vol. 6 #13 – 2 July 2013 feature WELCOME TO CROATIA The Sentinel Amsterdam Integrity, heart, humour culture BEING IN BRUGES 1
Thesentinelamsterdam 6 13
Mar 22, 2016
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.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
vol 6 13 ndash 2 July 2013
feature
WELCOMETOCROATIA
The SentinelAmsterdamIntegrity heart humour
culture
BEING INBRuGEs
1
2
E-mail sentinelpostgmailcomWebsite wwwthesentineleu
Contributors Sam van Dam ED Muntrem Valeria Scimia Andrei Barburas Dirkje Bakker-Pierre Evelina Kvartunaite and Simon Joseph
EditorsGary Rudland amp Denson PierreDesign realisation and form Andrei Barburas amp No-OfficenlWebmasterwwwsio-bytestumblrcomWebhost Amsterjammincom
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
3in this issue
The Sentinel Amsterdam
feature - p04
travel - p 48 amsterdam city life - p 85 star beer guide - p 87
sentinel recommended - p 88 spotted - p 90 film - p 91
perspectives - p 94
Welcome to Croatia
Croatia Local amp Lush Bring back Lupulus Blond
Where is this in Amsterdam Room2c
Useless joy
lsquoConsider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightnessrsquo
A landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of naturersquo
health and well-being - p 98
Heat
lsquoIt is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklistrsquo
An extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangersrsquo
lsquoPRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo
Google Facebook and other online companiesrsquo
lsquoFrom secret agents down to military personnel and clerksrsquo
Dam in 60 mins Broek in Waterland
Revelations 007
Being in Bruges
User interface
perspectives - p26
trends - p 92
culture - p 62
technology - p100
more
4feature
Welcome to Croatia what took you so long
By Denson Pierre
Now here is an area of the planet that is full of surprises Even though most adult Amsterdammers do retain something of a mild latent foreboding towards the Balkans due to pertinent history both long past and chillingly recent a high number still visit the region and ever more ought to It is fair to say that the positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louder in fact The Sentinel was invited for a few days of savouring education and updating just before the Mediterranean summer peaked We shall touch on a few fun and cultural Croatian aspects over the next two issues which should be enough for you to consider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightness
lsquoThe positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louderrsquo
5feature
feature
lsquoCroatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushnessrsquo
6
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
2
E-mail sentinelpostgmailcomWebsite wwwthesentineleu
Contributors Sam van Dam ED Muntrem Valeria Scimia Andrei Barburas Dirkje Bakker-Pierre Evelina Kvartunaite and Simon Joseph
EditorsGary Rudland amp Denson PierreDesign realisation and form Andrei Barburas amp No-OfficenlWebmasterwwwsio-bytestumblrcomWebhost Amsterjammincom
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
3in this issue
The Sentinel Amsterdam
feature - p04
travel - p 48 amsterdam city life - p 85 star beer guide - p 87
sentinel recommended - p 88 spotted - p 90 film - p 91
perspectives - p 94
Welcome to Croatia
Croatia Local amp Lush Bring back Lupulus Blond
Where is this in Amsterdam Room2c
Useless joy
lsquoConsider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightnessrsquo
A landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of naturersquo
health and well-being - p 98
Heat
lsquoIt is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklistrsquo
An extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangersrsquo
lsquoPRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo
Google Facebook and other online companiesrsquo
lsquoFrom secret agents down to military personnel and clerksrsquo
Dam in 60 mins Broek in Waterland
Revelations 007
Being in Bruges
User interface
perspectives - p26
trends - p 92
culture - p 62
technology - p100
more
4feature
Welcome to Croatia what took you so long
By Denson Pierre
Now here is an area of the planet that is full of surprises Even though most adult Amsterdammers do retain something of a mild latent foreboding towards the Balkans due to pertinent history both long past and chillingly recent a high number still visit the region and ever more ought to It is fair to say that the positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louder in fact The Sentinel was invited for a few days of savouring education and updating just before the Mediterranean summer peaked We shall touch on a few fun and cultural Croatian aspects over the next two issues which should be enough for you to consider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightness
lsquoThe positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louderrsquo
5feature
feature
lsquoCroatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushnessrsquo
6
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
E-mail sentinelpostgmailcomWebsite wwwthesentineleu
Contributors Sam van Dam ED Muntrem Valeria Scimia Andrei Barburas Dirkje Bakker-Pierre Evelina Kvartunaite and Simon Joseph
EditorsGary Rudland amp Denson PierreDesign realisation and form Andrei Barburas amp No-OfficenlWebmasterwwwsio-bytestumblrcomWebhost Amsterjammincom
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
3in this issue
The Sentinel Amsterdam
feature - p04
travel - p 48 amsterdam city life - p 85 star beer guide - p 87
sentinel recommended - p 88 spotted - p 90 film - p 91
perspectives - p 94
Welcome to Croatia
Croatia Local amp Lush Bring back Lupulus Blond
Where is this in Amsterdam Room2c
Useless joy
lsquoConsider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightnessrsquo
A landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of naturersquo
health and well-being - p 98
Heat
lsquoIt is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklistrsquo
An extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangersrsquo
lsquoPRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo
Google Facebook and other online companiesrsquo
lsquoFrom secret agents down to military personnel and clerksrsquo
Dam in 60 mins Broek in Waterland
Revelations 007
Being in Bruges
User interface
perspectives - p26
trends - p 92
culture - p 62
technology - p100
more
4feature
Welcome to Croatia what took you so long
By Denson Pierre
Now here is an area of the planet that is full of surprises Even though most adult Amsterdammers do retain something of a mild latent foreboding towards the Balkans due to pertinent history both long past and chillingly recent a high number still visit the region and ever more ought to It is fair to say that the positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louder in fact The Sentinel was invited for a few days of savouring education and updating just before the Mediterranean summer peaked We shall touch on a few fun and cultural Croatian aspects over the next two issues which should be enough for you to consider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightness
lsquoThe positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louderrsquo
5feature
feature
lsquoCroatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushnessrsquo
6
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
4feature
Welcome to Croatia what took you so long
By Denson Pierre
Now here is an area of the planet that is full of surprises Even though most adult Amsterdammers do retain something of a mild latent foreboding towards the Balkans due to pertinent history both long past and chillingly recent a high number still visit the region and ever more ought to It is fair to say that the positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louder in fact The Sentinel was invited for a few days of savouring education and updating just before the Mediterranean summer peaked We shall touch on a few fun and cultural Croatian aspects over the next two issues which should be enough for you to consider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightness
lsquoThe positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louderrsquo
5feature
feature
lsquoCroatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushnessrsquo
6
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Welcome to Croatia what took you so long
By Denson Pierre
Now here is an area of the planet that is full of surprises Even though most adult Amsterdammers do retain something of a mild latent foreboding towards the Balkans due to pertinent history both long past and chillingly recent a high number still visit the region and ever more ought to It is fair to say that the positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louder in fact The Sentinel was invited for a few days of savouring education and updating just before the Mediterranean summer peaked We shall touch on a few fun and cultural Croatian aspects over the next two issues which should be enough for you to consider a visit to this land of great light and regular lightness
lsquoThe positive hype regarding Croatia in particular should be broadcast much louderrsquo
5feature
feature
lsquoCroatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushnessrsquo
6
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature
lsquoCroatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushnessrsquo
6
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
My wife and I flew from Amsterdam to Split via Zagreb This is a painless connection and Croatian Airlines do a very good job using modern aircraft although somehow even though all four flights on the round trip were booked at the same time we were unable to be seated together on three of the legs Maybe the seat booking software randomises once the planes are fully booked and desk staff are too timid to be flexible
As soon as the cooler and cloudier northern skies clear to make way for the view below of this pleasing climatic zone Croatia rolls under you as a thing of beauty and lushness (unseasonably heavy rains have also afflicted andor benefitted this perspective) Mountains hills lakes aqueducts wind farms and then countless islands and islets reveal themselves as you sweep toward land and then on to Split I stare agog at the wild coastlines cliffs and water-sports facilities ringing great swathes of the stunning panorama floating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Sea
Of the many people I have known to have visited Croatia and Split in particular no-one ever mentioned that the centrepiece and core of the city is an ancient fortified retirement castle that belonged to a one-time Roman Emperor (Diocletian) If you were to wander around old Split unguided you would be wasting an opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of civilisation that has existed in this region Luckily for us we had the pleasure of instruction by a tour guide provided by Tourism Croatia The details could probably furnish a
series of books never mind an issue of The Sentinel but suffice to say it was some experience to be within a walled city with all its labyrinthine streets and acoustically dynamic stone walls and passages reverberating to the a cappella singing of male-voice collectives seemingly all day and well into the evening A cathedral towers above and our own hotel on our first night could not have been more centrally located In fact given the warmth of the night our open windows idea had to be reversed as during the late night the tourist numbers only ease but do not cease altogether With this area also having an interwoven entertainment district rowdy carousers and student travel groups sounded like they were right in our room bent over screaming into our ears The resonance and amplification of ancient stone We fought back by closing the double-glazed windows
Having fully enjoyed the fresh breakfast in the early morning calm which could not have been more different to the bustle and pleasant noise of the old city on the previous afternoon and evening we head across the bay to the island of Brac As soon as we start the ferry crossing (c 45 minutes) it became clear that a fair number of passengers were a bit lsquoenthusiasticallyrsquo dressed for the warm weather (23+ C) It had been rainy only a couple of days previously so visitors and locals alike appeared to be on the verge of being fully undressed with a few women in particular displaying the lightest and skimpiest means of shielding their lsquodignitiesrsquo We later learnt that during summer weather almost every accessible cove on Brac tends to become basking points for naturalists No surprise then to sense
lsquoFloating as it is in the crystal clear blue-green reflective Adriatic Searsquo
7feature
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature
lsquoAn opportunity to chart some of the 1700 years of recorded unbroken history of
civilisation that has existed in this regionrsquo8
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
the excitement of passengers as we approached the impressively beautiful island Interestingly the islanders are not overly keen on this stripping off practice given that too many naturalist tourists tend to not only express their freedom in and around the designated beaches and areas but seem to forget that although the native traditional population is small they are also not known to have anything to do as a group with nudism
We eventually arrive at the cute and appealing waterfront town of Bol This is a fantastic place to stay and use as a base if you want to spend a couple of days exploring and enjoying this substantial island with a great deal to do and see It was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo guide who was able to drive us around all that could be seen in the time we had and also take us to a high lunch in the most lovely of family restaurants (Konoba Kopačina) which serves the most luscious of Mediterranean fare and also overlooks a limestone (lsquomarblersquo) quarry which with its bleached golden appearance could almost be mistaken for a sculpture on a massive scale set in the overgrown wild adjacent hills
