The Sentinel Amsterdam vol. 4 #7 by Consultancy Market Media

vol. 4 #7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22 March 2011

The Sentinel Amsterdam

Integrity, heart, humour

FEATURE

SEXY TUSCHINSKI music

alone together perspectives lifestyles TRENDs CARTOON Technology SPORT CLASSIFIEDs

CONTENTS

In this issue FEATURE

p. 03 perspectives P. 10 MUSIC P. 12

A high on Maslow

Sexy Tuschinski

Alone together Interview with Steve Koven

‘A strange combination of the sumptuousness of a cathedral and the glamour of a French cabaret’

REVIEW

p. 14 sport

Designer coffee

p. 22 more:

The Gold Room

‘The alarming thought of a city centre filled with Starbucks outlets slowly becomes a reality’

Perspectives Job in, job out

p. 08

technology TechBit: Sio-Bytes

p. 17

FILM REVIEW Room 2C CARTOON

p. 18

TRENDS Stroke me

p. 19

p. 18

ColoPHon The Sentinel Amsterdam e-mail: sentinelpost@gmail.com website: www.thesentinel.eu The Sentinel Amsterdam does not intentionally include unaccredited photos/illustrations that are subject to copyright. If you consider your copyright to have been infringed, please contact us at sentinelpost@gmail.com.

Editors – Gary Rudland & Denson Pierre Design, realisation and form – Andrei Barburas & No-Office.nl Webmaster – www.sio-bytes.tumblr.com Webhost – Amsterjammin.com

Contributors – Alina Croitoru, Bianka Bosch, Irina Kremin, Simon Owusu, Sharmin de Vries, Dirkje Bakker, David King & Colin Bentley

FEATURE

Sexy Tu schin ski By Alina Croitoru

‘’Black Swan’, which transforms everyone who sees it into instant adepts, or ‘Biutiful’, starring the acclaimed (at least by female audience members) Javier Bardem?’

FEATURE

‘Red painted walls are delicately touched by dim lighting and everything seems to be unfolding slowly, as if time itself was moving at the speed of solidifying molten lava’ The Oscars have come and gone again for another year. While having a beer or during lecture breaks, I’ve been sifting through rumours about favourite actors, exceptional directors and great scripts all over the blogosphere. It seems like everyone has an opinion on who should have won the various award categories.

There is a heavy atmosphere in this massive hall, a strange combination of the sumptuousness of a cathedral and the glamour of a French cabaret. Considered one of Amsterdam’s Art Deco gems ever since the 1920s, when Abraham Icek Tuschinski poured all his effort into erecting the largest cinema in the Dutch capital, the building is as intimidating on the inside as it is on the outside. Red painted walls are delicately touched by dim lighting and everything seems to be unfolding slowly, as if time itself was moving at the speed of solidifying molten lava. It feels like I’ve stepped back from the agitation of Amsterdam’s Today, the Tuschinski cinema is screening two premieres. tableau of strangers in a hurry to discover this mesmerisWhich one should I watch? ‘Black Swan’, which transforms ing city and locals pedalling forth as if they learned to everyone who sees it into instant adepts, or ‘Biutiful’, star- cycle before taking their first steps. Somehow, the real ring the acclaimed (at least by female audience members) world seems more and more like an echo. Javier Bardem? It’s tough for me to make a decision and usually I end up making the wrong one. But not today! Eventually, I reach the counter and ask for two tickets. Barely two steps into Tuschinski’s main entrance, I see on the poster for ‘Biutiful’ the best recommendation: directed by Inarritu. Thinking that people must have booked tickets to this movie weeks in advance, my heart starts to race like crazy and won’t calm down until I get mine. They’re sold at a bar, instead of ticket booths as I was expecting. The queue ahead of me is filled with young adults using their discount cards to see the film for half price. Still, they are pretty quiet and I can almost hear my thoughts banging against the high ceilings. What if it’s sold out by the time I get to the front?

