THT 2015 April

Check also daily: www.thehollandtimes.nl

Pp.12-13

Pp.10-11

CONTROLLED CIRCULATION CIRCULATION || POSTBUS CONTROLLED POSTBUS531 531| |2150 2150AM AMNIEUW-VENNEP NIEUW-VENNEP

APRIL 2015 2015 APRIL

THE EUROPEAN GAMES ARE COMING This summer, the very first European Games will be held in beautiful Baku, Azerbaijan p23

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY GEARS UP FOR UPCOMING ANNIVERSARY p5

ANOTHER DUTCH CHAIN STORE BITES THE DUST p9

AMSTERDAM TACKLES BIKE PARKING ISSUES p17

Baku, Azerbaijan, 12 ─ 28 June 2015 Online ticket sales @BakuGames2015 has started. www.baku2015.com The European Games is a multi-sport event for athletes from all over Europe, and is held every four years.

The Games are owned, organised and regulated by the European Olympic Committees.

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 1

27-03-15 09:35

Rent a luxurious apartment in the heart of the hague

oasis of peace and quiet in a busy city centre living in style in a stately monument • luxurious apartments from 60 m2 to 285 m2 • Fully equiped gym in the building • Own parking on the secure grounds • Fulltime facility manager • Landscaped gardens • Several safety and privacy measures (like video intercom, own safe and alarmsystem) • Own seperate storage • Possibilities to rent fully furnished • Possibilities for short-stay • Prices from € 1100,- and up

Willemspark, the hague • In the city centre, 5 minutes walk from the exclusive shopping areas • Nearby all city centre facilities • Tram and bus stops at ca 100 meters • 10 minutes from the main highways A12/A4/A13 • Incredible views • 10 minutes from the famous beaches at Scheveningen • Near the Peace Palace and a big park / woodlands

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 2

25-03-15 21:48

NATIONAL

4 | APRIL 2015

Xbox One open to app devs

SAN FRANCISCO | Microsoft is opening up app development for the Xbox One with the launch of a kit that will be available to all developers, bringing the console closer to the Windows 10 space. The Xbox Live SDK (software development kit) is at present being used by a limited group of developers to create new games and will soon be open to more, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox at Microsoft, announched at the 2015 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. Windows developers will be able to port their apps to the console as part of a wider push for interoperability.

2015: King’s Day, ‘new style’

Snowden agrees to return

MOSCOW | Edward Snowden, the former U.S. National Security Agency contractor who leaked details of the agency’s surveillance programs, is willing to return to the U.S. and face criminal charges, if he’s assured of a fair trial, according to a Russian news report. Snowden, now living in Russia, is ready to return to the U.S. on the condition that he’s guaranteed a fair trial, Snowden lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told journalists Tuesday, according to a report from Russian news agency TASS.

Earth-like planet discovered HOUSTON | NASA has discovered another

Earth-like planet orbiting a nearby star within the habitable zone using the Kepler Space Telescope. Labeled as Kepler-186f, it is about 500 lightyears away from us in the Cygnus constellation. The habitable zone has also been referred to as the “Goldilocks zone”. This zone is the region around a star, within which planets with proper atmospheric pressure are capable of supporting liquid water on their surfaces. It is estimated that there are at least 40 billion Earth-sized planets within the Milky Way, but this planet is the first Earth-sized planet to be discovered in the “Goldilocks zone” of another nearby star.

Owl attacks humans

PURMEREND | The northern Dutch town of Purmerend has advised residents to arm themselves with an umbrella when going out at night after a mysterious spate of rogue owl attacks. Over the last three weeks, the European eagle owl has silently swooped on dozens of residents of the usually peaceful town, with many victims requiring hospital treatment. The latest aerial assault saw two members of a local athletics club attacked, with one runner requiring stitches for six head wounds caused by the nocturnal bird of prey’s talons. The club has cancelled all training until further notice.

Photo: Getty images

Photo: Paul van de Velde

DORDRECHT – King’s Day 2015 will be celebrated in a ‘new style’; the first time that the Royal couple will not be mingling with the crowds. Thus, a tradition going back to 1881 is thrown overboard. JOEP DERKSEN reports.

King’s Day, formerly known as ‘Princess Day’ and ‘Queen’s day’ is a national celebratory day to honor the Head of State. Most employees have a day off, and millions of Dutch citizens visit one of many ‘Vrijmarkten’ or flea markets. The most famous Vrijmarkt, where children and adults sell their old toys and goods, is the one held in Amsterdam. Traditionally, the Dutch dress up in orange, as a salute to the ‘House of Orange’, the Dutch Royal Family. King’s Day has officially been recognized as ‘immaterial inheritance’; the first national holiday to be recognized by the Nationale Inventaris Immaterieel Cultureel Erfgoed (National Inventory Immaterial Cultural Inheritance).

Celebrating the monarch’s birthday is a tradition that goes back all the way to the nineteenth century.

The day was first organized in 1881, because the Royal House was going through a difficult period. King Willem III was not very popular, and after he died, Queen-Mother Emma wanted to woo the inhabitants.

From 1881 to 1898, it was called ‘Prinsessedag’ (Princess Day), and from 1898 onwards, it was known as ‘Koninginnedag’ (Queen’s Day).

Throughout the years, this event evolved into a true peoples’ party.

When former Queen Juliana held office, a procession was held in front of Paleis Soestdijk on Queen’s Day. Her

daughter, Queen Beatrix, always visited two towns on the national holiday.

Since the abdication of Queen Beatrix and the subsequent change of rule, the date has been changed from April 30 to April 27, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The event was renamed ‘Koningsdag’ (King’s Day) to match.

Queen Maxima and King WillemAlexander want to change things, and they take it easy in several aspects.

Not walking among the people is one. The NRC wrote on January 29: “Willem-Alexander had already said that he wants to do things differently from his mother. He wants to curb the ‘koekhappen’ (traditional no-hands cookie eating) and have less members of the Royal Family participating.” Until last year, it was customary that the Head of State would visit two towns or villages on the same Queen’s Day or King’s Day. But just visiting the town of Dordrecht is more than enough for the Royal Family. It’s not even certain that they will bring their children Alexia, Amalia, and Ariane to the festivities.

But why have the King and Queen decided that they don’t want to mingle with the crowd? Why do they prefer to visit four sites in Dordrecht by boat, car, or helicopter? When you ask those questions, you already know the official answer: Royal House reporter Antoin Peeters confirms that

the Royal couple will be skipping this part of the celebrations “for security reasons.” In 2009, a man named Karst Tates tried to drive his Suzuki Swift into the bus transporting the Royal Family. Although seven people were killed in the incident, the Royal bus wasn’t hit and none of the Royals were injured. After this incident, Queen Beatrix stated that the openness of the celebrations should continue. Her son and daughter-in-law, however, seem to think otherwise.

The couple will visit four different locations in Dordrecht. While official announcements on where they will go have only been announced at the end of March, RTL Nieuws already reported the planned whereabouts of the royal couple in Dordrecht as early as January. According to the Dutch broadcaster, this year’s April 27 will kick off with a modern naval review at the point where the rivers Merwede, De Noord, and Oude Maas meet. This ‘grande parade’ should become a ‘colorful spectacle’, the Telegraaf reported on October 11, 2014: “King Willem-Alexander hopes for a colorful spectacle with music, sports, culture, design, and social initiatives.” After this, the Royal Family will proceed to the Grote Kerk (Church of Our Lady), the Hof van Dordrecht (Garden of Dordrecht), and the Statenplein (State Square). At this last location, Queen Maxima and

King Willem-Alexander will listen to several choirs, whose members will try to give a performance of their lifetimes.

However, it is already certain that not everybody will be in a festive mood on April 27. Among these people are the members of the NRG (Nieuw Republikeins Genootschap; New Republican Society). It is the sole purpose of this society to turn the Dutch monarchy into a Republic. After years of relative silence, the NRG has spoken out about their plans for the coming years. On their website, www.republikeinen.nl, vice-Chairman Ruud van Diemen writes: “It would be nice if Willem-Alexander has to start worrying about the monarchy as of 2018 onwards. We are developing a long-range plan for 2015–2018 and will be less obedient. We are a solemn society based on true democratic foundations. We should start crossing the limits in order to realize where those limits are. Our dignity lies in the fact that we abide by the law and that we will nog use violence in any way. However, we can set up campaigns, with the purpose of creating more awareness and getting more supporters.”

It seems that for the next three years, at least, King Willem-Alexander and his wife can enjoy the festivities without any worries.

The place to be for quality furniture and lighting Watt verlichting Laan van Meerdervoort 94a 2517 AR The Hague

070 363 0601 info@wattverlichting.nl www.wattverlichting.nl

Opening hours Wednesday: 10.00–17.30 Thursday: 10.00–20.00 Friday: 10.00–17.30 Saturday: 10.00–17.00

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 4

25-03-15 21:48

NATIONAL

APRIL 2015 | 5

Maastricht University nears 40th anniversary

Mummified monk in statue

AMERSFOORT | Scientific tests have revealed that an ancient Buddhist statue contains the perfectly preserved remains of a 1,000-year-old mummified monk, in what is believed to be the only such example in the world. The mummy has been studied by an interdisciplinary team of experts, including radio carbon dating specialists and textile analysts, at the Meander Medical Centre in Amersfoort, the Netherlands.Some 200 years later, perhaps after his remains started to deteriorate, his mummified body was placed inside the elaborate, lacquered statue of Buddha.The Buddha statue was bought several decades ago on the art market by a Dutch private collector, who had no idea that the mummy was hidden inside.

Government apologizes

Photo: 206

Maastricht University will be celebrating almost 40 years in existence come 2016. With a campus dotted across a city that is located in the heart of Europe, the university is perfectly positioned to be an International Center of European Learning. TRACEY TAYLOR has the details.

Maastricht University (UM) is still a relatively young institution, but already offers a highly innovative and stimulating environment, where research and studies work together in harmony in order to allow and encourage talent to thrive. Working with a system of education called ProblemBased Learning (PBL) that has been in place since the university’s inception, the UM can consider itself a leading expert in this (untraditional) teaching method. The PBL approach to learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but the sharing of knowledge while conducting research work in a challenging and effectual way.

Forming small teams of 12-14 students, groups work in close collaboration with the support and guidance of their tutor(s), whereby the underlying goal is to think for themselves and to look at things in alternative ways.

The term “International” is an essential element in relation to the UM’s ambitions going forward, and the benefits of the university’s multicultural environment are obvious. At this time, almost half the UM student body comes from outside the Netherlands, around 40% of the academic staff is made up of non-Dutch nationals, nearly 100 nationalities are represented on Campus, and practically all programmes are offered in English…

The UM is undoubtedly the most International University in the Netherlands!

Monique Merckx (Head of Student Recruitment – Marketing & Communications) is notably enthusiastic about the UM and its vision for the future: “It is not simply offering an education or a course of study in English; we must also look at the way studies are taught, the content of the programmes, and most importantly, how we can ensure that there is a ‘right fit’ between (prospective) students and the university curriculum.

All factors must be considered.” Going forward, the UM can be seen as a general university that is now putting more of an emphasis on the Sciences.

And given that the role of University Professor has recently been introduced at a number of Dutch Universities, the UM itself is now proud to have Professors Ron Heeren (Molecular Imaging), Peter Peters (Nanobiology) and Clemens van Blitterswijk (Regenerative Medicine Technologies) onboard to further support this objective.

The UM holds very popular Open Days, when the city welcomes thousands of visitors to its cobbled streets. There are two Open Days per year dedicated to the Bachelor Programmes, and two Open Days per year which focus on the Masters Programmes. For prospective students located further away, the UM website is extremely detailed and really worth a good look. A nice touch is that the UM have formed country

specific teams where students (native to a particular country) respond to email questions, or to queries placed on the UM Facebook page in the native language of the enquirer. “Open Days are very important to the UM, as they allow the university to further market itself and to provide valuable information to visiting students. Next to that, it gives students a chance to get acquainted with the city and of course, to see what Maastricht has to offer,” says Ms. Merckx. “It’s important for students to know what they will get from an education with the UM; especially because student engagement plays a key role in the principles of the university.”

Employability is another aspect for the UM academic staff to consider, as the university doesn’t just want to provide an education, but aims to also give its students an insight into the working environment. In Limburg, there is even an initiative on creating jobs that can add value for the province. However, this of course comes with its own challenges. Next to that, when you look globally (particularly at Asia), one must ask what Europe’s position is within the academic world.

How much can we still afford and offer as Europe? Is Europe still the leader in terms of knowledge and education? Therefore, staying ahead – both in relation to Maastricht and the world as a whole – largely comes down to the continual search and de-

mand for excellence. Universities are outstanding institutions in their own right, but it is still important – some might argue, imperative – to maintain standards at a consistent high level, and to ensure that the right stimuli are in place. A central component for this is to recognize, select and nurture talent, and the UM encourages all of its students (and staff) to shine and develop to the very best of their ability.

In the end, Maastricht itself is widely regarded as a charming tourist destination with a vast array of fine dining restaurants and high-end clothing stores, and it can often be the case that the beautiful capital of South Limburg is just seen for its outer beauty… but don’t let the good looks deceive you! Maastricht has it all… and inside its stunning medieval heart beats a vibrant and diverse Inner City University Campus that is nourishing innovative ideas and satisfying an ongoing thirst for research and knowledge.

