Today I planned to post my character study of King William III of the Netherlands. I did start writing the post, but quickly realized I couldn’t really write the piece. I didn’t know what he was like as a child. Nor do I have “insider” experience at my hands. I have some “insider” information in the form of letters, diary entries and other accounts, but nothing substantial. In other words, if I have to write a character study now, it’s even more guessing than with his wife and sons. I feel he at least deserves a fair study, no matter how badly behaved he was.
In the report of “Brandpunt” it was mentioned his biography is being written as we speak. I’m not sure I’m going to arrive at a very different opinion on this King, even his biographer has trouble lifting out the positive sides to this King. I hope the biographer will search for the reasons why this King was so badly behaved. I’m sure it’s not just his character. In Queen Sophie’s biography the King’s aunt, princess Marianne, claims he’s got a good heart. Though she also admits he’s not easy, but neither was the Queen.
An interesting question remains: How come the King became much more behaved and even peaceful after marrying Emma and having Wilhelmina? It might have been age, it might have been Emma’s positive influence on the King. I hope the biographer will pay attention to this question.
I won’t park my analysis about the influence both King William III and Queen Sophie had on their sons. That’s for tomorrow, probably. That analysis might change over time, after I’ve read King William III’s biography. We’ll see.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Queen Sophie - Character Study
Sophie was born 17 June 1818. As a child Sophie was a spiritfull and restless child. She was a lot like her mother who died a few months after Sophie’s birth; social and full of life.
Daughter of King Wilhelm I of Wurttemberg and Queen Catharina Pawlona. She had some older half-brothers and one full older sister, Marie. Having been born a princess, she was kept to a strict scheme every day. Her days existed out of studying or visiting. Sophie loved studying, so that was no problem. It were the moments of visit the young princess had trouble with. She was supposed to behave like a little lady instead of running around and playing.
Sophie learnt about politics at an early age, because her father taught her about politics. He stimulated her to think about it and even involved her and her sister in a minor way. Sophie enjoyed that immensely and later in her life, when she was married to King Willem III of the Netherlands, she was disappointed not to be involved in the politics. What she did do as the Queen of the Netherlands is teaching her own children about politics.
At an early age it became clear Sophie sometimes had trouble keeping good relationships with those that were quite different to her. Her step mother Pauline complained about her step daughter a lot and was happy when Sophie was marrief off and disappeared to the Netherlands. Sophie complained about her step mother as well, and other people that crossed her path. She was judgemental at an early age too describing the characters and flaws of her teachers, governessess, family and friends. She would keep doing so throughout her whole life in letters to others.
Sophie wrote loads of letters to her many friends mainly located outside the Netherlands. Usually they were influencial, like Napoleon III and his wife, famous, talented and mentally developed. Sophie had many friends in politics, arts and sciences.
Sophie tended to present situations more dramatic than they really were. She complained a lot to her friends in her letters. Most of the time those complaints were about her husband and his family and about how narrow minded and underdeveloped she found average Dutch people.
She also discussed situations; political and personal. Sophie loved writing her friends and she was very loyal to her many correspondents and dilligent in writing letters.
Sophie had a great influence on her two sons, Willem and Alexander. When it came to chosing parents, both boys would chose her side. Sophie also tried to influence their education. When Wiwill was growing up she tried to make him a young wise boy. She wanted to make the best King out of him. Alexander was more mentally developed than Wiwill, but his health was weak. Sophie put a lot of effort and money in making Alexander more comfortable and healthy. However the two boys were very dedicated to their mother, I don’t think they really turned out the way she had hoped. Wiwill was not as disciplined and Alexander not as pretty and strong. Her favourite child, Maurits, had died at an early age.
Eventhough I feel Sophie was too judgemental and too overwhelming to her boys, I hurt thinking of how both Willem and Alexander broke down everything Sophie had tried to build up for them. Be it in education and development or health. It is clear from Sophie’s many letters she worried about both her boys, both still unmarried when she died (Not that they ever married). It turned out she had good reasons to worry.
The question remains how much Sophie was cause of the tragic lifes of her sons. For instance, along with the King she refused to permit Willem to marry the love of his life causing him to retreat to Paris and live an unhealthy life.
On Alexander she had a tight grip as well. When she was placed in the family grave, Alexander threw himself on her coffin crying and covering the coffin with kisses.