They’re not sold out and I rub my hands in glee, starting to build up expectations for the hours to come. There’s still some time left before the movie starts and outside it’s really cold, so I decide to kill some time looking at posters: recent films, some of which I’ve already seen, and lots of premieres. Meanwhile, Tudor arrives. He is a bit more initiated in the realm of film than I am and he doesn’t appear very happy with my choice of film. With the ease of kids getting ready for some comedy, however, we grab some snacks and head for the screening room. We have some stair climbing to do.

‘This mesmerising city and locals pedalling forth as if they learned to cycle before taking their first steps’

FEATURE

‘The walls are high here, there are no windows and the light seems braver. It has something of Argento’s movies about it, but I am excited, not afraid’ I’m surprised because, behind the entrance hallway, the décor looks different. The shades of red remain, but there is a hint of modernity, not at all repulsive, in all the details. The wooden steps are wider than the typical tiny Dutch staircases which, if you don’t take care, can easily lead to accidents. The walls are high here, there are no windows and the light seems braver. It has something of Argento’s movies about it, but I am excited, not afraid. We step inside screening room 6. There aren’t too many people around and most of them seem aged to a more serious appearance than our own. We sit somewhere in the back rows, nibbling our snacks while the trailers roll across the screen. Nobody speaks, everybody waits. Thoughts keep popping to my mind about a friend of mine, but less of a friend to the cinematographic arts, who talked to me about this cinema: “In the winter time it’s cold, you have to sit on the stairs sometimes because the whole place is packed and, if you’re not careful, you can end up with mice in your popcorn before the movie even starts”. I laugh to myself, because it isn’t cold at all, there are more empty seats than filled and the mice? They can come for all I care, we have plenty of popcorn! The film starts and I slowly forget where I am. Inarritu casts his heroes woven around common people, with stories in which life and death are always interchangeable and it seems as though where you are ceases to be relevant. I honestly believe that a good cinema has this calling: it gives you films that simply make you forget where you are, who you’re with and for how long. I feel captured by Bardem’s character and, even if the film is in Spanish (to Tudor’s growing disappointment), a

language that I haven’t fully mastered, the story is clear to me. Everything is extremely intense; I only shift my gaze from the projection once, to see if others in the audience are as captivated as I am. I can make out the contours of popcorn bowls and smell nachos, but no-one is eating, no-one even moves. It would almost be blasphemy to put your stomach to work right now, when you’re being fed so much art to process. When the film ends, I feel a knot of emotions caught in my throat. It’s not so much because of the main character’s destiny, but for the ways in which its tragedy can be artistically constructed. The credits start rolling but the people are hesitant to get up and the lights remain lowered. Nobody wants to go home so touched, so inspired. We need to come out of our trances before throwing ourselves back into the outside world, to become unconscious actors on its stages once again. Even if it is still the same world we all know, too few of us see it for what it actually is: an infinite source of inspiration. It’s clear to me, once again, that Inarritu is one of the few. I can only say that at Tuschinski, you can find films that make it difficult for you to leave, because you still have incredible characters clinging to you and stories that can rip into your very soul and mind, even after the projection ends. The experience of watching a film here deserves to be repeated. And for me, this will happen as soon as possible! P.S. I found out that Tuschinski also has love seats and private boxes, where you can order wine and small meals. In case you’re looking for a loving experience with your significant other, not only with the movie itself.

‘I can only say that at Tuschinski, you can find films that make it difficult for you to leave, because you still have incredible characters clinging to you and stories that can rip into your very soul and mind’

FEATURE

perspectives

‘This is a truly cosmopolitan country that, generally speaking, does accept us ‘outsiders’’

Job in, job By Bianka Bosch

Moving to a foreign country is always exciting, confusing, stressful and takes a level of adjustment in learning the new culture, adapting to a new way of life and generally trying to understand local affairs and customs. Moving to the Netherlands is no different. This is a truly cosmopolitan country that, generally speaking, does accept us ‘outsiders’, offers a pretty comfortable standard of living and has a generally pleasant atmosphere. So, what could destroy this new-found bliss? Imagine your employer calling you into his/her office and letting you know that you are being let go. Suddenly, contracts come into question and you are left wondering what your basic rights are. Every country is different, so being well informed on this could mean the difference between paying out thousands of euros and being paid thousands of euros. Don’t get me wrong; this is not about trying to get the most out of someone but simply finding out what your basic entitlements are and how easily you can be tricked out of them.

