERSPECTIVES
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
33PERSPECTIVES
lsquoThis is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from
international workers and treat them with a little more respectrsquo
lsquoNow because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international
workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees onlyrsquo
bility for creating the situation wersquore all in and instead of acting like raging bulls against the non-natives implement a smooth transition to employ Dutch nationals first and relocate international workers within the Netherlands or elsewhere This is a call for all native Dutch residents to understand how much they have gained from international workers and treat them with a little more respect Itrsquos a call for human rights normally so well maintained in this country What is happening to the Netherlands When did it lose its tolerance and openness I hope someone will pick this up and update the information systems making it possible for former employees to at least get to know their rights help them teach them educate them in the new economic situation facing the Netherlands and Europe And for the people who are treated badly by civil servants refusing to speak English remember to be prepared check the institutionrsquos website before calling check if it has information in English and if they do whether they are obliged to speak to you in English If that person is not able to speak English ask for someone else or keep calling until someone else picks up and speaks to you Dutch people say you have to demand what you want so remember this is part of their culture You may not get what you ask for and expect unless you are prepared to enter into a little battle to get what you want Itrsquos a bit of a struggle but thatrsquos how you get the important things in life they never come easy You must help yourself because at this point the Dutch people are in a panic and cannot really even help themselves So help them to help you by providing the best information you can and politely asking for your rights They cannot simply deny them CWI in English httpswwwwerknlwerk_nlwerknemer
system and deserve the same unemployment rights There should be a solution available to these people At least send them on a paid Dutch course before shutting the door in their face
Personally I have learned some Dutch over the years because I am curious but it was never actually required during my 12 years of employment I agree that speaking Dutch would make it easier for the newly unemployed to become employed again but shouldnrsquot they be provided with an intensive course to attain the necessary level of Dutch to find a new job
There might be many other solutions but for now the focus should be on the way employees of governmental institutions provide information to legal residents Many of the mainly European former employees find themselves having to leave the Netherlands to get a new job Since many of these people have dedicated their prime years to working in this foreign country they should also receive assistance in relocating either from their former companies or the CWI EU information on conditions for receiving Dutch unemploy-ment benefit when moving back to your own country of permanent residence for example should be provided in English at the UWV and Belastingdienst People can then learn their European employment rights without needing to search many caves to find them
Especially now that all of Europe is suffering from economic crisis and many people are moving from country to country there should be extra support for workers who have invested time and money in building the Europe of today Itrsquos too easy to say ldquoSpreek je Nederlands of nietrdquo when the same Dutch people have benefitted from all the international workers over the past ten years Now because the unemployment rate is increasing theyrsquore trashing international workers claiming the Dutch territory for Dutch employees only This is fine but they must assume at least part of the responsi-
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS 34
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS 35
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
36CULTURE
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
Parade 2012
37CULTURE
Every summer since 1990 Martin Luther Kingpark has hosted the Parade a riotous mix of fringe theatre circus and other off-beat acts as part of a full event space with wacky bars and traditional and unusual eats to keep visitors entertained for long periods
During its first couple of seasons it was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies charging a modest euro6 entry fee It is well worth a visit come rain or shine and the bonus for those with kids is that it remains free entry before 400pm during the week Not many of the podiums are open at that time and you only have until 26 August to take advantage of this healthy dose of fun
wwwdeparadenl
By Denson Pierre
lsquoIt was free to enter but it has reached the point of popularity and demand that justifies chargingrsquo
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
38CULTURE
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CULTURE 39
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
40CULTURE
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CULTURE 41
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
42CULTURE
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CULTURE 43
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
Familiar and yet always innovative Marriott
