Don't Worry, be Happy

2012, year of the Dragon, 龍年

2012-01-23T17:07:00.000Z

Happy Chinese New Year!

Bier, Bièrre, Beer, пиво, 啤酒, Cerveza

2012-01-15T18:51:00.001Z

You know, Belgian Beers are the best!
Not only in quantity (that's for Germany), but more on Quality!
Trappist beers, brewed by monks, are an example of it. Only 6 trappists are brewed in Belgium.
We have drunk 5 of them: only Westvlieteren (only available in the abbey itself) we haven't taste
it by occasion.
Beers we have tasted:
Jupiler (For thirsty sugars), Stella (for the "Premium malt"), Hoegaerden White (in the summertime), Dentergems, Kriek Bellevue (gradations of sugar, not on cherry), Leffe Blond and Brown (normal abbey beers), Rodenbach (red beries), Palm (really earthy beer), Maes (thirsty malt), Chimay Red Brown, Corsendonck, Grimbergen Blond, Gauloise Blond, Ciney Blond Affligem Blond, Charles Quint Karell Blond (too bitter for me, perhaps high Alcohal %), Floreffe Blond, Rochefort Blond 6 % (taste like chinese medicin to heal bumps, is ok), Orval (special taste, for unknownies like soap, but you've to appreciate it), Westmalle Blond, Achel 8°(Hamont, Achelse Kluis), Duvel (heavy Alel, Vedett (Blond beer for the snobs),Caulier Blond (Biobeer, tasty), la Chouffe (mmm, tasty midget), Troll (mmm, very tasty ..., Maredsous Brown, Tongerlo (The best abbey ), Bink Blond, Piedboeuf Brown, Diekirch Blond (Luxemburg) and of course Carlsberg - not Belgian (a normal blond beer who pretends to be the ... in the word. Not true!)

And we're still tasting/counting existing beers...

List of Belgian Beers (Alphabetically): (Dutch)

(Picture from Weekend Knack)

My name is...

2012-01-10T21:15:00.000Z

Zhuang/Chong/莊

Odd Idee

2011-12-25T10:00:00.000Z

Here we've found a blog with over 5 million visits a month, it features the odd, strange and bizarre things of our world. Be amazed!
Maybe inspiration for the hollidays?

www.oddee.com

Once upon a time...

2011-12-23T11:15:00.000Z

(Picture from European Broadcasting Union)

It's the wellknown phrase of many fairy tales, but also the educational animation-brainchild of Mister Albert Barillé, a innovator of animated populized science "Apps" :)))
Who was not fascinated in his story-telling animation about history of mankind, science fiction, the workings of human body, the American continent, the discoverers, the explorer, and finally the saving of planet Earth .
The last mentioned serial, we've bought this week and it's quite amazing that Mr. AB himself has directed at age of 87 years (!) this very realistic scenario for today and in the near future. Although different designed, it is a evidence that Mr. Barillé is going ahead with his time!

Human Rights and AI @ the Weihnachtsmarkt Eupen

2011-12-09T15:12:00.000Z

Tomorrow it will be the day of the human rights, powered by Amnesty International.
It's time to 'give donations' in the 'End of Years' time.
This year their slogan is "Give a Light, if you complain about Darkness."
In Eupen they actually have the "Weihnachtsmarkt" for Christmas, so let's enjoy it as
long as you can before Cris-es comes 2 you.

Political-& Social economical crises, but we don't know yet.

2011-11-24T09:42:00.001Z

In these two weeks we're having more entertainment than ever in Belgium.
If you are watching the Internet in Belgium, you'll have noticed that Spotify, Youtube and Google Maps Street View
have their own country-sites in Belgium.
What will this mean for us?
That we have to open our patriotic hearts, even if our confederal politics are failing?
That we have to be more entertaining behind our desks?
That we are still living in a wealthy country in spite of all crises around us?
That our privacy will be more eroded?
That we are more socially connected now?

It could be, as we know the sword cuts both sides...

There are no clear solutions to charm the snakes, called crises but maybe these will help us out in Belgium:

For the job-seekers below thirty we suggest to cancel the social/"waiting" payments. They have to put experience in a first job before they can claim for the social security systems. Therefore our government/private sector must 'give' them a qualified job for at least 2 years in one of their many vacancies.
All our members of the Parliament/Senate have to cut down at least 5 % of their compensations, because
most of them have already an income from other source(s).
Taxes should be effective collected and may not passed over 45 % of the salaries/ 20% of the sales.
Immigrants should not have financial compensations, but for physiological needs they can count on the government. Those who wants to work have the same rights like everyone else.
Parents have an important role for their children. Well-educate them by the Ten Commandments of Moses.

Of course, it's a general point of view from us, but 'every little helps'.

TVB serials / Forensic Heroes III 法證先鋒

2011-11-11T15:04:00.001Z

TVB is the main Hong Kong Commercial television, broadcasting in cantonese language.
In our childhood, we have watched many TVB serials thanks to video renting in Antwerp.
Some American cartoons were dubbed in cantonese and we've had fine memories of them, like
The Smurfs, Transformers, Mr. Ajikko (阳一) , The wizard of Oz (1987). And TVB serials as The Bund (上海灘), The Legend / Return of the Condor Heroes, Wong Fei Hung, Wong Mow Key, Hong Kong 83-86, City Japes(城市的故事),... we'll never forget.
Nowadays you've IP set-up-boxes specially for connecting (il)legally to many Chinese channels
watching live programms and video streaming. Some actual popular serials we're renting in Maastricht.
Of course, Hong Kong serial producers adapt many existing serials to their own formats, like CSI, translated in the TVB show Forensic Heroes ( 法證先鋒). Actual a third season is being broadcasted in Hong Kong.
And more and more with help of product placements of course.

TVB theme Forensic Heroes III

Cap(i)tain(e) Future / Flam

2011-11-08T20:59:00.001Z

Although we were living in the Flanders several decades before, we will always remember the French opening tune of the American serial (morely the anime) Captain Future or most known as Capitaine Flam, who's is still a cult-person in the French speaking countries. Thanks to this patriotical French song, you can
follow the (extra) solar-systematical adventures of Captain Flam, his robot Grag/Crag, the polymorphing android Otto/Mala and the floating brain of Simon, his fathers' fellow scientist.
Yeah! Cult is is! But if you know that most of the best Cult SF serials are developped at the end of the '70s of the past century, like Battlestar Galactica, his clone Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (who's comparable with Captain Future), Star Wars, etc , then you will be sure to like this cartoon too!

And now: The Movie!

The compairison with Buck Rogers...

Kuifje, Tintin, Tim und Struppi, 丁丁和白雪

2011-10-31T11:27:00.000Z

The source/force of all Belgian comics!

Actuality
Info
Languages
Fansite

Die Mobilés (Shadowplayers), 皮影戏

2011-10-22T21:34:00.001+01:00

Long before TV is created, shadowplayers were and still are entertaining people around the world.
With puppets, minimalistic props or even only humans you can create many storylines from choreograpically orchestrated shadows. Although this technique has maybe his roots in China, you can find it also in Europe in the Old Stone Age, where humans were sitting around the fire, 'telling' stories via their mimics, designed in their shadows. You can also imagine the philosopher Plato in his Allegory of the Cave, where people are blinded by the shape of shadow-flames...

Here is a modern interpretation of the famous German Shadow Performance of Die Mobilés

History of Belgium (Jan Verroken)

2011-10-18T09:44:00.001+01:00

Who can tell about the past, actual and maybe futuristic guidelines of Belgium? Well: a 94 year young-politicist who only tells what he has to tell, who's is been involved with. "You can't undo the past what was happened, but yet the consequences are there"

His blog-archive
Info in Flemish
Twitter: @verroken

Thé Tjong-Khing

2011-10-15T22:59:00.000+01:00

(Source: De sprookjesverteller ©_Gottmer_ Thé Tjong-Khing).

Thé Tjong-Khing (website), Indonesian-Dutch Illustrator of Children books
Discovered and protégée of Marten Toonder, a famous Dutch comic-author from the 1970's, comic-founder of serials as Tom Puss, Panda, Oliver Bumble and Co.
As we've remembered him as the wonderfull illustrator of stories from "een beetje eend", appeared in the monthly dutch childrens magazine Taptoe (of the eighties), Khing is an all-round illustrator of children books from Dutch authors of the '70s and '80s.
His recent works, you can find them in his website in Dutch language.

Steven Jobs 1955 - 2011

2011-10-07T15:09:00.000+01:00

Angry Birds

2011-10-03T21:52:00.001+01:00

Since we've an Android based device, the children (and parents too!) are playing well on Angry Birds.
It's a fun game with comediatical influences of birds liberating other birds in combat-style with help of a
slingshot.
Different themes like Halloween, Moon Festival, Rio, Winter and Christmas are already involved in the scenery.

Scientific explanation of the success of this game
How to play it in browsers
The blog - Online - Chrome
The apps for Android
The apps for Apple OS

De Smurfen, Les Schtroumpfs, Die Schlümpfe, The Smurfs, Смурфы, 蓝精灵

2011-09-25T13:58:00.001+01:00

Do you know that The Smurfs serials have a classical background? We mean "classic music involved in the background of The Smurfs-serials"?
We've found at Wikipedia the following themes for all 9 seasons of
The Smurfs-tv series: classic music that always be remembered in our childhood by watching The Smurfs! These Classical Masterpieces, we've ordened in our playlist!

Marco Tempest, virtual magician

2011-09-20T12:02:00.000+01:00

Who is Marco Tempest? from Marco Tempest on Vimeo.

His website: marcotempest.com

Happy Place

2011-09-15T22:00:00.000+01:00

The title says it all: Happy Place, the place where you can find happy quotes in every mediaform on the Internet. This site is grown from another site which is spezialised in e-cards with remarkable quotes. Like Hallmark do.

BNNs Je zal het maar zijn / You should be me

2011-09-13T21:13:00.001+01:00

This time we've seen the very esteemed BNN's documentary "Je zal het maar zijn" about special people and their passions for their dreams. Although only Dutch speaking people, it is very interesting to see and also compare the Dutch with the Flemish art of documentary-making. The first chapter of the second season is loosely based on the famous MTV doc "Sweet sixteen".

Here's the embedded doc.

Of bekijk de flash versie.

Agnes Obel

2011-08-22T08:42:00.000+01:00

Agnes Obel is not only beautiful... Her songs too! ^^

Just So

Riverside

On Powdered Ground

Global warming revealed

2011-08-19T22:33:00.001+01:00

Humour does help explaining global warming easily and "Lord" Monckton does that with style and truth (according to him at least)...