‘Companies often exploit the advantage that, as foreigners, we can often be ignorant of our rights in this country’

Companies often exploit the advantage that, as foreigners, we can often be ignorant of our rights in this country. How much do you actually know about any of the contracts you have signed? If you were fired today, how much would you actually know about the terms of your employment contract? This leads me to wonder why we foreigners are so unaware of what we are entitled to. And who should be responsible for making us aware of what our basic entitlements are? This goes way beyond a basic Google search, I can assure you. In this country, there is a big difference between types of contract, the rights associated with them and the various procedures a company must go through in order to terminate an employment contract. None of this is clearly relayed to you and finding out where you stand can be very frustrating. Whether it be (housing) rentals, employment or any other type of formal agreement you sign here in the Netherlands, it is very important to make yourself aware of what you are signing and never underestimate the importance of reading the fine print. Do not become easily disillusioned by the fine print, either. Just because it is there does not always make it legally binding. Confused? I am. Put simply, there are several different types of employment contract, but what they boil down to are ‘temporary’ and ‘permanent’, and the rights that come with them are quite different. Of course, the most secure contract is the permanent one, as this makes it much more difficult for a company to terminate your employment. As an employee in this country, you should be aware of what the company has offered you and make sure that

percpectives

b out you are always on top of it. This is not to say that every company is out to ‘get you’ but it never hurts to make sure you are being treated fairly.

‘It is all too easy to let things slide on goodwill, only to have it explode in your face’ In my experience, it is all too easy to let things slide on goodwill, only to have it explode in your face. In the eyes of the law, in pretty much any country, it is always in your best interests to make sure you have everything in writing on paper. This might seem pedantic but having a clear outline will always help during disputes. Being informed on employment rights in the Netherlands might also be a bit tricky but it’s certainly well worth doing. Always be aware of what you are signing, no matter how trivial it might seem, and make sure you read things very carefully. If the forms are in Dutch, I would strongly recommend you take them to a professional translator or ask for an English copy. Additionally, it would be a good idea to apply for legal insurance. This usually costs about €10 a month, which might seem a bit steep but consider the alternative of mounting legal fees. Again, make sure to check the fine print so you know exactly what you will be covered for. There is no ultimate job security in any country and if someone wants you out, the chances are that most compa-

nies will find some loophole to force the issue. Nevertheless, the more informed you can keep yourself, the better you can spot approaching pitfalls in advance and make yourself better prepared. Bianka Bosch is a 28 year old with a degree in Marketing, Communications and Design. She has been in The Netherlands for nine years and working as Client Relations for an independent firm. She has an international background but has now settled and living in The Hague.