It was hard to leave the tour of the island but we had yet to get to the resort we would overnight at and sample the fun and engagement it offers to the type of visitors who prefer this type of accommodation and activity centre The Hotel Kaktus is part of the complex and has not just a fine stony beach at its rear but an olive grove and an entire lsquocityrsquo as the ownerrsquos son Joey explained while directing us just beyond the gates The
resort itself contains everything less active guests could possibly need to keep them busy for a considerable stay Beyond the perimeter we found a couple of nice bars which again reminded us that it is possible to directly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the hospitality industry are first class in their attitude and professional application to the job Enjoying a vodka and fizzy lemonade long drink for the equivalent of euro150 also makes it clear that relaxation in Croatia remains incredibly affordable
Overall and by the time you read this Croatia will have acceded to the European Union I cannot wait for those Croats who choose Amsterdam as a city for further study or economic adventure to descend and join the ranks of our own huge tourism and hospitality sector (amongst others) and remind Dutch and other international employees what great service delivery and a positive attitude can mean in an era of definite economic and easy psychological stress I have more to say by way of a thank you to Croatia but for now having been shown such a culturally and environmentally great time there all I will say is welcome to the EU and I hope you did not find the wait too long
Partners on these two daysvestibulpalacecomkonobavaroscomwatermanresortscom
lsquoHead across the bay to the island of Bracrsquo
9feature
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature10
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature11
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
12feature
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoIt was to our great benefit once more that we had a lsquototal localrsquo
guidersquo
feature13
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature14
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature15
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
16feature
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoDirectly plan a visit to Croatia in the knowledge that the people involved in the
hospitality industry are first classrsquo
feature17
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
18feature
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature19
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature20
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature21
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoAll I will say is welcome to the EUrsquo
22feature
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
feature23
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Je moet er geweest zijn
24classifieds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
MechelenAuthentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself Mechelen
Authentic and full of surprises Thatrsquos Mechelen Hospitable and honourable Thatrsquos the people of Mechelen Come and experience the cityrsquos urban charms for yourself
photography copy Milo Profi
classifieds25
classifieds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Dam in 60 minutes
By Sam van Dam
perspectives
Broek in Waterland26
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
perspectives
This time wersquore taking another trip up North back to the wonderful Waterland and Broek in Waterland to be exact The Journey starts at the IJ ferry which is always a splendid ride that only takes a few minutes and to the utter delight of every traveller operates free of charge Once on the other side of the water I simply follow the ever-present road signs for cyclists that guide me through the north of Amsterdam past a landscape plastered with windmills boats and lots of nature which make me start to forget the trials and tribulations of life in the big city I follow the waterside path until I arrive at the main road that channels traffic into the Waterland area I soon make it to the small street that leads towards Broek where kids swim in the open water and the world seems a better place It almost makes me wish I lived here A relaxing mix of houseboats sheep cows and horses creates an appealing atmosphere that engulfs me as I slowly pedal on listening to the sounds of the birds of all varieties circling in the air above me The notorious Dutch bike speed-racers zoom by in their lycra costumes but even they barely disturb the peace As I pass the sign that announces the beginning of Broek in Waterland a deep feeling of rest and relaxation settles upon me I easily steer my trustworthy steel companion to the centre of the beautiful village past the occasional Asian tourist camera in hand trigger finger on the shutter button I head towards the church where a movie crew is preparing a shoot I park my bike under a tree and enter the church which offers an interesting mix of modern and ancient elements At the entrance therersquos a brand new VVV tourist information computer display right opposite a sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening hours
of the church Inside a stylish coffee machine and a second-hand book market catch my eye things I did not expect to find in the spiritual and physical centre of this charming little community I have a pleasant chat with the lady running the book sale the proceeds of which go towards preserving and restoring the church and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful frescos that cover the entire ceiling I feast my eyes on the many religious artefacts populating the walls floor and everything in between There are many mysterious items that only devoted churchgoers understand and these give me a pleasant hint at the guarded and protected feeling in the presence of divinity the locals must experience when attending a Sunday service a feeling we hardened city slickers lack Afterwards I sit on a bench by the water basking in the glory of a quiet sunny afternoon surrounded by silence and occasional biking tourists making their way through the narrow streets Following the advice of the lady taking care of the church visitors I take a little round-trip of Broek and discover one beautiful old-style house after another equipped with hidden gardens that seem to call out to me to take a break and rest for a while between their green walls History is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warp into a long-forgotten land where nothing has changed for centuries When I finally return to the square outside the church I have a chat with the movie crew and we all agree that Broek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced excitement of the city With a deep sigh I say my goodbyes and get back on my bike but instead of steering it in the direction of Amsterdam I head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendam But thatrsquos a different story and one that I will tell you about in our next issue Stand by for more tales from the lovely countryside of the beautiful Netherlands