Lord Monckton on Climategate at the 2nd International Climate Conference from CFACT on Vimeo.

Let's say that he is convincing, because he is making Global Warming understandable. But we believe more in changing magnetic poles of the earth that causes the actual nature disaster(s). Not to worry about, though...

Metropolis TV show

2011-08-13T21:33:00.000+01:00

Metropolis is a globally produced website and TV show initiated by Dutch public service broadcaster VPRO and Dutch NGO Hivos. They have a radically different approach towards reporting from around the world: all of their stories are produced by local filmmakers. Therefore Metropolis employs a global correspondent network of more than 60 high level documentary filmmakers and video journalists from across six continents. These filmmakers are continuously exploring their local surroundings and capturing remarkable stories from everyday life.

(Source: Metropolis TV)

International lefthanders day, Международный день левши, 國際左撇子日

2011-08-12T14:54:00.002+01:00

August 13 is designated International Lefthanders Day by Lefthanders International. It was first observed 13 August 1976. As its name suggests, it is meant to promote awareness of the inconveniences facing left-handers in a predominantly right-handed world. It celebrates their uniqueness and difference, who are from seven to ten percent of the world's population

(Source: Wikipedia.com)
Site English
Site Nederlands

C.I.S.: Chaoten in Sondereinsatz

2011-08-06T21:02:00.001+01:00

It's a self-parody from RTL-Television Germany, let's say German "Hot Shots!". Germans who take themselves not seriously, maybe good for children LOL but for the older people it's ridiculous.
Still, it's 'amusable'...

Knight Rider Fan

2011-08-04T21:22:00.002+01:00

(Source: http://www.awb-uk.com/ )

In Germany there's a real huge Knight-Rider fan, who's has rebuilt the Pontiac Firebird likewise as in the popular '82-'86 television serial.
Here's the website in English

And also in German language

Sfinks mixed 2011 in Boechhout, Antwerp, Belgium

2011-08-01T17:57:00.001+01:00

The Flintstones

2011-07-31T21:02:00.000+01:00

Need I present this best cartoon all time?
The Simpsons are loosely based on it...

Es ist sommer

2011-07-24T12:36:00.000+01:00

Wise Guys

German lyrics from "Stlyrics.com"

Jetzt ist Sommer

Sonnenbrille auf und ab ins Cafè,
wo ich die schönen Fraun auf der Straße seh.
Dann Sprung mitten rein in den kalten Pool
Und n' Caipirinha, ziemlich cool.
Sonnenmilch drauf und ab zur Liegewiese,
wo ich für mich und Liese eine Liege lease.
Wir lassen uns gehn und wir lassen uns braten
alles andre kann ne Weile warten.
Und wenn nix draus wird wegen sieben Grad,
dann kippen wir Zuhaus' zwei Säcke Sand ins Bad.
Im Radio spielen sie den Sommerhit,
wir singen in der Badewanne mit:

CHORUS:
Jetzt ist sommer, egal ob man schwitzt oder friert,
Sommer ist, was in deinem Kopf passiert,
es ist Sommer, ich hab das klar gemacht,
Sommer ist wenn man trotzdem lacht. (2x)

Sonnendach auf und ab ins Cabrio,
doch ich hab keins und das ist in Ordnung so,
weil der Spaß daran dir schnell vergeht,
wenns den ganzen Sommer nur in der Garage steht
manchmal wenn ich das Wetter seh
krieg ich Gewaltfantasien und die Wetterfee
wär das erste Opfer meiner Aggression
obwohl ich weiß, was bringt das schon
wenn man sie beim Wort nimmt und sie zwingt,
dass sie im Bikini in die Nordsee springt
ich mach mir lieber meine eigne Wetterlage
wenn ich mir immer wieder sage:

Chorus:
Jetzt ist Sommer egal ob man schwitzt oder friert
Sommer ist, was in deinem kopf passiert.
es ist Sommer ich hab das klar gemacht,
sommer ist, wenn man trotzdem lacht. (2x)

Ich bin sauer wenn mir irgendwer mein Fahrrad klaut,
ich bin sauer wenn mir jemand auf die Fresse haut,
ich bin sauer wenn ein Andrer meine Traumfrau kriegt
und am pool mit dieser Frau auf meinem Handtuch liegt.
ansonsten nehm ich alles ziemlich locker hin
weil ich mental ein absoluter Zocker bin.
ich drücke einfach auf den kleinen grünen Knopf
und die Sonne geht an in meinem Kopf:

CHORUS:
Jetzt ist Sommer egal ob man schwitzt oder friert,
Sommer ist, was in deinem kopf passiert,
es ist Sommer, ab ins Gummiboot,
der Winter hat ab sofort Hausverbot.

Jetzt ist Sommer, egal ob man schwitzt oder friert,
Sommer ist, was in deinem Kopf passiert,
es ist Sommer, ich hab das klar gemacht,
Sommer ist, wenn man trotzdem lacht.

Scheiß aufs wetter, egal ob man friert,
sommer ist was in deinem kopf passiert
es ist sommer, ab ins gummiboot,
der winter hat ab sofort hausverbot

jetzt ist sommer, egal ob man schwitzt oder friert
sommer ist, was in deinem kopf passiert,
es ist sommer, ich hab das klar gemacht,
sommer ist, wenn man trotzdem lacht.........

Jetzt ist sommer,.....

Belgian Anthem

2011-07-21T17:57:00.001+01:00

No comment

Krypteria

2011-07-18T12:06:00.000+01:00

This Power Metal Band with gothic influences rocks! And not only because the Korean female frontsinger is in it...

Fanclub

Lyrics of

2011-07-16T08:58:00.004+01:00

(From "Rosenstolz: Lass mich dein Schlafzimmer sein")

It could be a Vampire song if it was translated in English by Rocky...

LYRICS (from Lyricskeeper)

Lass mich Dein Schlafzimmer sein

Du kannst mich lieben oder hassen
You can love me, hate me

mich zappeln lassen
floundering me,

Egal, du hast mich entfacht
anyway, defurring me

Du kannst mich quälen, mich verbrennen
You can harass me, incinerate me

Dich von mir trennen
seperating from me

Egal, du hast es geschafft
anyway, creating me

(Bridge)
Jedes Wort
Every word

jeder Satz
every phrase

jeder Augenblick
every second of it

Du bist das Licht das ich umschwirr'
You are the light surrounding me

Wenn du kannst
When you can

wie ich will
how I will

brich mir das Genick
breaking my gullet

Weil ich mich sonst hier noch verlier'
because I might be here get losting to you

(Chorus)

Lass mich dein Schlafzimmer sein
Let me be your little roomate

Das Glas aus dem du trinkst
this glass where you may drink-off

Ich will dass du dich bedienst
I want you serving to me

wr' gern dein Automobil
and driving your car

die Hose die du trägst
your pants you wearing too

Ich weiss du hast es verdient
I know, you will get your reward

****

Du kannst mich schneiden - mich zerteilen
Reaping me, dividing me

die Wunden heilen
recovering me

Egal was du mit mir machst
Anyway, whatever you do

Du kannst mich kaufen - mich verschenken
you can buying me, donate me

Ich will nicht denken
I am not able of thinking

Egal, du hast es geschafft
anyway, creating me

Jeder Schwur
Every oath

jeder Blick
every sight

Deiner Leidenschaft
passionality

Du bist das Licht das ich umschwirr
You are the light surrounding me

weil ich mag
'cause I love

was du kannst
what you can

Gib mir Einzelhaft
give me punishment

Weil ich mich sonst hier noch verlier
because I might be here get losting to you

(Text and Music: Peter Plate - Performed by AnNa R.)

Renault Laguna

2011-07-14T14:51:00.000+01:00

First generation car, fase 2 (1998-2001) Renault Laguna is a beautiful sporty family car with the right performances for a brave family-father with two kids. And not to forget, the most reliable Renault of the past century: the second generation after this is remarkable to its many (electronical) problems and poor-quality-
equipment. So, maybe this fase 2 automatic could be my next car.

Show from a Spanish test-pilot:

Knight Rider Parody:

N-VA, the New-Flemish Aliance

2011-07-09T11:17:00.000+01:00

(Source: ghanja.be)

Before to prejudice N-VA as a separatistic political party in advantage of the Flemish region in Belgium,
you've to read the N-VA's ideology and purpose first.

English
Vlaams
Français
Deutsch

Let's hope that this theory will also be executed as a practice.
Between these two, there is a big difference

"De mens is ook maar een kuddedier"
"A human is just a gregarious animal"

David Verbeek

2011-07-07T23:15:00.000+01:00

He is an upcoming Dutch movie director who's interest is to let the audience feel the actual situation from young Chinese in fast growing economic metropoles as Shanghai and Taipei, and their emotions and adaptability around them and others.

eDreams Travel Blog

2011-07-04T21:12:00.000+01:00

The site eDreams blog

To get inspiration about travelling and other interests about...

Celebrities in a plane

2011-07-03T21:45:00.000+01:00

When you travel by plane, please watch closely these safety instructions video!

Le/The Missionaire

2011-06-27T13:38:00.001+01:00

(Source: Purepeople.com)

With this hilarical masterpiece (sic) of french cinema you will be laughing all loud in your comfortable seat! Jean Marie Bigard, the famous french stand-up comedian with his (c)rude humouristic style, is well casted as a just-free prisoner who wants to take revenge and also take his jewels to the mob to cash them out and live a well-earned life. But things are getting complicated and with help of his brother, a priest, he has to be disguised to not get suspicious by his enemies. As a missionaire there will be of course misunderstandings and predictable humour, but with JMB's serious looks, this French comedy is well-done without many typical blablas of the French actors. See it for yourself!

38 Years

2011-06-25T13:39:00.002+01:00

I'm 38 years old now, what have I learned till now?
Let's face some experiences from another 38 year-old blogger:
1. Always swallow your pride to say you’re sorry. Being too proud to apologize is never worth it — your relationship suffers for no good benefit.
2. Possessions are worse than worthless — they’re harmful. They add no value to your life, and cost you everything. Not just the money required to buy them, but the time and money spent shopping for them, maintaining them, worrying about them, insuring them, fixing them, etc.
3. Slow down. Rushing is rarely worth it. Life is better enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

4. Goals aren’t as important as we think. Try working without them for a week. Turns out, you can do amazing things without goals. And you don’t have to manage them, cutting out on some of the bureaucracy of your life. You’re less stressed without goals, and you’re freer to choose paths you couldn’t have foreseen without them.

