Owner: American in Amsterdam URL:http://jamesonthecanal.blogspot.com Join Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2006 04:05:33 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: This is a blog about my transitioning into the most fun, cool city in the world-Amsterdam! Site statistics:Click here
Our Haarlem Trip Yesterday 2006-09-17 11:03:00 We took a trip to Haarlem yesterday for the first time. It is about a fifteen minute train ride west of Amsterdam. Along the way you see the usual fields and their respective farm animals. Along the rail line you see the lily-pad-dotted canals. It's nice to get out of the city sometime.I learned that the first railroad line in the Netherlands was built between Haarlem Station and Amsterdam's Centraal Station in 1839. Here are some impressions. If you'd like to see more of Haarlem, you simply need to click on the Flickr badge in the sidebar of this blog.Here's the Windmill de Adriaan in Haarlem:Side street with the Grote Kerk seen in the distance:Here is the massive pipe organ inside the church. Mozart played on this organ:Here are the gardens in the center of the Frans Hals Museum:
Read more:Yesterday
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the Netherlands 2006-10-23 13:30:00 My partner and I were discussing Amsterdam and the Netherlands
as a whole and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Through our discussion it became clear to me--one can also translate Maslow's heierarchy of needs from the micro-level to the macro-level. Just as humans need to fulfill each level starting at the bottom, so do nations or how these nations facilitate their citizens' climb through the levels. We reached the conclusion: the Netherlands is probably one of the best nations that successfully assist their citizens to reach their full potential and enjoy a happy life. That is why the Netherlands is known the world over as a comfortable, rich nation.If you have any thoughts on this or would like to suggest other nations, like the Netherlands, that assists their citizens then just leave a comment. I am sure the Scandanavian countries are high on the list, as well. Unfortunately, I believe the US is further down on the list than other Western, developed nations.
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, Needs
Expat Fair 2006-10-22 11:36:00 So we're off to the Expat
Fair. I will post any follow up comments about the Fair as needed.
Foods from back home? 2006-10-29 15:05:00 Some of the top searches that lead to my blog are people looking for a food store in Amsterdam where they can have some favorites from back home. In my opinion, the best place to go is:Eichholtz Leidsestraat 48, Southern Canal Belt (622 0305). Tram 1, 2, 5.Open 10am-6.30pm Mon; 9am-6.30pm Tue, Wed, Fri; 9am-9pm Thur; 9am-6.30pm Sat; noon-6pm Sun.This is not too far from Leidseplein.
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Dog or No Dog?? 2006-10-28 18:31:00 Let me start by saying that I have wanted a dog since I was fifteen years old. Living in America and being a renter has severely impacted my ability to adopt a dog. Now I am living in Amsterdam in a large apartment with two balconies, one being very large on the back side of the apartment that is puppy-safe.My landlords were over here recently regarding a small issue in our bathroom and I took the opportunity over coffee to ask them if they would object to my adoption of a Yorkshire Terrier. I was flabergasted when they said no problem. Now I am faced with a delimma. Do I want a dog and the added responsibility of caring for a puppy? There's no better time because right now I am unemployed here in the Netherlands. Additionally, if I were to become employed my partner is home frequently because he's persuing his Master's degree at the University van Amsterdam.Now that I have the chance to adopt a puppy I am hesitant. I was awake most of the evening tossing and turning trying to deci
Is Another US Election About to be Stolen? 2006-10-27 15:38:00 Is the US headed for another stolen election this November? I have a feeling we are going to be duped again. Stolen elections in the US have dire consequences for many people--as we can see in Iraq now.Beware...
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Oil Profits Obscene! 2006-10-27 12:58:00 Is it just me or is the third quarter profits for the oil companies insane!? $30.7 BILLION dollars! Where is the outrage? Where are the consumer protection groups? We should all be outraged at these profits. They must obviously be gouging consumers. It is legalized stealing and the oil tycoons are the ones benefitting.They should be required by law to re-invest those profits into renewable energy. They should put all those profits to some greater good. Hopefully they will, but I'm not holding my breath.
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Justice Delayed is Justice Denied! 2006-10-25 21:53:00 Ok, the NJ Supreme Court copped out. So, what's new? When will gay Americans obtain equal rights. It doesn't look like any time soon...Click here for the cop out!