liFESTylES

A high on maslow By Irina Kremin

PaCIFISTS ECologISTS HEalTH FrEaKS

FooD loVErS

FooD WorSHIPPErS

FooD JUNKIES

lifestyles

Many will be familiar with Maslow‘s hierarchy of needs, which is represented in the form of a pyramid. The bulk and lowest levels of human needs are positioned at the bottom and rise through physiological (including sexuality), security (of position), friendship, love and self-esteem, up to the need for selfactualisation at the very top. Maslow’s hierarchy is among the first theories taught in marketing studies and it is used as a basis for understanding consumers’ relationships with food. Just as with Maslow, KreMin’s Pyramid has five levels: Self-actualisation – need for fulfilment (PACIFISTS/ECOLOGISTS) This is a rarely attained level at which people have a need for and sense of purpose. When members of this group choose or eat food, they think about others. Buddhists monks, for instance, pray for others as they eat. They, like many other ecology-conscious and sensitive people, choose more ‘natural’ foodstuffs. These are produced causing less overall pollution which, in turn, helps with the sustainability of the planet’s living resources. At this point in social space, people act purely by thinking about others first, caring and behaving completely unselfishly. This lifestyle generally extends beyond food and encompasses recycling, saving energy, planting trees and other clearly altruistic practices, like vegetarianism and low-impact raw food diets. Ego – self-esteem needs (HEALTH FREAKS) This is the level at which people realise that we are actually built-up from the food we eat (‘you are what you eat’) and start paying proper attention to what they put in their mouths, every time they eat! When they go food shopping or look at a restaurant menu, the first question they ask is ‘what is good for me?’ What they like to eat from the products that are healthy is a secondary consideration.

Another important characteristic of Health Freaks is that they read a lot about food and have a very good knowledge of nutrition and the influence each specific foodstuff has on the human body. Social – need for love and a sense of belonging (FOOD LOVERS) This is a space for connoisseurs who are willing to pay a higher price for high-quality meals that are prepared using special ingredients. They choose food based on fine taste, presentation and even quality of the dining space. They are knowledgeable about how food should be cooked, presented and served, but not necessarily about the health qualities of given foods. Security – safety needs (FOOD WORSHIPPERS) Food is most important in low-income cultures. Having enough food in the house creates a feeling of safety (I know, I’ve been there!) and much effort is expended on ensuring this. People in this group spend a higher percentage of their income on food and often eat more in volume, on average, than people on higher incomes. During celebrations and special occasions, their tables creak under the sheer quantity of food on display; behaviour that is not common in other groups. This group has an evolving knowledge about nutrition and food, and strives to eat properly. Body - physiological needs (FOOD JUNKIES) This level comprises people with only the very basic need to fill their stomachs when eating and who are not particularly careful in choosing what they eat. They like food simply because eating gives them a good feeling. Food is a drag for this group (and it’s been proven that it can be addictive) and often leads to tendencies towards obesity. Food for thought? KreMin’s Pyramid was created based on my observations of people’s relationships with food and personal experience. Do you see yourself anywhere in the pyramid?

music

Alone TOGETHER By Denson Pierre

Interview with Canadian musician, Steve Koven, whose experimental music is making an impact on the world stage.

music

DP: It is not very often that I randomly come across a virtuoso, world-renowned experimental musician. Do you still wish to play a session on the beautiful upright piano at the Centraal Bibliotheek Amsterdam? SK: YES! I love performing in different venues around the world. As an artist, I am always looking for new venues to perform at and to expand my audience base. I have performed at some of the finest concert halls around the world and it would be amazing to put on a concert at the Centraal Bibliotheek in Amsterdam!

DP: Since our last chat on a terrace in De Pijp, here in Amsterdam, you seem to have been very busy. How well was your last CD received, both from your own perspective and based on reactions from your international fan base? SK: My last CD, ‘Alone Together’, has received high praise in both national and international reviews. This CD was actually commissioned by a Japanese Music Company. I was very pleased to know that my music is becoming more popular and in demand in Japan. Over the last several years, many of my original compositions have been licensed for TV and film, and have been heard all over the world. It is a great thing to have one’s music heard on an international level.

DP: It has been rumoured that you are likely to be in Europe during the summer of 2011. I

imagine you cannot resist performing even if you are holidaying. Should we expect a grand show at the Bimhuis? SK: The Bimhuis is another place at which I would LOVE to perform! The last time I performed in Amsterdam was way back at the beginning of my music career, circa. 1983. I hope to have the opportunity to perform at the Bimhuis this coming summer.