lsquoForget the trials and tribulations of life in the big cityrsquo
27
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
28perspectives
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
29perspectives
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoRotate 360 degrees to take it all inrsquo
30perspectives
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
31perspectives
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
32perspectives
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
33perspectives
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
34perspectives
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
35perspectives
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
36perspectives
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
37perspectives
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
38perspectives
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoA sign that looks like itrsquos been there for hundreds of years stating the opening
hours of the churchrsquo
39perspectives
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
40
lsquoHistory is in the air and I feel like Irsquove biked through a time warprsquo
perspectives
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
41perspectives
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoBroek is an extremely charming place that makes you forget the fast-paced
excitement of the cityrsquo
42perspectives
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoI head away from Sin City deeper into Waterland towards Monnickendamrsquo
43
perspectives
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
perspectives4
4
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
perspectives4
5
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
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+420 602 228 797Mail jcernosekcentrumcz
wwwyourtuliptourcom
JC Tours
46
classifieds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
47classifieds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Local ampLush
The simple joy of eating in Croatia
travel4
8
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
There is a growing trend in the Netherlands and especially in our small city on the Dam which involves the eating of organic and locally grown food This is something that has existed on a really small scale since I was a toddler but back then it was only the so-called ldquoPeople with hand-knitted goatrsquos wool socksrdquo who were busy with organic or macrobiotic local food They would jump on their bikes and venture out into the countryside to buy their groceries direct from the farmers and local producers while working on their fitness at the same time
Farm shops are still a great way to buy locally grown vegetables for a lot less than they would cost at one of Amsterdamrsquos many nature shops If you think organic food is expensive in Holland then you havenrsquot yet seen the prices for organic AND local food The logic seems to be the lsquobetterrsquo or more lsquoconsciousrsquo the food is the more expensive it is and people who care about their own health as well as that of the planet and the human race as a whole will pay what is needed And donrsquot even think about buying something at the new breed of lsquostylishrsquo nature shops where you also pay for the feeling of being a superior human being to all the other lsquonormalrsquo shoppers
After this long intro I would like to finally introduce Croatia and the food that was offered to us there This wondrous country has a humongous coastline and somewhere around 1024 islands bright blue skies a crystal-clear azure sea white-pebbled beaches and a whole lot of sunshine Almost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so on Many also have a few olive trees from which they press the fruit for their own olive oil and prepare their own tasty olives When it is time to plant seeds they chat with their neighbours to find out what they are growing and grow something else so they can
swap produce at harvest time They donrsquot use pesticides just because they donrsquot It was explained to us that they are simply not needed
The small family restaurants where we were treated to fresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome wines made from the grapes growing on the slopes of stony hills in the surrounding area were a delight every single day we spent in this beautiful country The flavour of the sunshine came straight out of the most scrumptious courgettes wersquod ever eaten No matter how simple the meal or out of the way the restaurant there was always a wide and generous choice of delectable local vegetables to eat with dishes like tomato rice roast potatoes pasta aglio olio and another local favourite crushed potatoes with fresh chard Croatia is a paradise for vegetarians
At the more upscale establishments we were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almonds and other delicious dishes prepared with great enthusiasm and love for food The great range of beautiful locally made cheeses sausages and dried hams made from the exclusive local breed of pig and fresh locally caught fish prepared with great feeling for taste and simplicity also make this region a wonderful place for food lovers in general
Every single meal is a joy and there is plenty to try from dried figs to locally produced alcohol in many different flavours and lest we forget the best cherries ever just picked off the tree that very morning
It was great to be in a place where fresh local produce is so widely available and so utterly enjoyable Everything you eat is in perfect harmony because it comes from the same soil and grew in the same air under the same sunshine It all has that magical indefinably special taste you experience when eating food that is grown within eyesight
By Antonia Egon
lsquoAlmost everyone you meet has their own vegetable garden where they grow aubergines courgettes peppers lettuce tomatoes and so onrsquo
travel4
9
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
travel50
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
travel51
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoFresh grilled local vegetables covered in locally made olive oil fresh home-baked bread wonderfully juicy locally grown olives and flavoursome winesrsquo
52travel
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
53travel
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoWe were served dishes like red cabbage risotto fresh gnocchi homemade tofu marinated beetroot filo packages of local fig and walnut or carrots and almondsrsquo
travel54
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
travel55
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
56travel
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
57travel
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoThe atmosphere is conducive to chats and hilarityrsquo
cafebar review
lsquoEvery single meal is a joy and there is plenty to tryrsquo
travel58
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
