A powerful earthquake followed by a tsunami have struck north-eastern Japan.
It has been measured at 8.9 by the US Geological Survey, upgraded from an earlier reading of 7.9. The epicentre of the quake struck out at sea 100 kilometres from the coast.
The three-strong Dutch helicopter crew, captured in Libya two weeks ago, are on their way back to the Netherlands. They were flown to Greece after their release from Libya.
The three navy staff were seized in the northern city of Sirte by Gaddafi loyalists after a bungled evacuation operation on 27 February. The helicopter, based on the frigate HNLMS Tromp, attempted to evacuate a Dutch and a Swedish national caught up in the protests against the Gaddafi regime.
The fine was imposed due to too many delays and dissatisfaction among travellers about a general lack of accurate information during disruptions and a lack of seating during rush hour. ''Travellers must be able to count on a reliable train service. That is the agreement I have with the NS and I will hold it to that agreement."
Kinetic sculptor and artist Theo Jansen builds 'strandbeests' sand or beach monsters from yellow plastic tubing that is readily available in the Netherlands.
The graceful creatures evolve over time as Theo adapts their designs to harness the wind more efficiently. They are powered only by the wind and even store some of the wind's energy in plastic bottle 'stomachs' to be used when there is no wind.
Take a look at Theo's sand monsters they are remarkable.
You ride your usual tram or metro in Amsterdam, minding your own business and suddenly you realize you are surrounded by people with no pants... don't get panic, you are probably on one of these no pants days occurring worldwide and reaching Amsterdam.
Such no pants day took place not long ago and we have located the video for you.
Two things for the organizers:
First, consider doing it in summertime, we will love it much more and second, let the Spoke publish it in advance, so you will have hundreds of volunteers...
This happens every year after major concerts take place at Museumplein in Amsterdam. The grass has to be renewed.
Without getting into who pays for all of this, we have noticed that every time the heavy machinery is working at Museumplein, no basic measures of public safety are exercised.
The operators of the machinery are driving between families, kids and pets and it all looks like the scenarios calling for accidents.
The basic measurement of separation between the public and machinery is not exercised.
We are calling the city hall and police to intervene before someone gets hurt.
On 30 April 2013, Amsterdam will host a special royal boat parade on the River IJ to celebrate the inauguration of the new king and queen. The royal couple will set sail from the EYE Film Institute Netherlands and travel past the Oeverpark, via the northern side of the River IJ to the Kop van Java and Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ. Well-wishers will be able to greet the royal couple from the quayside. A unique programme of festivities featuring art, culture and sport will take place at various locations along the parade route, providing entertainment for the whole family.
The programme will commence at 10:00 on 30 April with the abdication of Queen Beatrix at the Royal Palace on Dam Square, after which the royal couple will join the departing queen to make an appearance on the palace balcony. The inauguration will take place at 14:00 in De Nieuwe Kerk. This will be followed by a private reception at the Royal Palace, and then the new king and queen will depart for the EYE Film Institute Netherlands. The royal parade is planned to set sail at approximately 19:30.
Museumplein will be transformed into the Oranjeplein (‘Orange Square')
One for the Main event places on Queen's day 2013 is Museumplein. On 30 April, Amsterdam's Museumplein is set to be transformed into the Oranjeplein (‘Orange Square'). During the day, the free Orange Festival caters to families with performances by famous Dutch artists before the King's Dance takes over in the evening. 3,000 seats are being made available to offer additional comfort to visitors during the evening program. These tickets cost 10 euros with the proceeds of the tickets being donated to Jeugdcultuurfonds Amsterdam (the Amsterdam Youth Culture Fund).
The Amsterdam Student Festival is a festival on the 25th and 26th of April where talented students get a chance to perform in front of a live audience. There will be a music stage, where loads of bands and DJs will perform, and a theatre stage, where the performances will be ranging from theatre and singer-songwriters to comedians. There will also be an art exposition. The students will be evaluated by a jury and can win prices, like bigger performances, studio time and professional workshops, to give their potential cultural career a serious boost!
The slogan 'Our Heroes are Back' is used to announce that, after an absence of one decade, all major pieces in the Rijksmuseum's collection are back where they belong. This is what happens when they suddenly emerge in an unsuspecting shopping mall somewhere in The Netherlands. With the support of main sponsor ING, entrance to the museum is free on the 13th of April from 12:00 to 00:00.
"This Flashmob recreates Rembrandt's Night Watch. It's considered one of the most famous paintings in the world."
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