New Beginnings
Neighbours
Trends 2012
Issue 3
Page 10
Page 13
The Underground Experience The Hague with us! Absorb the cultural and social essence of this diverse city through the eyes of the international community and locals.
The Hague
Issue 3 / January 2012
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The Underground team wishes you a Happy New Year! A BIG thank you to all the contributors, supporters & readers! © Graphic by Zoë Winkel
�e Hague, European Cultural Capital 2018 Candidate City Without Walls - Free Haven for Boundless Thought
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ach year two European countries are marked out to host a Cultural Capital. The status of European Cultural Capital demands an extensive, varied and high-quality programme encompassing an entire year and plans must incorporate the development of the city in the long term. In 2018 this privilege falls to Malta and to a city in the Netherlands. The Hague aspires to be the Dutch Cultural Capital of Europe. Other candidates are Maastricht, Eindhoven, Utrecht and Leeuwarden. In 1987 Amsterdam held the title and in 2001 Rotterdam.
The Hague should be the third Dutch European Cultural Capital. This is the opinion of Aus Greidanus, artistic director of The Hague 2018. Greidanus is also a well-known actor and director of De Appel theatre in Scheveningen where he organises marathon performances. Together with his team he is responsible for putting together the bid, which is based on his artistic vision and needs to be in place by August 2012. An international jury will then decide which bid will be the winner by the end of 2013. ------>continued on page 15
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The H ague
January 2012
Graphic Design Simone Branson Harper Editors: Jane Dean Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz Contributors: Carla Martinez, Jane Choy, Lucy Bosscher, Denise Ryan, Louis Radstaak, Gerard van Ijssel, Jo Parfitt, Brigitte Spiegeler, Linda A. Janssen, Hinda Rabkin, Eowyn Crisfield, Neil McClimon, Barbara Reale, Ruud Hisgen, Miki de Best, Gabriella Herlaar , Martin van Zaanen, Leendert Haaring, Sareen McLay, Stana van Ginkel, Reggie Curiel, Zoë Winkel Proofreading: Cora Van den Bossche Print Wegener NieuwsDruk BV Advertising sales@theunderground.nl © Disclaimer Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved.
Editorial
The Underground is a FREE monthly paper published by Simone Branson Harper Info@theunderground.nl Phone: + 31 (0) 6- 815 050 49
The Underground The Hague
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Letter from the Editors
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s we welcome in the New Year we would like to take a moment to ponder what we have achieved in such a short period of time and contemplate what we hope to accomplish in the coming year. To think that only three months ago The Underground was just an idea thought up by Simone Branson Harper and today we are into our third issue, inconceivable! The hardest part was conceptualizing her vision, what direction should the paper take, what would be its unique ‘voice’? For us it has been an incredibly steep learning curve, hectic, crazy and wonderful. It could never have happened without the courage, hard work and dedication of a great many people, all volunteers, who believed in a paper that aspired to ‘dig deeper’ – to go further than just general information about The Hague whilst giving those living in this remarkable city, a voice. We have interviewed wonderful locals willing to share their thoughts and a glimpse into their lives, uncovered unusual historical facts, and learnt about important cultural events both past and present.
We hope to continue to grow in quality and content and have added an online platform ‘The Voices of The Hague’ that offers you, our readers and advertisers, another medium to reach out to the international community. We hope that our readership will continue to grow and encourage writers of all ages and nationalities to submit work both for the paper and online. For those businesses who would like to target the international community, you’ve come to the right place! For 2012, we wish you all good health and much joy! Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz and Jane Dean
Advertorial
Haagse Kunstkring: 120 and still going strong What is the Haagse Kunstkring (The Hague Art Circle)
Photo by Paul Combrink
The Haagse Kunstkring is a society for artists and members of the public interested in the arts, otherwise known as art-lovers.The Haagse Kunstkring has an exhibition space and a platform for artists in all art disciplines: visual art, graphic design and other types of art design, architecture, theatre, film, language, literature, music and dance. Every three weeks you can visit a new exhibition and performances with music, literature and theatre. You can also participate in prose, poetry and live model drawing workshops.
The Haagse Kunstkring is a place where artists and people who find art important can meet and exchange ideas. All activities take place in the societies building situated on the Denneweg, one of the most attractive shopping streets of The Hague. The exhibitions and presentations are accessible for non-members of the society. Non-members are also welcome at the workshops.
A renowned history In 2011 the Haagse Kunstkring celebrated its 120th anniversary. In 1891 several artists from The Hague, led by Théophile de Bock founded the Haagse Kunstkring. The founders wanted a place for new movements within the arts. They also wanted the new society to be a meeting place for artists of all disciplines, where visual and applied art, literature and music could complement and inspire each other. In 1892 this was an immediate success. The first enthusiastic members brought Vincent van Gogh under public attention. They became familiar with his work in Belgium and France and wanted to exhibit his paintings in the Netherlands. This is how the first special exhibition with the ‘complete’ oeuvre of the future famous artist came into being: in the gallery of the Haagse Kunstkring! At that time Van Gogh was not well known by the broader public and it was difficult to find appreciation for his work. In 1899 the Haagse Kunstkring organised a soirée artistique for the participants at the
international peace conference in The Hague. It must have been a visual eye catcher with tableaux vivants, palm trees and a peace virgin. Nobel prizewinner Bertha von Suttner wrote about this in her diary.
A few highlights On the 10th of January 1923 an important event took place at the Haagse Kunstkring that had a great influence on the renewed arts in the Netherlands. Kurt Schwitters and Theo van Doesburg held their first Dada meeting in the Netherlands at the Haagse Kunstkring. In the twenties and thirties the architects were very active. They organised many exhibitions and discussed issues that related to the applied and building arts. Famous Dutch architects such as Berlage and Jan Wils were at that time the leading activists. In 1927 the drawing of a deer by Han van Meegeren, member of the Haagse Kunstkring, was selected as the print of the month. ‘The Deer’ by Van Meegeren found its way into many Dutch homes. Later on Van Meegeren was unmasked as a master forger. In 1965 Studio Scarabee came into existence at the Haagse Kunstkring, a multi-media theatre project, inspired by the visual arts.
Interest in art abroad The Haagse Kunstkring has always had contact with artists abroad. From time to time painters were invited to co-exhibit their work (Renoir, Cézanne, Sisley, Pisarro, Ensor) or to recite from their own work (Paul Verlaine, Cyriel Buysse, William E.B. Dubois, Hubert Lampo, Hugo Claus). Composers such as D’Indy, Chausson, Skriabin and Benjamin Britten visited the Haagse Kunstkring. In the past few years exhibitions organised at the Haagse Kunstkring have included by Iranian, Chinese and Greek artists. There was also an exchange exhibition with artists from Wales. Last year we had a series of concerts by young Mexican musicians and there were literary presentations by Slovenian writers and musicians and Irish literature specialists and musicians. Interested? You are welcome to come and have a look at our presentations. Visit our website www.haagsekunstkring.nl to see what is on offer and of course for any further information. Haagse Kunstkring, Denneweg 64, 2514 CJ Den Haag, tel. 070-3647585, e-mail: info@haagsekunstkring.nl Text by Jean Wijten (translation in English: Amanda Wolzak)
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The Underground The Hague
Get Away!
Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz dicovers Limburg’s jewel in the crown Approaching a traffic light Mathilda’s soothing voice tells me to turn left after 400 meters. I am on my way to visit friends in a small town bordering Maastricht. ‘Is it this one or the next set of lights?’ I ask. Her silence irritates. I filter into the left-hand lane. Mathilda’s no longer talking to me, clearly I should have known better and now she has taken umbrage. Suddenly, she informs me to turn around where possible. Damn! I want to make a quick U-turn but that’s easier said than done. Traffic forces me off the motorway, and before I know it, I am driving along the River Maas and into Maastricht. A street sign tells me I’m on the Prins Bisschopsstraat and to my right I see a large parking lot, neatly tucked underneath the viaduct I have just exited. I decide to park there for a minute and re-orientate. A glance at the digital map reveals that I am parked alongside the old city centre. It seems a pity to waste such an opportunity. I abandon the car and cross the road into a park where I soon catch a glimpse of the old Roman city wall that embraces Maastricht’s impressive, medieval city centre. Strolling through an archway I enter the Begijnenstraat and come across a group of tourists photographing a large white house. One of them, admiring the house rather fondly, informs me that this is the birthplace of the famous violinist and conductor André Rieu, the very man who has made sing-a-long to operettas sexy. To me Maastricht feels like ‘being abroad’. It has a unique atmosphere, a joie de vivre - it’s a land of milk and honey or rather - beer and really good food. It definitely has the feel good factor. Tucked in between majestic medieval churches and buildings are numerous bistros, bars and restaurants, and the shops… well, I know where I’ll be going for the January sales. Maastricht is also home to the Tefaf, the largest arts and antiques fair in Europe. A watery sun fills the terraces on de Markt square with families enjoying the chance to be outdoors for just a little longer. I squeeze into a lonesome chair and order a beer. Not so fast! In Maastricht beer is like wine is to the French and Nectar to the Gods. You have to order by name, type and size. It’s a bit daunting to a greenhorn beer drinker like me, but once that ordeal is over I sit back and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Saturday shoppers crossing the large square. I notice two towering churches across from me built, it seems, centimeters apart. One is catholic and the other protestant. My kindly neighbour volunteers that the two churches symbolize the essence of this city. ‘Harmony and happiness’ he says lifting his beer glass.
Cheers to that!
News & Views
Book Reviews
January 2012
by Jo Parfitt
Bloodlines - touch not the cat by Ingrid Schippers and Thomas McKerley This Scottish-American genealogy mystery novel boasts Hague-resident, Ingrid Schippers, as co-author. The story spans several generations, centuries and continents as the reader is gripped by a novel that has the reader wondering why and how and when at every turn. When American homicide detective, Cathy Stewart, finds herself in Scotland at a clan gathering, she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation that happened over a hundred years earlier, the repercussions of which can still be felt today. Painstakingly researched, Tom and Ingrid discovered that many of the events they invented had actually taken place, and slowly the novel took on a life of its own as bookshops close to the fictional occurrences clamoured to stock it. Pick up this novel and I promise you will not be able to put it down.