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We Adopted a Yorkie! 2006-10-30 20:03:00 We finally decided to do it---we adopted our Yorkshire Terrier. More soon. In the meantime here are a few photos of JACK:This sad may look sad, but he's NEVER in his "bench" or kennel.
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Israel and America: The World's Bullies 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was watching the news last night about the latest Israel
i actions in the Gaza Strip and I just sat there scratching my head. What is wrong with people!? Why are they killing each other over a small strip of land. Forget about it. Where is the humanity in these people--obviously there is none. I don't care about the history and why they are fighting. There comes a time when you have to say enough is enough. Stop the killing. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening any time soon. I have seen so many news stories about x number of Palestinians killed today or x number of Israelis killed today that I am really starting to not care. I can just turn off the TV or close the website and forget about it. I am becoming numb to the violence and that is wrong.Stop the violence and learn to see each other as human beings. It is sad that it is America
and Israel that are causing the most violence and killing in the world. Frankly, I am tired of it. Both governments have been hijacked by right- Read more:World
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." (Shake... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have recently learned of another hypocrite, Ted Haggard, who is anti-gay in public, but at night is having sex with a hustler and doing drugs. He admits to buying meth, but not to having gay sex. Give me a break. He does meth as an Evangelist, but is not having sex? However, the article does go on to say he does admit to a "massage" from the hustler. This is another prime example of the famous quote from Shake
speare, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Those that have such a problem with homosexuality and are so vocal about it are obviously gay themselves, but harbor such homophobia that they are fighting their own inner being. I always knew I was gay and realized growing up in the southern United States that it was something to try and hide, even though I was never too good at it. I remember this guy from my high school, Cary Senior High School in Cary, North Carolina. (Cary is a suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina.) His name was Tim and I don't remember his last name and I d
Good quality and cheap calling to anywhere in the ... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am not sure what you are using to call your friends and family back home, but I am going to let you in on a little secret. We use Web Call Direct. You pay only a five cent connection fee and the rest of your talk time is free. No, you do not have to use a headset and microphone and be tied down to your computer. You enter your home phone number and it first calls you. Once you answer then it will start dialing the person you're trying to reach. It is great. I always hated using my headset while on Skype. Now I don't have to do that anymore. What is the sound quality? Excellent. It sounds as if you had just dialed directly from your home phone.I recommend you sign up by click on there website here: Web Call Direct. I am in no way affiliated with them and have nothing to gain except providing you with a cheap way to call your friends and family. Try it for free on their website before you even sign up.
The Death Penalty? 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I agree with the verdict, but not the sentence. That is my belief and apparently that of the European Union. The death penalty is a complicated subject and I have to say I am against it most of the time. However, if I imagine someone killing my mother, partner or anyone else very close to me, I have to say I would be PRO-death penalty. So it is a hard line to draw in the sand...What your thoughts?
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Election Day in the USA 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It is just after midnight in the US and 9:25 AM here in Amsterdam. I am awake and having had breakfast my thoughts have turned to Election
Day. I am full of anticipation for a Democratic victory today, but I am not holding my breath. The current mood seems to be voter dissatisfaction with the Republican control of all branches of the government. Hopefully, with a large voter turnout, we can gain the House and maybe even the Senate. Let's keep our fingers crossed.Finally, I wanted to share an e-mail I received from Democrats Abroad/Netherlands:Election Night/late Nite Gathering:Tuesday, 7 NovemberMolly Malone's, Oudezijdes Kolk 9, Amsterdam, a short walk from Central Station.Malone's has a pub quiz on Tuesdays, so come at 8PM if you want to participate in that event. Otherwise, we'll see you around 11PM, in front of the TV broadcasting CNN. Post Election Celebration (Yes, we're making a prediction here!)Saturday, 11 November, 5:30PM - 7:30PMThe American Hotel Bar, on the Leidseple Read more:Election Day
Police Fed Pot Burgers at Burker King 1970-01-01 00:59:59 What a story! Check it out:Two police officers sued Burger King Corp., claiming they were served hamburgers that had been sprinkled with marijuana.The lawsuit says Mark Landavazo and Henry Gabaldon, officers for the Isleta Pueblo tribal police, were in uniform and riding in a marked patrol car when they bought meals at the drive-through lane October 8 of a Burger King restaurant in Los Lunas, New Mexico.Click here to continue to the original posting...