DP: Can we expect you to give Canada a rest and spend some more solid time here with us at the headquarters of modern Jazz (the Netherlands)? SK: It would be amazing if I could come to the Netherlands and conduct educational workshops and masterclasses that would focus on the development of improvisation tools and musical self-expression. I have had the opportunity to teach in China, Japan, Colombia and Barbados but never the Netherlands. In addition to teaching, I would love to present concerts and have the opportunity to work with some Dutch musicians. www.stevekoven.com Do check out the many music videos like this www.youtube.com/watch?v=b00J5c4i8sk&feature=related via YouTube : - Steve Koven & Steve Koven Trio

review

Designer Coffee

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A true concept store that combines fashion, jewellery and, yes, coffee with designer furniture at unaffordable prices. But what the heck, it looks fabulous!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

review

‘An excellent selection of muffins and sandwiches, among which the almostfamous ‘warm breakfast melt’’

By Sharmin de Vries

For most people, coffee is a non-negotiable part of their morning, afternoon and, in some cases, even an evening ritual. Not for me, although I must admit that some caffeine in the bloodstream first thing in the morning would certainly get me revved up for the day.

superb and almost purely organic, as all their ingredients are purchased from the neighbouring organic store, Marqt. Friday Next does an excellent selection of muffins and sandwiches, among which the almost-famous ‘warm breakfast melt’ (thick rye bread with cheese, bacon, egg and rocket leaves), and everything from lattes to cappuccinos.

The idea of drinking dishwater in order to sustain a caffeine dependency no longer appeals to me. So, as a result of reducing my daily caffeine intake, I have adopted the ‘more bang for your buck’ philosophy when it comes to drinking coffee. In the process, I stumbled upon a funky, fair-trade store/coffee bar called Friday Next.

Friday Next certainly makes for a welcome alternative, as the alarming thought of a city centre filled with Starbucks outlets slowly becomes a reality. Not that I’m necessarily against Starbucks and I would be lying if I said I didn’t like any of their coffees. But having a Starbucks at all major train stations seems sufficient and less intrusive in a city like Amsterdam, which has always prided itself on serving good-quality coffee.

Friday Next is located at the beginning of Overtoom (the Stadhouderskade end) and, at the outset, you might be forgiven for thinking that the place sells funky furniture and overpriced fashion items… And you wouldn’t be far off the mark. Friday Next is a true concept store that combines fashion, jewellery and, yes, coffee with designer furniture at unaffordable prices. But what the heck, it looks fabulous! After walking in and salivating over some fine-looking coach bags, you’ll find a small bar with various tables and chairs tucked away behind it. The coffee is absolutely

So if, like me, you are no longer in need of instant gratification and enjoy a quality cup of Joe, head over to Friday Next for a ‘designer’ coffee experience.

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technology

‘These apps are a godsend for travellers who hate getting lost and like to arrive on time or unfashionably early’

TechBit: Sio-Bytes Geek about town By Simon Owusu

In this edition, I thought I would share with you some of the mobile applications I use while ‘geeking’ around town. Trein, GVB & 9292ov Pro If you’ve ever had to travel anywhere by train, tram or bus in Holland, then at some point, you have probably used one or all of the following websites: ns.nl, gvb.nl and 9292ov.nl. But did you know that they all have mobile versions? These apps are a godsend for travellers who hate getting lost and like to arrive on time or unfashionably early. They come into their own by providing real-time updates on changes, cancellations, delays and disruptions. Collectively, these apps provide a wealth of information on platforms, busand tram-stop locations, ticket fares and timetables, while the location-aware features help pinpoint the nearest mode of public transport to your location. Plus, the ability to plan trips in advance and save them for reference during your journey is a killer feature. Really easy to use, you’ll be able to navigate around town like a London cabbie in the East End. I would have made a more local taxi reference but Dutch cabbies, in my experience, are usually less ‘knowledgeable’ than their passengers, so thank goodness for TomTom.