For more information, visit the following websites: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl www.facebook.com/maastricht. university Upcoming UM Open Days: • October 10 (Master’s Programmes) • November 14 (Bachelor’s Programmes)

THE HAGUE | The Dutch government recently apologized for ignoring the risks posed by earthquakes caused by production of natural gas in the northern province of Groningen, the International New York Times reports. The apology follows an official report that found the government, together with Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil, had put profits before safety in exploiting the Groningen gas field, Europe’s largest. Last month, the government ordered production at the Groningen field to be cut by 16 percent for the first half of 2015. The government is due to make another decision on production at the field on July 1.

Honeymooner survives record fall

OHIYA | Sri Lankan troops rescued a Dutch honeymooner who became the first person to survive a fall from the World’s End, a 4,000-foot (1,200-meter) cliff. Thirty-five-year-old Mamitho Lendas was on honeymoon in Sri Lanka with his new wife. The two were visiting World’s End, a tourist attraction in the Horton Plains National Park of Nuwara Eliya. Mr Lendas had taken a few steps back to take pictures of his new bride when he flew off the unprotected cliff, army spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera said. “He was extremely lucky because he fell on top of a tree about 130 feet from the top,” Mr Jayaweera told AFP. “He is the first person to survive a fall from World’s End.

TU Delft reputation dropDELFT | Delft University of Technology

has dropped out of the top 50 in the Times Higher Education list of the world’s universities with the best reputations, Expatica reports. Delft was the best performing Dutch institution last year, in 42nd place. The new list, published on March 12, shows it has now fallen to the 51-60 ranking, alongside the University of Amsterdam. Leiden, Wageningen (61-70), and Utrecht (71-80) also feature in the top 100. The ranking is based on the ‘subjective judgement’ of 10,500 academics from 133 countries worldwide and is a spin-off from the organization’s world university rankings.

HM

INT ER NAT IONA L M AT C H M A K ER S

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 5

25-03-15 21:49

NATIONAL

6 | APRIL 2015

Problems building mosques

ZOETERMEER | It is becoming increasingly difficult to win permission to build new mosques in the Netherlands because of public opposition, Muslim lobby group CMO said recently. Not only are people living close to the planned location more likely to protest, but the mosque management do little to motivate public support.

The organization is aware of problems in at least 10 local authority areas, including Zoetermeer, Groningen and Assendelft.

In three cases, the problems have arisen since the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris and the recent row over ‘hate imams’, spokesman Yassin Elforkani told news agency ANP.

Changing attitudes to marijuana

Fingerprint scans on the rise

AMSTERDAM | The use of fingerprints to register and control workers’ movements is advancing in the Netherlands, the Financieele Dagblad reported recently. Temporary employment bureau Tempo Team is forecasting ‘explosive growth’ in the use of the scans. Scanning fingerprints simplifies administration processes and gives a snapshot view of how many people are on duty, spokeswoman Monique Boonstra told the paper. “I can see from home if my staff are on time and warn the client if some have not turned up,” she said.

The use of the scans has been supported by the Randstad works council. However, legal experts are concerned about the implications of using scanners because of the privacy implications

ITV acquires Talpa

LONDON | British independent television broadcaster ITV has agreed to buy Dutch group Talpa Media, the producer behind hit singing show The Voice. Talpa was founded by John de Mol, creator of global television reality show Big Brother. “Great content is at the heart of ITV’s growth strategy and the acquisition of Talpa builds on the success of our international content business and is absolutely in line with our desire to create and own formats that travel,” ITV chief executive Adam Crozier said in a joint statement. Global success The Voice has been broadcast in 180 countries since its Dutch launch in 2010.

Dunkin’ Donuts NL debut

AMSTERDAM | American food company Dunkin’ Donuts expects to open its first shop in the Netherlands in 2016, DutchNews reports. “It has been a long haul, but I expect to have our first shop opened in 2016,” vice president of development Jeremy Vitaro told news website Nu.nl.

The company first said last April it planned to return to the Netherlands after a 14-year absence. However, the Schiphol airport group and railway company NS told the website they are not yet in talks with the doughnut chain. The company operates 11,000 Dunkin’ Donuts eateries in 33 countries.

Photo: Brett Levin

Both the Netherlands and its capital have much to offer tourists and other visitors, and many are fascinated by the Dutch attitude towards soft drugs. All that may soon change, however. STEVE ECOTT has the details.

Amsterdam is a city famed for its beauty, its vibrant culture, and, like the rest of the Netherlands, its notoriously lenient approach to soft drugs – particularly marijuana. An estimated 35% of all tourists step through the doors of the city’s coffeeshops, with many visitors considering coffeeshops as a cultural pillar of the city and country. It’s obvious, given the government’s more liberal approach to applying stricter legislation, that there is an altering attitude towards marijuana. One of the most prevalent reasons is perhaps outside pressure for the city to ‘clean up its image’.

Tighter controls and regulations regarding marijuana could certainly be seen as an attempt to clean up both the city and the country’s image as a whole. But just how could this impact on tourism, businesses, and the financial stability of the city?

Coffeeshops have been a part of the Netherlands since the 1970s, when the government made a clear distinction between what was classed as a ‘soft’ drug and a ‘hard’ drug. This clear distinction allowed for the sale and use of ‘soft’ drugs in licensed venues throughout the country; however the actual act of producing and transporting marijuana was still illegal. Amsterdam coffeeshops currently exist in a legal gray area, much like they did in the 70s, created by Amsterdam’s City Council through agreement with the Coffeeshop Union (Bond van Cannabisdetaillisten). This agreement allows coffeeshops to operate with the provision of set, non-transferrable licenses shown by the display of an

official green-and-white sticker in the window, designating that the venue is licensed and therefore permitted to sell marijuana.

The sale of the country’s other ‘soft’ drug, the hallucinogenic mushroom or paddos – from the Dutch word “paddestoel”, meaning “mushroom” – was prohibited on November 1, 2008, following a string of incidents involving the substance. More than 200 variations of mushrooms were placed on the ban list, and are currently regarded under the Dutch drugs law (Opiumwet) as being as dangerous as cocaine or heroin. This extreme approach to fungi was taken after a constant spree of up to a hundred reported cases a year of individuals needing medical attention after consuming the drug. One tragic case involved the death of a 17-year-old French girl. As a result, the government banned all types of mushrooms bar the less potent “truffles”, which are still available in smart shops located throughout Amsterdam. These smart shops are regulated in much the same way as coffeeshops.

In 2011, the Dutch government increased pressure on the marijuana market, issuing guidelines to police forces stating that anybody caught in possession with “professional” growing equipment such as high energy lights, prepared soil, and ventilation, should be treated as a professional and prosecuted as such. Some spoke out to criticize the move, saying that it created a problem for coffeeshop owners, as it reduced their options and kettled them into purchasing

products from substandard and often illegal sources.

2012 saw a more radical change in legislation, with the introduction of an experimental ‘weed pass’ (Wietpas) in some southern provinces. The concept meant that coffeeshops had to keep a record of their customers and register them as members, and could not sell to non-members. In order to be a member of a coffeeshop, one would have to be a Dutch resident, meaning that foreigners could not purchase marijuana or even enter a coffeeshop. This experiment saw a boom in illegal street trade, and the scheme was abolished after just 6 months. What followed instead was a new law that essentially banned tourists from entering coffeeshops anyway, but, was optional for governing bodies to adopt. Amsterdam Major Eberhard van der Laan (PvdA) announced that the city would not be adopting the policy, and that foreigners would still be welcome into the city’s coffeeshops. The reasons for Van Der Laan’s decision are obvious: the marijuana industry brings in 1.6 billion euro each year, with 400 million euro going to the government in the way of taxes.

It’s apparent that coffeeshops and the marijuana industry as a whole provide a flourishing income for the government, but pressure to clean up the country’s – and particularly Amsterdam’s – image have led to changes in legislation. For example, in 2008, the introduction of more stringent zoning laws that banned coffeeshops from being within 1,000 feet

of a school or a bus stop led to the closure of 43 coffeeshops that year alone. Furthermore, a plan to limit the THC content of marijuana sold in coffeeshops to 15% is currently being considered. THC is the psychoactive substance present in marijuana that gives users the sensation of being ‘high’. Under new plans, any strains with a THC content of over 15% would be classed as being as dangerous as cocaine or heroin. Staggeringly, around 80% of the marijuana sold in the country’s coffeeshops has a THC content of between 15-18%.

High THC content products have been targeted specifically, due to their link with allegedly causing addiction and psychotic reactions. Nevertheless, this would be a huge blow to the industry, and no doubt its economy too.

If accepted, the change would make it harder for individuals to locate higher quality marijuana and would ultimately make Amsterdam an undesirable location for those concerned with the quality of their cannabis.

It is evident that the attitude towards the government’s new drugs policy is mixed, with some viewing it as a welcome attempt to clean up the city’s image, whilst others see it as counter-productive and creating a problem when there isn’t one. While the future of the legality of marijuana in the Netherlands is uncertain, it is apparent that pressure is growing on both sides of the argument. Is it just a plant? Or a symbol of the liberal culture that makes the Netherlands one of the ‘textbook’ countries to base legislation off?

TASTE THE VERY BEST OF ITALY!

Our shops offer only the best specialties of little farmers from several areas of Italy. Fresh products like Truffle, Vegetables, Pasta and also original dishes to take away. Try our “Servizio di Gastronomia” catering service!

The traditions, the love, the people…

That’s Amore

Il Tartufo

La Vita è Bella

La Zia Maria

Den Haag

Delft

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

www.qual-italia.com

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 6

Laan van Meerdervoort 188a

Tel. 070 - 324 70 90 www.thatsamore.nl

Minderbroerstraat 2

Tel. 015 - 214 35 77 www.iltartufo.nl

Oostzeedijk Beneden 229 Tel. 010 - 213 22 16 www.lavitaebellacatering.nl

Nieuwe Binnenweg 222a Tel. 010 - 270 92 95 www.laziamaria.nl

25-03-15 21:49

DIPLOMATIC

APRIL 2015 | 7

Azerbaijan: country of opportunities Nanda Jagusiak interviews the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Mir-Hamza Efendiyev H.E. Mr. Mir-Hamza Efendiyev – 1995-2012-Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the European Union, Head of Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Hellenic Republic, Ambassador at large, Since 2012-Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 1. Mr. Ambassador, how would you describe the current development of relations between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands?

In general, I would characterize the current relations between the Netherlands and Azerbaijan as dynamically developing. Recent years have been rich in reciprocal visits and meetings at various levels, such as the meeting between the President of Azerbaijan, H.E, Ilham Aliyev and Prime-Minister Frank Juarez Mark Rutte in the of Photo: the Netherlands, framework of the Davos forum; highlevel meetings during the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands in the framework of the World Nuclear Summit, which was successfully held in The Hague last year; the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands, and of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands to Azerbaijan, of the minister of Infrastructure and the Environment of the Netherlands to Azerbaijan; exchange of visits of high-level delegations in the spheres of migration, agriculture; the visit of Mayor of Rotterdam to Azerbaijan, in the course of which Rotterdam street was opened in Baku. By the way, Baku street in Rotterdam exists since 1952. Also, in the course of last two years, three business forums between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands were held in Baku which were attended by many Azerbaijani and Dutch companies operating in various fields. According to our Ministry of Economic Development and Industry, for the year 2014, the Netherlands were fourth in terms of foreign direct investments in the economy of our country, which is of course a very positive indicator. There are currently more than 100 companies with Dutch capital registered in Azerbaijan, which operate in various business sectors, such as service, trade, bank and insurance, industry, construction, transport, connection and other fields, many of which participate in largescale projects, and interest towards

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 7

Azerbaijan as a business destination is continuously growing. It is enough to say, that our consular section handles between 200-250 demands from Dutch citizens per month, a significant part of which are related to business. Taking into account the leading economic role of Azerbaijan in the region, sustainable development and attractiveness of our market, Azerbaijan, at the same time, successfully invests in the development of various infrastructure projects abroad.

All this said, I would also like to inform that the following AzerbaijanNetherlands Business Forum will take place next month, on April 2324, in Maastricht. During the event, business to business meetings, in fields such as agriculture, food, logistics, healthcare, water management, environment and others, will be organized.

2. The question of Energy security in Europe is very actual nowadays.

What is Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring Europe`s energy security and what is the impact of oil-gas industry to the economy of your country?

It is interesting to mention, that the very first oil field was drilled in Baku in 1846, and that resulted in the first oil boom. It has not only played a role in the exploration, but also in the overall infrastructure development, where the big role was played by foreign companies, such as the oil company belonging to Nobel brothers, established at that time in Baku.

Nowadays, more than 150 years later, Azerbaijan still stands among the world’s great oil and gas producing nations, and became a reliable partner for Europe in terms of energy supply. This became possible due to the far-sighted oil strategy of the late President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, implementation of which started with the signing of the historical agreement between Azerbaijan and the consortium of foreign oil companies, the “contract of the century” in 1994. This resulted in the new oil boom in our country and put a start to the well-known oil and gas projects such as, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, BakuTbilisi-Erzurum, the currently being implemented Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), and the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), groundbreaking ceremony of which was just held in Kars, Turkey several days ago and was attended by the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia. We are also implementing a joint railway project with Georgia and Turkey “Baku-Tbilisi-Kars”, which will create new transport and infrastructure op-

portunities from east to west.