cafebar reviewtravel59
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Get advice on housing rental contracts and apartments in Amsterdam
wwwwswonennlenglish
wwwconsultancymarketmediacom
- Account Manager Market Media- (Internship) International Marketing Executive
we are looking for
60classifieds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Artist Thinker
Here are some of our local partners
Enter (click) to learn why they work with us
demerkplaatsnl
61
classifieds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Being in Bruges
culture62
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
By Denson Pierre
As a small city Bruges is an extremely desirable destination for culture and gastronomy rangers It is a complete UNESCO gem for historical preservation reasons and is almost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurants (no less than three with three-stars) as well as a substantial following pack covered by other reputable culinary and dining experience rating organisations
To be there on assignment with Tourism Belgium for The Sentinel ably led by Tourism Bruges had more of a holiday feel for me as the material I love to write about and photograph is in abundant supply in this fully integrated and historical city In terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Bruges The old city is compact and layered with such a multitude of detail that a history boffin could easily spend weeks here on study holiday For the rest of us it is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmosphere Then there are the picturesque canals with head-challenging bridge heights to traverse by boat
This just leaves the people in this luxuriant part of Belgium A calm pride seems to flow through them and they are the gentlest and most helpful of the lowlanders I have had the opportunity to mingle with and seek instruction from thus far This spirit was well and truly embodied in the content and approach of my guide (and communications director) from Tourism Bruges Anne de Meerleer Truth be told after about five minutes in each otherrsquos company with her knowledge and humour and my interests and openness it started to feel like one of those lsquointelligent datesrsquo you may have had at one time or another With this template psychologically inputted it was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to learn a thing or two about the true local favourites What a pleasure it was to stroll around with her over four hours or so Sore feet as an after-effect of having walked the cobblestone marathon were a small price to pay
Next morning however I came to realise that I (and you) would have been better advised to begin the entire Bruges experience by visiting the amazing Historium This state-of-the-art attraction is of the highest quality and appropriateness to this city It sets out using a rather syrupy love story as a creative platform to show 1435 Bruges in a detail never before regenerated via a sensory tour containing installations animatronics olfactory seasoning of the air to replicate that of the time and most impressively a high-definition projected movie with super CGI that brings 15th-century Bruges back to life in the very room you are standing A
Being in Bruges
lsquoAlmost overflowing with Michelin-starred restaurantsrsquo
culture63
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
64
culture
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
fantastic attraction especially if you are interested in historical detail and have ever wondered what certain objects and buildings that have long disappeared may have looked like
All of the sensory experiences and food would not be in such balance if they were not lubricated by excellent A-class beers which abound in this lsquomust visitrsquo city Having done a tour of the local micro-brewery sensation that is the Halve Maan an even greater high-point was meeting Kris Veireman of the beer emporium Cafeacute Rose Red (another enlightened suggestion from Anne) I am not sure if I have ever before come across someone as passionate about the very best of beer The taps at Rose Red flow with an excellent self-contained taste tour so you do not even have to consider studying the encyclopaedic drinks menu and beer listing If your timing is fortunate (or you call ahead and ask politely) you could like me be given a tour of the amazing combined cellar of the monumental buildings now housing Rose Red and its hotel You will not see a better selection of the very best of European beers than those being farmed and cared for by this young man He makes his city proud as a curator of fine brews It was nice to see that even the owner of the aptly named inspiringly designed and truly cosy hotel at which I was staying (Heritage Hotel) was present among a group of local business leaders enjoying the Burgundian ambiance (and a few of the yeasty beauties) at Krisrsquos place which they also invest energy in transmitting
I was passed an official copy of the movie In Bruges by Anne as it seems that the movie does capture some of the essence and beauty of her city I am now likely to watch this film despite my previous apprehensiveness thinking that Hollywood might have twisted the real vibe of this great city to suit its simplistic comedic ends I am convinced however that even after I have watched the movie and compared notes with others who have been to the city I will find some way to be back much sooner than later as it has truly impressed me and I know there is more to do and discover I just loved the way I felt being in Bruges
Partners on these two dayswwwhotel-heritagecomwwwbruggecitycardbewwwbruggebewwwkurtspanbewwwhistoriumbe
lsquoIn terms of visiting somewhere showcasing European historical
culture in a nutshell there can be no better destination than Brugesrsquo
65culture
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
culture6
6
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
culture67
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
68
culture
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoIt is a bit like being in a living open-air museum with rides in the form of wonderful cafeacutes
chocolatiers and eateries always a very short distance from where you stand admiring the
architecture and absorbing the welcoming atmospherersquo
69culture
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
70culture
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
71culture
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
72culture
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoIt was easy to be walked through much of the cityrsquos history the social concerns of its residents and to
learn a thing or two about the true local favouritesrsquo
73culture
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
74culture
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
75culture
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoI will find some way to be back much sooner than laterrsquo
76culture
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
77culture
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
78culture