Alexander had also inherited her habit of painting his situation so dark, people would feel pity for him. Good examples are the two brochures he wrote explaining how deep the losses of his mother and brother had hit him. Even after a few years, when it seemed even Alexander didn’t really believe his own explanations anymore, the losses remained the reasons for Alexander’s retreat from public life.
Whatever the case, unlike the King, Queen Sophie had both her boys with her when she died. When she died she left the Dutch Royal house in shambles with her two sons having a very bad relationship with their father. The Dutch Royals were about to go extinct.
Sophie died 3 June 1877.
Sophie learnt about politics at an early age, because her father taught her about politics. He stimulated her to think about it and even involved her and her sister in a minor way. Sophie enjoyed that immensely and later in her life, when she was married to King Willem III of the Netherlands, she was disappointed not to be involved in the politics. What she did do as the Queen of the Netherlands is teaching her own children about politics.
At an early age it became clear Sophie sometimes had trouble keeping good relationships with those that were quite different to her. Her step mother Pauline complained about her step daughter a lot and was happy when Sophie was marrief off and disappeared to the Netherlands. Sophie complained about her step mother as well, and other people that crossed her path. She was judgemental at an early age too describing the characters and flaws of her teachers, governessess, family and friends. She would keep doing so throughout her whole life in letters to others.
Sophie wrote loads of letters to her many friends mainly located outside the Netherlands. Usually they were influencial, like Napoleon III and his wife, famous, talented and mentally developed. Sophie had many friends in politics, arts and sciences.
Sophie tended to present situations more dramatic than they really were. She complained a lot to her friends in her letters. Most of the time those complaints were about her husband and his family and about how narrow minded and underdeveloped she found average Dutch people.
She also discussed situations; political and personal. Sophie loved writing her friends and she was very loyal to her many correspondents and dilligent in writing letters.
Sophie had a great influence on her two sons, Willem and Alexander. When it came to chosing parents, both boys would chose her side. Sophie also tried to influence their education. When Wiwill was growing up she tried to make him a young wise boy. She wanted to make the best King out of him. Alexander was more mentally developed than Wiwill, but his health was weak. Sophie put a lot of effort and money in making Alexander more comfortable and healthy. However the two boys were very dedicated to their mother, I don’t think they really turned out the way she had hoped. Wiwill was not as disciplined and Alexander not as pretty and strong. Her favourite child, Maurits, had died at an early age.
The question remains how much Sophie was cause of the tragic lifes of her sons. For instance, along with the King she refused to permit Willem to marry the love of his life causing him to retreat to Paris and live an unhealthy life.
On Alexander she had a tight grip as well. When she was placed in the family grave, Alexander threw himself on her coffin crying and covering the coffin with kisses.
Alexander had also inherited her habit of painting his situation so dark, people would feel pity for him. Good examples are the two brochures he wrote explaining how deep the losses of his mother and brother had hit him. Even after a few years, when it seemed even Alexander didn’t really believe his own explanations anymore, the losses remained the reasons for Alexander’s retreat from public life.
Whatever the case, unlike the King, Queen Sophie had both her boys with her when she died. When she died she left the Dutch Royal house in shambles with her two sons having a very bad relationship with their father. The Dutch Royals were about to go extinct.
Sophie died 3 June 1877.
New Amsterdam Metro
Today was originally reserved for the parents of the princes described on Friday and Monday. However, other more recent things came up and I need to tell you about that.
This morning, I had the luck of taking the first ride in the new metro (in Amsterdam). I was, with some other not impressed people and a bunch of journalists, lucky enough to have the very first ride of that new metro which is, according to the leaflet, the most ultra modern metro in Europe. Lucky us!
I know I sound somewhat cynical. Overall the metro does make a very fresh and spaceous impression. Everything is clean, because we didn’t get the chance yet to throw food through it. The paths inside are broad, because the seats are lined up next to each other to the walls under the windows. No four seaters and no two seaters. There are only three chairs lined up against the wall which face forward or backward whichever direction the metro drives. Across the path of the three separate seats are two spaces for wheelchairs which, if the seats are up, have enough space for a wheelchair to stand comfortably.
All that is fantastic, but it seems to me there are not as many seats as we’re used to. There is a lot of standing space which would be fine if there were just as many places you can cling to. There are not. In the small spaces in front of the doors are some nicely formed handles, but between the lined seats there is nothing to hold on to. It makes me wish I don’t have to stand in busy metro’s too often. I don’t mind standing as long I can hold onto something, but with me being rather small and unstable, I really don’t want to find myself stuck in the middle of the metro. It’s asking for embarrassement. Not that anyone cares untill they fall over themselves.