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, Burgers
Democrats Take Control of the House! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 What a beautiful day it is! The Democrats
have gained a substantial majority in the House
of Representatives taking control away from the Republicans. Also, Nancy Pelosi of California is to become America's first woman speaker of the House. Congratulations, Nancy! I voted for Nancy Pelosi with my absentee ballot mailed back to San Francisco, my last US address.I am closely watching the Senate because only two seats are needed to have a Democratic majority there as well. Montana and Virginia are the two deciding states with a re-count called for Virginia. There's a slight lead for Democrats in both races, let's hope that holds up and becomes the outcome.I am feeling good today because of the following:Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania is OUT!Katherine Harris of Florida is OUT!With 85% of precincts reporting in Montana, Jon Tester (D) holds the majoritySouth Dakota rejects tough abortion banArizona voters REJECTED a gay marriage ban to their constitutionEliot Spitzer (D) wins NY's govern Read more:Control
Wonderful News! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Secretary of Defense Donal Rumsfeld resigns. How much better can it get?
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Dutch Language Classes 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I started my Dutch
language class three days ago and tonight is the second class of twelve meetings over six weeks. I am learning Dutch and find it easier having taken three months of German lessons in the beginning of this year while living in Duesseldorf.I am looking forward to understanding what I am reading. :) Let's hope the class goes well for me. I am feeling fairly confident so far.
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Dutch Television Compared to US Television 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have never read about this on any other blog and felt I had to comment. Last night we were watching Will & Grace and when it ended we started to watch another show that was a reality show something along the lines of Extreme Makeover. An obese woman was having her fat removed. Later, she needed all of the excess skin removed in surgery. Well, the point of the story is this: the Dutch
show everything. There is no creative shooting on the set or even any blurring of certain areas of the shot. You watch the laser cutting the skin off as if you were in the operating room watching the doctor perform the surgery. It was truly disgusting. In America and I assume other nations do not show such graphic details. I am not saying that they should not do this, but it was just remarkable to see it on television having never seen it.Which brings me to another point. We were watching a Dutch public television station a few nights ago when we saw a couple sitting on a sofa nude while the guy was Read more:Television
Raclette--A Fun Way to Do Dinner! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Have you ever used a raclette? I never have until tonight. I believe a large percentage of Americans have ever had the pleasure of using a raclette. It is a fun way to have dinner especially when you have guests over. You can prepare bowls of food in advance so that when the guests arrive everyone can enjoy the party together--no one in the kitchen!It is like having a grill in the middle of your dining room table and everyone can choose what they want when they want. There are even these miniature pans that can be heated on the bottom.We purchased a raclette recently for the upcoming holidays. We are hosting family and friends for Christmas and New Year's so we thought this would be a great way to celebrate. Tonight we tried out the grill ourselves. We had shrimp, cubes of tuna steak, yellow and red bell peppers, zuchini, potatoes, two kinds of cheeses and two kinds of sauces. Of course you can choose any combination of items that you like best. We do not eat meat, however, we do sti Read more:Dinner
Reflections of a New Parent 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have to say that I was very nervous about adopting a puppy. I had sleepless nights worrying about how it would work out. Would he relieve himself any and everywhere? Would he scratch up the furniture and rugs? Would he yelp and wake us up at all hours of the night? I once made the mistake of watching a five-month old puppy for a co-worker of mine. This puppy was so unruly and would relieve herself any and everywhere, including on one of our rugs. This upset me and I was cured of my want for a puppy for quite awhile. Until recently...In the past few months I was reconsidering adopting a puppy. We even had our landlords over and while sipping coffee and chatting I decided to pop the question to them. "Can we adopt a puppy?" I was surprised when they agreed to the idea. In America, landlords are always against a dog, but sometimes will accept a cat with a large deposit. I guess because our landlords are Dutch and very nice people, they see no problem with a puppy. So as you know, we dro Read more:Reflections
, Parent
It Is Beaujolais Nouveau Time! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Yes, it is that time of year again, BeaujolaisNouveau