5. The moment is all there is. All our worries and plans about the future, all our replaying of things that happened in the past — it’s all in our heads, and it just distracts us from fully living right now. Let go of all that, and just focus on what you’re doing, right at this moment. In this way, any activity can be meditation.

6. When your child asks for your attention, always grant it. Give your child your full attention, and instead of being annoyed at the interruption, be grateful for the reminder to spend time with someone you love.

7. Don’t go into debt. That includes credit card debt, student debt, home debt, personal loans, auto loans. We think they’re necessary but they’re not, at all. They cause more headaches than they’re worth, they can ruin lives, and they cost us way more than we get. Spend less than you earn, go without until you have the money.

8. I’m not cool, and I’m cool with that. I wasted a lot of energy when I was younger worrying about being cool. It’s way more fun to forget about that, and just be yourself.

9. The only kind of marketing you need is an amazing product. If it’s good, people will spread the word for you. All other kind of marketing is disingenuous.

10. Never send an email or message that’s unfit for the eyes of the world. In this digital age, you never know what might slip into public view.

11. You can’t motivate people. The best you can hope for is to inspire them with your actions. People who think they can use behavioral “science” or management techniques have not spent enough time on the receiving end of either.

12. If you find yourself swimming with all the other fish, go the other way. They don’t know where they’re going either.

13. You will miss a ton, but that’s OK. We’re so caught up in trying to do everything, experience all the essential things, not miss out on anything important … that we forget the simple fact that we cannot experience everything. That physical reality dictates we’ll miss most things. We can’t read all the good books, watch all the good films, go to all the best cities in the world, try all the best restaurants, meet all the great people. But the secret is: life is better when we don’t try to do everything. Learn to enjoy the slice of life you experience, and life turns out to be wonderful.

14. Mistakes are the best way to learn. Don’t be afraid to make them. Try not to repeat the same ones too often.

15. Failures are the stepping stones to success. Without failure, we’ll never learn how to succeed. So try to fail, instead of trying to avoid failure through fear.

16. Rest is more important than you think. People work too hard, forget to rest, and then begin to hate their jobs. In fitness, you see it constantly: people training for a marathon getting burned out because they don’t know how to let their straining muscles and joints recover. People who try to do too much because they don’t know that rest is where their body gets stronger, after the stress.

17. There are few joys that equal a good book, a good walk, a good hug, or a good friend. All are free.

18. Fitness doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long process, a learning process, something that happens in little bits over a long period. I’ve been getting fit for five years now, and I still have more to learn and do. But the progress I’ve made has been amazing, and it’s been a great journey.

19. The destination is just a tiny slice of the journey. We’re so worried about goals, about our future, that we miss all the great things along the way. If you’re fixated on the goal, on the end, you won’t enjoy it when you get there. You’ll be worried about the next goal, the next destination.

20. A good walk cures most problems. Want to lose weight and get fit? Walk. Want to enjoy life but spend less? Walk. Want to cure stress and clear your head? Walk. Want to meditate and live in the moment? Walk. Having trouble with a life or work problem? Walk, and your head gets clear.

21. Let go of expectations. When you have expectations of something — a person, an experience, a vacation, a job, a book — you put it in a predetermined box that has little to do with reality. You set up an idealized version of the thing (or person) and then try to fit the reality into this ideal, and are often disappointed. Instead, try to experience reality as it is, appreciate it for what it is, and be happy that it is.

22. Giving is so much better than getting. Give with no expectation of getting something in return, and it becomes a purer, more beautiful act. To often we give something and expect to get an equal measure in return — at least get some gratitude or recognition for our efforts. Try to let go of that need, and just give.

23. Competition is very rarely as useful as cooperation. Our society is geared toward competition — rip each other’s throats out, survival of the fittest, yada yada. But humans are meant to work together for the survival of the tribe, and cooperation pools our resources and allows everyone to contribute what they can. It requires a whole other set of people skills to work cooperatively, but it’s well worth the effort.

24. Gratitude is one of the best ways to find contentment. We are often discontent in our lives, desire more, because we don’t realize how much we have. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, be grateful for the amazing gifts you’ve been given: of loved ones and simple pleasures, of health and sight and the gift of music and books, of nature and beauty and the ability to create, and everything in between. Be grateful every day.

25. Compassion for other living things is more important than pleasure. Many people scoff at vegetarianism because they love the taste of meat and cheese too much, but they are putting the pleasure of their taste buds ahead of the suffering of other living, feeling beings. You can be perfectly healthy on a vegetarian (even vegan) diet, so killing and torturing animals is absolutely unnecessary. Compassion is a much more fulfilling way to live than closing your eyes to suffering.

26. Taste buds change. I thought I could never give up meat, but by doing it slowly, I never missed it. I thought I could never give up junk food like sweets, fried crap, nachos, all kinds of unhealthy things … and yet today I would rather eat some fresh berries or raw nuts. Weird, but it’s amazing how much our taste buds can change.

27. Create. The world is full of distractions, but very few are as important as creating. In my job as a writer, there is nothing that comes close to being as crucial as creating. In my life, creating is one of the few things that has given me meaning. When it’s time to work, clear away all else and create.

28. Get some perspective. Usually when we’re worried or upset, it’s because we’ve lost perspective. In the larger picture, this one problem means almost nothing. This fight we’re having with someone else — it’s over something that matters naught. Let it go, and move on.

29. Don’t sit too much. It kills you. Move, dance, run, play.

30. Use the magic of compound interest. Invest early, and it will grow as if by alchemy. Live on little, don’t get into debt, save all you can, and invest it in mutual funds. Watch your money grow.

31. All we are taught in schools, and all we see in the media (news, films, books, magazines, Internet) has a worldview that we’re meant to conform to. Figure out what that worldview is, and question it. Ask if there are alternatives, and investigate. Hint: the corporations exert influence over all of our information sources. Another hint: read Chomsky.

32. Learn the art of empathy. Too often we judge people on too little information. We must try to understand what they do instead, put ourselves in their shoes, start with the assumption that what others do has a good reason if we understand what they’re going through. Life becomes much better if you learn this art.

33. Do less. Most people try to do too much. They fill life with checklists, and try to crank out tasks as if they were widget machines. Throw out the checklists and just figure out what’s important. Stop being a machine and focus on what you love. Do it lovingly.

34. No one knows what they’re doing as parents. We’re all faking it, and hoping we’re getting it right. Some people obsess about the details, and miss out on the fun. I just try not to mess them up too much, to show them they’re loved, to enjoy the moments I can with them, to show them life is fun, and stay out of the way of them becoming the amazing people they’re going to become. That they already are.

35. Love comes in many flavors. I love my children, completely and more than I can ever fully understand. I love them each in a different way, and know that each is perfect in his or her own way.

36. Life is exceedingly brief. You might feel like there’s a huge mass of time ahead of you, but it passes much faster than you think. Your kids grow up so fast you get whiplash. You get gray hairs before you’re done getting your bearings on life. Appreciate every damn moment.

37. Fear will try to stop you. Doubts will try to stop you. You’ll shy away from doing great things, from going on new adventures, from creating something new and putting it out in the world, because of self-doubt and fear. It will happen in the recesses of your mind, where you don’t even know it’s happening. Become aware of these doubts and fears. Shine some light on them. Beat them with a thousand tiny cuts. Do it anyway, because they are wrong.

38. I have a lot left to learn. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that I know almost nothing, and that I’m often wrong about what I think I know. Life has many lessons left to teach me, and I’m looking forward to them all.

(Source: Zenhabits)

Kermis, Kermesse, Kirmes,

2011-06-18T21:02:00.004+01:00

Funfair Kermesse St.-Nikolas in Eupen! The second biggest in the province of Liège: 81 attractions from
yesterday evening till tuesday 21th June. Herzlich Willkommen, soyez bienvenue, hartelijk welkom, welcome to the fair!
More info about Kermis (NL/FR) and an english portal of all about funfairs in the world.
Have fun!

The doodles of Google...

2011-06-13T16:29:00.004+01:00

Video

From 1998-Now

Play guitar with Google thanks to Les Paul

heimatfilm

2011-06-06T20:11:00.001+01:00

You probably know how 'begeistert' the Germans are for their homelandfilms. It's mostly a romantic script about the rivaltry of two persons for a girl, shot in the nice landscapes of the Alps, with of course a morality to tell.
For us, one 'heimatfilm' in Bayerisch is certainly to be watched by all of you. The film is calling "Wer früher stirbt ist länger tot", (DE) by director Marcus H. Rosenmüller.
A generation-styled movie about a boy and his (dream) world, in comparison with the adults way of life and dead. It leads to very original and comedical views of different generations morality.
A must-watch movie to be sure!
Here some pictures about places of filming:

The Baseballs

2011-06-01T17:26:00.002+01:00

A week ago we've bought "The Baseballs" -2CD "Strike! Back". And you know, happy to be Rock and Rolling again! They make Rock & Roll covers from existing hits/ And sometimes they're better than the original song itself! Thumbs up!

Live on Radio 538 (The Netherlands)

(Forget the Dutch accents...)

Another song of them: Hello!

Belgian Cartoonist and Stand-Up Comedian (Flemish and Wallonian COO)

2011-05-25T10:57:00.002+01:00

Kroll et Kruismans disent "Foert, non di dju!" door BELGA_NEWS_AGENCY

Flemish well-known stand-up comedian Bert Kruismans and Wallonian well-known cartoonist Pierre Kroll are working together! The result of this is a Belgian book "Foert Non Di Dju" , illustrated with cartoons from Kroll and well-inspired quotes and stories by Kruismans. The SUC is also very famous in Wallonia by the way, because his show "La Flandre pour les nuls" (Flanders for dummies) is way too successfull in the French side of Belgium.

Mr: Dominique Strauss-Kahn

2011-05-17T11:46:00.001+01:00

To judge about the IMF-Manager, who's been accused by a female 'cleaner' of sexual harassment, you must be on his side, living in good and bad times. One of these persons is of course his wife, Mme Anne Sinclair. But also other persons serving him long enough, can be references. Although ambitious, you must take care about possible 'limitations' from others.
We think he's clever enough to understand the meaning of his person in the world. Now he has to be supported by his real friends. For his status, we think that what he financially has realized for Europe (and also politically for France) is of greater significance than what people are telling about his private atmosphere...

Luxia Jiang, 蒋璐霞

2011-05-16T23:48:00.000+01:00

(Source: CRI Online )

Probably the best female Martial Artist of the next generation!

English
French
Chinese

French Flanders

2011-05-14T12:55:00.001+01:00

Well, if the Flanders nowadays want to expand their territory like in the formerly Countship of Flanders in the beginning of the 9th century, then they can put inspiration to the region French Flanders...
Mister President of Flanders in spe Bart De Wever is possibly not against it...