The Prague Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of the city center a few steps away from historical landmarks such as the Municipal House and a short walk from the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square After a decade in the Czech market this Marriott flagship property represents a symbol of superior and dedicated service combined with local know how and expertise
The hotel interior was recently renovated its rooms and suites now offer even more comfort and luxury All 293 spacious guest rooms are fully equipped with high speed wired and wi-fi internet personal safe mini-bar satellite TV with LCD screens movies and music on demand voice mail data ports individual climate control and a comfortable working area
The hotel offers 1450 square meters (11 conference rooms in total some with daylight) of newly renovated flexible conference reception and banquet space located on one level Whether you need to organize a board meeting for 8 participants or a conference reception for 750 delegates the Prague Marriott will provide a tailored service that exceeds your expectations The professional event management team will create a successful event you will always remember
Since July 2009 we have incorporated ldquogreen eventsrdquo into our everyday standards By applying the principles of reduce reuse and recycle to all events and meetings we make them more eco-friendly and help guests and meeting planners reduce their carbon footprint on the environment
CLASSIFIEDS 28
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
YOU WONrsquoT FIND BETTER PRICES IN THE CZ THAN IN OUR AIRPORT SHOPS
It pays to shop at the airport Many brand outlets with a wide selection of exclusive goods carry The Best Price Guarantee logo which means you get the best prices in the Czech Republic
A4indd 8 12412 1012
CLASSIFIEDS 45
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
46REVIEw
Welcome to Claumlrchens Ballhaus
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
lsquoThis magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its gardenrsquo
lsquoColoured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feelrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
REVIEw 47
Auguststraszlige 2410117 Berlin
Is it a restaurant a bar a disco or a time capsule No itrsquos Claumlrchens Ballhaus a place that doesnrsquot fit into any category of this all of a sudden very ordinary world in which we live
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you There are so many places to visit in this larger-than-life metropolis (especially when arriving from our cosy little village of Amsterdam) you canrsquot help coming back to them time and again
One of these and perhaps the best since it never becomes boring has been around for ages and will hopefully remain for a long time to come Claumlrchens Ballhaus transports its guests into a state of open-eyed dreaming (without the use of drugs) This magical place is a multi-dimensional joy in the summer season starting with its garden On this particularly lovely warm and sunny day the huge flowery garden was completely packed with people eating and waiters running around with sweat streaming off their brows Situated at the heart of the old centre of Berlin it makes you feel as if you are visiting some old aunt who really enjoys tending her garden The coloured lights and flowering shrubs and bushes give it a very festive and laid-back feel You just totally relax into your seat which is a good thing because it is so busy that it can be pretty hard to catch one of the quite characteristic waitersrsquo attention (I am not going to reveal any more than this you will simply have to go there and experience it yourself)
The menu features simple traditional German dishes and some Italian food and pizzas The portions that rush past are huge fresh and tasty looking Luckily once you have
ordered it is a short wait before your food is served As a starter we had a huge bowl of the lushest juiciest and freshest olives we had ever seen or tasted in our lives They could have just been picked from a hidden grove just beyond the old garden walls The salad that followed consisted of a huge pile of fresh soft salad leaves topped by a mountain of cantharel mushrooms all super fresh simple and full of great taste The wood-burning-oven-baked pizza I had as a main course was equally impressive fresh crispy and simply yummy Eating this fresh homely food while sat outside on a silky warm summerrsquos evening was pure enjoyment and I canrsquot wait to go back for more
When you are finished dining at around 900 pm and have a relaxed mind and body itrsquos time to enter the Ballhaus On Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing music The glittering curtains along the walls the huge disco ball scattering light throughout the huge authentic old ballroom the fantastic German white beer and all the people dancing the night away make this an experience that is hard to adequately describe It is full of people swinging around to the enthusing music all dressed up for a dance party as if it really was the lsquo50s or lsquo60s Huge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the air People of all ages types and dancing skills are getting into the mood with everyone going for it like there is no tomorrow It takes only seconds to become totally enthralled by this special place
Be sure to visit the Ballhaus when you are in Berlin especially on a Wednesday which is Swing night Enjoy
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
48REVIEw
lsquoOn Wednesday evenings you will be consumed by the world of 1950s rock lsquonrsquo roll and swing musicrsquo
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
lsquoHuge skirts flowery prints big hair itrsquos all there and itrsquos all dancing and jumping around and sometimes even being tossed around in the airrsquo