In addition, I would like to underline, that even though hydrocarbons have always played, and still play an important role in the economic development of our country, one of the main priorities for our government is the diversification of the economy through directing oil and gas revenues into non-oil sector, and successful steps are taken in this direction.

Azerbaijan’s non-oil sector’s share in the overall GDP grows continuously, and according to our Ministry of Economic Development and Industry, in 2014 counted for 60%, and this positive trend is expected to continue.

3. In recent years, Azerbaijan has become the stage for various largescale international events, and will host the 1st European Games in Baku in June 2015. What are the expectations?

You are absolutely correct. Azerbaijan, in recent years, has indeed become a platform for many important large scale international events, such as International Humanitarian and Cultural Forums, World Championships, International festivals and contests, such as the “Gabala International Music Festival”, the “Eurovision” song contest which we successfully hosted in 2012, and many others.

And of course, as you have highlighted, we are now organizing the 1st European Games in history, which will take place in Baku in June 12-28, 2015. The European Games is a new format of major multisport event for the entire continent, and Baku is honored to host the inaugural edition of this large-scale event, with 6000 athletes competing in 20 different sports.

The interest for this multi-sport event is peaking globally, and according to the officials of the NOC*NSF, Dutch team is preparing for the competition very seriously and the country even shows interest in hosting the next edition of the European Games in 2019.

Our government fully supports the upcoming event and the organizational process is held on a very high level. In order to accurately describe the significance of hosting such an event, I would like to share with you the words said by the Chairperson of the Baku-2015 First European Games Organizing Committee, the first Lady of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, on the second session of the Coordinating Committee of the European Games in Baku: “The first European Games will become a beginning of new era in the sports movement, while Azerbaijan will become the

country to write the first page of this history.”

4. Could you tell us a little about the current innovations in Azerbaijan?

Creation of innovations and new technologies is one of the most important stages in the development of economy, and is one of the top priorities for Azerbaijani government. In recent years, our country has undergone a series of innovative reforms in nearly every sector of the country’s economy. A very significant importance is given to the modernization of public services. The Azerbaijani Service and Assessment Network Service (ASAN), is a great example of a highly successful innovative introduction in our country, and some countries currently show interest and consider applying the same concept home. The main purpose of this IT-driven centers is to deliver a whole range of public services under one roof, while eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic burden and ensuring total transparency.

The branches of ASAN are gradually opening throughout the country, and have become a sort of one-stop-shop in Azerbaijan for locals as well as foreign citizens.

Another major achievement for Azerbaijan was the launch, in 2013, of the first telecommunications satellite “Azerspace-1” into the orbit, which grants us the possibility to render telecommunication services globally.

Also, annually, for already more than 20 years, Baku is hosting the Azerbaijan International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition and Conference “Bakutel”, which has become a popular meeting place for the professionals working in that industry, from all over the world. A very important project to mention is the Establishment of the Regional Innovation Zone for information-communication technologies and electronic production, which will contribute to the sustainable development of the ICT sector. Given the experience of the Netherlands in innovative technologies, I consider this sphere being one of the most promising areas of cooperation.

5. How do you assess tourism potential of Azerbaijan?

Historically, Azerbaijan captivated a lot of attention, due to its unique and favorable location. We are located at the crossroads of East and West, and the famous Silk Road passed by Azerbaijan, which attracted travellers and merchants to our country. The rich historical, cultural and natural heritage makes tourism in Azerbaijan

very appealing, and the sector is currently growing intensively.

Medieval castles, temples, several UNESCO’s World heritage sites, fine cuisine, world-renowned Azerbaijani carpets, Mugham music and much more brings a continuously increasing number of tourists to our country.

According to our Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 3 million tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2014.

I would also like to highlight, that the climate of our country is unique, as 9 out of 11 of existing climatic zones are present in Azerbaijan.

Mostly, the weather in our country is sunny and warm, and swimming season starts in May, but at the same time, locals and visitors can also enjoy skiing at high-class ski resorts, such as “Shahdag”, throughout the year.

In Azerbaijan successfully operate such tours as “Silk Road tour”, “Ecological tour”, “Carpet tour”, “Alexandre Dumas in Caucasus” tour, “wine tour”, “Naftalan” (crude-oil treatment), “auto-safari”, “horse riding” and other tours. Among Dutch travellers, ecological tours to Azerbaijan constitute a popular type of recreation when visiting the country, which include visits to nature reservations, climbing routes and trekking. More information about all these tours organized in Azerbaijan can be procured at the consular section of our Embassy.

Of course, the choice of Azerbaijan as the host for the upcoming largescale events, such as the 1st European Games this June, Formula 1 “Baku European Grand Prix” in 2016, and several matches of UEFA “EURO 2020” will also contribute to an even greater influx of tourists and development of the tourism industry.

25-03-15 21:49

HEALTH

Preventing bone and vertebral fractures ally, the GP can then take over the monitoring from the rheumatologist.”

Expats, Speyer notes, sometimes come to Bronovo for a screening of their own accord. "This could be, for example, because osteoporosis runs in the family."

Depending on their story and the blood test, a Dexa scan or x-ray examinations are done. For this, they do need a referral from the GP for the insurance provider.

Osteoporosis screening at Bronovo Hospital Osteoporosis - you do not notice it, but it can have serious consequences. Patients from the age of fifty who are brought in with fractures are, therefore, screened for osteoporosis in Bronovo Hospital in The Hague, which recently merged with Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, another hospital in the city.

Osteoporosis, or bone loss, is a normal ageing process, in principle. Calcium content in the bone is reduced, bone accumulation changes in structure, and the bone becomes vulnerable without the person noticing.

The result: an increased risk of bone and vertebral fractures. "Today we have better drugs to treat osteoporosis. In addition to the nutrients calcium and vitamin D, there are medications to build calcium properly into the bone and to keep it there," says rheumatologist, Irene Speyer. "Alongside of that, you also want to be able to detect osteoporosis more actively. The sooner you detect it, the better. " For that reason, Speyer launched a screening programme more than ten years ago.

Standard appointment Patients older than fifty years of age who

are brought into the Accident & Emergency Department at Bronovo with a fracture, are automatically given an appointment for an osteoporosis screening. A separate referral from your GP is not required.

The screening consists of three parts, which are all done on the same day. First of all, a specialised nurse goes through a questionnaire with the patient. Speyer: "The patient is asked whether it occurs in the family, what the calcium intake is, about medication use and whether there are underlying diseases."

Next, a blood test will be performed to assess whether the organs that regulate the bone metabolism, such as kidney, thyroid and bone marrow, are functioning properly and to check if there is a vitamin D deficiency.

And finally, the bone density is measured with a so-called Dexa scan.

At the outpatient clinic, the patient is briefed by the rheumatologist about the results two weeks later. Speyer: "Based on the results, I give advice on medication; often a combination of calcium tablets, vitamin D and a bone-increasing medication. In exceptional cases, I prescribe a daily injection for the next two years which the patient can administer himself. Gener-

Calcium intake A known high-risk group for osteoporosis are women after menopause. They usually know that they must watch their intake of calcium by eating, for example, calciumrich dairy food. Many expatriates, both men and women, however, use very little dairy after childhood. Speyer: "The better the bone build-up at puberty, the longer it takes for problems to emerge. Expats can, therefore, be extra vulnerable."

Expats from southern, sunny countries, moreover, suffer more often from a vitamin D deficiency because they are used to avoiding the sun and will also do so in the Netherlands, says Speyer. "But the sun is a source for the generation of active vitamin D. This creates a deficiency."

As I have said: the problem is discovered only when complications, usually fractures, occur.

Rapid decrease in length or crooked skeletal growth may also indicate osteoporosis.

Accessible care The osteoporosis nurse can be reached every working day via phone or email for questions and information. The entire team - rheumatologists, osteoporosis nurse and outpatient secretary - speaks English. Osteoporosis clinic Bronovo, Monday - Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon, phone 070 312 43 46. E-mail: reumatologie@bronovo.nl.

The Bronovo Hospital and Medical Center The Hague recently merged. Now they form the foundation Medical Center The Hague and Bronovo-Nebo.

www.bronovo.nl

Information for expats Information meetings for expats Do you want to know more about information meetings for expats?

Contact: Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro Bronovo Expat Coordinator E: NJagusiak@bronovo.nl

Overseas Patients Administration Do you have any questions about the Dutch health care system, Bronovo Hospital, your insurance or the handling of your invoice?

Contact: Deborah Warmenhoven-Walmsley Overseas Patients Administration Assistant Patient Administration Office T: +31 (0)70 312 41 80 (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) E: DWarmenhoven@bronovo.nl Accident & Emergency department Emergency services are available seven days a week and 24 hours a day at Bronovo Hospital. The Accident & Emergency department is always open for everyone.

The A&E department (‘SEH’ in Dutch) T: +31 (0) 70 312 44 45 or T: +31 (0) 70 312 41 41 (central Bronovo number) Every A&E patient must produce proof of identity and a health insurance card.

Contact Medical Center The Hague and Bronovo-Nebo Bronovo Hospital Bronovolaan 5 2597 AX The Hague T: +31 (0)70 312 41 41 www.bronovo.nl

BRONOVO HOSPITAL Bronovolaan 5, 2597 AX Den Haag WASSENAAR HEALTH CENTRE Hofcampweg 65, 2241 KE Wassenaar BRONOVO SATELLITE OUTPATIENT CLINIC President Kennedylaan 15, 2517 JK Den Haag

BRONOVO HOSPITALITY Bronovo Hospital, which recently merged with Medical Center The Haque, offers general hospital services for the residents of The Hague and surrounding areas, especially for expats. At our hospital, employees and specialists work closely together in a multidisciplinary team to provide what we like to think of as health care with added hospitality.

Hollandtimes_april_links.indd 1 tht_april_2015_RV.indd 8

EXPAT SERVICE DESK On workdays from 8.00 - 16.30 hours: E mail: expat@bronovo.nl Anneke van Kooten +31 (0)70 312 40 16

17-03-15 21:49 16:53 25-03-15

H

15 16:53

economics

APRIL 2015 | 9

Another major Dutch retailer bites the dust

Junker: complement, not copy BRUSSELS | The European Fund for

Strategic Investments (EFSI) must focus on currently underfunded areas, so as to complement, not duplicate, other EU budget tools, said MEPs at an expert hearing on the Juncker investment plan proposals.

The hearing was held by the Budgets and Economic and Monetary Affairs committees with a view to shaping legislation for the investment plan. MEPs asked the speakers about a specific plan for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whether the EU budget contribution could be reduced and the €5 billion one from the European Investment Bank (EIB), increased, the risks of state participation in selecting projects, and ways to ensure that additional funds would actually arrive

Citigroup sells to Springleaf

NEW YORK | Citigroup Inc. (C) has agreed

Photo: Peter Kives

2015 is proving to be a rather tough year so far for well-known retailers in the Netherlands, with Blokker, Schoenenreus, and V&D so far coming a cropper in a tough economic climate. ALICE BURKE takes a closer look.

Our colleagues at Dutchnews.nl recently reported that low-price domestic goods store Blokker would be cutting its workforce by 440, with a total of 6% of the company’s jobs disappearing and many other jobs being switched to ‘more flexible working hours’. The drastic measures were blamed on stiff competition from upcoming budget stores such as Action and online outlets. “In order to remain competitive, we will have to adapt the staffing levels in half our shops,’”Blokker’s director Jack Peters said in a statement. “The company has no plans to shut stores at present and will also invest 25 million euro in e-commerce and IT,” news agency ANP reported. The FNV trade union said that the measures are ‘extremely painful’ and that it wanted to know exactly what is meant by ‘more flexible working hours’. Department store V&D announced pay cuts and a loss of 50 jobs at its headquarters, while Etam Group also announced over 60 full-time job losses. V&D announced in February V & D that it “continues to be open to “consultation with the unions to achieve the necessary wage cost.”

Industry journal RetailNews.nl predicted that Blokker, Schoenenreus, and V&D would not be the only ones in hot water this quarter. Frank Quix, the managing director of Q&A Research, had already suggested in late 2014 that the fashion industry was

facing a bankruptcy wave, with shoe stores being threatened with the first turn of the tide. January saw bankruptcies for Taft, Schoenenreus, and House of Shoes. The latter two chains have filed for bankruptcy in the past, which according to Quix highlights how difficult it is to restart a business after a bankruptcy filing. The Schoenenreus bankruptcy filing in 2013 was blamed on declining sales caused by the financial crisis and competition from online stores. The company later announced an action plan featuring fewer stores, a new formula and a loss of approximately 500 jobs.

There are many more problems in the retail landscape where these came from, Quix told the Dutch publication Vastgoedjournaal. “Dutch [consumers] not only buy less, but also shop differently,” he said, with a much greater share now going to online shopping. It’s reported that in 2007, twelve billion euro was spent on fashion and shoes, of which 285 million was spent online. A Facebook commenter on the situation, Danny Lukassen put it: “V&D, Blokker, schoenenreus… Millions are pumped into senseless, [but] on the drawing board beautiful concepts.