And you will have at once the Renault Industries back in "Belgium"!

Historic regression of Dutch in the Western periphery.

The blue line indicates the situation in the 7th-8th C.; the red line marks the situation during the 20th C.; the black line is the actual French-Belgian border.See also Nord-Pas de Calais, French Flanders, Seventeen Provinces, Burgundian Netherlands

External links
Flemish in France site UOC
Akademie voor Nuuze Vlaamsche Tale
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Open University of Catalonia)
Subsite Euromosaic - Research Centre of Multilingualism.

Chinese characters

2011-05-10T09:41:00.003+01:00

We found an interesting source about the Peoples' Republic of China, viewed (critized by foreigners). Altough not updated, it's interesting to know more about our roots. (We're born outside China, fortunately)

You are Chinese (mostly from Mainland China) when :
1. you honk as much as you use the gas-pedal when you drive a car
2. you own a driver’s license, but you don’t know how to drive a car
3. you occasionally drive your car in the opposite direction
4. you tend to yell at policemen
5. you are able to transport a washing machine on your bicycle
6. you – at least once in your lifetime – transported a television or CRT-screen on your bicycle
7. you have to buy a car and/or an apartment before your girlfriend agrees to get married
8. your child is spoiled
9. you have a big family, but no brother and no sister
10. your parents can not read nor write
11. you don’t know how to raise a child
12. you give the baby to your parents after you gave birth
13. your husband has a concubine
14. your friends are all business-related contacts
15. your life goal is to be rich
16. you do anything for money
17. you do overtime for free
18. you pretend to work while on duty
19. you respect your boss, because he pays you for your time (read: not for your work)
20. you have a 30 minute lunch break and you nap in the office after you ate
21. you take holidays together with a whole bunch of other people
22. you applied for an internship in the US or Europe
23. you did not wear diapers as a baby
24. as a baby, you did wear pants with a hole in it and your crotch was cold all the time
25. you usually take a dump in a hole in the ground
26. you have a habit to put used toiletpaper in a bin next to the hole
27. you always carry a pack of tissues with you, at all time (public toilets have no toiletpaper as Chinese steal it)
28. your bin’s odor smells nicer than your breath
29. you save empty and used bottles, cans, paper and tin foil in designated area’s of your living room
30. it’s still not clean after you used the mopper
31. you never sit on the ground
32. you can collect a kilo of grease from your kitchen wall
33. your home is dirty
34. you never fix or maintain your equipment, once broke, allways broke
35. you only change light bulbs when the room is completely dark
36. none of your house-furniture fully works
37. you chew on chicken feet and pig tails
38. you eat fermentated eggs that boil in a nasty soup
39. you like to drink chinese or regular wine that tastes like crap
40. you swallow all the contents of your glass at once (bottoms up)
41. you have no problem to eat dogs, cats and rats
42. you make irritating, disgusting noises while eating with open mouth
43. you talk about food while you eat
44. you talk about food during every conversation
45. you never eat chicken if it’s served without the head
46. you never eat fish if it’s served without the head or the tail
47. you are used to eat greasy meat and bad quality food
48. you eat peanuts and other slippery noodles with 2 sticks
49. you can use chopsticks with both your hands
50. you don’t like cooked potatoes
51. you keep food in the freezer-compartment untill it vaporizes
52. you have eaten a popsicle made from peas
53. you never dry the dishes after washing them
54. you never gave a tip to waitresses
55. you fight with your dinnerparty over who will pay the bill
56. you are used to iron on a tiny iron-board
57. you always lock your bike
58. your hobby is copy/paste
59. you advise sick people to “dwink a litteuh watteuh” (read: drink a little water)
60. you leave your shoes at the doorstep
61. you have indoor-slippers available for visitors
62. you don’t sit behind a computer when you’re pregnant
63. you have a 10-liter water-reservoir in your living room
64. you abort as soon as you know it’s a baby-girl
65. you wear specially designated slippers in the shower
66. you talk chinese to everybody, even to people that don’t speak the language
67. you wear a plastic bag on your head when you drive your bycicle while it rains
68. you never use bills larger than 15 USD (100cny is the largest bill in China)
69. you always say ‘thank you’ and you never say ‘please’
70. you never help people
71. you refuse to present your busseat to elderly
72. you have no respect for other people or their belongings
73. you are not used to animals
74. you charge your phone with a universal transfo
75. you have a Murse (males.. right)
76. you seldom cut that one finger nail
77. your duty is to watch national ceremonies on television
78. you have to fly to say hello to your parents
79. you hand over your business card when you have never seen that person
80. you smoke in the elevator
81. you use your finished dish as an ashtray
82. occasionally you walk on the streets in your pyjama’s
83. you enjoy to show your weenie to other Chinese men at the public spa’s
84. you can load more objects on your bicycle than an American can place in his pickup
85. you sleep on a very hard surface, which you call your bed
86. you always bump into other people in supermarkets and on sidewalks
87. in general, you never pay attention to other people
88. you fart, pee, spit and burp in elevators and random public places
89. your can not wait your turn when people line up
90. you talk very loud on the phone because the person you call is far away
91. you have to ask permission to your government to relocate
92. you have a plastic protective cover sticking on your mobile phone
93. you live on top of somebody else
94. you live below somebody else
95. you don’t get frustrated over bad service
96. you have no word
97. you smile when people get angry, you will laugh when somebody is furious
98. you are certain that rain can actually kill a person
99. you don’t understand jokes and you have no sense of humor
100. – as an adult – you laugh with people that make animal-noises
101. you can not accept criticism, from nobody
102. you can never tell your opinion
103. you can not follow an agreement you made earlier, even if it’s written
104. you don’t trust people
105. you cheat on people
106. you are not a creative person
107. you eat from the same dish as your dinner-party because you don’t trust them
108. you like to “take” objects that all of a sudden belong to you
109. you act childish when you see a dog in the street
110. you have a small weenie
111. you like Japanese women
112. you hate Japanese men
113. you tell people how much you hate Japanese
114. you believe that all white people are rich
115. you believe that all white people cheat
116. you stare at people with a different skincolor
117. you don’t like black people and fat americans
118. you pretend to like white people
119. when you see a white face in the street, you must scream “Hello, how are you”
120. you believe that nobody should say something bad about China, even if it’s true
121. you consider life cheap
122. you are convinced that the Chinese Wall is visible from space
123. you have no political opinion, neither are you allowed to
124. you have no religious belief
125. you have no ethics
126. you don’t feel unique
127. you realize that your education is inferior to that of any education
128. you genuinely believe that Mao did a good job
129. you know that there is one country outside China : US
130. you want to speak English
131. your country has a famous pile of bricks… in a row
132. your country has a public forbidden city
133. you have never seen colourful graffiti, except for phone-numbers
134. you bet on pigeon-races
135. you spend crazy amounts of money on a game called mahjong
136. you have to spend the last few years of your life living in the house of your child because you spent all your money on a game called mahjong
137. you have the money for it, you would buy a Cayenne instead of a Carrera
138. you buy golden bracelets instead of stocks
139. you order the most expensive wine, no matter the quality
140. you travel alone, you certainly sleep in a sofa of a spa instead of a regular hotel
141. you own a badminton racket
142. your love small rooms with loud music (KTV – karaoke bar)
143. you watch silly television-soaps about concubines and rich hongkongers
144. you love that online game where you can grow and steal crops while you no longer live on a farm and have a job behind a computer
145. you are used to wedding parties that last 3 hours
146. you have 2 names : a chinese and an english one
147. you honestly believe that you have a cool english name
148. you can not spell your own english name
149. you have the urge to give foreigners a chinese name because you can not spell english names
150. you never heard of a band called U2
151. you prefer to buy a car from a foreign brand because Chinese brand is no good quality
152. you know how to write 5.000 different pictograms while the rest of the world uses 26 characters
153. you have to touch a lot of buttons on your keyboard to write a single character
154. you honestly believe that the Nobel prize should be awarded to the person who invented the Iphone (instead of Obamah) because now all Chinese people can send sms much quicker
155. nobody thought you the concept “logic”
156. you don’t use Google because you have an inferior, spammy search engine called Baidu
157. you are not surprised that another food-processing company has sold tons of poisenous foods on the market
158. you are not surprised that the government has secrets and that the government does not care about the living conditions of Chinese
159. you would open a shoe-shop if your neighbor recently opened one
160. you agree to a low salary because you only have to be present while on duty
161. you call the famous football player “Lola Ado” (instead of Ronaldo) and the famous rock ‘n roll star “Mao One” (Elvis) and you think Clint Eastwood used to be the president of the United States.
162. you sell empty dvd’s with a cover of a new released movie.
163. you love a 7-course dinner with nothing but mushroom-dishes
164. you assign numbers to everything
165. you own a company called “IVIKE” (instead of NIKE)
166. you installed an airconditioning unit in the conrner of almost every room
167. on occasional nights you spend long hours playing internet-games in a room full of like minded people
168. you spit out bones on the table
169. you have a hard time to remember what the client ordered and you never return money (applicable to waitress)
170. you are stubborn (applicable to male)
171. you look over the shoulders of a person in front of an ATM
172. you go to one place to buy rice and you have to cross town to find vegetables
173. you play cardgames for money on the sidewalk because you’re afraid the police would confiscate your house when you do it indoors
174. you want to live in Hong Kong
175. you consider foreigners stupid when they pay
176. you pull up your t-shirt and display your belly when it’s hot
177. you bring an extra sweater to the cinema
178. you never wait for people to get out of the elevator or out of the train/bus/metro
179. you address emails to your boss with “dear King”
180. you adore Hello Kitty and Winnie de Poeh (applicable to female)
181. Hello Kitty and Winnie de Poeh don’t bother you (applicable to male)
182. you believe that China is the best country in the world… simply because you have never gone abroad
183. you eat a lot of processed food without knowing exactly what the cook put in it, except for the certainty of yesterday leftovers
184. you have difficulties to form an opinion on matters and nothing bothers you
185. you lack personality, but then you are selfish and you have a rare ability to irritate people
186. you behave extra-friendly when you feel there can be money made
187. you walk on the street with a bird in a cage (the same way people walk their dogs)
188. you never wash your tea-cups
189. your favorite sports is to touch all the vegetables in the supermarket without buying any of them
190. in the supermarket, you place your shopping cart in the middle of the lane
191. it would take a long time to tighten all the screws in your house
192. you have never tried to multi-task
193. your hotmail is QQ
194. your email-address is a number
195. your phonenumber contains an eight or a six
196. you paid extra money for a numberplate that contains an eight or a six
197. you always say cheers before you take a sip
198. you have been to the army for a 15-day training when you were teenager
199. you drive your car clockwise on roundabouts
200. you walk carefully on sidewalks, looking out for loose stones and holes in the sidewalk
201. once in a lifetime you entered the train via the window
202. in the airport or trainstation, you usually carry many plastic bags full of food
203. you run towards taxi’s
204. you take a taxi and you get into the taxi before the other passenger gets out
205. you park your car anywhere
206. you need to catch that elevator when the door is almost closed
207. you know you can fit into the elevator, even when it’s full of people
208. you are proud about the Chinese culture, yet your wedding was Western-style.
209. you have never been to a Chinese-style wedding
210. you can function normally without chinese food
211. you act very quick when you notice a fly
212. you dare to drive in reverse on the highway
213. you have pillows on the backseat of your car
214. you know the meaning of EXPWY (= Expressway)
215. you get excited when you see red envelopes
216. you are surprised to hear chinese songs with english lyrics and you wonder if foreign people copy
217. you bring a red envelope to a wedding that writes “happy birthday”
218. you are used to push a button to leave the building or the room
219. you can only read a digital watch
220. you eat fruit with a toothpick
221. you become very confused when you see two forks, two knives and a spoon next to your dinnerplate
222. you use your mobile phone to watch high quality movies

PS. This article is not just to make a little fun about Chinese and their shortcomings, this is their common behavior, habits, personality and life-style.