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
79culture
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
80culture
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
81culture
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
82classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
83classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
classifi edsclassifi eds84
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
amsterdam city life
BRING BACK
My recent trip to Croatia a country that incredibly ranks among the worldrsquos top 20 for numbers of visiting tourists reminded me of what Amsterdammers should not really have had to get used to bad service This is not just the case for hospitality establishments but every single kind of business that still involves human interaction as part of its activities
Imagine my ultimate dismay when just previous to the above trip I decided to make one of those once every few year trips to a department store I reasoned I could get a good quality travel bagcase to replace the one I had used to a frazzle over the past eighteen months Although the Turkish general shops that abound in the city sell a reliable range of travel accessories I was thinking about going up-market and heeding the old Dutch saying you buy cheap you buy twice I set myself a budget of euro100 for a carrier of the size permitted as hand luggage on commercial passenger jets (56 x 45 x 25cm)
I was accompanied by my wife on this shopping expedition and I imagine that without her promptings I might not even have gone Our research indicated that VampD was the best of the quality shops in the city with a range of carriers that could interest me True to form I was able to isolate a trolley bagcase I could live and travel with that came in flush on budget within a couple of minutes Even truer to form and maybe why shopping always seems to be more hassle than it is worth after paying for the case still admiring the fine reinforced synthetic but strong outer casing I realise that the sales clerk is simply handing it over to me having removed the security tag I delay my next move
for a couple of seconds waiting for hers I expected that at any moment she would reach for a plastic (or other) bag and hand it over to me so I could secure this new unblemished purchase
The bag never came and the young woman now in chorus with her colleague quite blankly stated that they had no bags to fit this rather standard size of popular product which they sell at premium prices In disbelief I asked further if it could be that it was just their station at which the unavailability of the bag was an issue Surely I could not be expected to criss-cross the regularly rainy city with a brand new empty case flapping off my bicycle With nonchalance I was told I could try the menrsquos department one floor down Here I was greeted with the same uselessness and a display of the tiniest lsquolargest size in the storersquo carrier bag I have ever seen
All of this was too much and I felt it was time to return the product and ask for my money back Back at the purchase station we are again dismissed with the news that returns can only take place at the customer service desk in the basement of this massive multi-storey building There we find a queue and still no carrier bag large enough to contain my purchase and rescue the deal
VampD appears to not have carrier bags capable of holding at least 10 of its stock even though most of the larger items are not unreasonable in size It was the same at HEMA but at least they had an outlet very close to where I live so I was able to get a very sturdy replacement case for just euro2999
Please bring back service linked to known logistical challenges in offline retail
By Denson Pierre
SHOPPING WITH SERVICE
85
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
86star beer guide
Star Beer
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
The SentinelStar beer guide
lsquoSavoured on occasions when only the best of the best will dorsquo
Simply put taking some of the truly top-line beers can be a little like drinking a magic potion This is a beer right at the very top of the list in terms of taste and experience Correct storage and serving temperature are of essential importance Although this beer is positioned in the high-alcohol-content category this will not be forefront in your mind as you are instead consumed by the aromas and flavours emanating from this beautiful pale-golden brew
At a certain point given that beers are so properly excellent comparisons are not useful This particular brew should be
savoured on occasions when only the best of the best will do A truly outstanding beer that fills you with wonder at how such a delight could ever be brewed and what might happen if you believed in magic and attempted more than a couple in one session Available in kegs and bottles
Lupulus blond is brewed by Les 3 Fourquets Bovigny BelgiumLuxembourg
By Denson Pierre
LUPULUS BLOND (TRIPLE) (85 ABV)
87star beer guide
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
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
Cafeacute Parck 240613
Recommended
88
recommended
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
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 Amstel 100 1017 AC Amsterdamwwwmulligansnl
Cafeacute KostverlorenCafeacute Kostverloren is a contemporary cafe offering the cosiness of a saloon an open kitchen and the intimacy of a living room The large terras is great for sunny days2e Kostverlorenkade 70 Amsterdamwwwcafekostverlorennl
ZestZest is fi ne food warm atmosphere and classy drinks with regular semi-acoustic (live) music and DJs (Thursday to Sunday) Amsterdamrsquos newest and freshestBilderdijkstraat 188 Amsterdamwwwfacebookcomclubzestnl
GollemGollemrsquos Proefl okaal Gollem and Gollem II represent the best addresses serving the fullest range of top Belgian Dutch and international beers in AmsterdamOvertoom 160-161wwwcafegollemnl
IncantoA restaurant with a classic Italian kitchen Venetian chef Simone Ambrosin is known for his pure and simple style of cooking with great feeling for nuanceAmstel 2 Amsterdamwwwrestaurant-incantonl
Planet RoseThe fi rst Caribbean restaurant in the Netherlands specialised in Jamaican cuisine The menu features a daily changing selectionNicolaas Beetsstraat 47 Amsterdamwwwplanetroseinfo
Cafe restaurant EdelCafe restaurant Edel is the perfect place for lunch dinner or to simply enjoy a drink Edel is a unique place in AmsterdamPostjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdamwwwedelamsterdamnl
Cafeacute OportoCafeacute Oporto is a traditional Amsterdam lsquobrown cafersquo Welcoming tourists and regular customers alike they offer televised sports wifi and a wide range of reasonably priced beers and spiritsZoutsteeg 1 1012 LX Amsterdamwwwcafeoportonet
BaxA cosy and friendly local cafeacute with a focus on special or interesting beers and good quality food Open 7 days a week with a professional kitchen offering a lunch and dinner serviceTen Katestraat 119 Amsterdamwwwcafebaxnl
To be seen and tasted Fun Drinking amp Music