However, what is rarely invested in is knowledgeable staff.” In March, website Nu.nl reported that unemployment in the industrialized countries in December 2014 fell to its lowest

level since January 2009. Unemployment in the 34 richer countries that make up the OECD fell to 7.1 percent of the workforce in the last month of 2014. The total number of people unemployed in December stood at 43 million, which was 6.7 million less than at the peak of unemployment that was reached in April 2010. Unemployment fell slightly in December in the Eurozone, the U.S., and Japan.

Highlighting the perceived threat of low-cost and budget stores, a January report from Dutchnews.nl said that there are now more outlets of budget drugstore chain Kruidvat than any other type of store on the Dutch high streets, according to market research group Locatus. In total, there were 859 Kruidvat stores in the Netherlands last year. Second on the list was the Albert Heijn supermarket group, with 834 outlets.

Trailing in third place was household goods group Blokker, with 596 outlets. Blokker has just two more stores than the Gall&Gall wine and spirits chain, which is also owned by Albert Heijn parent Ahold. The top five is completed by Rabobank, with 554 branches. As an addition to the news of closures, Rabobank is expecting to reduce its retail network considerably this year, according to reports.

In 2013, Rabobank was second on the list, with 810 branches. Budget clothing group Zeeman, chemists chain Etos, the HEMA household

and clothes company, butchers shop Keurslager, and the Aldi budget supermarket group make up the rest of the top 10.

One chain that appears to be pushing against the tide is HEMA, with its international expansion gaining traction. Newsrepublic reported on HEMA’s move to the UK last year, announcing that in addition to its 660 outlets across Europe, it opened its first U.K. store in London’s Victoria Station, with two more to follow soon in Bromley and Kingston. British consumers were slightly cautious of HEMA’s claims of quality though, with the Telegraph asking if HEMA was really “just a posh Poundland”.

Dutch expats in the U.K. were spotted making pilgrimages to stock up on stroopwafels and eierkoeken. “I am so happy right now,” said 24-year-old Puck Van Zomeren, who has lived in Britain for a year but hasn’t previously been able to track down the elusive eierkoeken. “I have missed them so much.”

Perhaps Dutch retailers can take a lead from HEMA and bring a more international horizon to their future plans. If we can welcome an M&S, a Topshop, and a Primark successfully in the Netherlands, with a Dunkin’ Donuts rumoured to be headed our way too, maybe further brand swaps should be on the cards to ensure global success.

No lower taxation for e-books

Photo: Cristian Eslava

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 9

E-books must be subject to the full rate of value-added tax (VAT), and European Union countries may not extend tax exemptions for books to include e-books, the EU’s highest court ruled recently, adding that it considers downloadable e-books to be services. Most EU member states, with the exception of Bulgaria and Denmark, impose a lower rate of VAT on physical books than on other products and services. The lower rate for books is one of a limited number of exemptions allowed under the EU’s VAT Directive.

In January 2012, France lowered the VAT rate on e-books to 5.5 percent, and Luxembourg to 3 percent, matching the rates they levied on paper books. The European Commission asked the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to rule that the move breached the VAT Directive.

The directive only allows reduced VAT

to be applied to books on a physical medium, so the case turned on what the court considered to be a physical medium.

Last year, the CJEU ruled that reduced-rate VAT may be charged on e-books sold on a CD or USB stick, as those are physical mediums. However, while an e-book delivered over the Internet requires a physical support such as a smartphone, e-reader or computer in order to read it, this support is not included in the scope of the law, the Court ruled recently.

Moreover, it found that the VAT Directive excludes any possibility of a reduced VAT rate being applied to “electronically supplied services,” adding that the supply of e-books by download or web streaming is such a service. France and Luxembourg must now comply with the Court’s judgement as quickly as possible, raising the VAT on e-books to the

countries’ full VAT rates of 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

The only way to reduce the VAT rate on e-books sold over the Internet would be for the European Commission to propose a change in the law, a spokesman for the court said.

The Commission is planning just that—but not before next year, said its taxation and customs spokeswoman Vanessa Mock. “The Commission appreciates that member states may want to define their own priorities, including on culture policy, in their taxation policy. This should be done within the EU legal framework. This is why the Commission will address this matter through the extensive overhaul of the VAT system which is currently being prepared. We hope to be able to communicate on this next year,” she said.

to sell its consumer finance unit OneMain Financial to subprime lender Springleaf holdings Inc. (LEAF) for roughly $4.25 billion in cash, the company said recently.

Financial source TheDeal.com reports that this is the latest in the too-big-tofail bank’s efforts to reduce its size as it faces severe regulatory limits on capital distributions. Citi said that as of December 31, it represented about 5% of the bank’s assets, down from its peak of more than 30%. The sale and retirement of related funding is expected to result in additional earnings before taxes for Citigroup of roughly $1 billion.

Parking prices rising

THE HAGUE | The average increase in

car parking prices in 2015 is reportedly 6 percent; Amsterdam’s parking remains the most expensive while Haarlem’s fees increased the most. Four in 10 Dutch local authorities have raised parking fees this year and the average increase is 6 percent, retail association Detailhandel Nederland said recently. Haarlem has increased its fees the most – by a whopping 20 percent – the association said. By contrast, in Zoetermeer parking fees have actually gone down slightly. The most expensive place to park remains Amsterdam where it costs between EUR 5 and EUR 6 an hour to park.

Photo: Dan Kamminga

BAM to renovate airport

AMSTERDAM | BAM International has been awarded a 37 million euro design and construct contract for the rehabilitation and extension of Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Tanzania, which is situated between Moshi and Arusha in northern Tanzania. BAM expects to complete the works for Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO) in July 2016. The scope of work comprises the refurbishment of the terminal building (built in 1971), the construction of a new parallel taxiway, the extension of the existing apron and taxiways, including repairs on the runway, as well as the drainage and sewage works. Furthermore BAM will install new airfield ground lighting and floodlights along the apron. floodlights along the apron.

25-03-15 21:50

Disclaimer: The appearance and the contents of these two facing pages (pp.10-11) and the teaser on the front page are exclusively the full responsibility of the Venezuelan Government and the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Holland Times and its personnel are not accountable for any claim whatsoever. Any reaction should be addressed to the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 10

25-03-15 21:50

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 11

25-03-15 21:51

Jaguar

Jager Auto Blankespoor is the regional Jaguar Dealer. Under the direction of Richard Jongejan the dealer gives great service, as well as beautiful cars. : “We have all the Jaguar models ready for you to test drive; you are welcome experience the comfort, see the beauty and feel the passion of our service, brand and models at any time.”

Jager Auto, part of the Stern Group, already has two Jaguar and Land Rover dealer businesses in NoordHolland. The acquisition of Jaguar Blankespoor in The Hague fits this perfectly. The beautiful showroom and modern garage including expert mechanics is located on Neckar 1 in The Hague.

Powerful combination Stern has many brand dealers under their wings. The professional dealer organization is already represented in Purmerend and Heemskerk with Jaguar and Land Rover, under the name Jager. Richard Jongejan: ‘’A wonderful dealership is arising in the region Haaglanden that brings together professionalism, guaranteed mobility

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 12

and exclusivity under the name Jager Auto Blankespoor. There are many benefits to purchasing a new Jaguar at Jager Auto Blankespoor B.V. We have over 100 years of experience and offer 3 years of warranty without distance limitations. We also have a pick up and return service.”

Without Sales tax and BPM tax We offer very competitive rates on all the new Jaguar models, particularly for the specific group of people who work for the various Embassies and International organizations located in The Netherlands. For this group of discerning customers we are able to offer an additional reduction of 15% on the price after deducting the sales tax and BPM tax.

The history of Jager Blankespoor The company was founded in 1907

by Jan Blankespoor, the great grandfather of former director Hanneke Raaphorst. As a specialist in English brands it acquired dealership of Jaguar in 1967. Blankespoor became an exclusive dealer for Jaguar in 1990. In 2007, Jaguar Blankespoor had existed for hundred years. Richard Jongejan: ‘’The father of Hanneke, Kees Raaphorst, further developed Blankespoor into a great business. With the acquisition we build on that foundation. We add a dash of Stern. Better, more exclusive, and because Stern has a lot to offer, mobility is guaranteed.”

Future Ever since its establishment Jaguar has evolved from a producer of motorcycle sidecars to one of the leading automotive designers. Richard Jongejan: ‘’Jaguar has a future. There are many new models in the pipeline including a beautiful SUV. They will offer strong competition to the German car brands. With the XE Jaguar introduces an enormous innovation: the aluminum body construction. This lightweight car architecture, together with the advanced chassis technology and the new Ingenium engine family, offer unique benefits in this class.

The result: exhilarating performance, maneuverability, precise and alert steering, and refined and comfortable driving characteristics. You can

be proud when you have a Jaguar on your doorstep. Be surprised by what Jaguar has to offer. Exclusivity and professionalism are made tangible

by Jager Auto Blankespoor. The first floor in the wonderful showroom on Neckar is dedicated to enthusiasts of exclusive second-hand cars. There, leading brands are shown off and are waiting for their new proud owner.’’

Jager Auto Blankespoor Neckar 1 (Forepark) 2491 BE Den Haag 070 357 57 17 info@blankespoor-jaguar.nl www.blankespoor.nl

23-03-15 20:21

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 13

24-03-15 21:34

FEATURE

14 | APRIL 2015

Amsterdam’s independent cinemas

Photo: Franklin Heijnen

In the latest installment of “Amsterdam’s independent...”, MIMIS CHRYSOMALLIS takes readers on a tour of the capital’s many independent cinemas. One thing is certain: there’s much more out there than Pathé multiplexes!

Amsterdam moviegoers no doubt recall, perhaps not without a bit of nostalgia, the days when the city’s Filmmuseum was housed inside the elegant Vondelpark Pavilion. After having been nestled in Vondelpark’s green bosoms for almost 30 years (1975-2012) it was eventually moved to the new imposing EYE building on the north bank of Amsterdam’s waterfront, its futuristic design marking the end of one cinematic era and the beginning of another. Meanwhile, the last few years saw the emergence of an ever-increasing number of multiplex movie theaters that have come to dominate the existing landscape, largely define distribution patterns, and shape the preferences and habits of contemporary audiences. But alongside the operation of formal institutions and the seemingly unstoppable advance of multiplexes, there exists a parallel microcosm of independent movie theaters – a web of small film havens scattered around town, found in often unexpected yet irresistibly charming locations. This is the world of Amsterdam’s still-standing independent cinemas.

Kriterion Popular among students due to its close proximity to Roeterseiland (home to the faculties of Economics and Business and Social and Behavioral Sciences of the University of Amsterdam), Kriterion is a movie theater, student association, and café with a long and fascinating history.

It first opened its doors on November 6, 1945, with the aim of “enabling students at the Amsterdam universities to earn the cost of their studies.” Since 1982, it is being run independently by students according to a concept of non-hierarchical structure and direct democracy, thus maintaining an atmosphere of openness and creativity.

As a tradition, each calendar year opens with Orson Welles’s classic Citizen Kane (1941), while the academic year begins with a screening of Sergio Leone’s epic spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). In addition to its regular programming (which follows the style of directors such as David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, Jim Jarmusch, or Tom Tykwer),

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 14

Kriterion also hosts regular festivals and events organized by its employees, like Cinestud and Shorts! International Short Film Festival.

part of the local society.” As for the popularity of movie theaters like Rialto, Alessandro thinks the reason behind it is simple: “It reflects the varied interests of the society here. This is Studio/K why there is value in having diverse Following the successful formula of film offerings.”

Kriterion, where students not only work in order to fund their studies De Uitkijk but also learn in a creative way how Housed in a historic building on the to run a cultural venue, a sister as- Prinsengracht, De Uitkijk is one of sociation was born in 2007, inside an the oldest and most elegant movie old technical school at Timorplein in theaters in the Netherlands. First Amsterdam Oost. Named after one of transformed from a warehouse to the Kriterion’s former projection rooms, movie theater “City Cinema” in 1912, movie theater Studio/K also functions it was renamed De Uitkijk in 1929. as a café, restaurant, and part-time Dutch filmmaker Mannus Franken club. Its screenings alternate between (1899–1953), who served as the thequality new films and some of the ater’s director, was inspired by the more well-known art-house produc- Parisian avant-garde cinemas and tions. Special movie nights also take tried to create a similar atmosphere place, focusing on favorite classics, by showing pictures chosen by artists interesting premieres, or simply mov- and film connoisseurs, to ensure the ies the folks at Studio/K find worth high quality of the programming. His sharing. aspiration was to “create a movie theater instead of a cinema that shows Rialto art, no entertainment.”

The history of Rialto as a neighborEver since its reopening in 2007, hood cinema dates back to 1921. It De Uitkijk has been run entirely by a has operated in its current form since group of enthusiastic, film-loving stu1982, when the Amsterdams Film- dents who look after the entire operahouse Foundation took residence in tion: from the programming and pubthe cinema’s current building on the lic relations to film projection and the Ceintuurbaan. Following several ren- ticket desk. Thus, the cinema remains ovations, Rialto has now turned into faithful to Franken’s original vision a modern movie theater with three by offering a stimulating program of halls and an atmospheric café. Ri- high-quality art films, while providing alto’s main programming is primarily a truly unique cinematic experience aimed at European and non-Western thanks to its retro ambience and chic, films, with special programs (such as 1920s-style interior.