(Source: http://chinapengyou.org/200-ways-to-know-if-youre-chinese/)
And last but not least, we're from Hong Kong because we copy some articles about China, written by strangers outside...

(melody) plagiarism

2011-05-08T12:04:00.001+01:00

To prove that today's music industry has not many fresh songs, because it has already been sung, you've some accusations of plagiarism of simular melodies. But who can blame them? Covers are also allowed, so do you want the same music industry to be bankrupted with their artists together.
Now music is counting on their performances and sympathism (charm), rather than the music itselves. Fortunately, exceptions confirm the rules...

(Original)
Taio Cruz: Telling the world (from movie-soundtrack "Rio")

(Original)
OneRepublic: Marchin on

(Original?) NEW SONG WINNERS' SONG DSDS
Pietro Lombardi: Call my name

Penn and Teller, libertans

2011-05-02T11:24:00.002+01:00

Penn and Teller are two guys who's mission is to let people informed of fraudes, searching for 'trues', etc. in an entertaining way.

Industrialized water versus tapwater

It's good that they let the 'individuals' be informed in 'their' truth in certain sciences, that's why the entertainers are called libertans. But they criticize sciences, religions and economic issues that can undermines whole societies (read: freedom of the individuals to group and gain money, freedom to choose).
With other words, sometimes they speak against themselves.
Isn't that free opinion has to survive when these opinions have to be discussed with each other(s).
Otherwise this free opinion has no meaning at all.
People need each other to survive, isn't it? Or you'll be rather be death.
For example: if you live in an environment where people have a home, garden and a car, your neighbour want's to copy you, otherwise he/she will be jealous...
Take 5 friends/acquaintances in your near area and you're the average of them...

Florian Zimmer, illusionist

2011-05-01T12:57:00.004+01:00

German's famous illusionist of the newer generation is Florian Zimmer. He's a very creative 'magician', where old tricks become very hip/cool. With his talent for "schnelles fingerspitzgefühl" and many years of learning magic, he's one of the best top-illusionists of the world. We've seen some magic around the bible's inspiration on television and yes, always searching of (new) tricks for the (young) generation.
Of course, some tricks are already revealed in the Internet and you'll see some of his tricks revealed
here

Kate and William married!

2011-04-29T21:41:00.000+01:00

Congratulations and may they live forever in happiness!

It's amazing how a cartoon-fantasy can be really linked to facts (with sometimes over-the-top pokes/irony...

Doodstraf, Peine de mort, Todesstrafe, Capital punishment, Смертная казнь, 死刑

2011-04-27T12:40:00.001+01:00

Most countries of Western Europe have removed the Capital Punishment in their criminal codes.
For humanity reasons it means a lot, but that's not a solution for serious crimes AGAINST humanity...
Better would be the "points-punishment" rule, separated rules for adults and adolescents, like bonus-malus gradations for insurance-consumers.
The lightest punishment is of course the cordial agreement between the offender(s) and the victim(s)
Next in line will be voluntarily-work in service of the community. There will be always work involved with,
because our social system is pampering our society, so they will be lazy. In short: to set one in prison for
'small' crimes is not a solution. It will only aggravate the financial ressources of the community/government.
Serious crimes will be punished with pain-gradations and re-education of morality, because mostly they will be "once a criminal, always a crimal"-attituded.
The problem of returns of criminal intents is mainly the acceptation/respect of them in the community, so they must re-integrate with help from the government and find decent jobs for them, like normal job-seekers, but with seperated systems (hopefully not in the mafia-world) and slowly go into the society (again with levels) .
For heavy crimes against humanity like terrorists, murderers against children, and serial murderers, there will be no mercy: capital punishment

But to live in a peacefull world , you've to start it all in the education in childhood.

Gospel of Mark(us)

2011-04-19T22:22:00.004+01:00

A few years ago, we met a very intelligent man who can foretell some economic situations of the financial market. Let's say by hearing the news of some manifestations he just say: "this is rather be no good, these shares will be falling 10 %." And right he has! The next morning the results were justified...
But what we still are remained concious was the following he said: "You think the European Community will
still be there after 50 years under this structure nowadays? No way! Only the Euro will survive and these Community will fall apart into different countries like in the old days before the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992."
Justified and ancient... like the KLF - Britband in 1991...
If you see the situation in Belgium with their Federal Estate and complex annex contradictable legislations,
then we can almost conclude that Europe nowadays is an enlargment of the Belgian social, cultural and
economical pespectives.
What have we learned about Richness again (Friday 8 April) : 'change the inside to have remarkable visible results.' Likely
Belgium has serious problems to be considered as the Center/Heart of Europe. We just think that we're
overwhelmed in the comfort zone, which will be ending up in a impoverishement of our wealth-estate(s).
As we mentioned before in Ekers' success-story, we must set the financial limit each time higher and higher to be competitive with others and learn to be team, spirited as one Union.
We also have learned that Europe is too liberal at all: with the "weakening" of Christian Values and the free
expression of opinions who's acumilating the weakening (see the contradiction), they search for other 'big'
religions to compensate this. On the contrary, what politicians are hoping for, is not being accepted by people everywhere: the islamisation of Europe.
And when the eyes of the Arabs are yet to be open in their tyranic world, they are putting only more oil into the fire... And we, fools as we are, were thinking that only Baltic states cause troubles....Industrialisation, my dear, the power of money rules the world!

Related topic of the future of Europe

Although an article of 2005, in the big lines they can be true.

Dayo Wong

2011-04-16T13:03:00.001+01:00

Dayo Wong (Tzi Wah), the Hong-Kong Stand-up comedian from the first hour!
From our opinion the best philosophical - humorous comedian from our generation!

Kelly Family

2011-04-15T13:48:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, we're happy to hear about long lasting famous singers-songwriters.
One of them are The Kelly Family.
Since 1975 they're travelling around the world with a double-decker, and they're gifted with
making music and covers that approaches the whole world.
Why?
Over folk, pop music, traditionals, rock, disco and their living-free mentality (hippy atittude, without
establishments) they litterally opens the peoples's hearts with their music.
Since childhood they're singing and playing instruments without prejudicements.
Should that be in these times....
Nowadays Maite Kelly is been seeing in a German-styled "Let's dance"-competition of "Dancing with the Stars".

Picture in courtesy of "Strictly come Dancing' merchandise

it's only meant to be an example and is protected by copyrights

You'll be finding the small happiness of life again!

Foodwatch

2011-04-09T17:35:00.000+01:00

"Foodwatch is a non-profit and independent organisation that draws public attention to practices in the food industry that are not in the interests of consumers. foodwatch fights for the right of consumers to honestly know what they are buying and to enjoy good food that is healthy and uncontaminated. We are fed up with being fed off."

(Source: Foodwatch.de)

Foodwatch Germany (DE)

Foodwatch Netherlands (NL)

From zero to richo

2011-04-08T11:32:00.002+01:00

Financial blueprint

Idea's are leading to feelings to actions to results
Your revenue will grow when you accept your (financial) development
If you want to change the visible/fruits, you'll first have to change the invisible/roots
Money is a result, wealth is a result, health is a result, illness is a result, weight is a result:
we're living in a world of cause and result
If your subconciousness have to choose between inherent emotions and logics, emotions will be choosen
The motivation of your wish of richness is negative, like prooving yourselve, fear or anger, then money will never make you happy
Your conciousness is noticing your ideas and actions, so that leads you to free choices, not from programmings from the past

Financial solutions

Thinking big <> thinking small
Excellent receivers <> bad receivers
Creating my life <> happening to me
Gaming to win <> gaming to not to loose
Thinking both <> thinking this or that
Rewarded by results <> rewarded by time
Determined to be rich <> wanted to be rich
Money is working hard for them <> they are
Focused on possibilities <> focused on difficulties
Serving well with money <> serving all wrong with money
Bigger than their problems <> smaller than their problems
Focusing on their nett benefits <> focusing on their salaries
Learning and growing continously <> thinking to know all about his
Admiring successfull personalities <> detesting successfull personalities
Associating with positive successfull people <> associating with negative unsuccessfull people
Willing to promote themselves at their value <> thinking negative about promoting and selling

(Source: T. Harv Eker)

Positive reviews
Negative reviews

Bakuman

2011-03-22T12:46:00.002Z

Bakuman, finally a Manga serial anex Anime about 2 adolescents who want to start a Manga-serial without forgetting the realistic ups and dows where they're dealing with.
So briefly written: a real-life Manga about the start of a Manga without the violence in it...
Sounds interesting for the would-be creators of Manga drawing -and writing!

Nuclear disaster Japan for children

2011-03-20T16:54:00.001Z

To understand the possible nuclear disaster in Japan, caused by the tsunami and earthquake days before, Japanese are quite inventive to compare this with a nuclear plant with cramps:

Popidol, Idool, Nouvelle Star, DSDS, Народный Артист

2011-03-06T15:47:00.003Z

(Source: BBC - picture is example)

We watch TV not often and one of the reasons is the reality annex talent show Popidol. It's nice to watch some candidates who are really talented qua singer-song qualities, but once again, we feel like we and they are fools in a exhibishionistic (and 'democratic') world. The proof: once there's a winner, after few singles and seasons later, they are forgotten. Producers of such TV-shows add a 'value' for the audience, called SMS-voting. You loose some money too!
The really talented singers/songwriters don't need such an exposure of the abused media called reality-television to get a huge carreer. If music and performance are well strategized, you can keep your celebrity for a long long time.
By the way: some members of the jury are already over the peak singers, hoping to have their fame back via this way.