REVIEw 49
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
50CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoAmsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the knowrsquo
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
distillery lsquot Nieuwe Diep
By Denson Pierre
CAFEbAR REVIEw 51
Flevopark 13 Amsterdam Oost
City gemHope springs eternal in Amsterdam it seems During the most recent hot summer Friday I stumbled upon a treat of a place in an area not visited for a few years A relaxing cycle tour of East Amsterdam took my wife and I around and into Flevopark Having lived nearby for many years in the past I felt I knew the park and its many jewels reasonably well Imagine my surprise then when a little turn off one of the pleasure pathways brought us to the gate of a gin distillery and selected guest drinks cafeacute (proeflokaal) housed in one of the listed build-ings nestled on the edge of the park
With a main terrace overlooking a large pond in the midst of heavily green secluding foliage Amsterdam has a new highly atmospheric must-do hospitality address for those in the know It really is a lovely place and immediately makes you feel like yoursquore on holiday in some remote village rather than just a very short walk from the tram line 7 terminal The prices charged for various high quality drinks will also cause you to pinch yourself They are exceptionally afford-able given the great selection and include their speciality distilled on site
Grab the chance to visit lsquot Nieuw Diep on a summery afternoon It is the most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm period and proves that Amsterdam still has the ability to surprisewwwnwediepnl
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
52CAFEbAR REVIEw
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
lsquoThe most outstanding new find of the 2012 warm periodrsquo
CAFEbAR REVIEw 53
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
54CAFEbAR REVIEw
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CAFEbAR REVIEw 55
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
56STAR bEER GUIDE
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoThis brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down likevitamin enhanced waterrsquo
An ideal summertime beer This brightly coloured and aromatic special goes down like vitamin enhanced water when served freshly pulled from the tap It is a thirst quencher and the clarity affording citrus flavour effect shoots down the back of your throat and around your taste buds making this South Wales newcomer feel like an old sunny day friend saying hello againGower Gold is brewed by The Gower Brewery Swansea South Wales UK
By Denson Pierre
GOWER GOLD (45 ABV)
STAR bEER GUIDE 57
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
58AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam Red Light District 010812
We find the best most fun most typical exciting or local favourite restaurants etcetera in Amsterdam and bring them to you an easy way to feel like a local
RECOMMENDED
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
59
EUROGIFTSXenonweg 9 3812 SZ Amersfoort
Tel 033 - 454 35 75 - Fax 033 - 454 35 79E-mail lmproefeurogiftsnl
Website wwweurogiftsnl
FILMPROEF
ORDERNUMMER 6021022ARTIKELNUMMER 65123
Ware grootte (indien uitgeprint)Kleur opdruk Wit
Mulligans Irish Music BarAmsterdamrsquos best address for live Irish music Five (5) nights a week Check our agenda for upcoming sessions
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
VibesCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room During summer there is a large sunny terrace and during winter an open fi replace
IncantoIncanto is a restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with feeling for nuance The wine list contains over 150 Italian wines
Planet RosePlanet Rose is the fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands which specializes in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selection of JamaicanCaribbean dishes and they ensure that you enjoy the whole experi-ence while dining with them
Cafe TisfrisCafe Tisfris is recognisable for its landmarks funky pillars and terrace Tisfris offers a friendly service and is a great pit stop for ldquoyummyrdquo refreshments
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in Amsterdam
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wireless internet connection and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spirits
Connoisseurs Delight Fun Drinking amp MusicTo Be Seen and Tasted
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Opera Prima - Patisserie Bistro TraiteurThe best place in town for lunch exquisite high teas or brunches and all of your luxury catering both private and corporate
Kinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
St Antoniebreestraat 142 Amsterdamwwwtisfrisnl
Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Zoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonethome
Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 137 Amsterdamwwwwixcomvibes137vibes
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Amstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
60SPOTTED
Answer to sentinelpostgmailcom
Where is this inAmsterdam
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
Room 2cfilm
Room 2cfilm
Set during the American Civil War an unsettled and slightly prejudiced young captain is placed in charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment comprised of white infantrymen and a mixture of black volun-teers and slaves The two groups set about working out their differences before contesting one of the bloodiest battles of the entire conflict Denzel Washington is at his finest as his first Oscar statuette attests