To Be Seen and Tasted
Fun Drinking amp Music
Fun Drinking amp Music
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
Connoisseurs Delight
To Be Seen and Tasted
Neighbourhood cosy
Fun drinking and music
ParckGreat fun beautiful people and simply the best bar food in townOvertoom 428 Amsterdamwwwcafeparcknl
To be seen and tasted
Cafe de Toog1890rsquos grandeur fashioned into Amsterdam-West grand brown cafe-restaurant-cool Classy drinks and mealsNicolaas Beetsstraat 142 hs Amsterdam wwwcafedetoogcom
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 corporateKinkerstraat 228 Amsterdamwwwoperaprimanl
Recommended
89
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Where is this inAmsterdamAnswer to sentinelpostgmailcom
90
spotted
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Room 2cfilm
If it was ever possible to have an evil automobile then Stephen Kingrsquos story about one as directed by John Carpenter leads you to worry about people who claim to love their cars Fun scares 1980s caricatures and a fine soundtrack to boot An enjoyable and well-paced thriller
Super-intense telepathics with murderous abilities abound in this curious tale from the pen of director David Cronenberg This is fiction at its cinematic best with superb make-up and effects A rollercoaster ride through pseudo-science that is sure to make the pressure build up in your head
By dpmotions
By dpmotions
christine (1983)
Scanners (1981)
room2c91
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
92trends
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
lsquoComing down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scaredrsquo
By Dirkje Bakker-Pierre
An interesting trend coming to us from the big thing known as lsquothe worldrsquo is something that could turn out to be positive if the Americans donrsquot nuke it I am talking about the staff of the US military and the CIA or other related semi-secret but seemingly very closed institutions revealing highly confidential and embarrassing information held by the powers that be to the world at large
We canrsquot even imagine the amazing amount of things that are being kept from us the general plebs by governments and related authorities just like we canrsquot imagine the immensity of Mexico Cityrsquos largest garbage dump or what the nearest neighbouring solar system would look like It must be mountains and mountains of information and a lot of people are working very very hard to keep these data mountains growing higher than Mount Everest and are quite successful at it too
Who hasnrsquot watched some of the James Bond movies growing up Theyrsquore all about secret services and 007 wasnrsquot the only one he was just one number in a long list of glitzy irresistible dudes doing just exactly what we are communally pissed off about now keeping secrets secret Is it just because we donrsquot get to see the shiny cars and the luscious babes that all of a sudden we no longer approve of things being done without us knowing Should everyone know everything
It is a growing phenomenon probably enforced by the speed and size of the global internet and the ease of sharing information with millions in the blink of an eye (this would count for my UPC connection but I am sure they have something better at the CIA) All of a sudden insiders (from secret agents down to military personnel and clerks) seem intent on unveiling mysteries like the world has a right to THE TRUTH just because it is out there And the great thing is that it is actually achievable to leak the most sensitive information to the rest of the planet This can happen so quickly that the baddies who have all the power only notice when it is too late and people in high places are being caught with their drawers down
Meanwhile I am sure that even what has been leaked is not the worst of it by a long way and many beads of hot wet nervous sweat are being produced at the moment by many many shit-scared people all around the globe trying to work out how to stop this trend At the moment it seems like they are trying to do this by coming down so hard on the leakers that other aspiring whistleblowers become even more scared than the lsquoconcealersrsquo and give up trying Who knows what type of secret tactics some 00 is developing at the moment while sharing a bed on the French Riviera with a stunningly beautiful Russian goddess with hidden lethal abilities
Revelations 007
93trends
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Useless Joy
By ER Muntrem
perspectives
When the boating season gets going here in Amsterdam things just get hilarious On sunny summer days friends (and friends of friends) board vessels of every Dr Seuss design load them up with drinks and snacks and cruise around canals with lsquoletrsquos not exactly not bump into one anotherrsquo their only principle of navigation Houseboats are an ever-present in the water and sightseeing flatbeds constantly ply their trade but once sloops packed with fifty partiers skiffs holding a family and tugboat-like vessels rented out for dinner fill the circuitous waterways an armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royalty The tourists who
wave from a bridge out of giddy delight get an equally giddy wave back ldquoUseless joyrdquo my friend Annemiek calls it
The worst thing you can say is that it is all a little bit decadent and silly and white Down on the water the troubled Moroccan population is under-represented for sure You get a whiff of the rich peoplersquos playground provided by most cities but the water is only a few feet away and the guy standing at the wheel or sitting by the engine ndash the lsquocaptainrsquo manning his mini ship ndash is really just the guy who invited you to his backyard barbecue
Boating for the most part still places the male of the species in charge And no-one seems to object Hersquos nominally responsible and the party spreads out around him a buddy or two passing the beers or handling the music And naturally he and his crew
lsquoAn armada of slow-motion ridiculousness turns those puttering along into temporary royaltyrsquo
lsquoBoating for the most part still places the male of the species in chargersquo
94
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
perspectives
demonstrate the same sense of balance and style Amsterdam natives so often show on bikes an acrobatic walk up to the prow a duck for a bridge the transfer of supplies or passengers from one vessel to another are handled with the usual blaseacute competence and good cheer life lived on calm waters and safe bike paths seems to breed
American men may own bigger engines or work hotter fires but the variety of places in which they can demonstrate confidence or convey lack of worry is narrower more often a private affair or a public disaster In the US we love to raise our stakes the likelihood for hubris raised with them
Once the busiest main streets in the world and always de facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall in On the biggest party days (QueensKings Day and Gay Pride) someone invariably does fall in usually guys and usually looking