Verkriegen

2011-02-28T20:21:00.000Z

Ich wollte jetzt etwas verkriegen...

't Hof van Commerce: zonder fans gin bands

't Hof van Commerce: zonder grodder

The invisible behind the visible

2011-02-08T23:07:00.000Z

If you are watching someone, please check this study of face-and behaviour analysis out.
It's regretly only written in Flemish/Dutch language. But with help from translation tools, you may understand that this is quite interesting...
The Chinese know this for a long time ago...

Internet Radio for Hong Kong and China People

2011-02-07T23:54:00.000Z

Here is a great Internet Radio Site for China and more specific Cantonese-speaking people.
And if you want to listen directly the music, you can click here ...

Happy Chinese Year of the Rabbit 2011!

2011-02-04T00:14:00.001Z

The spirit of Chinese New Year...

Chip Magazine

2011-02-03T01:02:00.000Z

If you want the most actual info about computers, mobile, tv, software and downloads, etc... then one magazine in the real and virtual world is appearantly the top of the hill: CHIP
You can find Chip in the following countries.
Germany
Netherlands
China
Russia
Italy
... and in few other countries.
So check it out

Chevrolet Cruze T by Chinese...

2011-01-28T00:31:00.001Z

Chevrolet Cruze in European version is a very stylish sedan, who its price is surprisingly below the average.
Hopefully he drives well for a long time. Maybe my next car?

With greetings from the Chinese Chevrolets T in this video:

Hägar, the horrible

2011-01-21T22:54:00.001Z

This comic never get bored!

Kisseo electronic greeting cards

2011-01-03T00:10:00.001Z

English

French

German

Spanish

Italian

Home and away (rent a stay during your holidays)

2010-12-15T16:29:00.001Z

Instead of ho(s)tels, you can rent an appartment, a bungalow, an house with swimming pool, a loft, a luxus villa etc... for a (few) day(s), a week or more.
That's the other art of traveling nowadays and it is sometimes more cheaper than ho(s)tels and related stays.

6 stays/sites for renters:

drums are for parades (Belgian rock)

2010-12-09T10:49:00.002Z

Ethias Arena Hasselt, Limburg, Belgium
11 December 2010 Soulwaxmas Event

Alain Zenner, a real crisis manager of Brinks Money Transports Belgium...

2010-12-06T23:50:00.000Z

... and for other "Emergency" companies too!

An article in De Standaard Online says it all: many international companies who's headquarter(s) are not in Belgium, have a branch (sub-office) in Belgium. If you know that taxes are higher quotated for employees than for labourers, the leading managers, established in the Netherlands, want to change their statutes (charters), with a resulting downsizing salary of course.
These employees didn't agree with this charter, so they decided to go on strike.
Several weeks later, some banks and distributors have had problems with their money stocks, and the foreign owners didn't want to change their minds. Worse than that, they acclaimed to go on bankruptcy.
The Belgian government had decided to point the famous crisis manager Alain Zenner.
Here an interview with him in Dutch.

Deze zaak maakt mij weer jong'

Een faillissement vermijden bij Brink's België wordt moeilijk. Maar eerst moeten het bedrijf en zijn personeel nog een rouwproces doormaken, vindt voorlopig bewindvoerder Alain Zenner. Het bediendenstatuut is voor Brink's België wat BHV is voor de politiek: 'Vooral een groot symbool.'

Het is dinsdagavond, 21.15 uur. Na een lang gesprek met Alain Zenner, voorlopig bewindvoerder van Brink's België, is dit complexe dossier me een stuk duidelijker. Er is veel belangstelling van kandidaat-overnemers, zegt Zenner. Maar dan moet het morrende personeel van statuut veranderen en zal Brink's België eerst failliet worden verklaard. Zo kan de nieuwe eigenaar met minder personeel en tegen andere voorwaarden aan de slag. Maar voor het zover is, moet het bedrijf 'een rouwproces' doormaken. En dat kan nog wel enkele weken duren.

Deze Franstalige Brusselaar, opgegroeid en opgeleid in Gent, is ook in Vlaanderen een bekend gezicht. Dat mag u letterlijk nemen. Want begin 1997 werd hij als curator van het noodlijdende Forges de Clabecq haast mishandeld door de donkerrode vakbondsmilitant Roberto D'Orazio. Het beeld van zijn gehavende en bloedende gezicht ging het land rond. Die klap betekende het begin van de redding van Forges; de start van Zenners korte politieke carrière bij de MR en het einde van D'Orazio's carrière als militant.

Enkele maanden na de redding van Forges voelde Zenner zich moe en oud. Nu, kort voor zijn vijfenzestigste verjaardag, stroomt de energie en adrenaline als vanouds door zijn lichaam. Tijdens het gesprek staat hij om de haverklap op om al ijsberend zijn verhaal te doen. Af en toe bladert hij door een Atoma-schriftje waarin hij nota's en contacten verzamelt in verband met Brink's.

'Deze zaak is een mooie uitdaging, een uitzonderlijke zaak. Het is alsof Vermassen een spectaculaire assisenzaak mag pleiten. Het maakt mij weer jong. Ik ben tegen 5 uur 's ochtends op kantoor. Net zoals toen bij Clabecq.'

Drie uur lang bomen we door over Brink's in zijn kantoor op de 24ste verdieping van de Bastion Tower aan de Naamsepoort in Brussel. Vanuit het raam van zijn kantoor zie je de vooruit kruipende avondspits, de fel verlichte kantoren van Suez en Electrabel aan de overkant, het ruiterstandbeeld van Leopold II en daarachter een groot zwart gat: het koninklijk paleis. De lichten zijn gedoofd, de koning is naar huis. Wat gaat u vandaag nog doen? vraag ik hem als de files allang weer zijn opgelost. 'Nog enkele dingen afwerken, een dossier naar iemand brengen die dat morgenvroeg dringend moet lezen en dan naar huis, naar mijn vriendin. Het zal wel na middernacht zijn voor ik kan gaan slapen.'

Arrogante directieleden

Bij het geldtransportbedrijf Brink's zijn ze sinds begin deze week weer aan het werk. Stilaan raken de lege geldautomaten gevuld en kan de cash van de warenhuizen veilig naar de bank. Pensioenen en OCMW-steun worden straks weer normaal uitbetaald. En de 430 bedienden van Brink's? Die zijn na vier weken staken opgelucht, vooral omdat ze verlost zijn van de arrogante directieleden uit Nederland, Luxemburg en de VS die het hier tot voor kort voor het zeggen hadden. De Brusselse rechtbank van koophandel weigerde het faillissement dat het bedrijf op 12 november had aangevraagd en stelde Alain Zenner en zijn collega Gérard Delvaux aan om het bedrijf voorlopig over te nemen. Zij moeten een oplossing zoeken voor een van de merkwaardigste sociale conflicten van de jongste jaren.

Alain Zenner trof het bedrijf begin deze week in een redelijk verwarde toestand aan. 'Er was geen Belgische directie. Alles werd beslist vanuit Nederland. De IT werd beheerd in Nederland. Er was geen facturatie, geen boekhouding. We proberen dat nu op te bouwen. Ik heb een team samengesteld van mensen uit het vroegere management. Dat neemt de operationele leiding in handen. Ik ken niets van geldtransporten. Ik heb de vroegere HR-manager aangesteld, Marc De Bernardin. Die man maakt een goede indruk. Ook Sabine Thuysbaert, de gewezen operationele directeur en Ann-Sophie Deprez, de sales en banking relations directeur, staan mee aan de leiding. Ik weet dat het personeel niet zo'n vertrouwen had in het Belgisch management, maar ik heb zelden met een efficiënter team gewerkt.'

Een van de problemen van Brink's België was dat de Belgische managers eigenlijk niet veel te zeggen hadden. De orders kwamen vanuit de vestigingen in Nederland, Luxemburg en het Amerikaanse moederhuis in Richmond. De onderhandelingen met de vakbonden en de overheid werden geleid door Ran Ancho, een Engelstalige Israëli die Nederland als standplaats heeft. Zowel de kabinetschef van minister van Arbeid Joëlle Milquet als de vakbonden waren het erover eens dat ze zelden zo'n arrogant man over de vloer hebben gekregen.

Alain Zenner wikt en schikt zijn woorden, maar bevestigt dat beeld. 'Ik ontmoette hem de dag na de faillissementsaanvraag, samen met de verantwoordelijke van Brink's Luxemburg, Carlo Veisen. Ancho riep me toe dat Brink's de beste managers heeft, de beste corporate governance en hij beschreef het Belgische model van sociaal overleg als “stupid Belgian formalities,. Carlo Veisen trok hem aan de mouw en vroeg hem zijn mond te houden om de zaak niet nog erger te maken. Enfin, die toon dus.'

Ancho en Veisen hebben de ministers Turtelboom en Milquet ook onder druk gezet om het competitieve nadeel van Brink's ten opzichte van hun grote concurrent G4S te compenseren. Bij G4S hebben de geldtransporteurs een arbeidersstatuut. Bij Brink's zijn dat bedienden. Die zijn iets duurder, maar vooral is het veel lastiger om hen te ontslaan. De directie van Brink's raamt dat nadeel volgens Zenner op zo'n 3 miljoen euro per jaar en eiste van de federale overheid dat ze dat verschil zou compenseren. 'Ze hebben verschillende gerechtelijke procedures aangespannen tegen de overheid en tegen hun concurrent. Ze vertelden mij zelfs dat ze een klacht tegen België bij de wereldhandelsorganisatie hebben overwogen.' Het zegt iets over de gelijkhebberigheid van de internationale directie van Brink's.

