Banned Iranian film producer, Jafar Panahi, has managed to cast criticism on traditional Iranian values, without actually doing so. What he did was extremely clever and comprised a particular way of filming, by which we ended up literally accompanying him, and actress Behnaz Jafari, on an outing deep into the Iranian mountains. Deceptively simple, the […]
- Culture
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One “D” Or Two? – Bilingualism And “Le Brain”
Bilingualism isn’t all fun, I’m afraid. There are certain words in English that I loathe, and there are certain words in French that I hate, when I’m forced to spell them. I still haven’t found a way of remembering that the French word “adresse” and English word “address” are spelt differently whilst, apparently, meaning the same thing. […]
The Dutch Cartoon Competition Was Wrong Because Geert Wilders Organised It
The cancelled Dutch cartoon competition was not about Islam. It was all about Geert Wilders. It was way too long since we heard from the flamboyant leader of the Dutch extreme-right-wing party PVV, Geert Wilders. Let’s face it, the Dutch parliamentary elections are a thing of the past, and the present coalition is doing very […]
José Mourinho’s Constant Wrath Lands Him In Dante’s Inferno
As a Manchester City supporter, I won’t cry too loud about the troubles José Mourinho finds himself in, at Manchester United. I’m referring to laughing until I cry, of course, and the fact that we must always show respect for the opposition, no matter who they are. Showing respect is a quality that Mourinho doesn’t […]
- Psychology
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The Promise Of Dawn – Is Mum To Blame For Sexual Harassment?
I‘m really happy that I don’t have to search for a soul-mate anymore, being happily married, as I am. At least, I think I am. Yes, she’s not perfect, and I’m sure as hell not perfect, either. Like many people, I struggled through secondary school, had to retake my A-Levels (they were actual exams, in […]
Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte – A Martyr To Multinationals?
[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Foreign affairs[/perfectpullquote] Dutch politics is currently preparing itself for a war of words concerning the ruling coalition’s proposals to scrap Dutch dividend tax. Under present rules, companies have to pay 15% tax over profits that are distributed to shareholders. This sum is withheld on the amount that a […]
“Don’t Mention Religion, Mister Fawlty – They’re Nuns!”
Another day, another fracas because I have misunderstood religion and offended others. In suggesting that the subjective interpretation of the Holy Scriptures by men of faith who have a political agenda instead of a Holy Bible or Quran, I have been accused of “religion bashing?”, or words to that effect. Religion is untouchable, it seems – […]
Tunisian Women Divided Over Inheritance Law Reform
President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia is proposing a radical change in the Islamic law on inheritance which, at present, is based on the Quran. According to the Islamic scriptures, men should inherit twice as much as women. Allah commands you regarding your children. For the male a share equivalent of two females – Quran […]
CULTURE: La Langue De Molière
J‘ai eu une chance inouïe de pouvoir faire mes études scolaires dans un lycée qui, au fil des années, est devenu une école de renommée internationale. Le Lycée Français de Londres, rebaptisé “Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle” en 1980, à la mémoire du fondateur de la Cinquième République, est devenu un symbole du système d’éducation […]
- Brexit
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Is EU Citizenship Meaningless? – The Dutch Seem To Think So
Last January, a short adaptation of one of my blog posts concerning citizens’ rights after Brexit, was published in the Dutch national newspaper, “Trouw.” I pointed out the problems facing British citizens who will still be living and working in the EU-27 after Brexit. In particular, I stressed the dangers of the upcoming bureaucracy, and the […]