Rialto Podium, Rialto Classical and Rialto World) taking place where The Movies screenings are accompanied by an Situated in a 17th-century building introduction, an interview, or an af- right on the edge of Jordaan, this histerparty. toric movie theater was founded in “It is not a usual cinema, in the 1912 under the name “Bioscoop Tavesense that it shows all those less com- nu”. Two years later, it was changed mercial films nobody wants to show”, to “Cinema Hollandia”, serving as a explains Alessandro Raschellà (35), neighborhood cinema until World an Italian expat who has worked at War II. Although the post-war period Rialto as a volunteer for two years. saw many neighborhood cinemas For Alessandro, the social aspect is disappear, Cinema Hollandia manparticularly important: “It is a com- aged to survive and in 1971, it was munity-based experience. Through renamed to The Movies, retaining its outings and workshops, I did not only charming art deco interior while adlearn more about cinema, but also justing its program so as to include developed bonds with my colleagues. films of higher quality.

Working there was a good way to Popular among cinephiles for its meet Dutch people and felt like being cozy atmosphere and unique ambi-

ence, The Movies also houses a restaurant and a bar. Its programming features both popular new releases and art-house films, thus striking a balance between the commercial and the artistic. Interestingly, one of the projection rooms at The Movies had been screening Stanley Kubrick’s controversial A Clockwork Orange as a standard night movie for about eight consecutive years, a tradition that lived on even after it became possible to legally watch the film in the United Kingdom.

Het Ketelhuis One of the fairly recent additions to the world of Amsterdam’s independent cinemas, Het Ketelhuis came into being on March 29, 1999. Nestled inside Culture Park Westergasfabriek, it was born out of the need for a place where Dutch filmmaking could be nurtured, displayed, and promoted. In 2006, the theater underwent a major renovation with the addition of three new halls, and it now functions as a full-fledged, vibrant cultural venue.

Although the main focus is on Dutch and European art-house films, there is also room for more diverse offerings. Next to its standard programming, Het Ketelhuis also hosts lively debates on film and politics, as well as advance screenings during the monthly Amongst Friends evenings.

Filmhuis Cavia With only 40 seats, Filmhuis Cavia is Amsterdam’s smallest cinema – and one of the most charming. It emerged through a squatters’ movement in 1983 and has been running for over 30 years on minimal budget, screening films that are very hard (or impossible) to watch anywhere else.

The theater’s staff is comprised entirely of volunteers, and many people have been trained there as film operators and projectionists. Faithful to the do-it-yourself mentality of the squatters’ movement, Filmhuis Cavia has been the cradle of several film initiatives over the years including Roze Filmdagen, CinemAsia, and Klik!

Animation Festival. Its small but intimate foyer is true eye candy for cinema lovers, its walls covered with old film posters and a life-size replica of

Alfred Hitchcock with his cinematic birds greeting the audience. Last but not least, Filmhuis Cavia boasts to be the first cinema in the Netherlands where drinks and movie tickets can be purchased with Bitcoins.

An ecosystem of cinemas Amsterdam’s cinema landscape is constantly being reshaped, with older venues ceasing to exist and new ones springing up in their place. While legendary venues like De Roode Bioscoop (with a history dating back to 1913) no longer function as movie theaters, new initiatives targeting the city’s film-loving audience have met with warm response. Christian Pazzaglia (41), a freelance film programmer who is currently curating the art documentary series “Cracking the Frame” at Rialto, relates: “Even if here, as in the rest of the world, the general trend is negative – fewer people going to the movies, ageing audience, et cetera – Amsterdam seems to have room for even more screens, as the instant success of EYE and the Filmhallen seems to show.”

Christian moved to Amsterdam in 1999 and values the diversity and unique character of the city’s independent cinemas: “Since the radical cinema circuit of the 1970s, Amsterdam has always had a strong tradition when it comes to independent cinemas. No other city in the Netherlands and few in Europe have such a rich and multifaceted cinema landscape; a real ecosystem where so many different cinemas still find a way to coexist, each one with its own identity and loyal audience.” Between 2008-2010, Christian also worked as Head of Cinema for SMART Project Space, managing and programming its two cinemas. As he recalls: “I was the head programmer at SMART when the organization moved to the new venue in the Arie Biemondstraat. SMART was mainly an art space showcasing the work of upcoming artists, so the film program should complement the exhibition activities. We decided to work independently from the Dutch distribution circuit and to instead show only films that were not distributed in the Netherlands, giving special attention to the work of young

25-03-15 21:51

FEATURE

SEPTEMBER 2014 | 15

Photo: Erwin Verbruggen

filmmakers and visual artists.”

Today, the same building that used to house SMART Project Space (and previously the Pathological Anatomical Laboratory) hosts Cinema LAB111, which presents Amsterdam cinephiles with a fresh, experimental program including several animated feature films and unconventional documentaries. Other venues offering less commercial, specialized programming include cultural center De Balie (founded in 1982) and club Melkweg, both situated right off Leidseplein and with their own movie halls where film screenings, debates, special events, and festivals take place on a regular basis.

Photo: Carolina Georgatou

Amsterdam’s underground cinemas Next to this lively and ever-changing scene of independent movie theaters, special locations around Amsterdam also host film screenings in a more alternative and informal fashion. American alternative film curator Jeffrey Babcock (57) has been a programmer of several such underground cinema venues throughout the city since 2006. He usually focuses on lesser-known films that most people wouldn’t get access to easily: ‘’I am interested in taking all those films that have been forgotten about and put the spotlight on them.’’

In his screenings, Jeffrey always presents the audience with an informative introduction placing the films into historical, aesthetic, and politi-

cal context. As he explains, this can greatly enrich the viewing experience: ‘’A lot of the people who come to my screenings are not cinema nerds and don’t know much about cinema; I therefore try to give an idea of what a movie is about, and I think people need that context. If you give certain clues on how to look at a film, it can totally change someone’s experience of watching it.’’

For his underground screenings Jeffrey decided to go to places that didn’t normally show films, like De Nieuwe Anita, a cultural hotspot on Frederik Hendrikstraat that used to be a squat. Alternative screenings also take place in spaces like OT301, also a former squat and currently a multi-media alternative cultural cen-

ter located inside the building of an old film academy on Overtoom. The list of similar spaces goes on and on, as the popularity of alternative screenings is growing. ‘’The number of places that I am showing movies is increasing’’, Jeffrey says. ‘’There are so many people coming, purely based on people having a good experience and telling their friends about it. I personally feel that only bad products need to be marketed. If you have something that is valuable, people will start talking about it.’’

a very special city, even though it’s been changed, gentrified, and so forth.

I don’t think the screenings I am doing would be possible anywhere else in the world; not in the way that I am doing them. Amsterdam’s still got a very special spirit to it.’’

As long as the interest in quality, thought-provoking cinema is being nurtured and continues to grow among the city dwellers, Amsterdam’s vibrant independent film scene will continue to raise the level of culture and serve as a valuable counterbalance to the commercialization that is A cultural counterbalance regrettably dominating every aspect It appears, then, that the prospects for of today’s society.

Amsterdam’s alternative, independent film scene are not necessarily grim.

As Jeffrey puts it: ‘’Amsterdam is still

Photo: Erwin Verbruggen

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 15

25-03-15 21:52

DIPLOMATIC

16 | APRIL 2015

Why Celebrate 550 Years of Kazakh Statehood?

Words, particularly names, can have a great power. The name of Astana was suggested by President Nursultan Nazarbayev and has now become one of the brands strongly associated with the Republic of Kazakhstan.

But what about “Kazakhstan” itself? There was a discussion a year ago about the President’s proposal to consider renaming the country “Kazakh Yeli”. The great monument on Independence Square in Astana actually bears that name; and “Kazakh Yeli” actually means “the land of Kazakhs” or “Kazakhland”. Just as Deutschland, Poland, Finland and Thailand is a simple description of who, mostly, lives in each country.

In fact, “Kazakhstan” has exactly the same meaning as “Kazakh Yeli”, but in Persian (with “stan” meaning land). So where did this name of the sovereign state, which has been a member of the United Nations for the last 23 years, come from?

History textbooks tell us that the first use of the word “Kazakh” dates back to the late 13th century. It is considered to be of Turkic origin and it means “a free man”, i.e. “someone who left his tribe or clan to live a life of an adventurer.”

Many scholars believe that Russian word for “Kazak” meaning “Cossack” most likely originated from the same word.

When back in 1459 several clans followed Sultans Kerey and Zhanibek in defiance of Khan Abulkhair Sheibanid, the powerful ruler of “nomadic Uzbeks”, and migrated out of their native land to the valleys of rivers Shu and Talas, they were called “Kazakhs”, in the pejorative meaning of being “outsiders”. The union of tribes led

by Kerey and Zhanibek quickly grew in numbers and strength throughout 1460s and 1470s, “Kazakh” gradually became a name associated with the people behind the new military force and, subsequently, the name of the state that developed from it.

The key source on Kazakh khanate’s early history – Mirza Mukhammad Khaidar Douglat’s study “Tarih-i-Rashidi”, written between 1541 and 1546, labelled the new state “doulat-i kazak” (the Kazakh state). For a few decades in the late 15th century and the first decade of the 16th century, the heirs of Abulkhair Khan Sheibanid, or Uzbeks as they were known then, challenged the legitimacy of the Kazakh rulers’ claim to the title of khan. Unsuccessful in these efforts, they instead conquered the fertile lands between the Central Asia’s two largest rivers Syr Darya and Amu Darya, known from the earliest times to the Iranians as “the lands beyond the river (Amu Dariya)” or Maverannakhr in the Arabic language.

Having settled there, the Sheibanids dropped their ambition to “punish” their “rebellious” cousins.

From around 1510, and well into the mid-19th century, the territory to the north of the agricultural lands of Syr Dariya valley, were ruled by those who claimed the title of “khan” and lineage from Kerey and Zhanibek, and thus from Genghis Khan.

That those rulers were recognised as “legitimate” holders of the title is confirmed by the Russian colonial administration’s acceptance of the practice, long af-

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 16

ter most Kazakh clans and their leaders came under the Tsar’s protectorate in mid-18th century, and well into the first quarter of 19th century (the reforms of 1822-1824 cancelled the administrative references to Kazakh Khans, although in 1841-1847 the rebellious sultan Kenessary Kassymuly was recognised by most Kazakhs as their Khan).

It was around 1562 when the Kazakh khanate first became known in Western Europe. It appeared as “Cassackia” on a map drawn by Anthony Jenkinson, an English diplomat and traveller, to fill in the area between “Tashkent” and “Siberia”. Even if Jenkinson never visited this part of the Great Steppe, he was likely to learn about the Kazakh khanate from the Russians, as he was the

labour in nomadic societies. Because nomads do not live in settlements, there were no schools with specialised education. Enforcement of court decisions was problematic and was often based on voluntary acceptance of the punishment since there were no prisons and plenty of space into which to escape. Nor did a permanent army exist. The reality was leaders had little difficulty in quickly assembling a capable military force in case of a conflict or a war.

These factors naturally proved to be historical weaknesses that eventually led to the end of nomadic states between 17th and 19th centuries. The settled populations were more advanced and more powerful. But this does not deny the nomadic political entities their status as states.

the entire population, which has lived through historic experiences that have united “the people of Kazakhstan”. The clear reference to the “indigenous” Kazakh land links the modern state with its predecessor, the Kazakh khanate.

According to Ernest Gellner, the definition of nationalism is “primarily a political principle, which holds that political and national unit should be congruent.” Gellner relied on German sociologist Max Weber’s definition of state, i.e. “political unit”, as an agency which has a monopoly of ‘legitimate violence’ in a certain territory”. If we have a political unit of “The Republic of Kazakhstan”, what is a “national unit”? It is clear that the initial national unit that created the very idea of Kazakhstan were the ethnic Kazakhs.

550 Years Anniversary of Kazakhstan English Crown’s first ambassador to Moscow during the time of Tsar Ivan the Terrible.

A state of nomadic people have notable differences from that of a people with settled populations inhabiting towns and villages. Because of the nature of their economy, the nomads did not have much access to writing materials to document their everyday lives.

This, of course, hampered the development of a proper tax system to fund the functioning of the administration. It also explains why there are fewer historical sources shedding light on the developments in nomadic states like the Kazakh khanate. However, a rich oral tradition flourished and the Kazakh language now has few regional differences, despite more than 3,000 kilometres of distance separating western and eastern Kazakhs and more than 1,500 kilometres those living in northern and southern parts.

There was also less division of

In the case of Kazakhs, between 1465 and 1822, there was a distinct population of “Kazakhs”, whose rulers held the titles of “khans.” They were recognised descendants of the history’s most powerful conqueror, Genghis Khan, with legitimacy to rule. This history shows the statehood of the “Kazakh people”.

Today most members of the United Nations are nation-states.