This may come to be regarded as the only role in which Jim Carey cannot be accused of overacting since he portrays a genuinely oddball comedianactor from his preceding generation The bizarre story of Andy Kaufman is retold in this biographical film and it is as unsettlingly funny as he was perplexing You may well laugh and then cry during this movie
By David King
By dpmotions
Glory (1989)
Man on the Moon (1999)
FILM REVIEw 61
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TRENDS 62
lsquoIn third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spainrsquo
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
A fashion of s(p)ortsBy Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
63TRENDS
Ralph Lauren designed the rather preppy outfits for the USA Olympians Although the design didnrsquot receive much critique it had members of congress fuming because the stylish red white and blue-themed garments were made in China Two of their many quotes were ldquoI think they should take all the uniforms put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over againrdquo and ldquoIf they have to wear nothing but a singlet that says USA on it painted by hand then thatrsquos what they should wearrdquo The choice caused a major uproar and kept people talking for a long time
There was also some controversy in Great Britain although in this case it was about the design Stella McCartneyrsquos Team GB kit received a lot of criticism due to the virtual omission of the colour red (the outfits feature shades of blue shaped in a stylised version of the Union flag) One of the headlines on the subject was ldquoOh no theyrsquove turned the Union flag bluerdquo The internet was burning hot with comments and critique like ldquoMassive fail These are not our national colours Did someone not get the memordquo
Even less of a success was the shapeless bright pink and purple outfits that volunteers had to wear during the games The Mayor of London Boris Johnson even lsquoapologizedrsquo for
the uniforms the Olympic volunteers had to wear Greeting some of the 8000 lsquoLondon Ambassadorsrsquo he said ldquoWhat do you think of the uniform Itrsquos quite striking isnrsquot it I hope you donrsquot feel too ridiculousrdquo
Another country to falter remarkably in the development of its athletesrsquo outfits was Spain With the country being virtually bankrupt its Olympic committee decided to save some money and ordered free uniforms from a Russian firm named Bosco They are so incredibly style-less that a lot of Spainrsquos Olympians actually protested against wearing the clothes which have become the laughing stock of the entire country One of the athletes tweeted ldquoAt home trying on the Olympic clothes Best I donrsquot commentrdquo Spanish officials acknowledge that they chose the outfits because they were free Online comments on the disastrous designs include the suggestion that they make the athletes look like pizza delivery boys and that they could have been inspired by World Championship Wrestling star Hulk Hogan
In the ranking of countries in terms of failure with their Olympic outfits we present the following results
In third place (Bronze) Great BritainIn second place (Silver) The United States of AmericaIn first place (Gold) Spain
So yet another medal for the Brits even if is it only a bronze and the Spanish run off with the gold this time Congratulations Spain
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS 64
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS 65
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TECHNOLOGY 66
TechBit Sio-Bytes
General patentslsquoSamsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weaponsrsquo
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
TECHNOLOGY 67
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away
We are living in a time of patent wars Apple spaceships striking from a hidden base have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Samsung Empire with their music device the iPod During the battles Samsung spies managed to steal secret plans to Applersquos ultimate weapons the iPhone and iPad a smartphone and tablet with enough power to dominate an entire industryhellip
Pursued by Apple lawyers Samsungrsquos designers race home aboard their starship custodian of the stolen plans that can save their profit margins and restore freedom to the smartphone market
In the patent battle of the decade Apple is seeking US$ 25 billion in damages from Samsung which it claims has violated Applersquos patent rights by creating devices in the likeness of Apple iPhones and iPads By Wikipediarsquos defini-tion ldquoa patent is a form of intellectual property that consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a state to an inventor for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an inventionrdquo
lsquoIdeas might not be shared and could be lost possibly foreverrsquoPatents promote innovation by allowing inventors the exclusive right to generate income from their ideas for a limited period following which anyone can use that patent to create their own inventions Without patents inventors would keep their ideas secret for fear of them being stolen so only they could capitalise on them If they failed to patent them those ideas might not be shared and could be lost possibly forever Since patents are in the public domain an open forum for innovation and sharing is established and originators of game-changing ideas are rewarded Inventors can license their ideas to someone else if they wish and claim royalties for the use of their invention After the patent expires others can capitalise on those ideas ensuring continuing innovation