Turning Points - 25 entrepreneurs turn their career and lives around edited by Kate Cobb This collaborative book tells the compelling stories of moments in 25 women’s lives when they hit rock bottom. Experiencing such nightmares as addiction, terminal illness, wrongful imprisonment and disability, writers stopped, took stock, made plans for recovery and turned their lives around. Readers will be inspired by what happened to these amazing women and can then relate those stories to their own circumstances and similarly, get back on track. Turning Points also has contributions from three local expats, each with fascinating stories to tell. Linda Janssen is based in The Hague, Christina Edwards in Utrecht and Sarah Koblow was in the city when she wrote her section but is now in Qatar. Editor, Kate Cobb, is an expat based in France, who works as an executive coach. It is no surprise that readers will find themselves gently coached towards realising their own dreams too.
Mr Elastic Brain Douglas John Mclean Cairns Douglas Cairns comes from Scotland, has a real job with an international company and lives in The Hague but his story will surprise you. As an unacademic, inattentive child he was told he had no future. Fortunately, he discovered a talent not only for writing but also for making a public fool of himself. He went on stage, TV and radio performing as his alter ego, Sid Ozalid – the one-legged, tap dancing poet and all was well for a while. Marriage breakup ensued alongside a few years of crippling depression and Douglas almost lost it all. Eventually he clawed his way back to happiness thanks in part to his lovely new wife (Sputnik, Sweetheart, Strawberry Tart) and a love and use of language that is both endearing and slightly crazy (Monkeys Versus Donkeys). He has created a charming, if nutty, book that is both candid memoir and anthology of poetry. It shows Douglas’ 30 year quest to find space for his unique brand of creativity.
Tall &Small..... More than 500 exquisite antique Dutch silver miniatures are currently being exhibited at the Bredius Museum which is located at the Lange Vijverberg, just opposite the Hofvijver and the Binnenhof. On display are many miniatures alongside their full-sized originals. Miniatures from the collections of the Bredius Museum and the A. Aardewerk Antiquair Juwelier are supplemented by loans from national and international private collections. A favourite 17th century pastime was collecting miniature silver. A century later entire dollhouses would be furnished with miniature silver. They were faithful reproductions of the interiors of that period. The demand for silver miniatures in Amsterdam increased to such a degree that generations of silversmiths specialised exclusively in the production of these small treasures. The exhibition runs until 15 January 2012 Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Lange Vijverberg 14, 2513 AC The Hague
A Bl�t from the P�t • Martin van Zaanen briefly replaces Spinoza On a Monday afternoon something caught Martin van Zaanen’s eye - something missing. He was baffled. It made him philosophical. They say that you don’t know what you’re missing till it’s gone. Then again, people do say a lot of things. In this case, though, there seemed to be some truth to it. What I was looking at on the Paviljoensgracht near the Stille Veerkade was something missing from its usual place among the trees – Spinoza’s bronze statue. It was very disconcerting but its disappearance gave me a unique opportunity to sit on the marble pedestal and take a look at the world through the eyes of the most famous philosopher of the western world. Two narrow lanes with a broad centre median outlined how the canal must have looked more than a hundred years ago, before it was filled. Hectic was not the right word to describe the scene, bustling was more like it - lots of delivery vans. Further, a young, sad looking woman, a painter with a nonchalant stride, a speedy taxi. It wasn’t a bad spot but not for me. Spinoza, though, must love it here - it’s opposite the home he lived in hundreds of years ago and it’s close to the Nieuwe Kerk on the Spui where he was laid to rest. To get an idea of the man, I try to conjure him up in my mind. His statue had always given me the impression of a relaxed man, but there had been days he had seemed a tad tired; probably due to all the fuss and commotion that his words had caused in his day - on a global scale. It was only later, that I discovered the reason behind the statue’s disappearance. It had temporarily been relocated to the Stroom Gallery on the Mauritskade for an art project where it shares a room with Statesman Thorbecke’s statue brought in from Amsterdam. In December, Spinoza will be returned to this very same marble pedestal where I, his temporary replacement, now feel the urge to come up with something profoundly philosophical. As the evening approaches I got no further than ‘You say it best when you say nothing at all’. It is time to concede defeat, and like Spinoza, disappear.
ACCESS: 25 years at the Service of the International Community
The Underground The Hague
This months Competition
Do you want to win a free wellness treatment? All you need is to be creative and like to be spoiled. The Hague's holistic health Hara Center provides more than 40 treatments from all over the world. All that is missing is a signature treatment with a unique name. We are therefore offering you the opportunity to be the one to create a special treatment and design a name. You will also be the first one to try it out for free!
balancing body mind and spirit
News & Views
January 2012
The aim is to create a one hour session using our current treatments and create a unique name for it. You can find all the services and descriptions on our website. We look forward to receiving your creations! The winner will be announced in the next issue of The Underground The Hara Center team www.haracenter.nl
Just like for you all a New Year is the time for renewed energy at ACCESS. In 2012 we hit 25! An occasion to take stock and celebrate as well look ahead and plan for the next quarter century! So what’s new? Sharper focus on serving the needs and interests of the international community, our primary raison d’etre. Internal re-organisation and restructuring to streamline and enhance our performance. And a brand new website www.access-nl.org. It is modern, interactive, informative with a wealth of relevant information and carefully curated contents meant to help those who plan to move or already live and work in the Netherlands. The trusted ACCESS magazine is migrating to the web and will reappear in the spring of 2012 as an eZine, continuing to highlight and share information to support a positive adjustment to living far from home. Whether you are struggling to find your feet in this new country, need guidance, advice, information or look for a rewarding experience to put to good use your skills and expertise, ACCESS is there for you. After all ACCESS is the vibrant diverse colourful family of volunteers, each with unique talents and experiences. Reach out, we are here to serve your interests! 0900 2 222377 / helpdesk@access-nl.org
The answer to last month’s competition: The statue is called ‘De Gelaarsde Kat’ by Johan Keller located in the Westbroekpark, The Hague. Winner: Zlata Novalic-Saula
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The Underground The Hague
News & Views
January 2012
Local news............. Start exploring The Hague in the company of one of the many local volunteers who are happy and proud to show you their city as you have never seen it before. The Den Haag Greeters are ready to guide you through an authentic tour that you will never forget. For more information about this free and fun initiative visit www.denhaaggreeters.nl
Ask Brigitte • by Brigitte Spiegeler Question to Brigitte from a reader: My resolution for 2012 is to follow my dreams and become a furniture designer. I have wonderful ideas, but I am wondering how I can protect my ideas, designs, concepts and brands? An idea in itself is not legally protected. As long as the idea is in your head and has not been materialized in words, writing and/or drawings or other visuals there is no legal protection. You will need something concrete. When you start designing your furniture all your designs are protected by copyright. This right gives the creator of an original work the exclusive rights to copy and publish the work. It is a right to have your name mentioned with the work. Copyright is established as soon as the original work is created. In order to prove that you are the first person to create this work, you can obtain an official date stamp from the Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst) or at the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property. Designing the furniture is just the first step, now you have to protect your brand. When you want to work within the European Community you can apply for a community trademark at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market. If you want to remain more local, a Benelux trademark obtained at the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property will suffice. This way you can protect your trademark name or logo. In order to focus on your designs, this work can be handed over to a professional who will ensure registration does not conflict with owners of similar or identical trademarks, and know the correct classification to describe the goods and services your brand will represent. Once this is taken care of and you have the designs, an established brand and produced your first piece of furniture, you must now be sure competitors do not copy your designs. For a design to be protected it has to be new and original. Again, you can protect this by registering it community wide or just in the Benelux. You also need good general terms and conditions and contracts, for example, licensing and distribution contracts, to ensure your furniture business is a success. Now you can sit down and enjoy your success without having to worry that the chair you are sitting on might be a cheap copy of your exclusive original.
If you want to put your rubbish out ahead of time, you had better think twice. The wear and tear of the bags by dogs, cats and seagulls has led the municipality to impose fines on those residents who put out their rubbish bags too early. The fines can run up to € 104 and have been implemented since November 15, 2011. Do you have any property covered in graffiti? Your Community Association and The Hague Municipal Council now have established a programme to remove unwanted graffiti for free. All you need to do is fill out an authorization form and mail it back to them. To find out more call the Graffiti Hotline at 070 353 46 05 or email meldpuntgraffiti@denhaag.nl
Stop by the Gemeentemuseum to admire the colorful and eye-catching work of art on its exterior wall in the Sumatrastraat, drawing attention to the Mondriaan and de Stijl wing. If you need to use Google translator to access the HTM (for buses and trams) website for information, you will be happy to know that HTM is offering more information in English than ever before. Now you can find out about discounts, the OV-chip card, season tickets among other things in English. Check it out on www.htm.net Anyone who has walked by the Nassauplein will have noticed that it needs a little bit of a makeover. Starting in the New Year, it is undergoing a complete renovation. A group consisting of local residents and organisations, in conjunction with the municipality, are determined to turn the square into one of the most alluring spots in The Hague. Source: www.archipelwillemspark.nl
Celebration Freedom is Serious
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very year on May 5th, the people of The Netherlands celebrate the end of World War II, on Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day). During this day all activities centre on themes such as peace, freedom, justice, equality, democracy, emancipation and international cooperation. To keep the meaning of the day alive for young people, fourteen big festivals are held in as many different cities in Holland. The Bevrijdingsfestival Den Haag is held on the Spuiplein, next to the City Hall, and draws around 35,000 visitors each year. The festival is officially opened by the City Mayor, Jozias van Aartsen, who then hosts a grand opening brunch in the City Hall before the festival takes off. During the day, visitors can attend a wide variety of debates,
speeches, readings and of course concerts by well known Dutch and international acts. The promoters of this festival aim to get as many other organisations to participate in the festival as possible. Current partners, among others, are The Red Cross, UNHCR, Humanity House and Kosmopolis. The promoters are now kindly inviting international organisations in The Hague to start a partnership with the festival. All ideas are welcome. For more information please contact organisers Gerard van den Ijssel and Robert-Jan Rueb at info@bevrijdingsfestivaldenhaag.nl.
From Hunting Lodge to Political Centre The Hague/Den Haag is not the official name of the town. Officially it’s ’s-Gravenhage but is only used in legal documents. It literally translates as ‘the count’s woods’ but The Hague/Den Haag is its formal, more popular name. The Hague originated around 1230, when Floris IV, Count of Holland purchased land alongside a pond, now the Hofvijver, in order to build a hunting lodge. In 1248 William II, Count of Holland extended the residence into a palace. He died in 1256 before its completion, but parts of it were finished by his son Floris V, of which the Ridderzaal still exists today. It is still used for political events. From the 13th century on the counts of Holland used The Hague as their administrative centre and residence when in Holland. You can arrange a guided tour of the Binnenhof and its inner buildings. For more information go to the Visitor’s Centre located in Hofweg 1.
Discover The Hague Did you know that the city with most museums in the world is Mexico City? It has around 150 museums in total. The Hague, although widely known for its art and culture has only a third of that number. The Hague has around 42 museums ranging from automobile to photography to communications to books to the incredible miniature city of Madurodam. The multicultural, colourful and artistic background of The Hague have helped to make it the European Capital of Culture for 2018.
January Winter-sale!
Do you have a legal question for Brigitte? Email: ASK BRIGITTE info@theunderground.nl
Molenstraat 49 2513 BJ Den Haag Phone 070 - 392 37 65
openinghours: wed till sat 10.30 - 18.00 h sunday 12.00 - 17.00 h
For all your building solutions, big or small
www.isabellesnature.nl
www.dutchhandyman.nl Maarten Verharen • mobile: 06 22 19 32 99
Natural clothing... and more!
The Underground
News & Views
January 2012
In the Spotlight I am Andrew Reynolds, a singer songwriter from Drogheda, Ireland. My music has no boundaries or restrictions and its freedom is apparent when you take the time to listen. The music is a colourful fusion of modern folk rock and alternative easy listening, with a distinctive and original influence from my roots, giving rise to a whole new music genre ‘Irish soul’. www.fraudtheband. com 1. Are you originally from The Hague? No, I’m an expat from Ireland, born and bred in a small town called Drogheda just north of Dublin. I moved here in 1996 and worked for an Irish company based in The Hague. 2. What was the best tip anyone ever gave you? Never let your emotions dictate what you say next in a given moment. If you do you may have regrets and regret is a foundation for depression! 3. Who or what inspires you? I would have to say the most inspiration I have ever received is from my partner Elaine, who inspired me even when it seemed there was nothing left to be inspired about. She also gifted me the biggest inspiration ever received, our son Orin! The moment I laid eyes on him the universe just made sense. 4. What is your favourite Dutch saying or custom? My favorite Dutch word is doedelzak, which translates to bagpipes. What a great word that is, still makes me smile after all these years. 5. Which famous person, either historic or still living, would you like to meet and explain why? I would have to say Jesus. So I could ask him what he was actually trying to say. It seems his words have gotten a little lost in translation over the last two thousand years. 6. Must see or Hot Spot in The Hague or surroundings? Quirky Café in The Hague. I played a show there recently, the food, the atmosphere and the people were just great. The owner and hostess Christine even got up to sing a song. I definitely recommend a visit if you’re in de buurt.
Did you know: Information plaques on historical buildings in The Hague will now provide information in both Dutch and English. The Hague Municipal Executive agreed to this proposal by a local political party. According to The Hague chapter of the D66, ‘The Hague is an international city visited by many tourists and where expats live. It’s great that expats and tourists will soon be able to read information about important buildings.’ The Municipal Executive indicated that not only the current information plaques will contain information in two languages but that it will be identifying other buildings which may be eligible for such plaques. The D66 suggested a number of buildings which at the moment have no information signs, such as the birthplace of Christiaan Huygens on the Lange Houtstraat and the Logement van Amsterdam at Plein 23. Source: denhaag.com
The Hague
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DVD Reviews • by Leendert Haaring
Captain America: The First Avenger Fans of Captain America have had to wait a long time for their hero to be offered his motion picture debut. The wait has been well worthwhile. Captain America: The First Avenger is one of the better comic book adaptations. It doesn’t rely on special effects and drawn out action sequences, but on a good story, well developed characters and first class actors. In this film less is definitely more.Captain America: The First Avenger tells the story of Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, who volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into a super soldier. His first assignment as Captain America is to take on super villain the Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving. The second half of the title, The First Avenger, suggests that the film is just a prelude to The Avengers to be released next summer, featuring a whole group of superheroes such as the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and, of course, Captain America. If that is the case this motion picture looks set to redefine the superhero film genre.
The Smurfs Developments in CGI technology have finally made it possible to make a computer-animation/liveaction hybrid movie about those lovable little blue creatures called the Smurfs. The Smurfs kicks off with evil wizard Gargamel chasing the Smurfs out of their village and forcing them through a portal. The Smurfs end up in New York from which they must find a way back before Gargamel finds them. Why The Smurfs movie is set in New York is a mystery. What’s wrong with the Smurf village, where all the original stories took place? Maybe film executives needed something recognizable, as they had never heard of the Smurfs before. It’s anyone’s guess. On the whole, though, The Smurfs is a success. There are enough laughs for young and old to enjoy, while in Gargamel, played by the outstanding Hank Azaria, the film has a classic old school villain, assisted by his loyal cat Azrael. The greatest thing about The Smurfs are the Smurfs. Papa Smurf, Clumsy, Smurfette, Grouchy, Brainy and Gutsy are all true to their comic book characters and completely outshine their human counterparts. A sequel is planned for 2013. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of the Smurf village.
Paul Dirkse, a native of the Netherlands, was born and educated in The Hague. If you are interested in viewing some of Paul’s artwork, please contact him to arrange a personal viewing in your own home. Paul can bring you a selection of paintings with no obligation. He can also help you select a professional frame for your painting. Paul has been commissioned by many personal clients to paint individual pieces of art.
Contact Paul • T: 070-8882929 • M: 06-3305-3311 • www.pauldirkse.nl
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The Underground
Language
The Hague
January 2012
Global English New beginnings for an Old Language? ©Graphic by Zoë Winkel
• Eowyn Crisfield looks at the possibilities of a unique, universal form of English
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few hundred years ago, English was a small language spoken by a scattered people. Then England took to the seas and the linguistic landscape of the world began changing.
By the 20th century, the fortunes of the English language were on the rise. Not only was the United States becoming a global power, exporting technology along with language, but the UK continued to maintain its coveted status as a hub of knowledge and culture. With the advent of mass media and the Internet, English was poised to ‘take over the world’. The question was, whose English was going to be the winner? Would it be British English, with the prestige of Shakespeare, the Queen, and the BBC behind it? Or would it be American English: young, brash but full of optimism and with money to burn? Unlikely contenders were other smaller varieties, such as Canadian or Australian English, or what are considered to be non-standard varieties such as Indian English. So, have any of these emerged victorious? After a century of English as a global language, have we defined the English that everyone needs to speak?
Entering into the 21st century, it seems like the answer could be ‘none of the above’. As the number of native English speakers drops, the number people using a new English, Global English, or English as a Lingua Franca is rising. So what is this new English? Around the world scholars are working to define the parameters of a new variety of English that is divorced from any one culture or accent. A Lingua Franca is defined
Kickstart Anniversary Celebration
A festive and informal musical evening for language students old and new It’s party time at The Hague’s Kickstart Language School in January 2012, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Founded by language professional Josien Deknatel, Kickstart offers Dutch and English language training under the slogan ‘Pleased to teach you’. With a new look for a new year, Kickstart has launched a revamped website and a new Facebook link. So whether your new year resolution is to develop your Dutch, enhance your English, or build your business language skills, check out the colourful and comprehensive information at www.kickstartschool.nl. During the current difficult economic times, investing in yourself is a great way to develop your skills and potential. Josien explained the approach taken by Kickstart Language School: “We aim to provide quality learning in a comfortable environment. The focus is on learning practical language skills in a friendly atmosphere using interactive methods. By keeping class sizes small we can offer a more personalised learning experience. Our teaching team have a wealth of experience not only of language training but also of expat life, so can be responsive to student needs and interests”. To mark its 10th anniversary, Kickstart is hosting a special Musical Surprise event on Friday 13 January, 6 - 9 pm, bringing together everyone associated with Kickstart past and present. Prospective students will also be
as a hybrid language used to communicate between two groups of people with different first languages. This means that English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) will no longer be associated with a ‘native-speaker’ model, it will be a language created by and for second-language speakers. Using the Vienna-Oxford International Corpus of English, a collection of samples of spoken English from all over the globe, linguists are analysing similarities and looking for features that are typical of English spoken by non-native speakers. For example, the third person ‘s’ on verbs, such as ‘he walks’, or ‘it moves’ no longer has any real grammatical purpose – we don’t use verb declensions for meaning anymore. Theoretically, this means that ELF could drop the ‘s’ from these verb forms, without causing problems in comprehensibility. In practice, this happens already in conversations between non-native speakers, and happens all the time in classrooms where teachers are busily working to correct the ‘error’. To native English speakers, this may seem like a shocking proposition – can you imagine saying ‘He walk to the shops’? However, the point of ELF is that it is a second language for everyone. An Italian will use ELF with a German colleague and a Brit will use ELF with a Chinese supplier, and everyone will be on an even footing – no ‘native-speaker’ advantage to be had. English as a Lingua Franca is far from being a done deal. Culturally and economically, English is still a powerful language but it isn’t as dominant as it once was. In 1996 almost 90% of Internet webpages were in English, by 2005 that number was less than 50%. Chinese (Mandarin) is rising in number of speakers, and in popularity as a second language. In addition to the rise of other contenders, ELF still has strong competition from the native-speaker varieties. Many people, and many scholars, feel that the English used globally must continue to be ‘correct’ English and anything else is a lowering of standards. So, what do you think? Is ELF a new beginning for English, or the beginning of the end?
Advertorial invited to join in the fun. The musical element of this social gathering is the chance to join guest musicians from Amsterdam in an informal ‘singalong’ of easy Dutch and English songs – a tried and tested method of improving language fluency and pronunciation. Based in two elegant 1880s canal houses in a prime central location, Kickstart offers a comfortable yet classy teaching environment alongside the canal on Koninginnegracht. It is conveniently placed and easily accessible by public transport. Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, ranging from busy professionals relocating to The Hague to students and au pairs. There are courses to suit all learner levels, from the Dutch Starterpack for beginners who want to make a quick start to learning the local lingo, to NT2 exam preparation classes and Culture & Conversation courses. Corporate sessions are also available, including Lunch & Learn sessions, and flexible on-line Digital Writing courses with e-tutor support. Likewise, general, academic and technical English are covered in a range of courses. Registration on-line is quick and easy and discounts are available for au pairs and students. “We’re looking forward to the next 10 years”, says Josien enthusiastically. “Of course we’re pleased to teach you, as our slogan says; but equally important is our commitment to getting results for you.” On the principle that making the learning experience more enjoyable will pay dividends for students, Kickstart combines pleasure with progress in its mission to improve communication in both Dutch and English – the two key languages for the international community here in The Hague. www.kickstartschool.nl For more information please contact: Josien Deknatel tel. 070- 3607860 / 06- 55885618 e-mail:: info@kickstartschool.nl
Features
January 2012
The Underground The Hague
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A Legend in His Life Time • Reina van Nieuwkerk-Rácz meets a remarkable pianist, gifted composer and much more
W
im Statius Muller was recently visiting the Netherlands for just ten days and his grueling schedule allowed time for neither jet-lag nor leisure. He had come to perform in a television programme where Dutch author, Jan Brokken, was going to speak about his book on the relatively unknown, yet rich history, of Antillean music and on the surprising influence Chopin’s music has had on its development. Statius Muller, Curaçao’s pater potestas in this field, illustrated on the piano, the very rhythmical and emotional but often upbeat characteristics of the music of the islands by performing some of his own compositions. This was followed by a week in Belgium recording a new CD and visits to family and friends were squeezed in where possible - and to think that this man is in his eighties. On the day, in 1972, that Wim Statius Muller relocated, with his wife and children to the Netherlands, an ominous grey sky and the imminent downpour that followed contrasted sharply with the seamless blue skies and ever present sunshine of the Caribbean island he had left behind. ‘This was in the days of the Cold War and I had been appointed to head a team of academics in the Dutch Counterintelligence Service that analyzed the policies of the various communist countries. Our job was to slip into the skin of the opponents’ ideologies and figure out their intentions,’ he explains in his pleasant Curaçao accent. His neighbours, in the affluent Statenkwartier of The Hague, could not have guessed that this distinguished looking gentleman living next door to them was an exceptionally gifted pianist and composer. His new career required that he keep a low profile, something of a contradiction for a man who only a few years before had performed to large audiences in New York and had stood on the verge of making a name for himself as a concert pianist. Born in 1930, on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao, Willem Statius Muller was the youngest son of an established local family. They lived in Otrobanda, a district of Willemstad that was home to a surprising number of talented musicians and composers. With music being heard so much at home and all around him it was no coincidence that the young Statius Muller started experimenting on the piano at the tender age of four. In the 1930’s Curaçao had a rich salon music culture and dancing to music mostly played by local pianists was part of an evening’s entertainment. The music of the former Netherlands Antilles is a mix of African and European elements and is influenced by the rhythms of neighbouring countries Venezuela and Colombia as well as the surrounding Caribbean islands. Curaçao and Aruba are known for their waltzes, danzas, mazurkas and tumbas. The dance soirees were held in the many country houses scattered around the island and it was not
long before the grown-ups were dancing to music played by young Wim himself. Receiving a waltz as a birthday gift from family or friends was not unusual. Asking one of the many musicians to compose something new for the celebrant was a typical Curaçao tradition – in fact Statius Muller to this day still dedicates a waltz every now and then to a dear friend or family member. At nineteen, Statius Muller was the first Dutch Antillean to enter, and to this day remains the only one to have graduated from the famous Juilliard School in New York City. Studying under the distinguished Russian-American pianist and professor of music, Josef Raieff, he received his Bachelor’s degree in 1953 and his Master’s cum laude in 1954. In that same year he returned to Curaçao with his then fiancée, Sally Führing, herself a Pre-Medical science graduate from Barnard College. They married and spent their honeymoon on the family’s estate, the former plantation of St. Sebastiaan. The happy arrival of their baby son changed their plans to remain in New York where Statius Muller had won a teaching fellowship and a scholarship to study for a Doctorate of Music at Juilliard and Sally was to continue studying medicine. Instead, he accepted a teaching position at the Ohio State University and the family moved to Ohio’s capital, Columbus. Whilst in Ohio, Statius Muller also performed in New York. He left the university after five years when offered a teaching post in Puerto Rico at the Casals Conservatory. Unfortunately, lack of funding resulted in the job falling through and the family was forced to return to Curaçao. There he was approached by the government to participate in the founding of a security service, and Statius Muller the musician became ‘James Bond’. It was this new career in Security and Intelligence that later brought him and his family to The Hague and abruptly put a definite end to a promising music career. No longer able to perform, Statius Muller turned to composing and it was in this period, living in The Hague, that some of his best known works were composed. Later, he would move to Brussels and work for NATO. After retiring in 1995, he returned to Curaçao and dedicated himself to his first love, music. Since then he has performed at numerous prestigious venues such as the Kosciusko Foundation’s concert hall on several occasions and in 1999, at the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Chopin’s death. Statius Muller was asked to perform his waltz ‘Nostalgia’ at this occasion, which prompted Billy Joel, announcing him, to say that ‘this is what our evening is all about’. A couple of years ago Statius Muller had the privilege of performing in Chopin’s family home in Zelazowa Wola where he performed several of Chopin’s mazurkas.
Today he is in constant demand for radio and television interviews, sits in judging panels inspiring young talent, and his unique life and family history has been documented in many books on Curaçao. A documentary film made by Dutch film maker, Alaric Smeets, was recently completed under the title ‘Nostalgia’ named after what has become his most famous signature piece. The documentary is due to be released shortly. What makes his music so unique? ‘My music is based on rhythms of two origins Afro-Caribbean and European - the connection I make has a personal nature. On the whole, African rhythms are duple meter and full of syncopation which is an accent or stress in a musical phase placed in a spot where one does not expect it or lack of stress in a spot where one would have expected it. In dance music syncopations are responded to physically during the dance – the body corrects the absence or unexpected inclusions of accents. What I do is take a basic dance rhythm, but I do not play it in the strict manner that would be necessary if it were to be danced to. Dance music requires strict adherence to the rhythm.’ ‘Characteristic of my music is that the melodic themes used are best placed within the framework of musical miniatures. My pieces rarely extend beyond the length of three minutes and are complete works in themselves. They are played with the freedom of robato, allowing for lingering in a particularly romantic moment, and returning the time that was borrowed from the rhythm before, thus restoring the balance. Of all romantic composers, none had a more perfect perception of the importance of rubato than Chopin.’ He digs deeper into the forms and history of African rhythms and explains how Chopin’s mazurkas came to the Caribbean, how the Habanera moved from Cuba to France, and what are the basic rhythms of a danza, tumba, rumba . . . His mobile beeps and he shares that his next port of call is dinner with friends, so it’s time to leave and I say goodbye to an extraordinary man.
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The Underground The Hague
Neighbours
January 2012
Neighbours: Sean Kilkenny • Linda A. Janssen finds ‘New Beginnings’ a continual theme for Sean Kilkenny Meanwhile, Kilkenny had been drawn back into the world of dance. Having joined the Irish Club for camaraderie, he was soon asked to take over their dance programme. Irish Dance was enjoying a heyday with the enormous popularity of shows such as ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’ and interest was keen. He soon realised that if his students were to have the opportunity to work towards increasingly higher levels of competition, he would need his certification in teaching Irish Dance. Kilkenny committed himself to a rigorous training and educational process of music identification, dance formations, teaching demonstrations and performance, culminating in a gruelling five-day examination process with the highly regarded Commission of Irish Dance in Dublin. He opened Kilkenny School of Irish Dance, and is still one of only two instructors in the Netherlands with such prestigious qualifications. The school now has 80 students competing at the highest levels. One dancer was scouted by the production company of the world renowned Michael Flatley, and spent two years on tour with his show ‘Celtic Tiger’. The accomplished trio Boyz in Motion reached the semi-finals of ‘Holland’s Got Talent’ last summer. At the recent Mainland European Championships in Milan, Kilkenny saw doubled to nine the usual number of his dancers qualifying for the World Championships competition in April 2012. Along the way Kilkenny managed to find time to co-found the Irish Dance Teachers Association for all mainland Europe; he also served four years as Chairperson, requiring frequent trips back to the Commission of Irish Dance headquarters.
Y
ears ago when young Sean Kilkenny tired of the continual classes and practice in Irish Dance, he would occasionally beg his mother to let him stop. The answer was always no, with the admonishment ‘you’ll never understand when it might stand to you’ (i.e. come in handy). Little did he know just how prophetic those words would be. ‘As a career choice, as a source of enjoyment or as something to help me get by, Irish Dance has always been there,’ Kilkenny offers, looking back.
Given the enormous time and energy required to run such a successful dance school, one might assume that Kilkenny would seek stability in his daytime teaching position. ‘Boredom is my biggest fear,’ he asserts, neatly summarizing his life. ‘That’s why I’m always needing a challenge, something new.’ It’s not surprising therefore, that Kilkenny decided a few years ago to leave teaching at international schools altogether and transferred to the Dutch Bilingual Secondary School right next door. Despite only speaking Dutch at the intermediate level, he threw himself into the different school system, rapidly improving his linguistic abilities and demonstrating that he belonged.
Growing up on a farm in Ireland, Kilkenny ended up dancing professionally as a child. He went on to study Politics, Geography and Education at the University College of Dublin, spending ‘Boredom is my biggest summers touring the United States with Irish Dance fear,’ he asserts, neatly troupes. When he graduated, he became a school teacher for nine years in Ireland before heading to London to gain a couple of years experience teaching the British curriculum. ‘Travel was always in my genes, it was my dream. I’d travelled with my dancing, so if I could travel with my teaching job that would satisfy the tinker (traveller) in me.’
summarizing his life. ‘That’s why I’m always needing a challenge, something new.’
He headed to Kuwait teaching with the British Council and spent four years there before moving to Germany to teach in Frankfurt. After several years he left to come to The Hague in 2001 to join his partner, Willem, who he’d met in Germany. Kilkenny decided to treat the move to The Hague as yet another opportunity for change. He was tired of teaching, so while settling into life in the Netherlands he went back to school for a Masters degree in Local and Regional Economic Development at the Institute of Social Studies just off the Mauritskade. Weekends were spent putting on Irish Dance workshops throughout Europe to earn an income. The ISS program was interesting and intellectually challenging, but the lure of teaching never seemed far away. ‘Walking home from ISS after classes, I would see the Haganum Gynasium students out on Laan van Meerdervoort. I wanted to follow them into the school building and start teaching. It made me realise how much I had missed it.’ Upon completion of his post-graduate degree he went back to teaching, first at the British School of The Netherlands and later the Rotterdam International School.
‘I’ve found it challenging, inspiring, energizing and even a bit controversial,’ Kilkenny explains, searching for the right words. ‘I’ve really had to come to terms with Dutch culture on a daily basis, the good and even the parts I might not like, and it makes me feel worthwhile as a member of the community. I feel more grounded.’
Kilkenny calls the Bomenbuurt neighbourhood his home, savouring the peace and quiet while being near to shops, transportation and his local bar for ‘my pint of Guinness’. He gets to the beach often, sometimes cycling all the way down to the Hoek van Holland and back.
So what does this busy man do for relaxation in the little time available? He frequents auction houses and old shops looking to add to his collection of antique maps. He also enjoys visiting museums and window shopping, or as the Dutch refer to it, kijken maar niet kopen. He’s also a voracious reader with a fondness for books on geopolitics. There is one last activity that, despite being a bit unusual, Kilkenny clearly relishes: tree-felling. ‘I really like getting outdoors and cutting down old trees, chopping up the firewood,’ he says with a laugh. ‘I know it seems odd and I can’t explain it. But I think it goes back to my roots. I guess it’s true what they say: you can take the man out of the bog but you can’t take the bog out of the man.’ Kilkenny School of Irish Dance is found at www.kilkennyontap.nl Linda A. Janssen is a writer and American living in The Hague. She writes in a number of genre, and at her blog Adventures in Expat Land.
January 2012
The Underground
Features
The Hague
11
�e Peace Palace - Het Vredespaleis • by Hinda Rabkin The Peace Palace is beautifully decorated with a large number of gifts from Member States. There are Dutch windows on the staircase, a marble American Statue of Justice and a Danish fountain made of Copenhagen porcelain in the inner courtyard. Russia donated a jasper vase weighing 3,200 kg so heavy that the floor supporting it needed reinforcing. Japan donated silk tapestries, which hang in what is now known as the Japanese Room. They were the work of a team of 48,600 workers and took five years to complete. Italy donated a variety of marble, which grace the entrance to the Palace. These are only a few of the many beautiful donated gifts. The Palace also houses the busts and statues of many great practitioners of international law, diplomats and politicians committed to peace. The PCA was established to provide Member States with the option of arbitration to settle their disputes. Arbitration is a dispute settlement mechanism where the parties to a legal dispute consent to submit their disagreement to a person or to a panel, whose judgment they trust, for a binding decision. The PCA is therefore not a court since it does not have any sitting judges. The PCA maintains a list of arbitrators nominated by PCA Member States known as Members of the Court and parties may refer to the PCA’s list of arbitrators in selecting an arbitrator for their dispute. The PCA’s Registry, known as the International Bureau, administers arbitrations and provides support to tribunals and international commissions.
I
t’s a majestic building in all weather conditions; eerie when The Hague’s fog wraps itself around the tower, gleaming when the sun shines on it and imposing against its usual backdrop of grey skies. The Peace Palace, one of The Hague’s most famous buildings, houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration and stands as a symbol to the ideal that international law should be the basis of any international society. This was established after the first Hague Peace conference in 1899. The conference was convened by Tsar Russia donated a Nicholas II to limit the spread of armaments in Europe. The jasper vase weighHague was chosen as the venue for the Conference although ing 3,200 kg so heavy the definitive reason for this remains unclear. From a practical that the floor perspective, The Hague was easily accessible and also the Tsar supporting it needed was related to the Dutch royal family through King Willem III who had married Anna Paulowna daughter of Tsar Paul I. reinforcing The steel magnate, Andrew Carnegie, donated one and a half million dollars (approximately $150 million today) for the construction of the Peace Palace, and established the Carnegie Foundation, which to this day is responsible for the upkeep of the building. The Netherlands donated the land. The Peace Palace was designed by French architect, Louis Cordonnier, who wanted the building to reflect 16th century Dutch architecture. The Peace Palace was officially inaugurated in 1913. The 1899 Convention, concluded at the 1899 Peace Conference, established the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) to administer international arbitrations. The PCA resided on Prinsegracht until the Palace was ready. After the First World War, the League of Nations created a judicial body, the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ), and the Carnegie Foundation allowed it to be housed in the Peace Palace alongside the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Hague Academy of International Law, founded in 1923, sits in an annexed building from where it continues to provide an annual summer course on international law. The Peace Palace Library also resides in the annexed building and houses an extensive collection on international law.
Many of the cases administered by the PCA are confidential and involve a State Party. However, the PCA also provides services for the resolution of disputes involving state entities, intergovernmental organizations and private parties. The cases range from treaty interpretation and border disputes, to commercial disputes between a State and an investor. A recent notable arbitration was the Abyei arbitration between Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was founded in 1945 to replace the PCIJ, which had been disbanded and is housed in the western part of the Peace Palace. The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The Court consists of 15 judges who are elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for a period of nine years. The ICJ decides cases in accordance with international law. Only Member States may be parties in cases before the Court. The Court also provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.
Visit the Peace Palace - Guided tours are organized by the Carnegie Foundation when the ICJ and PCA are not in session. €5. See www.vredespaleis.nl for more information.
Looking for.... We are looking for talented and inspired people with a flair for writing who can deliver interesting and informative articles about life and living in The Hague. A writer for The Underground should ideally be part of the international community of The Hague whether living here or just visiting. We are looking for articles with a personal touch.
Topics including art, music, fashion, passions, museums, architecture, kids, food, shopping, books, history, sports and leisure related to The Hague are encouraged. Let the reader experience The Hague through your eyes. We are interested in positive and constructive pieces that respectful of other cultures and nationalities. Interested? email: editor@theunderground.nl
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The Underground The Hague
Poem by Sareen McLay Jack of all trades Jack of all trades Master of none. A lust for learning Everything under the sun! But when to stop, When to find that focus? The one thing to love To leave the others behind. Hope keeps me thinking Optimism makes me try Another class, one more go. Perhaps this will be the one? Then I will shine Inspire others to share my interest My new-found skills Will drive me forward Like a train steaming on My enthusiasm will guide me At last, a focus, just one. Will define me, find me.
Fashion
January 2012
10 Top Tips To Stay Fashionable in 2012 • Lucy Bosscher helps keep us on trend Now that the Netherlands will have its own edition of Vogue, the world’s ultimate fashion magazine, there is no excuse not to know what’s in, what out and what to keep. Here’s a simplified trend guide for 2012. Forget about minimalism, wave good-bye to your ‘boyfriend’ jeans - it is all about femininity, sophistication and subtle references to the roaring twenties.
1. Go prints. From ethnic to subtle floral and anything in between. Bold enough to try pattern on pattern? By all means.
2. Go colour. Pastel for the more reserved and strong citrusy hues of lemon yellow, mandarin and orange for the more outgoing.
3. Go sport couture. Logical, right? It is the Olympic year, after all.
4. Tighten your belt. Let your waist do the talking. Do not hide it - emphasize it!
5. Ditch the mini. Buy a new skirt, pleated or plisse. Its new length is between the ankle and the knee. Note: accessorise with high heels if not endowed with long legs.
6. Become Miss Happy, Miss Prim and Proper. Dresses, pencil skirts, structured bags, kitten heels, pearls and cat eyeglasses.
7. Say yes to a leather summer jacket but not just any. It has be silky soft, in light pastel colours with ¾ sleeve. Pair your new short leather jacket with slouchy, oversize trousers.
8. Don’t say no to lace. 9. Invest in a structured bag. Preferably in exotic leather. It will become your perfect companion for many years to come.
10. It is important to adapt these trends to your personal style. ©Graphic by Louis Radstaak
As Coco Chanel said: La mode se démodé, le style jamais- Fashion goes out of fashion, style is eternal’. Cultivate yours.
Lifestyle
January 2012
The Underground The Hague
13
What the Future Holds: 2012 t h e
v i e w
• Lucy Bosscher is The Hague based fashion thinker, linguist, communicator
Ah, a new year, the pristine beauty of a white page, the promise of a new start, and a handful of resolutions! Sadly often dropped within weeks. Having gladly toasted 2011 into retirement we look ahead with hope for change. And make it positive, please. The ‘yes we can’ kind. We have grown so weary of the news of turmoil and uncertainty.
O
f course it would help to have a crystal ball to gaze into the future. But for the lack of one let’s turn to ancient wisdom.
According to the Chinese horoscope the coming year is under the sign of ‘the water Dragon, intelligent, hard working, though sometimes prone to excesses in his drive creature. The Dragon has enough courage to face challenges and easily finds weak points that stand in his way to success. The Dragon is magnificent. He is flamboyant, attractive and full of vitality and strength.’ Such qualities would be undoubtedly needed to weather a very uncertain ride into 2012, the second year of the second decade of the twenty first century. Sounds ominous? Indeed. If consulting a horoscope is not your cup of tea then there is always a trend watcher or a trend forecaster eager to share his/her wisdom. And some come with quite a price tag to boot. Over the past two decades the ability of certain individuals to see what’s around the corner has captured the imagination of laymen and the corporate world alike and elevated the standing of these individuals to that of modern oracles. Their prophetic talent to see the future, translating it into trend books that equal the status of a holy scripture, have made professionals like Faith Popcorn and Chris Sanderson wealthy and put companies like the Future Laboratory and the Trend Union on the map. When it comes to trend forecasting no one can compare to the Dutch-born Lidewij (Li) Edelkort, the high priestess at the altar of trends. Named one of the 25 most influential people in fashion by Time magazine, Li Edelkort crisscrosses the globe giving presentations that dissect nascent shifts in the zeitgeist - where they come from, how they translate into goods and services. She also provides answers to the most basic questions we ask ourselves; what will our lives be, what will we find important, what will we wear - want - eat - how we will socialise. All of this is based primarily on her intuition. ‘I don’t discover anything new,’ she is quick to point out. ‘I observe and interpret peoples’ behavior and moods and note down what I see.’ And it is not the gloom and doom scenario that Li Edelkort sees emerging. Quite the contrary, she sees bliss and spirituality.
simply being there. Something to be grateful for. To enjoy the moment.’ Era of individualism has run its course. The era of individualism produced a generation of singles living in small apartments without kitchens, not knowing where to turn, avoiding the responsibility of raising children. According to Li Edelkort, this era has run its course and a new era is dawning. That of joining and sharing, embracing family values. Men seek the right partners to start families and rear children. The notion of fatherhood is undergoing change as more men opt to stay at home and raise a family. Socially we enjoy being together and sharing, we tend to co-work, initiate joint projects, we work more in groups. In her opinion, that will have a profound effect on governments, businesses, military, police.
The pyramid of power
The traditional pyramid structure of power is about to collapse, which does not mean that the chaos will ensue; rather power will become an edifice with a terrace. More participatory democracy and the demise of dictators?
Tapping into the zeitgeist
They say Li Edelkort is unrivaled in pinpointing the zeitgeist. For example, in 2002, she inspired Nissan to launch five unusually bright color options into the car market in Japan. The range - pale and bright orange, pale yellow, aqua blue and olive green - sold well and earned an industry award. She also advised Nissan on a later version of the Micra, launched in 2003. Clairvoyant reading into the future? A psychic? Neither of the two. She is a student of humanity, astutely observant and exceptionally perceptive and over the years, 30 to be exact, has honed this gift to impressive heights. Perhaps you see the same things but what Li does is articulate things, creating a compelling story. Her presentations always end with an arresting video, combining images, music, and narrative. It is inspirational; it touches you at the very core, at the visceral level. But more importantly it makes you think . . . and reflect and tune your antennae. These days Edelkort is preoccupied with Earth matters and organic living, championing local versus global, authentic versus uniform. It all about slow food, slow fashion and economy of soul - joining the circle.
Bliss
Far-fetched? Philosophical? To some, yes. To others, she is an inspiration.
Bliss is the key word for the years to come. Fed up, we will turn our back on the decade of fear in search of spirituality. Spirituality in everyday life and rituals like baking bread, or meditating or practicing yoga. Amidst the complexities of modern life we will find joy in, and marvel, at a ray of sun coming through the window, or a homemade cardigan.
Your reaction to a future filled with bliss might solicit a cynical smile. Turmoil and uncertainty seem a more likely script? Well, whatever school you choose the best advice for the year to come would be open your eyes, see, hear, filter and draw your own conclusions because,
In the past we used to identify ourselves through work. Now still giving it our best talent, we reserve our identity for ourselves. We develop new identities. It’s about filling life with meaning and gaining a new respect for the wonder of life and how to go about achieving this through our consumer choices. Edelkoort says, ‘We will aspire to a time out of time, we will search for a world within a world, a space of daydreams and wonder. A moment to experience
A final word
‘Your mind, this globe of awareness, is a starry universe. When you push off with your foot, a thousand new roads become clear.’ Rumi
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The Underground The Hague
Culture
January 2012
My Favorite Painting • Jane Choy examines a seasonal Maurithuis treasure
O
ne of my favourite paintings in the Mauritshuis, particularly at this time of year, is Singing Round the Star on Twelfth Night by Cornelis Troost (1696-1750).
It shows the old Dutch custom which commemorates Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, on 6 January, which is still celebrated in some parts of the Netherlands with a procession illuminated by torches and lanterns. In the painting we see people wearing crowns and carrying a star with a string attached to make it spin, in front of a house. From the words inscribed on the sheet, held by the crowned singer on the left, it seems the group was singing the traditional song ‘oh star do not stand still to Bethlehem with us if you will’. This commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. The little child in its mother’s arms happily greets the group while the older child appears to be frightened and is reassured by the nurse. The boy with the collection bowl, representing the youngest king, Caspar, is in the centre of the composition. Does this mean that avarice rather than piety motivates the singers? Does the meaningful grin of the child holding the cloak of one of the kings at the far left mean the collection might soon be squandered? The Mauritshuis is famous for its collection of 17th century Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. But this is an example of an 18th century painting by a leading artist of that era.
Troost was considered the foremost painter in pastels in Europe and was highly regarded for his technical skill and vivid imagination. This painting is one of the earliest acquisitions of the Royal Picture Gallery, the official title of the collection housed in the Mauritshuis. In 1829 the director, Jonkheer Steengracht van Oostcapelle, received permission from the Minister of the Interior to purchase this work with 14 other pastels by Troost. The reason for this exceptional act was to preserve these artistic products for the nation, most unusual when Rembrandts, Hals and others were disappearing abroad in large numbers. With this purchase the Mauritshuis became the home to some of Troost’s most beautiful pastels. They are displayed in a small cabinet room but due to their fragility and sensitivity to light only a limited number of these works can be shown to the public. Many visitors to the museum comment on the surprise they experience after leaving the masterpieces of the golden age to view these playful representatives of the early Rococo. In 1900 one visitor, the painter and art critic Johan Gram, praised the artist whose playful genius so humorously exposed the frivolous morals of this flighty and permissive time. Singing Round the Star on Twelfth Night by Cornelis Troost. Pastel and brush in gouache on paper, 56 x 75 cm.
Pancakes, Secret Lovers and Baby Lotion • Denise Ryan reveals a few secrets from The Hague’s past
T
he waiter at the Malieveld Pancake House served me a whipped cream and cheese pancake. My fault for pronouncing kers, cherry, to sound like kaas, cheese. When we stopped laughing he took it back and I thought of how decades ago there would have been people there with more than language howlers on their minds. The original pancake house was a favoured meeting place for KGB and other spies during the Cold War. It was conveniently situated near Central Station and various embassies, including the American and British. The spies met with each other and people who had no idea they were being spied on. The interior was dimly lit with private booths and quiet corners, a perfect place to conduct shady business unseen and unheard. There were two entrances, so a spy could make a quick getaway should he spot a Dutch Intelligence agent, or some other agent, tailing him. KGB agents regarded The Hague as a ‘punishment posting’ as Dutch Intelligence were so active they could hardly do anything. The pancake house was also a popular rendezvous for secret lovers. They probably needed to make quick getaways more often than the spies. All very intriguing but could you stand up and walk away from a pancake?
The Hague’s biggest celebrity spy is Mata Hari, or Agent H21, who lived for a short time in an elegant house at Nieuwe Uitleg. It is sad her varied and interesting life ended in front of a firing squad. Thanks to Mata Hari, perhaps, the quiet, elegant Nieuwe Uitleg became a location for foreign intelligence cover firms during the 1930’s. The Continental Trade Service at number 19 traded in various products, one of them baby lotion, but it served primarily as a cover for the Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6. The director was a monocled Englishman named S. Payne Best, an illegal resident in the Netherlands who lived at Lange Voorhout 90. He was assisted by his aide R.H. Stevens who worked undercover at the Passport Control Office in the Nieuwe Parklaan. Unfortunately for Payne Best and Stevens, their SIS network was penetrated by a German spy. T.A.R. Protze was a friend of Admiral Canaris and linked to the German intelligence service, the Abwehr. More unfortunate, a certain ‘Hauptmann Schemmel’ whom Payne Best had talks with, believing he was opposed to Hitler, turned out to be Walter Schellenberg, head of the foreign section of the German Security Service. Schellenberg made his name when he lured the two British spies to a meeting in Venlo in 1939 and had them kidnapped. Their Dutch escort, Lieutenant Dirk Klop, was killed during the kidnapping. Payne Best and Stevens were sent to concentration camps in Germany and were never heard of again.
The Denneweg, one of The Hague’s oldest and prettiest streets, famous for fashion and antiques, was the location from where a Dutch resistance fighter secretly transmitted military information about the occupying German army to London. Sieuwert S. de Koe sent his radio messages from a building (house number 74) located in a little courtyard behind Denneweg 108 (accessible through a gate). He carried on this perilous work for eight months until the Gestapo arrested him on 17 December 1943. He spent six months in prison before being executed by firing squad. There is a plaque in his memory at number 108. There are many other stories of espionage in The Hague but a quiet, reflective place to end would be the beautiful Van Stolkpark, where the monument to the victims of the Englandspiel is situated. Dutch agents trained in England were parachuted into the Netherlands during World War II. Many of them were captured immediately and forced by the Abwehr and Gestapo to transmit false messages back to London. The Gestapo succeeded in luring agents from England to supposedly safe locations, then arrested them when they landed. After the war it was rumoured that London knew what was happening. Some people suspected they had sacrificed agents because they wanted to make the Germans believe the D-Day landings would take place on the Dutch coast, not the Normandy coast. One captured agent, who was forced to send a false message used a different code, meaning he had been captured. A heart sinking reply came back, ‘You used the wrong code!’
Culture
January 2012
The Underground The Hague
15
The Hague, European Cultural Capital 2018 Candidate City Without Walls - Free Haven for Boundless Thought Aus Greidanus photo by Piet Gispen
• by Ruud Hisgen ........> continued page 1 A short conversation with Aus Greidanus: The Mayor of The Hague once called The Hague a cultural capital. So why does the municipality feel the need to compete for the official title in 2018? It is true that many of The Hague’s artists, performers, museums and galleries are well-known all over the world, in fact, The Hague is world famous. The tribunals and courts, including the remarkable Peace Palace, grip the attention of the international media. Indeed, the entire world seems to know about The Hague. Funny, then, that the Hagenaars themselves, both the multicultural inhabitants and the diplomats and expats, know so little about our cultural treasures. Working toward the Cultural Capital year 2018, we must make visible what is now hidden from view. You invented the slogan: ‘The Hague, City Without Walls’. What does it mean? Historically speaking, The Hague has always been a city without walls. Unlike Amsterdam and Delft The Hague was never granted a charter until the early nineteenth century. Because people could move in and out freely, the city was a free haven. Therefore it has always attracted artists, politicians and leading thinkers. Especially in the seventeenth century, the Golden Age, The Hague was a free haven where jurist Hugo Grotius, philosopher Benedictus de Spinoza and father (diplomat and poet) and son (scientist) Huygens flourished. Artists and thinkers still come to The Hague and appreciate it as neutral territory. Tolerance and open-mindedness are vital to a city without walls. So The Hague has always been a hospitable city . . . Yes, The Hague is an international city with a lively network stretching all over the world. And don’t forget that The Hague is home to over 140 nationalities. The Hague has the honorary title City of Peace and Justice which carries an international mandate to resolve conflicts and to help societies accommodate differences.
mit b u S r you k or w t r a
The American International School of Rotterdam
© Student: Grade 3. Project: Monet’s Lilly Pond - Monet style water color - Part of the International Primary Curriculum unit on “Water”. The students go on to look at other artists images of water including Hokusai’s “Tsunami”.
What does that have to do with the idea of Cultural Capital? Culture is more than art. To make a harmonious society you also need justice, philosophy, architecture and other cultural disciplines. Artists are essential if you want to improve the cultural quality of a society. What we need is talented minds that are creative and open to new ideas. The Hague 2018 aims to tie the notions of peace and justice to the arts and science. That sounds very ambitious. How are you going to stimulate cultural awareness and artistic appreciation? Because this awareness is in decline among our leaders and – what is even worse - in our education system at this moment, we aim at children and young people. We cooperate with the municipality, which is developing a Culture Education plan in dialogue with cultural institutions, schools, the government and Europe. Language and arithmetic are important but we also have to teach children the ability to think freely and to express those thoughts. Philosophy and art must be taught by specialists. But we also need role models. Therefore, we invite professional people from the judicial, government and the artistic worlds to link up with schools and teachers. A couple of hours per year they go to ’their’ school and tell students enthusiastically about their work and sometimes even invite them to visit their work place. These professionals will demonstrate that our democratic culture cannot exist without freethinkers. This way we seek to set an inspiring example for other cities and countries. So you think The Hague stands a good chance of winning . . . The Hague is a generous city, rich in culture, with colourful parks and dunes and always near beach and sea. In fact, it is a cultural capital. There is so much to be experienced. In 2018 The Hague extends its welcome to the world in order to share the cultural treasures with everyone. The journey to The Hague, European Cultural Capital 2018 starts now. We welcome your ideas and initiatives: www.denhaag-2018.nl
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The Underground The Hague
Sport & Food
January 2012
Potato & Cauliflower Curry Soup • by Stana van Ginkel an ayurvedic practitioner & nutritionist Of the four Elements, Earth and Air dominate the winter season. It is believed that Earth keeps us grounded whilst Air provides the flow that keeps us active. Eating seasonal food is the best way to support both body and mind. Potatoes represent Earth and cauliflower Air. The combination of the two is a perfect match keeping us in balance. The potatoes and cauliflower provide our body and mind with the energy and vitamins we need during the winter months. Cumin seeds remove the ‘heaviness‘of the potatoes and the garlic and onions aid digestion and stimulate the mind, whereas the turmeric removes toxins from the digestive system. Last but not least, the coriander prevents the digestive system from ‘overheating’. People who feel a burning sensation in their stomach can benefit from adding fresh coriander to their food. Potato and Cauliflower Curry Soup serves 4-6
ADO Den Haag News • by Neil McClimon ADO Den Haag our local top flight team has been playing a lot of great football at the moment without getting the results each performance deserves. The team has also been blighted by a series of injuries to top players, Wesley Verhoek being the main man who had to go under the surgeon’s knife to remove a bone fragment from his ankle. The reputation of the ADO Den Haag support is increasing to grow in a positive way due to the atmosphere inside the Kyocera stadion. The game against FC Utrecht in November saw the Midden Noord- a section known for its hardcore support give a stunning and colourful display before kickoff. This was acknowledged by many as a big break through; it was a trial run for bigger and better displays to come. The fans which once blighted the club are turning themselves into the pride of the club and everybody is pitching in to give the team the reputation it now truly deserves. Due to the winter break in Dutch football, ADO Den Haag play only one home game in January on Friday 20 against Roda JC, kick-off 20.00. A club card is not required and tickets can be purchased from the stadium ticket desk if you take some photo id with you. During the winter break ADO fans will be holding their breath as the transfer window will be open and there is a chance that some of Holland’s bigger clubs will be out to poach the ADO stars such as the Verhoek brothers, Toornstra and Immers. If you are unsure about a visit to a full ADO match, why not try a visit to see the ADO ladies team play. It is free entry, the drinks are cheap and the football good. The crowds for these games are now reaching over 1500 on a regular basis. The ladies even have their own fan section that demonstrate their support by constant drumming and chanting throughout the game. The ADO ladies next home game is on Friday 27 January against sc Heerenveen with a kick-off at 19.30. For more information on tickets, club cards, match reports and all ADO news in English, visit www.adoforexpats.com Neal McClimon is a writer and photographer who has covered many sporting and cultural events in and around The Hague for the past four years with his own www.itpphotography.com website.
Ingredients 4 large floury potatoes cut into small cubes 1 cauliflower cut into bit size pieces 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon Aromat (Knorr vegetable stock) 1 teaspoon turmeric black pepper 1 large red onion 2 large cloves of garlic fresh coriander Preparation Place the potatoes in a pan with 1.5 litres of water, add ½ teaspoon of Aromat (Knorr vegetable stock) and bring to the boil. When the potatoes are nearly cooked add the cauliflower and continue boiling till both are cooked. Cut the onions and garlic into chunks. Add the olive oil to a frying pan, reduce the heat and add the cumin seeds - make sure they do not burn. Add remainder of Aromat (Knorr), turmeric and, according to taste, black pepper. Sauté them very briefly. Add the onions and garlic and stir-fry everything until the onions are glazed, the garlic must not burn. Reduce the heat, add 1 tablespoon of water from the soup, stir well and pour the entire contents into the pan with the potatoes and cauliflower. Let this cook together for 5 minutes (do not boil). Remove the pan from the heat; blend the soup in a blender. You can leave some vegetables or potato chunks unblended giving you food to chew which is good for digestion. Tip Add fresh coriander and black pepper to the soup if it is not salty enough for you. Instead of using salt or any other additives you can also use Gomasio. This is 95% percent ground sesame seeds with 5% salt. Very tasty and very healthy.
Enjoy!
The Underground
Food & Health
January 2012
The Hague
17
A New Beginning in a woman’s life • According to Naturopathic Doctor, Barbara Reale, menopause is the second puberty
During menopause many women experience hot flashes, mood swings and discomfort or irritability but just as in puberty, menopause is all about hormone imbalance. The good news is that in naturopathy these symptoms can be alleviated by chosing the right remedies with a personalised approach. Phytotherapy and phyto-hormones, when carefully selected by a professional, are an effective and a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
similar to human breast milk. Beet juice - This old folk remedy for menopausal symptoms is now accepted as a highly nutritional way to get lots of vitamin C and folic acid. Try beetroot in salads with yoghurt and mint or with onions and herrings. Soy products - Soy and soy products contain phytoestrogens, plant-based chemicals that mimic naturally occuring estrogen in the body. Japanese women eating a high soy diet have few, if any, menopausal symptoms. Tofu and other soy products have also been shown to help lower cholesterol. Try edamame (soy beans) in salad with celery, mint, garlic, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Always use organic soy products and avoid genetically modified foods.
When in our fifties our bodies want to slow down. Those who don’t allow their bodies to do so often find that their symptoms will not be eased by medication. Learn to listen to your body as symptoms are the body’s way of telling you that something is wrong or out of balance. It is a time in life to refocus.
Beans - Rich in fiber and low glycemic carbohydrates, they have been shown to help with menopausal symptoms. Beans pack lots of safe proteins in a small package. Try to include other high-fibre, low-glycemic foods into your diet, such as amaranth and quinoa flakes in your breakfast.
I have a patient in her fifties who began studying theology to satisfy her spiritual quest. Another client on her sixtieth birthday packed up her dog and began a year-long journey through Europe to explore her ancestral heritage on a Harley Davidson. The possibilities are endless.
Dark green leafy vegetables - Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, kohlrabi and spinach are higher in protein, calcium and fibre than most people realise. They also give you crucial nutrients without saturated fats.
That doesn’t mean, however, that menopause is a walk in the park. Irregular heart beat and chronic insomnia can have many women searching for some relief. Meditation, Pilates and good sleeping habits can have a positive impact on menopause symptoms. Another smart choice is to add certain ‘super foods’ to your diet. Here are some examples that studies have shown to be beneficial to women going through menopause:
Thai Cooking Classes Are you interested in the art of Thai cuisine? Malee Dirkse, a native of Thailand, will teach all levels of home chefs and give tips of her passion. Classes are given at your house with a minimum of 3 people. Prices begin at euro 45 depending on choice of menu. She also provides catering for small groups. For more information, call Malee at 070 888 2929 or mobile 06-4547-0191 www.thai-cooking-classes.nl
Dairy products - are an easy way to get sufficient calcium and have shown in studies to help minimize menopausal symptoms. However, in my experience many people have lactose intolerance and others don’t need vitamin D. Vitamin D is considered essential to calcium absorption, but can be dangerous as it plays a role in immune and hormonal response too. Try to avoid full fat dairy products and choose goat’s cheese as the molecules in goat’s milk is very
Canned sardines and salmon, especially if the bones are consumed - High in calcium, vitamin D and omega-3s, sardines and salmon should be on your menu at least twice a week. Flaxseed- Flaxseed has become a nutritional darling and it’s easy to see why. Besides being an excellent source of easily absorbable omega3, it is also another phytoestrogen like soy. Be sure to consume either ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil as whole flaxseeds pass through the intestinal track whole giving little nutrition. I love to add them to my breakfast muffins. Seaweeds - Some beneficial nutrients in seaweed include organic (photo-synthetic) vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6, anti-oxidants, phyto hormones, polyphenols, and flavenoids that can regulate hormones and increase energy levels. Seaweed also contains Fucoidan, Laminarin, and Alginate compounds which can lower cholesterol. Studies suggest that these are anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-aging. Land plants do not contain these photochemicals. Try arame rolls or wakame salads in organic shops, but don’t exceed a forkful of seaweed per day, they are high in sodium and can cause insomnia. Two other things to keep in mind. Be sure to up the amount of water you drink since menopause symptoms can cause you to lose more water. Limit your alcohol, caffeine and red meat consumption. All are diuretics and can leave you dehydrated. So is all menopause advice the same? The answer, of course, is a resounding NO. Most women, after taking natural care of their hormone balance, happily report they do not suffer from vaginal dryness or a loss of sex drive. Most women can expect to live well beyond their eighties making the menopause only another stage in life.
The Underground
Events Would you like to report on events? info@theunderground.nl 18
The Hague
January Music
Concert uKanDanZ from Ethiopia If you enjoy exotic rhythms, then you definitely will not want to miss this concert. This half Ethiopian, half French band will captivate you with their intense melodic beats. Date: 26 January 2012 Time: 20.15 Place: Theatre De Regentes Price: € 22,50/ DRINK INCLUDED Don Giovanni Few things are more romantic than an opera and this season starts with Don Giovanni; featuring music composed by Mozart and superb artists that make this two-act performance anything but dull. Date: 8 January 2012 Time: 11.00 Place: Pathé Buitenhof Price: € 17,50 Siegfried Another classic of the opera, Siegfried is inspired by a legendary hero of the Norse mythology. This fearless character is sure to keep you glued to your seats for the whole duration of the performance. Date: 15 January 2012 Time: 11.00 Place: Pathé Buitenhof Price: € 17,50 Jazz on Sunday For those that love the moody tempo of trumpets, saxophones, piano etc. then you have to make an appearance at this can’t-miss-event with Alex Sipiagin. Date: 15 January 2012 Time: 15.00 Place: Theater on the Spui, Spui 187 Price: €15,00
Films Movies that Matter If you want to take a break from the usual Hollywood movies, the Movies that Matter Festival will be featuring a postrevolution Tunisian production that is definitely a must-see. Date: 8 January 2012 Time: 14.00 Place: Filmhuis, Spui 191 in The HaguePrice: € 8.50
Theatre & Dance
Always Known Never Met By Giulia Mureddu. Artistic and as original as it is entertaining, with powerful images and dancing, this incredible performance highlights a dialogue between a mother and her unborn child. Date: 14 January 14 Time: 20.15 Place: Theatre De Regentes Price: € 16,00 Sylvie Guillem Considered a true dance prodigy, Sylvie Guillem is here to delight us once again with an amazing performance that words simply cannot describe. Date: 26- 27 January 2012 Time: 20.30 Place: Lucent Danstheater, The Hague Price: €45,00 first rank, €35,00 second rank, €11,00 younger than 27
Auctions Valuation days at Panorama Mesdag If you are interested in selling valuable items at an auction but you are not sure of their value, then make sure you get a professional opinion and consult a true specialist. Date: 6 January 2012 Time: 11.00h-16.00h Place: Panorama Mesdag Museum
Festivals Holland Dance Festival Featuring incredible performances by various artists, this display of modern dance will take place throughout various theatres of The Hague. For more information regarding locations, performances and tickets visit www.hollanddancefestival.com or call 070-3616142. Date: 26 January- 25 February 2012 Writers Unlimited This is one of the most successful International Literature Festivals. This year will be the 17th edition connecting writers, poets and literary artists from different cultures across the world. For more information visit www.writersunlimited.nl or call 070-3650222 Place : Theater on the Spui Filmhuis Den Haag Date : 19 – 22 January 2012
Museums & Art Fashion and Art Exhibition For those who are passionate about
January 2012
fashion, you will not want to miss this exhibition which has been up and running at the Gemeentemuseum The Hague since 3 Septembre 2011 Place: Gemeentemuseum The Hague Date: Until 8 January 2012 Price: €12.50 (Regular entrance fee) Paris: ‘City of Modern Art’ Exhibition Discover around 40 works of art brought directly from the prestigious Centre Pompidou in Paris. The exhibition includes famous masterpieces by artists such as Kandinsky, Brancusi, Picasso, Matisse, Miró, Giacometti, Léger, Braque and Delaunay. Place: Gemeentemuseum The Hague Date: Until 29 January 2012 Price: €12.50 (Regular entrance fee) Rusted Glass/Roestig Glas By artist Jehoshua Rozenman Six years ago, artist Jehoshua Rozenman turned to glass to shape and turn his ideas into amazing glass sculptures. Start this New Year by discovering his extraordinary glass art. Place: Museum Beelden aan Zee, Date: Until 22 January 2012 Time: Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 to 17.00 Price: With a Museumkaart: free; Adult €9,50; Children 13-18 €4,75; Children < 13 Free ‘The urge to create and passion for beauty’ Sculptures by Oswald Wenckebach (1895-1962) Oswald Wenckebach is the creator of one of the most famous images of Dutch art history: ‘Monsieur Jacques’, if you do not know this piece of art, now is the time to discover this Dutch wonder and many others. Place: Museum Beelden aan Zee, Date: Until 22 January 2012 Time: Open Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 -17.00 Price: With a Museumkaart: free; Adult €9,50; Children 13-18 € 4,75; Children < 13 Free
Sports & Leisure Winter Wonderland Scheveningen is again the place to be if you want to have the ultimate winter sport experience skating the day away with the whole family. You can also rent skates there and take skating classes at an extra cost. Date: Until 15 January 2012 Time: 10.00 to 22.00 Place: In front of the Kurhaus Hotel Cost: €4.50 excluding skates.
January 2012
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Building Jan Vis/ Building work Bathrooms/Window frames/Carpentry/ All our work is not only guaranteed handmade but also custom tailored to suit your every wish. Phone: 0174-29 01 08
Courses English Photography Course
Have you been looking for an English language photography course in The Hague? Then we have a course for you. PhotographySchool.NL’s ten-week beginner’s course is presented entirely in English and utilises both lectures and hands-on photo shoots. The next session of our Beginner’s Course will begin on January 19th 2012 and runs on a weekly basis until March 29th 2012. Please note that there is no session on February 23rd and that the photography day trip will take place on March 10th. For more information, please visit our website: www.photographyschool.nl
Driving Lessons
Driving lessons given in English or German in the area of the Hague and surrounding towns. Ron Keislair, for information telephone 06-4430 2594 or www.ronkeislair.nl
For Rent For rent, fully furnished 2 room apartment. Corner Ln v Meerdervoort & Reinkenstraat € 870,-- all incl p.m **no agency fees, direct rental** for more info & pictures : susietoppler@hotmail.com 06-50.83.44.05.
For Sale/For rent Service flat Cees Laseurlaan 1005. spacious living/diningroom/2 bedroom/ Located in Clingendeal/ near Wassenaar/Diner service & Restaurant/ shops and public transport 5 min. walk. Also rental possible. Price: € 197.000 k.k. Phone: +31 (0) 6 54957490
For online reservations please visit our website: www.haracenter.nl HandsatWork B.V. Business Vitality, Motivation and Inspiration T: 06-51776196
Guitar lessons
La Marteille - Troche-Pompadour
Located near Pompadour/Brive/ Limoges/Dordogne in France. A lovely get away in the country for 2-4 people/2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms/ veranda/fully furnished/garden/ wood burner/ etc Per week € 595,- Bookings: www.micazu.nl/vakantiehuis/ la-marteille-10437
Garage Sales Garage Sales in Denneweg: Design Furniture, Antique, Book & DVD, Kitchenware, Complete Bathroom, iPod, speaker, etc. For full brochure, price & appointment, pls email cdebuysscher@hotmail.com
Health & Fitness Creating Waces In the ‘Mind your Stress’ program you will learn to:increase your emotional balance . recognize your stress triggers . neutralize the effects of your stress reactions . increase your energy & vitality . transform your stress ‘on the spot’ anywhere, anytime . improve your mental clarity . make more supportive choices for yourself. Starts 20.01.2012. More info: maryjane@creatingwaves.nu www.creatingwaves.nu Yoga classes with Anat Preiss, a qualified yoga teacher with experience of over 20 years. Gave lessons and workshops in Israel, Switzerland and now in Holland for groups, individuals, adults and children. Yoga lessons for groups are focused on body positions, breathing techniques and relaxation. Individual yoga lessons are especially helpful for people with specific problems like high or low blood pressure, backaches, asthma, etc. Workshops for lower backaches are offered for individuals or small groups. Reiki treatments are offered for reducing stress and promotion of self healing. For details please contact: Anat Preiss anatpreiss@hotmail.com tel.: 071-5013170 mob: 06-11470741 www.yogaforall.net
HandsatWork Hara Center
Massage & Wellness - Detox & Body Toning - Health & Vitality Laan van Meerdervoort 45, 2517 AD Den Haag, T: 06-11910900
by a well-trained and experienced guitar professional. Beginners and advanced. € 18,50 per 30 minutes. Please contact: Bart Berman Adriaan Coenenstraat 22 2584RH Den Haag Phone: (+31)(0)623627334 Email: bartberman@gmail.com www.demodokosbb.blogspot.com
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Cello and piano lessons with Ania Katynska a graduate from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. All ages and levels are welcome. Lessons can be in English, German or Polish and take place at student’s home, in The Hague and surrounding areas. Education: MA, Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, KA, Universität der Künste Berlin, MA Academy of Music in Katowice. E: aniacello@gmail.com, Mobile: 0681 655 154 www.aniakatynska.webs.com
Sing Speak Listen Learn Laugh
Voice Lessons with Nancy Mayer Ages 12 and up Breathing, posture, voice projection, vocal technique All styles of music welcome www.nancymayer.com mob. 06 14 851 832
Photographers Marina Novosad
06-20992938 marinaphotography@ymail.com
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J.C. Suurmond & zn. Tax consultants is a Dutch tax consulting agency with an international perspective. No matter what tax situation you encounter as an expat, we know how to handle it in your best interest. Consult our independent professional team by phoning +31 (0)174 244725 or e-mail taxadvice@jcsuurmond.nl. Alternatively visit our website www.jcsuurmond.nl.
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TAKE AWAY
Spare-ribs and Chicken saté
Open every day from 10.00 - 22.00
Reservations recommended !
Flavor‘s team wishes you Happy New Year ! THE WHOLE MONTH OF JANUARY: HEALTH MONTH
5 95 5, 75 , 3 95 ,
Guinea fowl salad with candied,
granny smith apple & raspberry dressing Salad with fried strips of beef, oyster sauce,
mango, bean sprouts, green onion & cilantro Mega health Sandwich bread (brown) or a huge slice of
bread corn (white) with grilled lamb, avocado and fresh mint and honey yoghurt dressing
75 , 3
Mega health Sandwich bread (brown) or a huge slice
of bread corn (white) with crab salad, smoked salmon, Norwegian prawns & salad
Brown / white soft ball with a homemade spare-ribs croquette
From 10.00 till 17.00
75 , 2 e!
Including fresh juice, coffee or tea. Every Sunday from 10.00 - 14.00
Also à la carte !
Prime-rib (Roast of beef) ± 200 gram
13,95
Willem de Zwijgerlaan 44a
Tel: 070-4049607
Today is the best day of your life! ( Tip de Bruin ) *1920 - † 2008
MONDAY llet of beef or dover sole
13,95
TUESDAY mixed-grill or llet of salmon
13,95
WEDNESDAY unlimited spare-ribs or a rib-eye
13,50
THURSDAY llet of beef saté or ank steak (Tender beef)
13,95
FRIDAY
big shrimps with piri piri or pork tenderloin (choice of 3 warm sauces)
13,95
SATURDAY steak
Did you know? ...that you also can have Main Courses during Lunch-tim
English Breakfast 9,95
Every...
with fried mushrooms
13,50
SUNDAY
wiener schnitzel or chicken saté
9,95
2582 ER The Hague
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