The issue of “nation” is a more complicated and nuanced than a “state”. It will most likely remain a subject of heated academic debate for the foreseeable future and, unfortunately, will continue to be politicised. Kazakhstan, as most other political entities in the world, positions itself as a “nation-state.” The preamble of its Constitution begins with the statement, “We, the people of Kazakhstan, united by a common historic fate, [are] creating a state on the indigenous Kazakh land.” So the nation of Kazakhstan includes

There is an argument, though not particularly mainstream, that the political unit of Kazakhstan is not congruent with the national one. It claims that Kazakhstan’s contemporary borders are artificial and were simply drawn up

by Bolsheviks, while the nation of “Kazakhs” was artificially modelled on Stalin’s imagination of “national policies”. But it is hard to see what the evidence to support this view is.

It is true, of course, that many modern nations in Asia and Africa bear traces of purposeful modelling along the lines drawn from the 19th century European and American experiences of nationbuilding. But a nation is rarely sustainable without some “ethnic” origins – a bond through people who have inhabited the particular territory for generations and feel connected to the land. Otherwise, the attempt to create a nationstate is most likely to fail.

This bond is what helps define

the modern nation of Kazakhstan.

It was “modelled” to reflect the living historical bond with the Kazakh people and their heritage.

Borders of the nation with this name took shape mainly in 1920s when the Kazakh Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was created. The borders may have been drawn in Moscow but the decisions came after protracted debates involving the representatives of local communists. These included former members of the Alash Orda “national(ist)” movement, which rallied in 1917-1919 for the creation of territorial autonomy for Kazakhs within a new democratic statehood of Russia.

The borders they proposed were based on the most relevant demographic and statistical data of the time, such as the census of the Russian Empire’s population in 1897. According to this census, speakers of “Kirgiz-Kaisak”, – the Kazakh language – numbered more than four million people at the time and constituted more than 80% of the areas within the “artificial” borders of contemporary Kazakhstan. So part of the reason for Kazakhstan’s politically stable development must be due to this congruence between the “national” and “political” units, created by the Soviets in the early 1920s.

The 20th century, however, has turned Kazakhstan into a multiethnic, multicultural society that it is today. A major change in the country’s demographic structure was shaped by several waves of mainly voluntary, economically motivated migrations of Slavic (Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians) and some Turkic groups (Tatars, Uighur, Uzbeks), along with the Stalin era’s involuntary resettlements of Germans, Poles, Koreans, Chechens, and other Caucasian peoples.

Kazakhstan’s good fortune is that, despite these shake-ups, these diverse groups have lived in harmony with each other. The country has experienced no major conflict along ethnic or religious lines. Moreover, the hardships of forced collectivisation, being part of the Soviet Union’s grand war effort against Nazi Germany, post-war reconstruction, and then the break-up of the USSR and the difficult adaptation to a free market economy that followed, all brought the people of different ethnicities closer together, strengthening tolerance and the need for mutual understanding and solidarity. These challenges have helped unite them into a single group – “the people of Kazakhstan”. Whether you call it a “Kazakh nation”, in line with international thesaurus, is a matter of a secondary importance.

Then why at all celebrate the Kazakh khanate’s anniversary?

For the same reason people mark anniversaries of a major past event all around the world. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of our background, reflect on the journey of our culture and strengthen the understanding of who we are. The celebration of 550 years of the Kazakh khanate will help further unite all of us who chose to live in the land of the Kazakhs as one “people of Kazakhstan” and will strengthen our links with this land.

27-03-15 09:06

TECHNOLOGY

APRIL 2015 | 17

New plans for bicycle parking in Amsterdam

Photo: Kluyt Photo:Onno TEDxHagueAcademy

881,000 bicycles in a city of 801,000 people is an astounding statistic. But Amsterdam, a city that prides itself on its two-wheeled way of life, is facing a serious problem – one that is becoming too big to ignore. STEVE ECOTT delves into the matter.

While it’s lush with grand parks, sweeping pavements, and beautiful streets, Amsterdam is simply running out of places for its citizens to park their bicycles – there are 881,000 bicycles and only 400,000 official parking spaces. Bicycles that are not parked in designated spaces are liable to being removed by authorities, with an estimated 73,000 bicycles removed in 2013. At a cost of 70 euro per bicycle, this amounts to a cost of 5,110,000 euro in 2013 alone; a significant amount for the taxpayer to incur. As a result, Amsterdam City Council have announced ambitious plans to counter the rampant problem of bicycle parking, taking advantage of the latest in technology to ensure Amsterdam sustains its position as a city of the future in every aspect.

One of the proposed ideas is a set of floating ‘islands’ that could accommodate 2,000 bicycles each. The suggested locations for these ‘islands’ are near the city’s Central Station, a notoriously difficult area to park bicycles.

With the ‘islands’ being on the water, this alleviates the need for expensive construction on city land, freeing up this space for other uses. The work on the islands is due for completion

in 2020, and will alleviate a significant amount of the bicycle congestion around one of the city’s busiest major transport hubs.

The most impressive proposal will also be the most effective, with a mammoth capacity of 21,500 parking spaces. The enormous capacity is made achievable due to one incredible fact: it’s underwater. The parking complex will be situated under the IJ, also known as Amsterdam’s waterfront, and would provide a huge alleviation to the city’s congestion of bicycles around its Central Station.

Further, the geography of Amsterdam is well-suited to the concept of underground construction, with the city’s canals resting on top of 30 meters of waterproof clay, which, when mixed with sand and concrete, could easily create a resilient and cost-effective solid structure.

Initially, the underground garage would house 7,000 spaces, with plans to reach its final capacity of 21,500 by 2030. The garage would also be linked to the train and metro systems via tunnels, alleviating bicycle traffic itself from the surface. This would mean safer travel for both citizens on foot and those opting for two-

wheeled transport. While this initial concept sounds ambitious and somewhat unrealistic at first, with a staggering 57% of Amsterdam’s population using their bikes daily, the need for further parking and a safe place to store bicycles has never been more essential.

The technology behind the underwater garage would combine sophisticated and efficient forms of bicycle storage, potentially styled on the likes of the ECO-cycle, an underground storage facility in Japan. The ECOcycle has limited surface presence in the form of a booth, in which commuters can place their bicycle and, with the swipe of a special ID card, can have their bicycle whisked away below their feet. The underground workings of the ECO-cycle work like an industrialised vending machine, with a central crane-like mechanism responsible for the transportation and placement of the bicycles. This crane can rotate 360 degrees, allowing access to the full potential of its surroundings, which take the form of a series of ‘parking spaces’ where bicycles can be safely stored. While the ECO-cycle can only store 204 bicycles, it is no doubt a building block

from which to create the framework for this lavish underground behemoth beneath Amsterdam.

This sub-surface construction is not the government’s only ambitious plan to make the most of the city at every level. 2008 saw a 7.4 billion euro plan unveiled that intended to create an underground ‘city’ compromising of over 1 million square feet of floor space, alleged to include retail, leisure, and parking facilities.

This principle of building below the surface would significantly reduce the cost of purchasing property, as the space is much more widely available than that on the tightly crammed, slightly claustrophobic surface. The process for building this city would include initially draining the canals, so as to allow the canal floors to be properly sealed prior to commencing construction underneath them.

The country as a whole has seen gradual improvements to improve the safety and efficiency of cycling as a whole, particularly in Rotterdam – but this time, on the surface. From 2007-2011, the city set out a new cycling policy, aiming to get more residents in bicycles by making it a more attractive method of transporta-

tion, as well as by improving parking availability. A special fast-cyclingroute (Snelfietsroutes) was constructed between Rotterdam and Delft and included specially constructed pavements, with the route minimizing the impact on cyclists, including fewer junctions and needs to stop at traffic signals. Once opened, 28% of cyclists interviewed on the route were new to cycling, of them 4% used to travel by car. While initially only a small minority, the number of citizens taking advantage of fast-cycle-routes such as those between Rotterdam-Delft will no doubt grow.

It is evident that cycling holds a firm place in the future of the Netherlands, and in particular in busy cultural and business hubs such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The proposed plans would provide welcome relief to not only the cyclists of Amsterdam, but also its residents, with nuisance parking soon to be a thing of the past. These plans not only outline the solutions to fundamental problems, but also touch upon futureproof ideas that will keep up with the constantly evolving nature of one of the busiest cities in the world.

Twitter redesigns announced for 2015 Wildly popular social media site Twitter announced in a recent interview that it will significantly redesign its home page and more this year, said the Tech Times. Vice President of Product Kevin Weil and Vice President of Engineering Alex Roetter spoke on the changes that they plan on making in 2015. With the company’s earnings beating expectations, stock up several percent, and 20% growth in active user growth, Twitter is showing that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The past few weeks have found Twitter introducing a variety of new features to the public. From group messaging to native video services, Twitter has made interested parties curious about what’s next for the social media site’s product. Tweet trans-

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 17

lation has also been shipped recently, which should make Twitter nerds rejoice around the globe.

New versions of the Twitter homepage could make the site more welcoming for users who are still on the fence about joining the real-time messaging service. For the past year, CEO Dick Costolo has been urging his team to redesign Twitter so that it is easier for mainstream use, especially for new users. A particular focus has been made on making it easier for Twitizens to find fellow interesting people to follow. Yet, a big design overhaul or a complete remake of Twitter — the type that Facebook used to do on an annual basis — still has to happen. TechCrunch, the site that chatted with the dual VPs of Twitter,

noted that Twitter has been previewing a new look homepage that features a grid view. Currently, the site’s homepage just has a simple timeline of activity, but, according to TechCrunch, Twitter aims to change all that. As the proposed homepage design begins to filter around to users, Twitizens would be sorted between users and activity into a grid. Said grid would then leave space available for showcasing videos and photos, which is seemingly a revitalized effort on Twitter’s part to combat competition. If all goes well with the homepage redesign, Twitter won’t stop at just that. “Work is getting under way to change the way that Twitter looks and works substantially in 2015,” says TechCrunch.

Photo: Andreas Eldh

25-03-15 21:52

Rent a luxurious apartment in the heart of the hague

New development: Fully renovated luxurious rental apartments

Palladium Nederland has developed four apartments and a shop unit in a late 19th-century monument (1870) on the charismatic Denneweg, known for its stylish fashion and beauty stores, antique stores and wide variety of nice restaurants and bars. It is only 50 metres away from the Lange Voorhout, and within walking distance of government buildings, the train station and other city centre locations.

DENNEWEG 4, the hague 2 Bedrooms with build-in wardrobes · 2 Luxurious bathrooms · Stylish, high-quality, open-plan Miele Kitchens · New floors, curtains, net curtains, fireplaces · Alarm system, video intercom, balanced ventilation system · Authentic details such as wooden beams, stained glass and a staircase from 1870 · Prices between € 1750,- and € 2600,-

Palladium group: Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Switserland, UK, Netherlands, USA.

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 18

27-03-15 09:03

ARTS & CULTURE

APRIL 2015 | 19

Daniella Rubinovitz: artist, author, all-round ‘Wonder Woman’

Photos: Daniella Rubinovitz

BILL STEVENSON talks to multi-talented Daniella Rubinovitz about academics, business, her newly published book, arts retreats, and her unique approach to S.M.A.R.T. arts therapy.

Super powers might be useful if you plan to earn several degrees, including a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, a Master’s, and an MBA, while zooming around the globe on a regular basis.

‘Wonder Woman’ Daniella Rubinovitz might just fit the bill! Besides her various academic accomplishments, she has uncommonly bridged the gap between art and business, utilizing both hemispheres of the brain. Born in Rotterdam to expat parents who came to the Netherlands for the family leather business, Rubinovitz uses her Dutch base to combine her various interests.

She added to her initial degrees with another in arts therapy as well as becoming a certified professional coach.

Rubinovitz holds two U.S. patents and recently published her first book, SMART-How Art Inspires Action in Business. Amazon.com is planning a special book launch event for her in the near future, as well.

How did her journey begin? Her family has artistic interests, with her mother’s needlepoint and her father’s painting. After attending the American School of Rotterdam for her first eight years of education, she transferred to the American School of The

Hague for high school. Her first U.S. stop was at Tufts University, known for its quality education and internationalism, where she majored in fine art and computer graphics. After earning a BFA, she faced the choice of direction; either fine art or commercial art. The commercial branch won out… for the moment. She then earned a Master’s in Industrial Design from the Pratt Institute. After a rewarding ten-year stint as a designer, it was time for her to pay greater attention to her own art, along with a growing interest in personal development. Here’s where arts therapy came into the picture, adding a new challenge to Rubinovitz’s wide interests.

Eventually, she became a CPCC (certified professional coach), as well.

Rubinovitz’ entrepreneurial spirit took over and through her new business, Atelier Molenpad, she discovered, “It’s the glue between all I was doing!” Her week-long art retreats attract people from literally all over the world: Iceland, Chile, Canada, Italy, and from all across the United States, including California. While working outside of “corporate” has its joys, Rubinovitz saw a partial return as

only ‘natural.’ She saw how arts therapy could apply to business. “Before I even had the pamphlets printed, I got contacted by Philips.” Apparently, corporate envisioned her return before she did. It was during this experience that Rubinovitz felt something she had been missing, a feeling of being part of the team. She explained how arts therapy differs from art therapy, besides just adding an ‘s.’ While art therapy delves into the internalized area of the psyche, arts therapy is more ‘pure’ and diagnostic. She summed up the main difference, “Arts therapy is actually pretty concrete.”