the lies “I’m just round the corner,” or “I’m just down the road,” when you’ve actually just stepped out of the shower, but it’s worth the little honesty that ought to exist between friends. AccuWeather App Four seasons in one day is an all-too frequent occurrence for ‘het weer’ in Holland. AccuWeather is a great app to have if you don’t like to be held at bay by the elements and you need help in the decision-making process of what to wear, when to go out and what to carry on your journey. Location-aware, it gives you accurate, up-to-the-minute weather information in your locality. With a daily 24-hour forecast and 15-day forecasts, you are inundated with information on humidity, visibility, wind speed, sunrise and sunset times, atmospheric pressure, perception, dew point and video broadcasts. It’s a mini-meteorological station in your pocket! You also have the ability to set alerts using a host of parameters, so you know when it will be too windy to ride a bike or too wet to take the dog for a walk. Word Lens Word Lens combines a translation dictionary, augmented reality and your mobile camera to create a neat tool that will always amaze anyone who sees it in action for the first time. I was at a restaurant the other day and the poor waiter was trying to translate ‘parelhoen’ into English. He said ‘Ginuwine’, who I am sure was a moderately successful R&B singer back in the day. Well, Word Lens would have saved him the embarrassment of me laughing in his face when I realised he meant Guinea fowl (which was delicious, by the way). Select the translation criteria (e.g. Spanish to English when you are in the tapas bar), point the camera over the words that need translating and watch as the words are translated right before your eyes. Menus and signs in foreign languages will become an inconvenience of the past.

Glympse Want to share your journey with a group of individuals? Glympse is for you. This is not your run-of-the-mill, location-based, social-networking app, like Foursquare, Gowalla or Facebook Places. Its ingenuous twist is that you can send a private link (by e-mail or text message) that will take the recipient to a website, which tracks your journey for a chosen, specified time period. A bit spooky I know, but its more practical applications include making sure the wife took the kids to grandma’s safely (and more importantly, making sure the BMW got there in once piece), by following every step of their journey on a map. Personally, I use it when I am meeting friends to All these apps are available for Apple’s iPhone and some watch football, so they know when to start ordering my other mobile platforms not worth mentioning. favourite beverage and have it waiting for me as soon as I walk through the door. Yes, Glympse will totally obliterate

‘Select the translation criteria, point the camera over the words that need translating and watch as the words are translated right before your eyes’

Film review

Room 2c film By David King

Memento (2000) In only his second major film, Kevin Nolan shows us the talent we have since come to expect from him. Guy Pearce shines as a man suffering from short-term memory loss, whose wife has just been murdered. Using a Polaroid camera and tattooing his body with important information, he tries to piece together the tragic sequence of events. This superbly crafted movie tells the story rolling forward and in reverse. The closer he gets to the truth, the more he may wish to forget!

Cartoon By Colin Bentley

Sorry Mr Wenger, I can’t make it to training today. I’m not feeling too good.

So, that’s double pie and mash for you, Andrey.

SHHHHHHH!

TRENDS

‘please just be happy to have your own ‘fur’, creatively worked on by a well-paid hairdresser, and realise that if you really want a warm fur coat, you could also stop shaving your legs, armpits and what-not, and just let it all grow lusciously’

Stroke me By Dirkje Bakker

Everyone loves soft, cuddly, furry animals, especially when then have large dreamy eyes, a little bit like those nice computer-animated characters from Pixar, Dreamworks or Disney. We like to look at them in awe and lose ourselves in childhood memories. We love the touch of soft, warm fur, preferably puppies’, on our cold and hairless skin. This, apparently, is why way too many even half-rich, old and young, ugly and pretty, fat and skinny women and men of all races, ages and nationalities like wearing garments created from the coats of many, many furry little dead animals. This senseless, ‘fashionable’, superficially motivated abuse should be stopped. This is why I would like the latest, best and biggest trend to be: FUR FREE FASHION I am so very glad to be writing a column here and that I don’t need to be too reserved because, on this subject, it should be impossible to be objective. And yes, I don’t mind being blunt or creating a discussion but, really; if you’re not with us on this one, you are against us. Please just be happy to have your own ‘fur’, creatively worked on by a well-paid hairdresser, and realise that if you really want a warm fur coat, you could also stop shaving your legs, armpits and what-not, and just let it grow lusciously, like a 1970s lesbian (oh, no, everyone was bisexual in those days!), to create a soft coat for your own home-grown warmth. Fake fur, these days, is almost indistinguishable from animal skins anyway, so what is this bullshit all about? If you are so desperate to show that you have married or