Therefore some might say patents are good while others disagree hence the Apple vs Samsung trial The crux of the argument is that patents give one company sole control of an innovating technology that can revolutionise an industry to the detriment of others Samsung believes the intellectual property patented by Apple is preventing other companies from innovating since they are required to license Apple technology technology that Samsung believes should be a de facto standard such as the iPhonersquos lsquoslide to unlockrsquo feature Samsung argues that this is the standard way all smartphones should be unlocked and since it is very popular that Apple should not be allowed to lsquoownrsquo this feature and license it to other companies at a price or prevent other companies from using it The same goes for
the look and feel of iPhones and iPads and the touchscreen multi-gesture features they utilise Apple argues that it was the originator of those ideas and should therefore be able to capitalise on them Everyone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideas rather than simply copying Applersquos ideas because the iPhone and iPad are very popular and almost synonymous with the words smartphones and tablets
Both sides make compelling arguments but it all boils down to this if Apple did not make the iPhone would the smartphones of today have evolved from those that existed before the iPhonersquos launch Apple believes that the mobile phones of the time were on a different trajectory and that the iPhone changed this trajectory with its touchscreen and multi-finger gestures among other key features Samsungrsquos copycat strategy prior to the iPhonersquos release is very telling At the time one of the most popular pre-iPhone corporate smartphones was the Blackberry Samsung then released the BlackJack phone which in name (BlackJack vs Black-Berry) form and functionality was very similar (surprise surprise) to the Blackberry Nokia had their popular consumer phone the Nokia 6500 which was very similar to the later Samsung U800 One could be drawn to the conclusion that Samsung had simply looked at the two most popular phones from the two biggest manufacturers of the day and had ripped them off Enter the iPhone and true to form after its release Samsung released its lsquoiPhonersquo Apple is not opposed to patents and innovation but to blatant copying This is not only limited to the phones and tablets but also stretches to their packaging cabling and advertising which Samsung has also mimicked Samsung has unashamedly made its own smartphone based on Applersquos iPhone
The trial has highlighted confidential documents and internal Samsung memos which made its strategy clear copy the iPhone There were internal emails from JK Shin Samsungrsquos head of mobile communications instructing his team to ldquomake something like the iPhonerdquo Also ldquodirec-tions for improvementrdquo documents instructed Samsungrsquos designers to lift design elements from Apple but to remove elements that would give a strong impression that Samsung had copied the iPhone With such compelling evidence against Samsung which has almost conceded that it did wholeheartedly copy the iPhone the company has changed the tone of its argument Samsung is now of the position that everyone copied from everyone else and that Apple is just as guilty of copying This is where the battle is currently being fought If Samsung can prove that Apple has innovated by copying other companiesrsquo ideas for their iPhones and iPads then Samsung cannot be sued for doing the same with Applersquos smartphones A weak defence but the trial continues Stay tuned for the sequel and to see if the Apple Empire Strikes Back
lsquoEveryone else should invest time and effort in creating their own industry changing ideasrsquo
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
SPORT 68
On The VolleylsquoMost days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughtsrsquo
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
69SPORT
a day every day and trying to work out our best possible position in the league after the weekendrsquos games Checking Lawrorsquos predictions when they first appear on the BBC website checking them again a few hours later checking them again just before kick-off and comparing them after the games Checking live scores in all the Premier League matches every few minutes during games and all of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partner
There are several ways to recover from obsessive compulsive behaviour and addiction one that isnrsquot recommended by the OCD website is to go cold turkey So without following the advice of any professionals thatrsquos exactly what I did On 2 July I vowed to kick the habit At this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing this And what on earth am I going to do for the next 11 months
One thing I did to keep myself occupied was to go and see my first 3D film of the modern era It wasnrsquot an experience Irsquoll be repeating in a hurry Sitting there in the dark for a couple of hours with sunglasses on watching buildings and super heroes come flying towards me was no match for watching a ball flying between the posts However it was after the film in a pub near the cinema where I found a possible contender as a permanent distraction ndash live music A young prodigy named Quinn Bachand and his plucky sister Qristina enchanted the audience with some very spirited Celtic folk music But having enjoyed watching them play for well over ninety minutes I still couldnrsquot see myself sitting there with the same dedication week in week out for the next 11 monthshellip A few days later and I find myself twiddling my thumbs looking for a focal point Where do I go from here The OCD website recommends anti-depressants