Rubinovitz developed her S.M.A.R.T. model to help her work with all her students, both corporate and otherwise. Each letter stands for another phase in her formula: *S - Space is created for one’s mind to thrive, without day-to-day distractions. *M - Move the body, as a warm-up and to prepare for the release of creative energy. *A - Art is about to be produced.

There is fun and play, as well! *R - Read what has been created, and verbalize the nonverbal art.

*T - Track what has been learned, and act on it.

Space does not only refer to physical space, but also to the mental aspect, and to making time for it in one’s hectic schedule. Where an individual wouldn’t necessarily have a goal for a session, a business group taking part most definitely should.

Rubinovitz describes this as defining a topic. Exercises for both types of clients help de-clutter the mind. Art? That’s what this is all about. However, one can block their ability to produce anything, due to preconceptions of what is ‘art’ and what standard it should be. Deciding on when a work is ‘finished’ is quite a difficult end step. ‘Reading the piece of art’ sparks brainstorming and learning from the exercise is the main point. This is when the nonverbal communication of art becomes verbal. ‘Tracking’ refers to actually taking action without procrastination. Commitment is needed to ‘sail’ a new course. An interesting concept Rubinovitz displays in her book is not only saying ‘yes’ to a new course of action, but also saying ‘no’ to an old, unproductive one.

With her formula devised and put to

use, why write a book? “I needed to put all the information in one place!” she explained.

Rubinovitz’ S.M.A.R.T. helps companies to understand what their customers really want, increasing viewpoints/perspectives, and to get teams to play ‘bigger.’ Individuals in either world can be helped to reach their full potential. Rubinovitz’s adventure is only beginning! She has her company and personal development pursuit, which can be seen at www. unleashavision.com. With her other project, one can enjoy a week-long art retreat by accessing www.ateliermolenpad.com. In a third area, Rubinovitz has her own art to keep her busy, ranging from painting to multimedia.

New interests may come along. “I enjoy diving in and combining them!”

Overall, she will continue to be a team player working with companies, but has also realized how to reach this same goal with individuals, as well. When asked who her team was now, she quickly replied, “Everyone who comes to me!”

www.ateliermolenpad.com

Award-winning animation of the Panorama

Photo: Cheryl White

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 19

The Panorama Mesdag is set to be a central character in an animated film this summer. Former Den Haag resident Cheryl White and an internationally renowned cast will converge on the Panorama Mesdag to make the film Before Babel which tells the story of a mother’s search for peace after the death of her son. Using a combination of animation and live action, the story is told through words shared between the Dutch and English languages, and will bring the beautiful Panorama Mesdag to life.

British writer and director Cheryl first visited the Panorama Mesdag in 2009, and was instantly smitten with the painting: “From my very first visit to the Panorama Mesdag, I knew I wanted to create something that had this awe-inspiring piece of art at its

center. I was living in Den Haag at the time and wanted to write a piece that used words shared by the Dutch and English languages. Unfortunately there are not many, but what words there are, I’ve weaved into the script of Before Babel.”

Thanks to funding by the Den Haag municipality, a short version of the film was produced in 2013. It screened at the Holland Animation Film Festival, and won awards for ‘Best Film’ and ‘Most Innovative Film’ at the WOW festival in the UK last year. Those wins prompted Cheryl to want to make the longer version of the story: “The awards were really great, and because people were responding so well to the story, I felt I needed to make the longer story. In this new version, we will have the

characters moving in and out of the painted Panorama, and interacting with the painting in almost a spiritual way. It’s going to be stunning.”

Cheryl and her team of talented film makers have recently launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the final funds needed to make the film.

The campaign was very successful; it raised over 106% of the necessary budget. This means the production team will be able to start filming in The Hague in the early summer of 2016. Cheryl White is very happy with the support she and her team received through their crowdfunding campaign: “This is a wonderful opportunity to show off one of The Hague’s best-kept secrets to the rest of the world.”

25-03-15 21:52

Looking for a convenient & simple method to enjoy your privileges?

Multi-brand tax-free fuel card

With this card Diplomats working in the Netherlands can fuel up fast and VAT-free at all fuel stations in the Netherlands. Just use the fuel-card in the terminal at the gas station, give in your code and start filling your tank. The tax will automatically be withdrawn from your bill.

VAT-free card

With this card Diplomats benefit from their privilege to purchase goods VAT-free, directly at the point of sale. With the VAT-free Card you no longer have to pay VAT upfront and then claim it back. It’s a double win: you save money at purchase and no time needs to be spent on administration.

In-house scanning service

“No more forms are needed for VATfree transactions and reimbursement”

To unburden you further from the hassle of the VAT-reimbursement process, Diplomatic Card Company has developed a fully automated in-house scanning service for VATreimbursement. This fully operational system is approved by the Dutch Ministry of Finance and is perfect for handling large amount of small tickets. So stop the bureaucratic fuss, just scan your receipts at the office and Diplomatic Card organises your VAT-reimbursement within 48 hours. It’s safe, simple and swift.

Diplomatic Card offers innovative services to Diplomats for Fuel and VAT.

With Diplomatic Card no more forms are needed for VAT-free transactions Our goal is to make your stay in the Netherlands as comfortable and as and reimbursement.

hassle-free as possible.

So contact Diplomatic Card Company today on +31 76 54 87 344 or register on www.diplomaticcard.com to get your Fuel & VAT card For further information withinplease 48hrs. contact Diplomatic Card Company today

on +31 76 54 87 344 or register on www.diplomaticcard.com to get your Fuel & VAT card within 48hrs.

DIPLOMATIC CARD THE TAX-FREE FUEL & VAT SERVICE

Diplomatic Card Company - Your tax free fuel & VAT service partner

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 20

25-03-15 21:52

REVIEWS

APRIL 2015 | 21

RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE PENTHOUSE: Top Floor Restaurant At the very least, stepping out of the elevator on the 42nd floor of The Hague Tower, the view alone will make the evening special! What about the food?

Chef Bart Middendorp designates a dish at each stage of the menu as a ‘chef’s signature dish’. Among the starters, this was the ‘Tuna Tuxedo’: seared tuna with sesame, poppy seed, and ginger soy. Its subtle flavors were a preview of the night’s meal.

Although the tuna itself didn’t provide the body one hoped for, it was still quite good. More of a stunner was the ‘Salmon Shapes’, smoked salmon à la minute, with a hint of Jack Daniels. The ‘hint’ was provided by a perfume atomizer filled with the Tennessee gold. This was followed by another chef specialty, ‘St. Jacob’: roasted scallops on a parsnip puree, white chocolate, bacon, and an amazing frothy hazelnut sauce! This certainly was an incredible bit of artistry. “A ten!” exclaimed my dining companion enthusiastically.

One main course consisted of ‘Starducks’, roasted duck breast, pumpkin pancakes, salsify, and cranberry sauce. It was nearly as good as the previous course; a nine out of ten. However, the ‘Serious Shrimps,’ stir-fried prawns on a garden herb risotto and topped with blanched spinach and a delectable frothy shellfish sauce, was this writer’s favorite of the evening! It was

simply a fantastic combination of gastronomic mastery, even though the risotto was a tiniest bit chalky.

Finishing the meal in grand style was ‘Dark Desire’, described in the menu as a chocolate medley. It could also be written about as a delightful voyage of discovery as one works their way down through the chocolate mousse to the chocolate ice cream, brownie bits and the Callebaut chocolate! For a chocoholic, this was a great finale to the meal.

Manager Dirk and his attentive staff were extremely professional and personable throughout the evening. You may think a fabulous view might come with a staggering price, but surprisingly, this is not the case; main courses run from 20 to 36 euros. Facilities are very wide ranging with many possibilities, including VIP rooms and business suites, including dining options for 2 to 200 guests. If big flavors are one’s dining pursuit, then The Penthouse would not be the place to go. However, if brilliant subtlety is, then by all means, visit the Netherlands’ The Penthouse Restaurant and Sky Bar & High Society tallest restaurant!

Rijswijkseplein 786 2516 LX The Hague 070 - 305 1003 http://www.thepenthouse.nl

(BILL STEVENSON)

FOOD

film REVIEW

Borscht and the Universe: Ça Change

Frank

The food culture of the Netherlands is such that good takeout options are few. Aside from Surinamese, the choices are either inedible (let’s not even start about doner kabob, and most Chinese food here is decades behind the times; a gloppy, And the washing up? Let’s not push it. sweet-and-sour mess) or expensive (good pizza for four costs the same as a week’s worth of home- (Il Pacifico)

Michael Fassbender could well be accused of having a ‘big head’. After all, he is currently one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, with roles in Box Office and critically acclaimed successes such as Inglourious Basterds (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011) and 12 Photo: Cineville Years A Slave (2013).

In Frank (2014), the muscley actor spends most of the movie playing the central character in an actual large fiber-glass head. Looking like a 1930s Fleischer cartoon come alive, Frank is the leader of an obscure underground band known as The Soronprfbs. Co-written

by Jon Ronson and Peter Straughan, the writers of The Men Who Stare At Goats (2009), this movie follows the exploits of a dysfunctional group of Avant-Garde musicians led by the savant genius Frank.

The story is based on a memoir by Jon Ronson, who worked with underground comedian/ musician Frank Sidebottom (a.k.a. Chris Sievey) in the 1980s, playing keyboards for the legendary performer in The Oh Blimey Big Band. Both head and name are derived from Sievey’s quirky

music

book REVIEW

Matt Haimovitz & Christopher O’Riley – BEETHOVEN, Period.

Damaged Lives

Unlike Haydn or Mozart, who never composed sonatas for cello and piano, Beethoven did so over three distinct periods in his career. It was in Berlin in 1796 where Beethoven met the celloplaying King of Prussia Friedrich Wilhelm II and, impressed by the high quality of musical activity at the Potsdam court, was inspired to compose his first set of cello sonatas (No.1 in F Major and No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5). During the same period, Beethoven also composed three sets of variations based on popular themes from Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus and Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69 was written in 1808, an immensely productive period in the composer’s career (in the same year, Beethoven also completed and published his Fifth and Sixth Symphonies). Seven years later, in 1815, Beethoven returned to the genre with his final set of sonatas (No. 4 in C major and No. 5 in D major, Op. 102). Even today, two centuries after they were composed, these late sonatas sound and feel surprisingly modern. One can only imagine how odd and incomprehensible they must have seemed to Beethoven’s contemporaries.

Nico Swaan is clearly a writer who believes in talk – talk as a way of both hurting and healing. There’s plenty of both in this melancholy love story, which unfolds against the backdrop of Ireland’s Troubles.

Thomas, a young American journalist posted to Belfast in the late 1970s, falls in love with Saoirse, a local barmaid. His newspaper soon sends him back to the United States and then to London. Saoirse is intent on making a life for herself in Ireland, so they are rarely together as the years go by, but in a way, they are also rarely apart. Neither of (JONATHAN GILL) them is able to escape the pain that every person Available at the English Bookshop

cooked dinners, and the tasty ready-mades from the likes of the Stach chain are even dearer). Our local falafel place disappeared, and anyway, the charm is gone by the time it comes through the door.

Photo:George M. Groutas The change is upon us. The boys are finally, really, truly old enough to get themselves out in the morning (no breakfast, of course) and get themselves in in the afternoon (second lunch at 5:30), which means that She Good Woman and Il Pacifico can – must? – work harder than ever. And who wants to come home and cook at that point?

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 21

The obvious soution is to let the children make dinner – excuse me, make them make dinner – which is good for everyone. Of course, simplest is best. Any teenager can put together a salad with an omelette, perhaps accompanied by some good bread and cheese. Pasta is also a good bet, and there’s no easier kind than Marcella Hazan’s simple tomato sauce. It’s just three cans of diced tomatoes, poured onto a large onion that’s been cut up and sauteed in five tablespoons of butter. Simmer 45 minutes and salt to taste – Hazan says it’s best at the end to discard any large pieces of tomato or onion that remain, but isn’t that where the life is? Serve over 750 grams of pasta and you have a perfectly fine dinner for four. If the junior chefs feel more ambitious, they can sautée half a kilo of ground beef with the onion, or a diced eggplant, or even sliced artichokes from a can, or all three. All that red demands some green, and there’s nothing easier than mixing up some greens with chunks of feta, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

Beethoven’s complete sonatas and variations for fortepiano and violoncello are given a new treatment by Israeli-born cellist Matt Haimovitz (who attracted international attention by performing Bach’s cello suites in night clubs across the United States in 2002) and American pianist Christopher O’Riley (host of NPR’s popular radio show From the Top) in ‘BEETHOVEN, Period.’, the first title in the new PENTATONE OXINGALE series. Given the amount of existing recordings and the high stature of earlier interpretations (e.g. by Mischa Maisky and Martha Argerich, or Mstislav Rostropovich and Sviatoslav Richter), one may ask: what is it that makes this recording so special?