stumbled into money, then buy an Italian sports car, a big yacht to sail to Monaco, a huge villa in Amsterdam Zuid (I am not listing diamonds; after the ‘Blood Diamond’ movie, I have the feeling that they are the shiny alternative to fur coats), or even start your own charity, like such really rich people as Bono, Bill and Oprah. If you are not rich enough to afford these options then please just leave the posing to the real money spenders and don’t buy that hat or coat made out of little, cute corpses. I am happy to report that the Fur Free Fashion initiative’s wonderful exhibition in Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus was a great success and hopefully an inspiration to other designers here and around the world. Everyone worked on and contributed to the project for free, including the designers: Bas Kosters, And Beyond, Antoine Peters, LEW and Hester Vlamings. Fur Free is an initiative of Jojanneke van der Veer and Femke Dekker, and is supported by the Dutch foundation, Bont voor Dieren (Fur for Animals). Do visit the website: www.furfreefashion.net

TRENDS

Fur Free Fashion Photography ÂŠ Dennis Bouwman Fashion by: Bas Kosters, And Beyond, Antoine Peters, LEW and Hester Vlamings. www.furfreefashion.net

sport

Carlitos Tevez

sport

The Gold Room By Denson Pierre

The season is at its peak and players have had ample time to show their best qualities in the reckoning for the FFG-CL Player of the Season award. Starting from the base of our shortlist and building up to the winner, the usual criteria of points scored, individual impact, discipline and aesthetic quality have been worked through and this is what came out: Andy Carroll (Newcastle United/Liverpool) – Big season but big injury to the biggest muscle at the wrong time for the young hopeful, now bearing the weight of a record transfer fee for an English player. Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur) – Now well positioned to head this list next season, should his influential form continue and fitness hold. Petr Cech (Chelsea) – The best goalkeeper the EPL has seen since Peter Schmeichel. Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) – A high number of clean sheets marshalled and a few goals slipped in, to boot. Samir Nasri (Arsenal) – A spectacular season but went down with injury just as this jury convened. Nani (Manchester United) – Only failed to win because he did not carry as many credits into this season from the previous one. FFG-CL Player of the Season 2010-2011 Having been singly the most cartoon-like football hero (see how he runs with legs pumping ahead of his muscular

and stocky frame) in the league for the past four seasons, Carlitos Tevez has now emerged as the most outstanding individual performer of the current season. An impressive quality is his seemingly unrelenting desire to pull the team forward, even when his current manager has played odd variations of ultra-defensive football with some of the world’s finest attacking talent at his disposal. Tevez is remarkably powerful and skilful enough to be the best player overall this season for fantasy managers. The man is an inspiration and someone for every occasion, it seems. He scores on the visit of his children from Argentina and makes a hat-trick as a personal birthday gift to himself. Otherwise, he just scores and assists regularly. He shows all the clichéd Latin passion and is his own man, even in the face of the autocratic Roberto Mancini. At the time of writing (7 February), Tevez is one goal shy of occupying the Premier League top goal scorer’s berth. The player currently ahead of him, Dimitar ‘Dracula’ Berbatov, and the others chasing the golden boot seriously pale in comparison to the overall industry, must-score attitude and amazing ball skills of the Argentinean maestro. He is a true professional and captain of the world’s wealthiest club, where he is responsible for 32.26% of all the goals scored so far this season, as they continue to chase the Premier League title and qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Of most importance to this game is that he is also the overall leader in points scored and present in all the teams still in with a chance of winning! Stepping forward in shredded snood and with puffed-out chest, the FFG-CL Player of the Season award goes to Don Carlitos Tevez.

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