Leeggezogen

Zenner zegt dat de internationale directie van Brink's de Belgische vestiging financieel leeggezogen heeft. Het betaalde 3,4 miljoen euro voor de overname van de vestigingen in Antwerpen en Zaventem, die verantwoordelijk waren voor het transport van goud en diamanten (Brink's Diamonds& Jewelry Services). Maar dat geld is meteen doorgestort naar de rekening van Brink's Internationale Holding in het Zwitserse Züg. Zenner onderhandelde deze week bijna dagelijks met de internationale directie. In de eerste plaats om hen te overtuigen toch door te gaan met de Belgische vestiging. Maar ook om het geld terug te storten waarop Brink's België volgens hem recht heeft. Zo'n zes miljoen euro, de waarde van de diamantactiviteiten van Brink's die kort voor de faillissementsaanvraag werden verkocht aan een zusterbedrijf. Een halfuur voor het begin van het interview kreeg Zenner een kort telefoontje van de internationale directie met de mededeling dat er geen frank zal worden teruggestort. Zenner lacht en lijkt te denken: we zullen wel zien.

De relaties zijn er niet op verbeterd. De eerste ontmoeting vond plaats in de niet echt tot de verbeelding sprekende Brasserie Pergola in Laken omdat de directie het niet meer waagde zich te vertonen op de bedrijfsterreinen van Brink's. Vorige week donderdag vond een nieuwe vergadering plaats. Ditmaal wilde de directie zelfs niet meer naar België komen en moest Zenner met de Thalys naar Parijs. De voormalige MR-senator schudt het hoofd als hij vertelt hoe de internationale directie nu plots beweert nooit te hebben aangestuurd op een faillissement. Terwijl de ceo van Brink's op 27 september in een brief aan het personeel stelde niet te kunnen geloven dat België zo dwaas zou zijn om zo'n prachtig herstructureringsplan als dit te dwarsbomen. In de laatste alinea staat een niet mis te begrijpen dreigement dat als dat toch zou gebeuren, de directie de stekker eruit zou trekken.

Signaal

Volgens sommigen was de aanstelling van een zwaargewicht als Zenner een signaal van de rechtbank naar de Amerikaanse directie om te zeggen dat ze niet met zich zou laten sollen. Zenner lacht, duidelijk gevleid. 'Ach, ik denk dat de rechter wist dat ik medeauteur ben van de wet op de continuïteit. Ik heb samen met collega Gérard Delvaux heel wat energie gestoken in het bekendmaken van deze wetgeving aan de Waalse rechtbanken. En ik heb natuurlijk wel wat ervaring.'

Zenner was curator van Forges de Clabecq, maar ook van de zieltogende eerste klasse-voetbalploeg Moeskroen. Met dat soort dossiers vang je heel wat media-aandacht. Hij vindt trouwens dat voorlopige bewindvoerders sneller moeten worden ingeschakeld. 'Nu gebeurt dat meestal als de zaak niet meer te redden valt.'

'Ik zeg niet dat dat hier ook is gebeurd, maar als een bedrijf in moeilijkheden raakt, dan wordt zoiets snel opgemerkt door concurrenten in binnen- of buitenland. Ze starten dan schijnonderhandelingen voor een zogenaamde overname, krijgen inzage in de staat van de onderneming, maar doen geen bod. Ze wachten liever tot de zaak failliet verklaard is om een zaakje te doen.'

De meeste advocaten wagen zich niet aan een voortzetting van zulke bedrijven. Ze gaan voor een snelle vereffening, want als het misloopt bij een bewindvoering riskeren ze zelf rechtszaken: ze worden aansprakelijk voor zo'n dossier. 'Dat mag je niet onderschatten. Ook Roberto D'Orazio spande drie, vier processen tegen mij aan en het duurt lang voordat je in dit land vrijgesproken wordt. Zoiets weegt op je.'

Tarief

Alain Zenner moet bij Brink's elke dag enkele tientallen problemen oplossen en knopen doorhakken. Dat gaat van ontmoetingen met de belangrijkste klanten, het opstellen van inventarissen tot de vraag wat er moet gebeuren als plots een gevulde kluis van Brink's wordt ontdekt op de luchthaven van Zaventem. Hij schat dat hij zo'n tien uur per dag in de weer is. Dat is toch wat hij aanrekent aan de rechtbank. 'Rijk word je hier niet van. Ik heb voor deze zaak een tarief van 150 euro per uur. In een kantoor als Freshfields zijn de tarieven gemiddeld driemaal hoger.'

Hij ondervindt een dubbelzinnige houding bij de meeste klanten van Brink's. Ze dreigen er wel mee om over te stappen naar de enige concurrent van Brink's in België, maar tegelijk vrezen ze voor een monopolie. Dat zou de tarieven voor waardetransporten natuurlijk kunnen opdrijven.

Maar zo'n vaart zal het wel niet lopen. De kandidaat-overnemers schuiven aan. Dinsdagavond waren er al vier ernstige kandidaat-overnemers. 'De eerste die mij contacteerde, was het Zweedse Loomis. Ze pakken het heel zakelijk aan. Tijdens het weekend stond een delegatie van de ceo, de cfo en de coo voor de deur. Vandaag, (dinsdag, red), is een ploeg van negen mensen van Loomis aan het werk in het hoofdkantoor van Brink's. Ook het Belgische Cobelguard informeerde, maar daar hoorde Zenner sindsdien niets meer van. Daarna kwam het Franse Seris. Die waren hier vroeger al actief in het geldtransport via het vroegere GMIC. Maar dat hebben ze verkocht aan Brink's. Seris telt 5.000 personeelsleden in Frankrijk en 1.500 in België, vooral bewakingspersoneel.

Dinsdagmiddag meldde zich Ramy Baron. Een gekende figuur in Antwerpen. Hij is geneesheer van opleiding, maar werkte samen met zijn vader in hun bedrijf Baron Security. Dat werd iets meer dan tien jaar geleden verkocht aan G4S. Baron ondertekende toen een niet-mededingingsclausule. Hij zou tien jaar lang niet actief zijn in deze sector. 'Die periode is voorbij en het kriebelt weer bij hem. Hij had meteen een heel goed contact met het personeel.'

Maar Alain Zenner is duidelijk. 'Ik betwijfel of we een overnemer zullen vinden als de bedienden geen arbeiders willen worden. Brink's België is een opportuniteit, maar je moet ook beseffen dat het slechts 25 procent marktaandeel heeft en het personeelsstatuut is een nadeel.' Op de vraag of Brink's zal worden overgenomen zonder dat het eerst failliet gaat, antwoordt Zenner dat dit 'heel twijfelachtig' is. Het is haast zeker dat de nieuwe eigenaar van start zal gaan met minder personeel en dat het ook de 'moeilijke' en beschermde vakbondsmensen eruit zal halen. Zoiets gaat makkelijker bij een nieuwe start.

Marx en Lenin

Bij Forges de Clabecq was Alain Zenner de vijand van de bonden. Zeker van Roberto D'Orazio. Bij Brink's werd hij eerst onthaald als de redder. 'Ik heb D'Orazio sinds Forges nooit meer ontmoet. Mijn zoon onlangs wel. Hij kwam me vertellen dat hij Roberto had gesproken en dat hij die man erg interessant vond. Tja, dat klopt. Hij werkte mij constant tegen, maar ik had ook wel respect voor hem. Roberto was een echte held voor de arbeiders van Forges de Clabecq. Je mag niet vergeten dat hij erin slaagde een betoging van 7.000 mensen te organiseren die allemaal achter de portretten van Lenin, Marx en Engels opstapten.'

'Ik herinner mij dat Roberto en ik in een kamer moesten wachten op een live-interventie tijdens het RTBF-journaal. Hij vertelde me toen dat de tijd van de bourgeoisjustitie voorbij was en dat het tijd was voor 'une justice populaire'. Een paar dagen later ondervond ik wat hij daarmee bedoelde, toen hij me een afranseling gaf.'

Dat betekende meteen het einde van D'Orazio. Zeker toen hij ermee dreigde om een 'manifestation infernale' op Brussel te organiseren. Eerder was al een winkelstraat in Nijvel geplunderd. Dat was het signaal voor Michel Nollet, het toenmalige hoofd van de Franstalige socialistische partij, om D'Orazio opzij te zetten.

Alain Zenner had het aan zijn populariteit te danken dat Louis Michel hem een verkiesbare plaats aanbood op de senaatslijst van de MR. Even later werd hij staatssecretaris voor de strijd tegen fiscale fraude. Hij moest rapporteren aan Didier Reynders. Maar dat werd geen succes. Sommigen beweren dat Reynders niet opgezet was met de populariteit van Zenner en niemand in zijn buurt duldde die hem kon overschaduwen. Zenner spreekt dat niet tegen. 'Ik was geen concurrentie voor hem. Maar dat wilde hij niet aannemen. Toen prins Laurent trouwde, zat ik naast Reynders' echtgenote. Ik ken haar goed en zij vroeg me toen of ik ook in de volgende regering zou zitten. Ik antwoordde dat haar man niet meer van mij hield en zij zweeg. Natuurlijk begrijp ik waarop Reynders zo weinig populair is in Vlaanderen. Zijn fiscale hervorming is mislukt. Hij heeft er nochtans lang genoeg aan gewerkt. Ach, ik had en heb veel belangstelling voor de politiek, maar misschien ben ik te veel technicus en te weinig politicus.'

Hoe kijkt hij als gewezen politicus en als halve Vlaming en halve Brusselaar naar de moeilijke regeringsonderhandelingen? 'Dit kan enkel lukken als de regio's elkaar de grootst mogelijke autonomie gunnen. Zodra dat geregeld is, zullen ze beseffen dat ze niet zonder elkaar kunnen en gaat iedereen opnieuw samenwerken. Weet u, de problemen van BHV zijn voor de politiek wat het bediendenstatuut is bij Brink's: vooral een groot symbool.'

Kirschblüten / Hanami / Cherry blossoms

2010-11-18T23:19:00.002Z

"Kirschblüten" (Engl.: Cherry blossoms) is an excellent German/Japanese film about a poetic interpretation between generations and life and dead towards it...

SINT / SAINT (Dick Maas)

2010-11-15T22:25:00.005Z

Sint (dutch for Saint) >>> Source: Dick Maas, Dutch famous director

is a spooky thriller with lots of action and horror.

Even those who are not familiar with the Saint Nicholas legend

(A celebration in Belgium and the Netherlands) every year on december 5 and/or 6,

similar to Santa Claus) will relate to the fight between good and evil which is

a common emotion all over the world.

Premise

Saint Nicholas is not the good-hearted children's friend as people think he is. In reality he is a cruel bloodthirsty bishop who, whenever there's a full moon on december 5, will try to slaughter as many children as possible.

Synopsis

St. Niklas, a bishop fallen out of grace, travels in the middle ages with his gang of robbers and thieves through the countryside, raping, plundering and killing. When villagers take the law into their own hands and murder the bloodthirsty bishop and his thugs by setting the ship on which they travel ablaze, Niklas vows revenge.