time! It is available on the third Thursday of November every year and today I bought our first batch. It is chilled in the refrigerator and tastes great. Here's a snippet from Wikipedia about the wine:Beaujolais nouveau is produced by carbonic maceration followed by Pasteurization, a process which bypasses malolactic fermentation. The wine is ready to be drunk a scant six weeks after the harvest. Each year the new Beaujolais is officially released on the 3rd Thursday of November and no time earlier, which has been mandated by French Law. [1]. Just after midnight a race begins to ship the wine out all around the world as quickly as possible. For a vintner the economic advantages of selling one's wine before the end of the year are substantial, although the wine itself varies dramatically in quality.Now that we're on that subject, I went to Eichholtz today and picked up my pumpkin pie ingredients for Thanksgiving next week. I h Read more:Beaujolais Nouveau
Through Thick and Thin 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I recently read about a new documentary that is very close to my heart, Through Thick
and Thin.Here is what it is about per the website:Thousands of Gay, Lesbian and Transgendered binational couples are hurting deeply in the United States. Although the number can not be quantified, all across America, in cities big and small, men and women are facing an uncertain future. And not only are they hurting. There mere existence of those couples and families is at risk. Deprived of the legal means to confer immigration rights upon the foreign born partner, couples formed during a temporary stay are doomed from the start. For Transexual people, the validity of their marriage licenses is being questioned and denied for immigration purposes. Other couples are about to run out of options, while many have already gone underground. THROUGH THICK AND THIN will explore the lives of ten couples who are facing the hurdles imposed upon them by the status quo. The 60-minute film, shot in cinema ve
Religion Has Lost Its Credibility 1970-01-01 00:59:59 When religion loses its credibility By Oliver "Buzz" ThomasMon Nov 20, 6:40 AM ET What if Christian leaders are wrong about homosexuality? I suppose, much as a newspaper maintains its credibility by setting the record straight, church leaders would need to do the same: Correction: Despite what you might have read, heard or been taught throughout your churchgoing life, homosexuality is, in fact, determined at birth and is not to be condemned by God's followers. Based on a few recent headlines, we won't be seeing that admission anytime soon. Last week, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops took the position that homosexual attractions are "disordered" and that gays should live closeted lives of chastity. At the same time, North Carolina's Baptist State Convention was preparing to investigate churches that are too gay-friendly. Even the more liberal Presbyterian Church (USA) had been planning to put a minister on trial for con Read more:Religion
, Credibility
US Town Outlaws Flying Foreign Flags 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Just when you think you have heard it all, a US town passes a law that does not allow foreign flags to be flown unless it is under a US flag. Here's an excerpt from CNN and you can click on the excerpt for the original article on CNN:A Nevada town passed a law this week making it illegal to fly a foreign nation's flag by itself, the latest swipe by a U.S. community at illegal immigrants.The town council of Pahrump, which lies in the Mojave Desert west of Las Vegas, voted 3-2 Tuesday to make flying any foreign flag above the U.S. flag or alone an offense punishable by a $50 fine and 30 hours of community service.The meeting also pushed through measures to deny services to illegal immigrants and make English the official language in Pahrump, a commuter town of 40,000 residents some 60 miles west of Las Vegas.
Read more:Flying
, Foreign
Add Another Country to the List 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As of yesterday, we can add another country that recognizes same-sex marriages: Israel!!I find it quite surprising and it is a welcomed ruling by gays and lesbians around the world. Here is an excerpt from an article at 365gay.com:(Jerusalem) In an unprecedented ruling, Israel's Supreme Court ordered the government on Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriages performed abroad. Truly an amazing day for Israel and the world's LGBT community. I am looking forward to the day when I read a similar story about a US Supreme Court ruling granting equality to American gays and lesbians.Thanks to Liza in Israel of the blog, something something, first alerting me of the great news from her country's highest court.
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Happy Thanksgiving! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Happy Thanksgiving
to all in the US. I wish I were there to celebrate with friends and family, but I am now living in beautiful Amsterdam. I miss San Francisco and today I will reflect about what I am thankful for:1. My loving partner.2. My health and my partner's health.3. My new Yorkie, Jack.4. My family and friends in the US and Germany.Even though this is a long holiday weekend in the US, it is not in the Netherlands, of course. Today, I already had an interview and I have to go to my Dutch language class tonight as well. So my partner and I are going to celebrate tomorrow with vegetarian schnitzel, gravy, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, brownies and wine.Again, all my friends and family, Happy Thanksgiving and I love and miss you all!!!!To all my fellow bloggers, too, Happy Thanksgiving!
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