The answer can already be found in the album’s title: the use of period instruments. Haimovitz plays his own Goffriller cello (crafted in Venice in 1710), while O’Riley plays on an original Broadwood fortepiano made in 1823, the model that immediately followed the one Thomas Broadwood sent to Beethoven himself in 1817 as a gift. It is the nuances of these remarkable instruments and the dynamics between them, brought forth by the skilled and imaginative performances of Haimovitz and O’Riley, that give this recording a unique place in the discography of Beethoven’s works for cello and piano.

Available at: www.pentatonemusic.com (MIMIS CHRYSOMALLIS)

Damaged Lives Nico Swaan

cult character, but the similarity ends there. This is not a biopic, and the lighthearted comedy of Frank Sidebottom is missing in this often dark movie. According to the writers, elements of other outsider musicians, such as Captain Beefheart and Daniel Johnston, are woven in.

The story begins as Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) is recruited to play keyboards for The Soronbrfbs. Gleeson, well-cast in the everyman role, is a nerd out of his comfort zone. Moving to their new home by a secluded lakeside in Ireland, Jon becomes fascinated by the artist behind the giant head. With Frank’s example of artistic integrity, he sets out to push his own creativity to new heights. In his way is Clara (Maggie Gyllenhaal), the deeply hostile synth and theremin player. Also in the band are the Mo Tucker-like Nana (Carla Azar) and bass player Baraque (Francois Civil).

Both actors are fêted musicians in real life. Awardwinning Irish director Lenny Abrahamson and his musical collaborator Stephen Rennicks composed original songs which the band played live, giving the music an authentic feel on the soundtrack.

However, the plot is overly reliant on the band’s songs sounding like plausible hits. The music does do its job, though, and the last track “I Love You All “ is decent enough – in a happy, hipster kind of way. Overall, Frank is a life-affirming rite-ofpassage movie with a big heart and a big head.

(QUENTIN THREADBARE)

experiences, nor are they able to avoid the far less inevitable disaster that was Northern Ireland until very recently, though they are able to offer each other some comfort.

Swaan’s protagonist can’t remain objective as he documents the harm done by political fanaticism on both sides, or the harm done by the victims striking back – he can’t seem to choose sides, be it in love or politics. So the impotence, both political and sexual, that helps shape the novel, functions both as the punishing effect of events as well as their tragic cause. As a writer, Thomas, like his creator, shies away from ideologies, policies, and theories in favor of telling personal stories. But does humanizing everything – everyone suffers, in his view – prevent him from exercising the higher moral faculties that might have brought a political solution to the region earlier? Indeed, is there a real moral equivalence between the two sides?

Will talk really solve problems on anything more than a personal level? Is there anything else but a personal level? Is easing pain the best the Irish, or any of us, can hope for? Is there such a thing as too many questions?

Damaged Lives is not a perfect novel. The sex scenes would have been better had they been merely suggested, and the ending is marred by abrupt and unexpected events. So this is not the finest work of literature published this year – or even this month. But it is surely the most openhearted and moving story you’ve read for a long time.

25-03-15 21:53

Exclusive Shopping Night at de Bijenkorf The Hague Friday April 17, 7:30pm - 10pm On April 17, the store will be exclusively open to The Hague’s international community. Be our VIP at the launch of our Art of Beauty event and become inspired by our exclusive cosmetics, accessories, jewellery & watch events.

Programme: à Presentation of the 2015 spring & summer trends à Workshops & Presentations incl. Molton Brown, Dior, Shiseido, Estée Lauder, Rituals, L’Occitane, Clarins, Guess, TiSento, Verlinden wine tasting, Longines, Rob Peetoom, United Nude, Balmain, Diamond Point, Furla, Longchamps & Illy à Live Music à Lucky draw à Drinks and bites à Giveaways Please note that places are limited.

Confirm your attendance no later than April 15 at deBijenkorf.nl/vip-night

de Bijenkorf - Wagenstraat 32, 2512 AX The Hague

www.isutrecht.nl

IS_advertentie_26,4 x 19,4 cm.indd 1 tht_april_2015_RV.indd 22

International School Utrecht provides a high quality and accessible international learning environment to students from diverse international backgrounds.

ISUtrecht is a candidate International Baccalaureate World School, currently teaching the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Middle Years Programme (MYP). From 2016 the school will offer the Diploma Programme (DP).

22-09-14 11:48 25-03-15 21:53

SPORTS

APRIL 2015 | 23

Preview: European Games in Azerbaijan

Dutch legacy on F1 circuit

MELBOURNE | While not old enough to drive unsupervised in the Netherlands, 17-year-old Dutch teenager Max Verstappen became the youngest driver ever to take part in a Grand Prix when he took the wheel for Torro Rosso in Australia. His young age may be compensated somewhat by his genes: his father Jos was an accomplished race car driver himself who drove for Benetton, Stewart, and Arrows between 1994 and 2003, and mother, Sophie Kumpen, was a successful kart driver.

Max Verstappen moves up to the F1 ranks on the heels of a very successful Formula Three debut in 2014, where he took the checkered flag no less than ten times.

Photo: Getty Images

Financial woes for Dutch soccer clubs

AMSTERDAM | Dutch soccer association KNVB has seen its list of clubs in financial strife grown from 5 to 12 in just one year.

In fact, of the 34 clubs playing in the top two divisions, only 9 clubs are considered financially sound. The troubles at FC Twente are so serious that they have been docked 3 points in the Eredivisie competition; incredible considering the fact that the club raked in some €30 million over the summer on transfer fees. The Cinderella story of the completion over the past few years, PEC Zwolle will also draw closer scrutiny from the KNVB bookkeepers.

Keeping it classy at Feyenoord

Photo: Euronews

In the summer of 2015, the first European Games will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The European Games are the final continental Games to be activated in the world, following the Asian Games, Pan-American Games, All-Africa Games and Pacific Games. JOHN MAHNEN looks ahead.

The movement to create a continental competition has started and faltered many times in the past. The father of the modern Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin, envisaged such a collection of continental Games.

One of the benefits was to allow cities that might otherwise never have the chance to stage the Olympic Games, an opportunity to bring the experience to their communities. Case in point: Baku, which made a bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and later the 2020 Summer Olympics, but failed to become a Candidate City both times.

The first of these continental events was hosted by the Philippines in 1912. The ‘Far Eastern Games’, as they were called, included China and Japan and were quite successful. The idea of European competition was championed by Russia during the height of the Soviet Union’s athletic prowess, ostensibly to flaunt their anabolic-aided performances more often. In the end, it was an Irishman who would see the project through.

The president of the European Olympic Committee, Patrick Hickey, provided the impulse and saw to it that a feasibility study took place. Finally, at the 41st General Assembly in Rome, on December 8, 2012, the green light was given for the multi-sport event.

Some 50 European nations will send their athletes to Baku to compete in 30 sports. While many of the usual Olympic numbers are on the menu, some sports are notably absent

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 23

and some others have been slimmed down. The Dutch will lament the fact that neither hockey nor equestrian sports are on offer. However, enthusiasts of the more physical stuff will be happy know that a full slate of combat and martial arts are scheduled. Even the rather obscure sport of Sambo, a hybrid combat sport from Russia, will be played in the Caucasian capital. Irish pugilist Katie Taylor, winner of a boxing Gold Medal in London 2012, has been named as one of the Games’ Ambassadors.

While most sports will be played following the same rules as we are accustomed to see in Olympic Games or World Championships, some sports will be contested in alternative forms. Following the trend of the Youth Olympics, basketball will be played only as a 3-against 3-competition – a very nice sport unto itself, but a far cry from a fully-fledged test of strength between Europe’s cagers.

What is, however, a welcome change from the Summer Games, is the inclusion of beach soccer in place of the 11-man-game on a grass pitch. In a sports calendar absolutely satiated with soccer competitions, this could help elevate this often overlooked category to a more serious level, and should be rather entertaining to watch.

It’s important to note the effort that Azerbaijan is putting behind Baku as a sports destination. Regular watchers of CNN will no doubt recognize the push by this central Asian

country to make the world know that they are open for business and tourism. The European Games are logical step in the brand building taking place on the Western shore of the Caspian Sea. Baku has already hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, and will welcome Bernie Eccelstone’s screaming Formula One circus when it makes its streets available for the European Gran Prix in 2016. A quieter version of street racing already takes place on an annual basis, when the bikes of the UCI European Tour whizz by in the Tour d’Azerbaïdjan.

The city will also host three group games and one quarter final of the UEFA Euro 2020 European Football Championship. Baku is also set to stage the fourth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017.

‘Legacy’ is a term that is woven into the fabric of the Olympic movement. Major events such as the European Games are expected to make a lasting, positive impact on the host community. It was to this end that the 2015 Games Academy was initiated.

The Academy is an innovative and impactful learning programme, developed to assist in building the skills and knowledge required to deliver the Games and leave a lasting capability legacy in Azerbaijan. University graduates from Azerbaijan and across Europe participated in the Graduate Excellence Programme. No doubt this will be a tremendous asset for future events held in country. The fact that there are some very sharp young peo-

ple on offer in Baku is evidenced by the number of chess Grand Masters that the city has produced, the most famous being the legendary Garry Kasparov.

With only a few short months left before the Games welcome Europe’s athletes, officials, and spectators, only the final touches remain in preparation. The spectacular venues and facilities need only to be fitted with red carpets. There are a few questions, however, left to be answered.

In terms of athletic performances in the outdoor venues, it remains to be seen what effect, if any, the city’s notorious winds will have. It’s not just Chicago, Illinois that has been tagged as the ‘Windy City’! Athletes looking for any advantage of altitude will be saddened to know that Baku is in fact even deeper below sea level than Amsterdam. At 28 meters below sea level, it is the lowest-lying national capital in the world, as well as the largest city in the world located below sea level. But perhaps the biggest question mark of all with be how the athletes avoid the distractions of this jewel of a city. Listed by travel publisher Lonely Planet as one of the top ten party cities in world, Baku may serve a Waterloo to the weaker of will among the contestants and officials, but as an absolute joy for the visiting spectators. The countdown has begun, and we will anxiously await the Opening Ceremony of these new Continental Games in the windy city of the Caspian!

ROTTERDAM | The supporters of Rotterdam club Feyenoord were in the news for all the wrong reasons of late, with two scandalous incidents tarnishing the image of the venerable harbor city. First, a number of hooligans took a decidedly different approach to the old “when in Rome” adage by running amok and clashing with police during their clubs visit to AC Roma.

The return match in De Kuip was also the subject of controversy as the pitch was littered with objects following a red card booking, including an inflatable, a charge dismissed by manager Fred Rutte.

Photo: fcupdate.nl

Dutch lead All-Stars in Japan

TOKYO | Dutch internationals figured largely in a European All-Star baseball team that played a two game series against the Samurai Japan in the Tokyo Dome. The exhibition matches were a part of a charm offensive by baseball to find its way back into the Olympic movement. The Europeans let the first game slip through their fingers, dropping the decision by a score of 4-3. In the rubber match, Yurendell de Caster parked a ball in the outfield seats for a three-run homer, lifting the team managed by Steve Janssen to a 6-2 surprise win over the Japanese selection, which had a good deal of talent at their disposal.

25-03-15 21:53

international performing arts amsterdam 30 May – 23 June

m.u.r.s

extremalism 12 Hour prom

La Fura deLs Baus

BaLLet nationaL de MarseiLLe & iCkaMsterdaM

one-day FestivaL insPired By the FaMous British ProMs.

30 dancers in a new work by emio greco and Pieter C. scholten.

12 – 13 June, Royal Theatre Carré

with soprano eva-Maria westbroek, experimental rock by anna Calvi & Metropole orchestra, percussion ensemble slagwerk den haag a.o.

Entrance € 10 per concert 20 June, The Concertgebouw

By using the app of this illustrious Catalonian theatre group, you can participate in the ‘smart city’.

31 May – 1 June Gashouder, Westergasfabriek Language: English, partly with Dutch surtitles

Beyond the score® Pierre BouLez, asko | sChönBerg, sLagwerk den haag

Cape traditi­ onal singers & armeNia: iGuGu le Kapa orieNt & heartwarming harmonies combining all the colours of the rainbow nation.

17 June, Royal Theatre Carré

immersive musical and visual introduction to the world of Pierre Boulez, designed by Frank gehry.

2 June, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ

Boris CharMatz, Musée de La danse

Baroque revisited

sarah neMtsov, soListenenseMBLe kaLeidoskoP theatrical performance which catapults the music of Bach, Pandolfi Mealli, von Biber and Barriere into the 21st century.

18 June, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ

tht_april_2015_RV.indd 24

the gurdJieFF FoLk instruMents enseMBLe Music of two composers who built a bridge between east and west: georges gurdjieff and komitas vardapet.

7 June, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ

maNger

‘eating’ is a simple concept, but rich in the variety of its manifestation.

4 - 6 June, Westergasfabriek, Zuiveringshal West

occidENt

a NiGht Under East­ erN sKies aL-kindi, MerCan dede, niyaz extraordinary mix of classical sufi repertoire and hypnotic pop music.

12 June, Paradiso

der Unter­ GaNG der NiBelUngeN gorki

Contemporary version of Friedrich hebbel’s revenge tragedy: germany relentlessly racing towards the next catastrophe in its ill-fateful history.

10 - 11 June, Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam Language: German with Dutch surtitles

full programme and tickets: hollandfestival.nl 25-03-15 21:53