as if they want to kill themselves on the way back out of the water Taking the plunge is not a rite of passage just a mistake and certainly this dip offers no appeal to the tourist The canals have achieved a lovely line of forbidden fruit appeal beauty you can appreciate without missing the clear warning look but try not to touch Sometimes I imagine the canals being so crystal clear you could see to the bottom or swim in them freely At that point one is not in a city but in Versailles and before you know it heads are coming off
Much of our life today takes place on screens We are all equal all friends And when we think of technology we often hope it will save us with some unheralded new trick But itrsquos worth considering how each new invention will last over time One old technology the canals in Amsterdam has aged well and is the backdrop for beauty and work and life
lsquoDe facto city sewers Amsterdamrsquos canals are not quite toxic enough to kill you if you fall inrsquo
lsquoThe canals in Amsterdam have aged well and are the backdrop for beauty and work and lifersquo
95
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
96
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
97classifieds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Even though the Netherlands is not exactly tropical and sunny days in abundance have been put somewhat on hold wersquore probably planning to travel to warmer and sunnier climes so it is important to refresh your summer maintenance checklist Hydrate ndash Donrsquot forget to drink lots of water or herbal tea Try to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffee as these work as diuretics and load your body with unnecessary toxins Light clothes ndash Try to wear as light garments as possible made from predominantly natural materials such as linen cotton or natural silk Lightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditions If you stay out in the sun make sure you
HeatBy Evelina Kvartunaite
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from sugary and fizzy beverages alcohol and coffeersquo
ndash
cover as much of your skin as possible in order to avoid burns Sunscreen ndash Itrsquos very important to find one that works for you Make sure you cover all skin areas exposed to the sun and reapply when needed Depending on the SPF you have just follow the instructions on the package If possible try to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hours Food ndash People tend to eat less naturally in hotter places Even so try to have balanced meals and make sure you eat enough fresh food introduce more vegetables and fruit to your diet Little things can sometimes make a big difference and these will certainly benefit your health and mood Enjoy the sun responsibly
ndash
lsquoLightweight light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes are best in hot conditionsrsquo
ndash
98
health amp well-being
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
ndash
lsquoTry to stay away from direct sunlight especially during the sunrsquos peak hoursrsquo
ndash
99
health amp well-being
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
information from PRISM So far all the companies mentioned in PRISM have categorically denied Snowdenrsquos allegations A rather short debate was held in the European Parliament about the involvement of the membersrsquo governments in PRISM and even if the British representatives did defend the tapping the Dutch representative Sophie in lsquot Veld was among the few who were outraged
Can you be fully safe and privateIn theory yes but it comes down to a combination of protection and security through obscurity Even if the NSA is sniffing your ISPrsquos networks and getting your private information from the service providers you use for e-mail social networking and web searches (to name a few) there are a few things you can do The problem with all of them is that they increase the
In case you havenrsquot been following the news over the past few weeks PRISM is a system the NSA (the US National Security Agency) uses to gain access to the private communications of users of nine popular internet services Access is governed by Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which was enacted in 2008 Director of National Intelligence James Clapper tacitly admitted PRISMrsquos existence in a blog post on 6 June 2013 A classified PowerPoint presentation leaked by Edward Snowden states that PRISM enables ldquocollection directly from the serversrdquo of Microsoft Yahoo Google Facebook and other online companies On a more local level even the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
UserInterface
After PRISM
lsquoEven the AIVD (Dutch Secret Service) gets
information from PRISMrsquo
By Andrei Barburas
lsquoIf someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore
caughtrsquo
100
technology
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
hand your judgment matters as well In 2009 Eric Schmidt currently the Executive Chairman at Google uttered a million dollar sentence ldquoIf you have something that you donrsquot want anyone to know maybe you shouldnrsquot be doing it in the first placerdquo The majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life and privacy should be an open book In a Twitter conversation I had with Sophie in lsquot Veld we came to the conclusion that if PRISM turns out to be accurate what happened is pretty much lsquoReverse Democracyrsquo the majority are suffering in order to catch a potential minority
Now itrsquos your turnhellipWhat is your take on PRISM Do you care Doeswill it affect your online activities If so in what ways
Sources The Washington Post The Guardian Lifehacker NBC The European Parliament
complexity of your activities on the web exponentially with each one you embrace and they fall down quickly if yoursquore actually a real target for investigation You can use disposable SIM cards and phones but in the majority of EU countries you are required to provide identification when you buy a prepaid SIM card Also if the people you are calling or texting are monitored then your efforts will go to waste The same applies to disposable e-mail addresses If yoursquore thinking VPNs they are your best option but therersquos a big BUT VPNs will protect you from someone monitoring your traffic but not from someone monitoring the service yoursquore using which is the issue here Encrypting your way to Google is great if someonersquos watching your communications to and from Google but if someonersquos sitting at Google watching what yoursquore doing yoursquore caught
Bottom lineIf you think about it therersquos not much you can do about it You canrsquot go completely offline but on the other
lsquoThe majority of people have nothing to hide but that doesnrsquot mean that their life
and privacy should be an open bookrsquo
101
technology
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
102
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
103
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
wwwczechtourismcom
CZECH REPUBLIC - STUNNINGLY DIFFERENT
104
classifi eds
Related Documents