Now every time there is a full moon on december 5, the date he died, something that on average takes place every 36 years, St. Niklas and his helpers will rise from the dead and take revenge in a horrible way.

The story takes place in Amsterdam, Holland, on a misty and snowy december night.

Frank, a nice boy of 17, is, together with some friends, confronted on that dreadful night, by Niklas and his helpers. He is the only one who manages to escape death. All of his friends are murdered. The police doesn't believe his story and arrest him as the main suspect.

When Frank is driven to prison, the police car gets involved in a chase with Niklas, who tries to escape on his fiery white horse over the roofs of the Amsterdam canal houses.

Frank manages to escape from the police and Niklas, and teams up with Goert, a suspended detective.

Goert was suspended because he had unraveled the Niklas mystery and had warned that he would strike again this year. No one of course believed him and everyone thought he was going crazy.

Frank and Goert team up to confront Niklas. In Goert's mind there is only one solution to get rid of Niklas: Blowing up his boat that must be moored in a remote part of the Amsterdam Harbor...

Tesla Roadster

2010-11-14T23:24:00.009Z

The Tesla Roadster is one of the most beautiful electric sportscar of the moment.
He has a top-speed of 210 km/h and an action-radius of app. 350 km.
From 0 till 100 km in 3.9 sec. without any engine sound! If you want to have some sound, you'll have it as an option!
It costs 'only' 3 Eurocents pro km. electricity... if you are preparing to pay 110.000 EUR for the car itselves
You can buy it on the internet

The first Tesla Store in the Benelux will be open in spring 2011 in Eindhoven.
Later on Antwerp will follow.

Kurt Masur

2010-10-10T21:40:00.005+01:00

Kurt Masur (website) is a famous energetic German conductor of classical music who's even at his 83 years, very passionated in his conducting of music in the Romantic Era.

Mendelssohns' Symphony

And of course we don't forget Yuja Wangs' interpretation (performance) of M's First Concerto

Vitas, Витас (певец), 維塔利

2010-10-07T22:39:00.006+01:00

Vitas, Russian pop-opera singer is very famous in Asian countries, and specially in China and Taiwan, who has a mega-cultus thanks to his show at the Beijing Olympics (only non-chinese artist at the Opening)
Two examples of his great mixture musicstyles:

OPERA NO 2

STAR

Autoscout 24

2010-09-26T22:09:00.003+01:00

Is one of the best car and moto ads of the Internet
ENG: autoscout24.com
DEU: autoscout24.de
FRE: autoscout24.fr
BEL: autoscout24.be
RUS: autoscout24.ru

Claude Chabrol, my Idol

2010-09-16T23:51:00.003+01:00

and not because he has the same birthday as I am, but he was (deceasad 4 days ago) a french director who can film complex relationships and at the same time criticize them in a covered way without taken the movie too seriously....

McDull & McMug

2010-09-13T16:01:00.004+01:00

If you want to understand Hong Kong people, their ambiguous humour etc... you've to watch these cartoon serials!
Very great and a suitable Hong Kong answer for the USA maded The Simpsons.

And... It's educational too!

Internet security

2010-09-10T15:59:00.003+01:00

Internet is a nice way to amuse, search, play, pay, etc...
But there are also many dangers you can foresee with help from
this website "LOCANTO"
This is a blog about safer trading/acting on the Internet
and also done in several languages, such as
English
Deutsch
Français
Espagnol
Nederlands

Autozine

2010-09-05T21:18:00.002+01:00

This Autozine is an online-webzine for cars and stuff
New cars, occasion cars, classic cars. All sorts of reviews you can find it here.
Also the car-users have their own forum
But frankly writing, only available in German and Dutch

The persuaders, Die Zwei, Amicalement votre, De speelvogels,

2010-09-01T09:54:00.004+01:00

The persuaders are Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, an British aristocrat and an American self-made oil-magnat. This serial is action-adventure-minded and James Bond Stylished with real locations and clever thrilling plots. And humour is not far away between this two characters.
The relations, the locations, the nostalgic cars, the fooling (naivity) in the early '7Os, the cold war,...Lovely, my dear!...
Note: The synchronisation in French and German made this serial very cultish, because they have other plotlines as the original meant to be...
So, one of the best serials ever made!

airbags

2010-08-24T08:45:00.002+01:00

Is an airbag dangerous?
And your security when you're driving?
See it for yourself here
(Only in Dutch/Flemish)

source: www.katho.be/vhti/automechanica/autoscope/veilighe.htm#top

Feng Shui site

2010-08-18T22:34:00.002+01:00

There is a feng shui site in several languages, but the translation is to be crying, because we think that it was translated by computer from russian to other languages like
- English
- French
- German
- Dutch
- Chinese
- Russian

Hein Pragt blog

2010-08-04T22:40:00.002+01:00

It's originally a Dutch blog about a man's view of society, love, culture, technology etc.
Interesting enough to have an English link of this blog since 1995!

For those who can read NL

Lady Gaga...

2010-07-18T16:24:00.002+01:00

... is going on the 'good' way: classic mixed with pop
Maybe for later Gaga Opera? With Madonna???

Alejandro

Ulrich Libbrecht, Flemish Western Eastern philosopher of the 20th Century

2010-07-11T15:28:00.004+01:00

Ulrich Libbrecht is a famous Belgian/Flemish Philosopher of the end of the 20th Century. He is able to clear 'Things' out in easy-to-people spoken language without being too academic and with his own (experienced) opinion, independant of religion, culture, politics or wathever. A human of our heart.
We have read "Met Dank aan het Leven", his last piece of work. It's really a testimony of his own life and toughts. Thank you for your piece of jewel!

A flemish critic:

Voor de Libbrecht fans een juweel! Een geleerd man, die in alle eenvoud en diepzinnigheid., de waarheid kan vertellen. Die met de glimlachhumor, de zin en onzin van het leven kan weergeven met een eerlijk blik.

Eupen Music Marathon

2010-06-28T01:16:00.001+01:00

A taste of previous editions

De foute falsche wrong party fausse,

2010-06-25T23:00:00.003+01:00

From Q Music hitradio Belgium

Ibood Europe

2010-06-16T00:18:00.005+01:00

Ibood Europe is Internets Best Online Offer Daily
Check it out! (but pay with Visa...)

Reason: (NL)
Het best betaal je met VISA en niet met overschrijving.
Volgens mij werken ze met volgend systeem:
Ze plaatsen een aanbieding, wachten een 3-tal dagen totdat ze de betalingen hebben binnengekregen en bestellen dan bij de leverancier.
Dan pas kan het dus verstuurd worden als de leverancier zijn beloftes nog kan waarmaken.
Als jouw bank er lang over doet om het geld over te schrijven (vrijdagmiddag overschrijven is bv pas woensdag bij iBood)naar iBood gaat het waarschijnlijk fout omdat ze dan jouw bestelling niet direct geplaatst hebben bij de leverancier. Lijkt mij wel logisch want hoeveel mensen zijn er niet die bestellen maar nooit overschrijven?
iBood wil ook niet met een stock blijven zitten en ook anderen niet laten wachten tot alle betalingen binnen zijn.

Ik heb alvast verschillende zaken besteld en altijd gekregen. Ik betaal altijd met VISA.

Ik probeer iBood niet te verdedigen maar een beetje begrip langs beide kanten lijkt mij hier wel op zijn plaats.
En ik kan jou verzekeren, als ze op een andere manier werken dan kan je nooit zo’n goede prijs krijgen voor die goederen. Ze baseren zich volgens mij op groepsaankopen zonder zelf eerst de aankoop te doen.

And if you don't trust this E-offer...
... You're right

Politics in Belgium anno 2010?

2010-06-15T00:05:00.004+01:00

Extreme left or extreme right: Ex VB Janice Laureyssens says it all right in Flemish.
And her vision of the Middle East with her Israelian friend says it too:

Het andere klokje (NL/VL)

All what you (don't) know about the Middle East...

Eurovision 2010: LENA wins!

2010-05-29T23:45:00.005+01:00

Logical, or not? Who has the money and the balls in this economical crisissituation?
Deutschland/Germany of course!
Never tought that her English sounds like a little bit UK-ish.

The bookmakers this time have right: love is the magical word for winning!

And of course, Belgium is also listed at the top 10, namely at the 6the place. Gratulations!

Mobile software

2010-05-27T22:42:00.001+01:00

Free or not ad-free, it's up to you to decide.

Mobilerated

sony w960i

2010-05-12T21:51:00.000+01:00

It's an evergreen mobile!

Citroën C5 (2th Generation)

2010-04-26T22:23:00.006+01:00

My next car will be certainly Citroën again! And this C5 could be the next one... although in my dreams!

Of course, China will not go behind and has presented last year in Shanghai the new Citroën C-quatre (4 in China is not-done)
Here are some pictures:
Some more pictures and information

Kick (-tuut-)

2010-04-22T15:25:00.002+01:00

In this movie, someone ordinary want's to be a superhero. But there is a gap between reality and fiction. However, during the circumstrances, eventually THEY will be real superheroes... A film with much violence, action and 'intelligent' humour for teenagers.

BMW M6

2010-04-20T00:49:00.002+01:00

Today we've seen the BMW X6 (M?) , driven by an eastern-asian person (Chinese perhaps?), not quite especially young, thinking in the mid-50's. What does this person with quite an extreme sportly SUV-monstercar?! Personally, we find the design of BMW's mastodont not well done, but you can't say that about his technical features. Fahrspass indeed, and that with an 'automatic'. Not for green boys!

Benoît Brisefer, Steven Sterk, Benni Bärestark, Benedict Steelbreaker,

2010-04-11T14:32:00.007+01:00

It's a great comic about the adventures of a little boy, who's so strong, so fast and jumping so high. This comic is a product of the '60-'70s which atmosphere is of course out of time, but not this moral of the elegancy, respect for others/older people, honesty and courage, with a little comical touch.
When you say the creator was Peyo, the famous designer of the Smurfs, you don't expect that this serial is more a mirror of reality about corruption, blackmail, crime and-so-on, packed into a funny, ironical and deep-sensed comic. Peyo was really a great story-teller and we give him an ode to this underestimated, but fantastic comic (compared to the Smurfs, which is for a greater audience)

Benedict "Steven Strong" in also other languages:

Chinese Susan Boyle = Whitney Houston = man

2010-04-07T22:22:00.002+01:00

Moritz Waldemeyer, mechatronistic artist

2010-03-27T16:06:00.003Z

Moritz Waldemeyer is the creative brain behind these laser-costumes for Bono, Rihanna and other artists.
More info @ Waldemeyer.com

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