For the past few weeks instead of reading the football news and gossip columns on the BBCrsquos website and in the English newspapers every morning as I would normally do Irsquove been turning my attention elsewhere The official website for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) says that ldquoOCD is a serious anxiety-related condition where a person experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urgesrdquo This got me thinking
In the past my focus on football incorporated so much more than just watching Football Focus But since I hardly ever went to games anymore I used to watch Spurs in the pub on a big screen listen to them live on the radio record Match of the Day and watch them later and follow them on live text commentary on my smartphone On Saturdays I would juggle a combination of all of the above while experiencing heart palpitations and biting my fingernails to the quick All of this was tremendously nerve-racking causing extremely anxious moments So whatever way you look at it following Spurs week in week out ndash watching them notch up 25 shots on target without scoring a single goal after going one-nil down in the opening minutes due to a hopeless lack of concentration ndash definitely amounts to a serious anxiety-related condition
Most days of the week itrsquos fair to say I experienced frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts Can we keep hold of Modric Will Lennon manage to stay fit this season Can we beat the Woolwich Arsenal Can we beat Wigan Will our away form improve Where would we be in the league if we could turn all of our draws into wins How many points can we get out of the next three fixtures How many points can we total for the season Will that be enough for a top-four finishhellip ad infinitum
These obsessional thoughts were often followed by repetitive compulsions impulses or urges such as reading all the news blogs and forums on every official and unofficial Spurs website studying the fixtures list intently 10 to 15 times
By Simon Joseph
A focal point
lsquoAll of this when I should have been working or being a parent and partnerrsquo
lsquoAt this early stage in my rehab Irsquom already asking myself why on earth am I doing thisrsquo
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS 70
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDS 71
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
SPORT 72SPORT
In a game like the FFG-CL there is little room for speculation over potentially key players if there is any doubt about them hitting the floor running and being first team regulars for their clubs In most cases the points separating the eventual champion from second place can be counted on one hand (and last season it was a dead heat) even after nine long months of competition
On Sunday 12 August I travelled to the stadium of FC Cologne for a high-intensity pre-season match against Arsenal FC This was essentially a scouting mission but it turned out to be an emotional experience I had underes-timated the level of impassioned involvement and interest there would be in the game among both the locals and the travelling fans Some 32500 spectators crowded this FIFAUEFA 5-star stadium to see an already departed and a possibly soon to depart player take the field to raucous reactions from their respective blocks of fans
Robin van Persie a player most revered in this Gold Room and elsewhere was to be making his final appearance in an Arsenal shirt during this match after seven full seasons He was given a gentle run out with 19 minutes to go after his team had completed the necessary scoring (0-4) There were the hints at the nicely angled runs and a few classy touches but the most remarkable thing about his appear-
ance was how it was received by the travelling fans Having barely stirred themselves to politely applaud his entry into the game they let rip with a barrage of boos and whistles directed at him in the only moment he wandered into the quadrant directly in front of his once-adoring minions This was shocking especially since the home fansrsquo reaction to their dearly departed local son who is now on Arsenalrsquos books (and scored twice in the game) could not have contrasted more greatly
Lukas Podolski is a pin-up boy of German football His story is fetching and Cologne FC and the fans in attendance clearly adore him Having been born in Poland (his grandparents were from a part of Poland that was once German territory) he grew up in Cologne where he made a name and career for himself as a top talent from a very young age Now he has moved to Arsenal and the question is whether he can cut it in the Premier League given his up-and-down club career which took him from the heights of Bayern Munich to the pits of Cologne being relegated last season
Arsene Wenger knows a thing or two about incorporating highly technical if not necessarily world-beating players into his teams FFG-CL managers are torn between waiting to see if he settles and gambling on Podolski getting off to a flying start with his power-forward style of play What is certain is that Van Persie was better off making sure he was at another club before the transfer window closed as the bridges between him and the Arsenal fans appears to have been burnt and washed away
By Denson Pierre
The Gold Room
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
SPORTSPORT 73
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
CLASSIFIEDS
wwwczechtourismcom
74
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT