ZINE
#599 November 2012
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Aspen & Yukiko at ISA Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Trick or Treat. At ISA we have over 50 different nationalities among the students. That means over 50 different cultures, traditions and points of view to respect, to learn about, and to enjoy. The diversity of our students and faculty creates exciting interactions that mirror the challenges of globalization – all in a safe learning environment. We believe that a school can make a world of difference in the life of a student - and students who experience an ISA education can make a difference in the world.
Exciting and developing young minds Sportlaan 45 - 1185 TB Amstelveen - The Netherlands - Tel. +31 20 347 1111 - www.isa.nl
Taste Life!
Kingsalmarkt, the world-famous foodstore! We are known for our wide range of products from countries all over the world. ‘Taste life’ is what we call that. Visit us for your favourite American cornflakes, brownies and soups, British jams and honey, Mexican tortillas, Spanish tapas and ham, Italian coffee and pasta and French cheese. Of course you can pick up the rest of your groceries too.
Rembrandtweg 621, 1181 GV Amstelveen-noord, tel. 020 643 37 51 www.kingsalmarkt.nl info@kingsalmarkt.nl Easily reached by car (free parking) and public transport (5 or 51 tram to Kronenburg) Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 6 pm Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
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BritSoc ball/ “The
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e Queen’s Jubilee”
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The 2012 Jubilee Ball... Join us on December 8th for the most sparkling event of the year – the British Society Diamond Jubilee Ball. Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee year, the event will be one of elegance, tradition and friendship.
Historical surroundings… The ball is hosted in the medieval St. Olof Chapel belonging to the five star Barbizon Palace Hotel located in the historic centre of Amsterdam. The Chapel was built in the 15th century and has a rich history. This beautiful and elegant building will be the backdrop of the evening and is conveniently located opposite Amsterdam central station. It can also easily reached by bus and tram. Parking is available through the Barbizon Palace hotel or at the underground parking garage in front of the CS. A sparkling evening... The evening will start with a reception including welcome drinks. During this time it is possible to buy raffle tickets and make biddings for the silent auction. The ball will continue with a special three course “Jubilee menu” (including wine), prepared by Michelin star chef Chris Naylor! Following this scrumptious dinner, dancing will continue into the early hours (until 3am for those who like to party!). Fabulous dress code... Adhering to British tradition, the dress code for the evening is dinner jacket. The gentlemen are requested to wear a dinner jacket (black tie). The lady’s are invited to wear evening dress. A dedicated charity... This year’s charity is the Red Cross, an organisation rooted both in the UK and in the Netherlands which is also supported by the royal families in both countries. All the proceeds from the raffle and silent auction will be donated to this charity. We would like to thank all of our sponsors that have graciously provided prizes for the raffle and silent auction. Among them, Hampshire hotels, Raceplanet, Helmsman boat rental and many more. Booking tickets... The ticket sale has commenced. The first tables have already been booked, so make sure that you make reservations on time! Ticket prices: members € 105 and non members € 120. You can make your reservations below:
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE NOW! Booking form: http://www.britsoc.nl/index.php?id=701
If you have any special dietary requirements (such as religious, allergies, vegetarian etc.) please contact: ball@britsoc.nl and we will make special arrangements. Page 6
BritSoc Ball
event/
TICKETS NOW
AVAILABLE
ONLINE www.britsoc.nl Sat 8 Dec 2012-18:30 to 03:00
Details: Venue:
Britsoc Diamond Jubilee Ball St Olof Chapel- Barbizon Palace hotel, Prins Hendrikkade 59-7, 1012 AD, Amsterdam Dress: Dinner Jacket Page 7
Contents
Click arrows to go to pa
britsoc ball/ “ball tickets” P britsoc activities / “eclectic events/ “in november” Page 20 events/ “mulanje concert 2 events/ “the expat who love social friday/ “cafe heffer” family/ “museum youth univ Page family/ “big chief riverdance interview of the month / “d food glorious/ “chocolate o food glorious/ “alice in cake theatre / “darling, sweetie,
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age
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c britishness”
Page 14-17
0-21
2012” Page 24-25 ed me” Page 30-31 Page 36-37
versity” Page 44-45 e 50-59Page 48-49 e” don draper” Page 52-53 orange bites” Page 58-59 eland” Page 58-59 darling” Page 68-77 Page 9
Colophon >
ZINE EDITORIAL
ISSUE # 599
EDITOR IN CHIEF Alison Smith | editor@britsoc.nl EDITORIAL BOARD Ian Cherington | ifcherington@hetnet.nl Dave Thomas | info@nstranslations.nl John Richardson | JohnTheCopywriter@me.com Stephen Huyton | shuyton@thermopatch.nl
CONCEPT, DESIGN & WORDS
CONCEPTUAL WRITER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR John Richardson | zine@britsoc.nl www.johnthecopywriter.com
ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING SALES Zetterij Jan van den Berg | ieee25qr@kpnmail.nl
PUBLISHING
PUBLISHED BY John Richardson | JohnTheCopywriter.com FLIP MAGAZINE PUBLISHING PLATFORM www.issuu.com PUBLISHED ON www.wordpress.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEEDBACK Alison Smith | editor@britsoc.nl
www.britcoczine.wordpress.com www.britsoc.nl
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“
I would say the tone deaf Japanese
karaoke singer whose version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody has me in stitches even now after 20 years. INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH
with John Richardson Conceptual writer, publisher and creative director of
ZINE
The online magazine for the British community of the Netherlands
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Chairman’s Blog W
Stephen Huyton
elcome to this, the fourth edition of our new online magazine. I would also like to say a big hello again to those members who do not have access to a computer and have been unable to read the last two editions. I hope you enjoy this new format. Welcome also to new readers who have signed up in such large numbers. I am delighted to report that the last issue was greeted with widespread compliments as to both the quality of the content and its styling. For this I am most grateful to our creative director John Richardson and Alison Smith our editor. The new digital format now enables us to cover a much wider range of subjects and in much more detail. If you have any comments or observations or would like to contribute to a future edition, then please get in touch with the editor at the usual address: editor@britsoc.nl. I met quite a lot of members at the Expatica fair held last month. This was a great opportunity for us to present ourselves to the wider expat community and I would like to welcome any new members that joined as a result of visiting our stand. It was noticeable that the most common comment that I received throughout the day concerned the news that we would not be running Bonfire Night this year. As I reported in the last edition, Bonfire Night became a casualty of its own success with over 600 people attending last year. As a consequence we were confronted with increased regulations and more specifically the problem of not enough volunteers to help run the event. During the fair, several clubs offered their help to ensure that next year Bonfire Night can once again take its place as one of the key events in our calendar. Specifically I would like to thank Emma and the Amsterdam Mamma’s who have offered to help organize next year’s festivities. Despite the loss of Bonfire Night, we can still look forward to the highlight of our social calendar the Diamond Jubilee Ball, to be held on 8th December. The website is now open for bookings and you will find plenty of information about the night elsewhere in this magazine. Given that this is a very special night and will be supported by the British Ambassador, Mr Paul Arkwright, tickets are already selling fast so I strongly recommend you book your tickets today! Before the ball, we will be holding our AGM on Tuesday 27th November. Once again this will be held at The DoubleTree Hotel. Details to be posted separately. I would encourage you to attend as it’s an ideal opportunity to find out more about the workings of this Society. I hope that at the AGM, I can report on some major changes that have just been agreed by the committee. Specifically, we have decided to re-design the existing website. This has been in use now for nearly five years and needs to be brought up to date and integrated with our digital magazine. Finally, in the last magazine, I announced my plans to step down at the AGM. At our recent committee meeting we discussed this and several other key changes that we want to make in the organization. By the time of the AGM, I hope that we will have crystalized these changes and that, subject to approval from the meeting, I will be able to explain more in the December issue. If you are interested in standing for a position in the committee, then we are currently looking for a new finance officer as well as webmaster and events coordinator. Once again please contact me via chair@britsoc.nl . I look forward to welcoming you to the ball in December. Best wishes, Stephen
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BritSoc activities/
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“tennis to bridge”
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BritSoc Social Activities
NOVEMBER
SUNDAY
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
Activity Contact Details:
Social Fridays is Tracey Taylor. Email: socialfridays@hotmail.com Soft tennis is Sharron Reed. Email: s.j.reed@xs4all.nl Bridge is Ruth and Art Max. Email: ruthmax84@yahoo.com Squash is Paul Huxley. Email: prhuxley@gmail.com Golf is Liz Wen. Email: britsocgolf@gmail.com Scottish Country Dancing. Email: Margaret.Lambourne@ziggo.nl
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Soft Tennis 16.00 Golf a.m.
Soft Tennis 16.00 Golf a.m.
Soft Tennis 16.00 Golf a.m.
Soft Tennis 16.00 Golf a.m.
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Squash 19.30
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Squash 19.30
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Squash 19.30
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Squash 19.30
CALENDAR THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
01
02
03
08
09
10
Scottish dancing 19.30-21:00
07
Golf a.m.
Golf a.m.
Playgroup 11.00 Badminton 19.00 Bridge Night 19.30 (or Thursday)
Scottish dancing 19.30-21:00
Social Friday / Pub night 21.00 (2nd Friday)
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Playgroup 11.00 Badminton 19.00 Bridge Night 19.30 (or Thursday)
Play Reading 19.30 (3rd Thursday) Scottish dancing 19.30-21:00
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Playgroup 11.00 Badminton 19.00 Bridge Night 19.30 (or Thursday)
Golf a.m.
Golf a.m.
Scottish dancing 19.30-21:00
Scottish Country Dancing Group
28 Playgroup 11.00 Badminton 19.00 Bridge Night 19.30 (or Thursday)
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Scottish dancing 19.30-21:00
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Under the expert guidance of Margaret Lambourne, a qualified SCD teacher, Thursday evenings are spent dancing to the strains of Celtic tunes. Swirling in circles or forming up squares, lines or long sets, we learn everything from the proper steps and figures in jig, reel and strathspey time. We change partners for each dance, so you can come on your own and find a partner there. The music and the dancing make you happy, and it’s great exercise, too! And what a bargain, just 3 euros per session! Sessions are held in the British School hall on Anthonie van Dijckstraat in Oud Zuid, from 7:30 to 9 pm.
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much ado/ “in mo
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ovember�
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Monthly event guide
Much ado
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Events in November
The nights are long and the sun low, November in Amsterdam is perfect for film festivals and special screenings like IDFA at the various arthouse theatres about town. There’s also the Movember Party, burlesque nights and plenty of theatre. Source: www.iamsterdam.com
Amsterdam Film Week 05 - 11 Nov
Amsterdam Film Week returns to screen a selection of the best films of 2012 in cinemas and clubs in the city centre.
DFA: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Every November, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) transforms the city centre 14 - 25 Nov into a paradise for documentary film fans.
Awakenings ADE special 17 - 19 Oct
The Awakenings techno music festival returns to the Westergasfabriek for a three-night event in as part of the Amsterdam Dance Event in October 2012. Read more »
Movember end Nov
Movember Netherlands is all about raising money for prostate cancer and men’s health in a novel (and hairy) way.
Museum Night Amsterdam
03 Nov
On the first Saturday in November every year, Museum Night (Museumnacht) sees museums open their doors in the evening and organise special events...
KLIK! Amsterdam Animation Festival
KLIK! Amsterdam Animation Festival hits Amsterdam’s EYE Film Institute Netherlands in autumn 2012.
7 -11 Nov
in Movember
Highlights
pAn Amsterdam – Art and Antique Fair The biggest national antique fair in the Netherlands takes place in Amsterdam, and lasts for the full week. Third week of November. www.pan-amsterdam.nl
Arrival of Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas arrives to Amsterdam early by ship and upon landing, rides on a white horse through the city center in a festive parade. Large crowds of children greet him and his entourage, November 22 www.sintinamsterdam.nl
Andy Warhol
Towards the end of his life, Andy Warhol (1928-1987) made a series of works on Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The best of these is considered to be The Last Supper (pink), and this enormous canvas from the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is on display in Europe for the first time since 1987. De Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam until November 11. www.nieuwekerk.nl
Cello Festival
The Fourth Amsterdam Cello Biennale is gearing up to make waves in the waterfront Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ concert complex built specifically for ‘classical music in the 21st century’. Muziekgebouw, Amsterdam, Oct 26 - Nov 3. www.amsterdamsecellobiennale.nl
Extraordinary
Unusally shaped handbags began to appear in the 19th century and the fantasy of designers kept pace with new technology. Sept 18 - Mar 10 www.museumofbagsand purses.com
World Cup Football
The Dutch national football team, Oranje, begins its World Cup 2014 qualifying matches at the end of the summer, continuing on into 2013. They play: Germany on November 14 www.amsterdamarena.nl
World Christmas Circus
This year’s circus features David Larible, the man known as the ‘king of clowns’. There is also an amazing pogoda cat from a team of sixteen artists from China, a brand new version of the flying trapeze act from North Korea, the world’s best contortionist from South Africa and acts featuring horses and sealions. Theater Carré, Amsterdam, December 21 to January 6. www.carre.nl Page 21
events/ “mulanje con
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ncert 2012�
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events/
Mulanje Concert 2012 Friday November 2nd, English Reformed Church, Amsterdam
The Mulanje Concert 2012 will help provide medical equipment for Mulanje Hospital’s operating theatre.
www.mmh.mw
The Mulanje Concert 2012 will help provide medical equipment for Mulanje
Hospital’s operating theatre. This year pianist Ronald Brautigam is joined by Emily Beynon on the flute, Quirine Scheffers on violin, Matthew Midgley on double bass, and the Serafino String Trio (Cecilia Bernardini, violin; Giles Francis, viola; Timora Rosler, cello). Concert tickets cost €35. If you would like to attend this marvellous concert, or if you would just like to donate to the cause, contact mulanje@mail.com. Please help this very worthy cause! Yours Rev. John Cowie
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Tickets €35 from mulanje@mail.com
event/
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events/ “the expat
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t who loved me�
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events/
Dear friends,
It is with great pleasure that we announce our latest creation. The Expat Who Loved Me - a James Bond Gala.
Friday November 16th 2012
@Mirror Center Amsterdam Come and experience an evening of deep cover, dancing, fun, elegance and, of course, mystery. This will be THE event of the fall season! Steps away from the Amsterdam Muiderpoort train station, the Mirror Center features the ideal atmosphere for you to treat yourself to a night of epic entertainment.
Doors open at 10pm. Martinis will be served.
Shaken, not stirred.
All operatives welcome. Tickets are limited. Dress your best. Tickets (including welcome drink) Pre-sale: 9.50 Euros (excl. service) can be purchased here: https://shop.ticketscript.com/channel/web2/start-order/rid/NVWNHDGZ/language/nl
Pay on the door: 15 Euros
Dress code: Smart / James Bond / Cocktail Dresses Page 29
event review/ “I am
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m not a tourist�
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Thank you for visiting BritSoc
at the ‘i am not a tourist’
expat fair
Dave Thomas
Seven good reasons to visit the Expatica Fair Sunday 7th October: the Expatica “I am not a tourist” Fair was held in the Beurs van Berlage, a stone’s throw from Central Station and adjacent to the Bijenkorf, with its Dwaze Dagen sale. Yet despite the stiff competition from next door, Expatica still did brisk business. So here are seven good reasons why you should have come: 1.
You might have discovered that the American Consul in Amsterdam is actually a Brit (find out more in a future ZINE).
2.
If you have kids they would have come home with an interesting goody bag (including an all-in-one whistle, mirror, magnifying glass, com pass, thermometer, lamp thing - my son Luc is a proud owner now!).
3.
You could have sampled some tempting regional cooking from Ristorante Arcimboldo in Haarlem (has our World Cuisine Group been there yet?).
4.
You would have seen how clogs are made (if you did not know already).
5.
You could have found out more about other expat clubs (like who are laughingatpo tatoes.com?).
6.
You would have discovered more about what’s on beyond Amsterdam.
7.
You might have bumped into somebody you did not expect to see (I saw a colleague on the Democrats Abroad stand).
Finally, helping on the Britsoc stand was a great way to meet loads of people in a short space of time. Definitely better than the Sunday papers with a pot of coffee!
See video: http://www.expatica.com/iamnotatourist/
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event/ event review/
By Abartitur Page 33
events/ “social frid
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day @café heffer”
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Social Fridays Fr
| @CafĂŠ Heffer 21 http://www.heffer.nl/contact.html
Friday 9th November
For October we are meeting on the 2nd Friday in the month instead. Jansenare still able to join us. HopeSeanyou Page 36
rom 1:00
|
Venue: Oudebrugsteeg 7, 1012 JN Amsterdam Trams: 4,9,16,24,25 . Tramstop: Damsquare or CS
events/
Contact: Tracey Taylor Email: socialfridays@hotmail.com (also Rogelio, from the Spanish Society on the evening)
This venue is a stunning building,
which used to be the former duty tax office of Amsterdam during the 17th century, situated near the first and oldest bridge in town. Heffer is located behind the Beurs van Berlage building. There are three bars, use the door entrance on the Brugsteeg, not the other two on the Beursstraat !!. You walk straight into our reserved bar area. Look out for us wearing bright pink scarves. We will continue our joint Social Friday event with the Spanish Society Social event. Social Friday’s is a great opportunity to meet new people or catch up with friends - all welcome, including non members Page 37
ads/ “between a roc
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ck and a hard place�
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WE ARE FAMILY
www.hardrock.com Page 40
we are family
smashing pumpkins
korn
the cranberries
enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings Thursday 22nd November 2012
Serving from 12:00 midday till late - Reserve Now! For reservations call +31 (0) 20 523 7611 or email amsterdam_sales1@hardrock.com
amsterdam ®
max Euweplein 57-61 • 1017 ma amsterdam • +31-20-523-7625 hardrock.com facebook.com/hardrockcafeamsterdam
twitter.com/hardrockmst
©2011 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.
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family/ “museum y
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youth university�
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family/ Museum Jeugd Universiteit Family tip: Museum Youth University
Definitely not for eggheads! Museums invite researchers to open up their world to curious 8 to 12 year olds. My son Luc aged 10 has been to quite a few and so I asked him why Museum Youth University is so cool.
What is a Museum Youth University?
It is a couple of lectures at a museum where children can learn more about the things in the museum.
You have been to several. What have you learnt?
About fungi, energy, animals and now archaeology (Allard Pearson Museum in Amsterdam).
What is the best lecture you have been to so far?
At the Drents Museum in Assen – a lecture on the burning Earth. There are quite a lot of things in the Earth you can burn like crude oil, coal and natural gas.
Why will other children like it?
Because it is really interesting (more interesting than school). And if you go to all the lectures in a series (that’s 4 or 5 ) then at the end you get a diploma. Interested? Then visit the Museum Youth University website: www.museumjeugduniversiteit.nl (Dutch only). There you can choose the museum you’d like to go to. Lectures are on a Sunday morning or afternoon and last an hour. The next series starts in January 2013 and costs € 20 or €25 depending on the location. P.S. Don’t wait too long as some of the museums are really popular and full is full.
Dave Thomas
Museum Youth University website: www.museumjeugduniversiteit.nl (Dutch only). Lectures : Sunday morning or afternoon and last an hour. Next lectures start January 2013
Costs € 20 or €25 depending on the location
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family/ “big chief r
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riverdance�
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“
Drums and a totem pole had been shipped into Dublin, together with full length feathered headdresses and moccasins. Page 48
family/ Big Chief Riverdance in Dublin About 2 months ago, my lovely guy came to me with the following proposal: Would I like to go to Dublin with him (sounded good so far) to watch a Rugby match (!) dressed as an Indian Squaw (!!!) Having never been to Ireland before I found myself agreeing but not before I’d dug a little deeper in to the Squaw thing. It turns out that his best friend, who lives in Devon, and who we don’t see enough of as a result, is a fan of the Exeter Chiefs, a rugby Union side, and they were making their Heineken Cup debut in Dublin against local side Leinster. The tradition for the Exeter Chiefs is to turn up in Indian costume and chant, Native Indianstyle, to cheer on their team. “Go for it”, I thought and immediately Googled party shops for costumes. The result for me was a kind of sixties throwback Cher-look and my lovely guy looked fierce in full feathered headdress. The only downside was that we had to check our bag in at the airport as we couldn’t get the plastic tomahawk through security. From the air Ireland looks as lush and green as the brochures tell you and Dublin is buzzing with stag nights and hen parties and full of life. Friday night we had great food and found great pubs and nightlife and the following morning had a little time before kick-off to walk around in warm sunshine and see a few of the sights. Dubliners are a friendly bunch who know how to party. The rugby match was a revelation. First of all, everyone is really friendly and nice to each other no matter which team you are supporting and, face it, it was pretty obvious who we were shouting for. We had a prematch drink (or two) in the bar of Leinster Rugby Club and were welcomed and encouraged to practice our Indian chant to the amusement of the home fans. The Exeter crowd had pulled out all stops. Drums and even a totem pole had been shipped into Dublin, full length feathered
headdresses, even moccasins. After a few glasses of Guinness the game got underway. All the supporters are mixed together in the stands and everyone applauds good play no matter which side was performing well. Football hooligans, take note: This is good clean fun for all the family and there wasn’t a single incident. We had bright, sunny weather for the whole match except a single isolated rain shower which peculiarly fell on just one section of the stands and didn’t drip a single drop on the rest of us….maybe there’s something magical in all that rain dancing... The Chiefs lost with the final kick of the game ( 6 – 9 ) and we had to surrender our feathers to the opposition. It was that or our scalps apparently and, as my squaw’s headband was cutting off the circulation in my head, I was happy to surrender it to a little boy in a Leinster T-Shirt who was coveting our costumes. Can you imagine a Man City fan offering his scarf to a Man United fan after losing a match? I’m not sure the response would have been quite the same. After the match we all headed back to the Leinster Club Bar for much commiserating, congratulating, and yes, you guessed, more Guinness! I’d love to go back to Dublin and explore further as a real tourist but this was a good way to go. Maybe next time I’ll leave the squaw’s costume at home though. How!
Alison Smith Page 49
interview of the mo
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onth / “don draper”
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interview of the month/
“
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“Oh my god what have they made?” (Headline for Nissan)
Interview with copywriter John Richardson www.johnthecopywriter.com Page 52
“
So how did you end up as a Don Draper copywriter? It was a happy mistake. I thought it had to do with music copyrights. I rang this lady in Bristol who told me about a course in Watford. I applied, got on the course and won a scholarship.
How did you get into writing? My mother taught me to write early on. When I was 5 years old, with a very inky pen that I found on my desk on the first day at school, I wrote about a school bus that went into space and I won a gold star. Early influences include my grandmother who edited a poetry magazine, and my mother, who also inherited Gran’s love of words and has written quite a number of extremely good poems.
And next? I was a very shy child, and a bit sickly and odd, so I spent a lot of time in the village library. I called it ‘word heaven’. In fact, that’s where I was when J.F. Kennedy was shot. How did you train to become a copywriter? I went to the Watford School of copywriting in the UK. It was, >> Page 53
interview of the month/
and still is, the best school in the UK for copywriting. To this day, it’s extremely hard to get on the course. Not only did they acept me they also, for some bizarre reason, gave me a scholarship. So how did you end up in the Netherlands? By a very circular route that included a stint in London and Tokyo. After Tokyo I came back to London for about a year, but then the whole department was fired and I ended up taking a job in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands. It was the middle of winter and -14°C. After a year I decided to move to New York and had been over there for a couple of interviews when out of the blue I was headhunted for a job at the ad agency TBWA in Amsterdam to work on their Nissan account. A dream job for me as it combined cars with writing. These were some of the happiest, fulfilling and award-winning years of my career. What makes TBWA so special? TBWA had a round table mentality, which meant that the owners thought nothing of getting on a plane to join you in a brainstorm session. Uli Wiesendanger (W) and myself often met like this. They had a very disruptive way of thinking at TBWA, which opened the way for many great ideas. They were always very generous of heart to people who push the limits to come out with brave ideas. One of my ideas for Nissan had won a couple of awards, and TBWA had entered it for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This really is a big deal for professionals in the creative communications industry. TBWA flew myself and my wife down there and we stayed at the Martinez hotel right on the Cannes beach. I only won a Cannes finalist award, but they still invited us to the winner’s party on the beach. And what a party that was. Everyone who was anyone was there—including the infamous worldwide creative director Lee Clow. We were entertained all night by the Gypsy Kings. What is the funniest moment in your career to date? Gosh. So many. I guess some of the decorative ways the Japanese use English has provided some chortling moments. The best was “My Life. My Gas” written large on a giant poster above the Tokyo skyline for the Tokyo gas board. Another from that period that springs to mind is discovering that the Japanese have trouble pronouncing L and R. There was a book that came out when I was in Japan called “Is That an ‘L’ As in Rome?” “No, It’s ‘R’ As in London.” I was in a karaoke bar with a bunch of Japanese guys and, it is safe to say, the world’s worst Japanese singer. He got up to the mike and sang Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. “Oh rama lia, rama lia, ret me go (sung amazingly out of tune). Of all the songs to sing if you can’t sing...freaking hilarious. He went on to sing a medley of Beatles songs after that...including the priceless ‘She roves you yeah yea yeah...wi rove rike rat you no ka be ba...” I will dine out that experience for the rest of my life. Are the best copywriters the most gifted or the ones who are gifted and practice the most? There are certainly very gifted copywriters. But most of us have to work very hard at our craft. I love that quote by Blaise Pascal (roughly translated from French) “The present letter is a very long one, simply because I had no leisure to make it shorter.” I think that succinctly sums up what all copywriters are trying to do: find more time to make it shorter. Do you ever feel the urge to get away from copywriting? No not really because it gives me such a great deal of pleasure. But I do think it’s important to do other things as I think that stimulates your writing. I put together the ZINE magazine for the British Society, for example, which is a nice distraction for two days a month. It’s also very rewarding and I get a lot of direct feedback. Some of it very constructive. You hardly get that from copywriting once it’s gone out the door. And which writers do you like outside of copywriting? I’m into Lee Child at the moment. He reminds me of Raymond Chandler. It’s very hard to create a believable character, but his Jack Reacher loner ex-military MP is brilliant. Page 54
“
The world’s worst Japanese karaoke singer. He sang Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. “Oh rama lia, rama lia, rama lia... ret me go”.... freaking funny.
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food glorious/ “choc
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colate orange bites�
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Chocolate Orange Bites Karen Vivers
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! That’s what’s going to get me through the winter this year. I’m going to celebrate the cold, dark days with some cool, dark, chocolate. And why not, the majority of cocoa beans in the world are imported via Rotterdam, processed and then exported again. Seems strange that the Dutch consume much less chocolate than the Brits, the French or the Belgians, but they are responsible for importing the beans and processing them before sending them on to companies like Cadbury’s. So, I’m doing my bit to support the Dutch cocoa industry! This recipe was inspired by a few of my own personal little cravings, yes, chocolate, that goes without saying. As well as that though, I have always loved the flavour combination of chocolate and orange. I am not going to pretend that I encountered this flavour combination in some exotic setting. I will be very honest with you and say that it is a childhood favourite, and it came from that good old classic, the Terry’s Chocolate Orange! Every Christmas, my stocking contained an orange (of course of the chocolate variety you understand) the old fashioned ones, still in the shape of an orange – not those new fangled bar versions. What’s more, I was allowed to eat it while opening presents.
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So my childhood Christmas breakfast was always a Terry’s chocolate orange. No wonder I associate the flavours of chocolate and orange with pleasure and indulgence. So that’s one craving, another would be the need for “squidge”. I love a squidgy, moist cake. I feel cheated by dry chocolate cakes and sponges, like I’ve eaten all those calories, and haven’t really got the full “bang for my buck”. So that’s why this is based on a brownie type recipe and method. Making it, by definition easy to make. Last but definitely not least, I always, yes, always, crave something sweet after a meal, but it doesn’t (necessarily) have to be a big dessert or pudding. I just need a sweet end to my meal, as if to tell myself “It’s over, time to stop eating”, but in a nice way, kind, and if at all possible, chocolatey. My Chocolate Orange bites always work as they are a small, bite-sized treat, but hit the spot with a great taste burst. This year, as there appears to be no chocolate festival in Amsterdam (I know, I know, it’s a scandal), I have decided to create my own, so, if you would like some more choccie recipes and to know about my favourite chocolate shops, drop me an email and I will forward you all you need to keep the chocolate cravings at bay!
food glorious/ Karen Vivers, originally from Scotland, has lived here in Amsterdam for more than 12 years, and has set up the Cooking Coach to help inspire people to get back into the kitchen. The basis of the cooking lessons are easy, tasty, healthy recipes. Each course starts with a free introduction session, to make sure that you only cook what you like to eat. As well as cooking lessons, Karen offers Culinary Tours in Amsterdam, is a passionate Food Blogger and works freelance as a Culinary Consultant, specialising in small and medium businesses, helping them get started, grow and deal with commercial challenges.
Method 1. Line a 30cm x 20cm brownie tray with baking paper and heat your oven to 160 degrees. 2. Mix together the oil and sugar in a large bowl, then add the eggs, vanilla and Madeira and whisk until everything is smoothly creamed together. 3. Add the cocoa powder and flour, and then mix together either by hand or with an electric whisk. If you choose an electric whisk, be careful in the beginning as the powder of the flour and cocoa may go everywhere! 4. By hand, mix in the orange zest and segments (if there is some juice, you can put that in too), the chocolate and the baking powder. This is best done by hand as with an electric mixer, your segments and chocolate will be destroyed. Make sure everything is evenly combined. 5. Pour the batter into your lined tray, make sure it is spread equally throughout the tray, and place in the oven for about 25 minutes (check after 20) or until the top has formed a light crust, but there is still an element of “squidge” in the sponge. You can check this by putting a cocktail stick into the centre, it should come out with wet crumbs stuck to it. 6. If you can wait, allow to cool before serving. I sometimes eat it when it is still warm as the chocolate pieces are still melted within the cake. Tips and notes • A great bite sized treat to have with your coffee. • Make sure you segment the oranges cleanly, removing the segment completely from the white, stringy pith, this will give a bitter taste and a strange texture if it stays in the sponge. • Keeps in the fridge for about 4 days.
Ingredients for 20 servings 100gr 70% cocoa chocolate, chopped into small pieces (or use chocolate chips) 50ml sunflower oil 150gr soft brown sugar 2 x eggs, beaten well 2 x tbsp Madeira wine ½ tsp baking powder 1 x tsp vanilla extract 50gr good quality cocoa powder 80gr plain flour Zest and chopped segments of 2 oranges
The Cooking Coach Love Food, Live Healthy www.thecookingcoach.eu Mobile : 06 1424 0009 Email: karen@thecookingcoach.eu Page 59
food glorious/ “alice
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e in cakeland�
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Yes it’s true! Authentic American Cupcakes, in The Netherlands! At Alice in Cakeland, in Rotterdam, owner and baker Vanessa de KnegtWeiss bakes every cupcake from scratch following an American recipe, daily. Always fresh and made from all natural ingredients, these fluffy, melt in your mouth cupcakes are truly a treat! With over 30+ flavors to choose from, with a varying daily selection and names like Pink Velvet, Coconut Chanel and Oscar de la Raspberry who could resist? Alice in Cakeland not only sells cupcakes, but also makes beautiful wedding cupcake arrangements and offers cupcake workshops as well. With themes like Sex in the City, Designer Handbags and many, many more!
For more information please visit:
www.aliceincakeland.nl
Or email: info@aliceincakeland.nl Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00-18.00* (*They close early if they sell out of cupcakes!) BE HAPPY. EAT CUPCAKES! van Oldenbarneveltstraat 117, 3012 GS, Rotterdam
Vanessa de Knegt-Weiss Page 62
food glorious/
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40 years of graphic experience All graphic and printing services Professional assistance with all your printing demands Or teliusstraat 362hs, 1056 PV AMSTERDAM Tel: 020 6275025 / 06 27305428 E-mail: ieee25qr@kpnmail.nl Member of The British Society of Amsterdam
SERVIMAN:
all-round handymen are available for all sorts of jobs, big or small, in and around your house.
Almost all disciplines
Cleaning Services Experienced & serious cleaners, regular or occasional for the Amsterdam area.
Very good references! For information, contact Jan at 020 6275025 or 06 27305428 or by email: ieee25qr@kpnmail.nl
Member of The British Society of Amsterdam
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theatre/ “darling,
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sweetie, darling�
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Alan Benett
Mark Winstanley
Polly Perkins
The Queen’s English Theatre Company
10th ANNIVERSARY
To celebrate ten successful years of presenting high quality, English theatre, QETC’s long association with the work of Alan Bennett continues. Amsterdam’s popular English-language theatre company presents two of Bennett’s best-loved monologues. These classic works blend the best of UK comedy with Bennett’s customary, razor-sharp insights into human nature and British society.
A Chip in the Sugar
Performed by Mark Winstanley Graham is a mild, middle-aged man still living with his ageing mother. His humdrum existence is jeopardised when her old flame, Mr. Turnbull, appears on the scene. The future looks bleak for Graham, but an unexpected visitor gives him the opportunity to restore the status quo. To mark the celebrations, QETC Artistic Director Mark Winstanley makes a rare return to the stage. Mark previously directed Bennett’s Habeas Corpus (Amsterdam and European tour) and their hugely successful The History Boys. Mark has played many roles from Shakespeare to Sondheim but was last seen on stage in 2008 as Seymour, in Little Shop of Horror’s directed by Barrie Stevens . A Lady of Letters Performed by Polly Perkins Miss Ruddock is a busy-body, whose letter writing gets her into hot water. Though warned to lay down her pen, she can’t resist reporting her new, young neighbours to social services. Her false accusations make her the subject of intervention by the authorities, and she finally finds happiness in the most unex- pected way. Polly Perkins is well known for her many appearances with the infamous English Tea Ladies, a comic duo who liven up corporate events, parties and almost any occasion. With many dramatic and comic roles to her name, QETC devotees will also remember her hysterical portrayal of Delia in Bedroom Farce (Netherlands tour). Talking Heads first aired on BBC television in two series, being nominated for no fewer than thir- teen BAFTA awards. The nominees featured, amongst others, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Patricia Routledge and Dame Thora Hird who won Best Actress BAFTAs for both her appearances. Seen as classics of their genre they are studied in school and have had successful West End and New York theatre runs. QETC’s recent production of Bennett’s THE HISTORY BOYS was a Netherlands’ premiere and enjoyed an extended sellout run. TimeOut proclaimed it a “grade A production”. QETC returns to the intimate Betty Asfalt Theatre, where in 2011 they presented Caroline Horton – Best Solo Performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – in her self-penned play CHRISSY.
All bookings via www.qetc.nl. Page 68
NOT the Betty Asfalt Complex
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Orange Tea Theatre presents
Hertz 2 & 3 Nov
written by Sam Morris Performance 7:30pm @ Trouw
Amsterdam,
Wibautstraat 127 1091 GL Amsterdam
Tickets €15 pre-sale, €18 door
Director: Sam Morris Cast: Karolina Joniec, Anne Korff de Gidts, Mark McDaid, Sandy Topzand, Gerben Tuin, Chorus: Sinem Akyuz, Peter Hubbard, Iliana Muñoz, Geert Sillevis, Daniela Spataru Ambitious yet touching, Hertz is a story about trust, independence, and strength in the face of an ever-changing world.
Orange Tea Theatre presents “Hertz”
Hertz is an immersive theatre experience, placing the audience at the centre of a young woman’s journey of losing her sight and regaining her confidence. Performed entirely in the dark, Hertz utilizes as many other senses as possible to build a complete world without sight. As the woman walks down a busy street, we share her experience of the wind, rain, buskers, and cafe smells. We are also let into her private thoughts, hearing her inner monologue simultaneously as the action unfolds, allowing the audience to identify ever more with her. In total, the effect is one of ‘being’ the character as much as possible, sharing her thoughts, words and sensations. After waking up in hospital to discover she has permanently lost her sight, and temporarily much of her manual dexterity, Lucy must come to terms with her new world. Her physical therapy takes the form of re-learning the cello, to improve her co-ordination, fine motor control and hearing. As her relationship is put under strain and Lucy herself struggles to swallow her pride and ask for the help she needs, her cello teacher becomes a port in the storm, providing much more than musical tuition. Finally, as Lucy begins her first public cello performance, the audience regains their sight to see their only visual impression of the piece - to see her as she plays, regaining the confidence she had before, and ready to move forward. . Hertz will take place at the Trouw building on Wibautstraat on the 2nd and 3rd of November. Following this we hope to return with a longer run in 2013 before touring to festivals, the rest of Holland and the UK. Orange Tea Theatre perform English language plays in Amsterdam and the wider area. We focus on modern plays and new writing, chosen to invite, engage and stimulate our audience.
Bookings: www.orangeteatheatre.com sam@orangeteatheatre.com Tel: 0619624639
Orange Tea Theatre Company Play readings every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at Waterstones Booksellers www.orangeteatheatre.com Tel: 062 386 5500 (Lora) 061 9624 639 (Sam)
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Michael&Caja is based in The Hague and performs internationally. STET – The English Theatre – produces and promotes initiatives developed by English language theatre companies.
The Flying Dutchman and other Dutch imperfections The Hague De Koninklijke Schouwburg — Het Paradijs Wed 21 & Thurs 22 November – 20:30pm For their newest production Michael &Caja (M&C) have taken the famous legend of the Flying Dutchman in hand.
The Story
The legend of The Flying Dutchman is said to have started in 1641, set at sea around the Cape of Good Hope. Captain Hendrik van der Decken had just offloaded his cargo in Cape Town and was anxious to get back to sea again. His crew, however, begged to stay in port, as the weather was turning foul. Van der Decken would not listen and he sailed out of Cape Town straight into a hurricane. For days he fought against the elements, even lashing himself to the wheel, so that he would not be swept overboard. He cursed God, saying that even He could not make him change his mind and swore that he would sail on until he met the ends of the earth. The ship glowed a red colour and disappeared forever into the storm. The legend says that the Flying Dutchman continues to sail forever, as a ghost ship, trying still to sail around the Cape of Storms. . The Theme Am I for ever travelling yet never returning home?’ has been the starting point of inspiration for Michael & Caja. ”Where is home?” is such a relevant question to many that migrate and travel the world nowadays. Caja and Michael, both raised in mixed cultures themselves, wonder how they might uncover a feeling of being at home within. Theatrical Storytelling Theatrically staged Storytelling by two storytellers (M&C). The telling of the legend is blended with auto-biographical stories of Michael and Caja.
Duration: app. 75 minutes POST SHOW DISCUSSION
Both nights, directly following the show, there will be a discussion between audience and performers led by The Expatriate Archive.
For more information: www.michaelandcaja.com
www.theenglishtheatre.nl
Reservations: www.theenglishtheatre.nl (Ticketshop) / 06-30050018 Page 72
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Program ENGLISH Badhuistheater November 2012 Page 74
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autumn/ “falling le
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eaves�
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The falling leaves drift by my window The falling leaves of red and gold I see your lips the summer kisses The sunburned hands I used to hold Since you went away the days grow long And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song But I miss you most of all my darling When autumn leaves start to fall I miss you most of all my darling When autumn leaves start to fall. Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Music by Joseph Kkosma
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