What caught my eyes almost immediately, is the sheer amount of information given in the metro. All together there are three screens or visuals telling you where you’re going, where you’re arriving and where you have been. Sounds like a bit of overkill which, if you think about it, indeed is. GVB does take the opportunity to show some adverts on one of the screens. The metro feels, in that respect, a lot like our trains these days. Maybe they’ll also show you speed and temperature outside.
Talking about temperature, it was quite hot in the metro. Me being hot is exceptional. After registering the heat I checked for to open windows which weren’t there. There is an air conditioning system in the metro. I hope the metro’s will be able to cool down or heat up suffiently. I’m a bit scared of that.
Let’s see how things will work out.
This morning, I had the luck of taking the first ride in the new metro (in Amsterdam). I was, with some other not impressed people and a bunch of journalists, lucky enough to have the very first ride of that new metro which is, according to the leaflet, the most ultra modern metro in Europe. Lucky us!
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| Photographer |
I know I sound somewhat cynical. Overall the metro does make a very fresh and spaceous impression. Everything is clean, because we didn’t get the chance yet to throw food through it. The paths inside are broad, because the seats are lined up next to each other to the walls under the windows. No four seaters and no two seaters. There are only three chairs lined up against the wall which face forward or backward whichever direction the metro drives. Across the path of the three separate seats are two spaces for wheelchairs which, if the seats are up, have enough space for a wheelchair to stand comfortably.
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| A parking space for wheelchairs (check feet) |
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| The regular visualisation of the metro lines. The different lights represent the stations still ahead. |
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| We arrived at Venserpolder. |
Let’s see how things will work out.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Prince Willem - Character Study
Like his father and unlike his two younger brothers, Wiwill was a difficult child. Especially after the birth of his younger brother Maurits his behaviour went from bad to worse. In many occasions he drove his maid to despair when things didn’t go the way he wanted them to. Sophie, his mother, let him have what he wanted so he would stop screaming. He was a spoilt child.
In his teens he became a spoilt child in harness. It was at eleven he got his first governor who was supposed to be with him all the time and do the rest of the upbringing. It was also at this time the war between his parents grew to destructable heights and they both tried to win him over to their side. Wiwill, who sees his mother as the victim of his father’s agression, choose his mother’s side.
Together with Wiwill’s governor De Casembroot and baron Forstner van Dambenoy the King designs a whole plan for his eldest son’s education and upbringing. Every minute of what the young boy is supposed to do is registered in the plan. His mother doesn’t have a place in that plan. At first the plan is executed in the palace. The young prince is educated by a small group of teachers with his mother trying to poke in her head as often as she could. It is not appreciated, not by the King, not by the educators and not even by Wiwill himself. In the end the King sends Wiwill to a boarding school for boys, Noorthey. His governor, De Casembroot goes along with the boy.
Over time the prince makes some friends and he realizes it’s calmer at school than back at home where both parents proceed with their wars. His achievements still don’t impress, but he seems to enjoy himself a bit more than before.
In the meantime royal duties carry on as usual and the young heir apparent gets to do his part of those duties as well. To the surprise of De Casembroot as well as his own parents, the prince turns out to be a good charmer, he sometimes even manages to say wise things.
With the boy being in his teens, his mother starts looking abroad for a appropriate bride for her son. The King leaves this completely to his wife, maybe because he’s aware his own reputation isn’t as good in other kingdoms as his wife’s, or maybe he was too lazy to search for a bride for his son. Whatever the case, Queen Sophie starts inquiring above a range of princesses.
His mother’s efforts don’t pay up. First of all is the image of the Dutch crown damaged by her husband, her son does the rest. Queen Victoria of Britain was initially impressed with the boy; he was polite and charming. However, the prince has no interest in any of her daughters and he focusses on a young lady of the royals’ friends. The Queen was not amused and therefore not accepted.
Wiwill was also sent to Russia to meet with the emperor and his daughter. He returns from Russia empty handed and with the words: “The farm girl doesn’t want me.”
When Wiwill reaches the age of 18 he is supposed to be grown up and he flees to Paris. Not much is known about his time in Paris, except that he partied and drank a lot. He also met Anna Mathilda van Limburg-Stirum (Mattie) in Paris. They fall in love and become inseperable. When Wiwill asks his parents for permission to marry her, both his parents disagree and refuse to give their permission. Especially Wiwill’s relationship with his father becomes even more strained after this matter. With his mother, and his younger brother Alexander, he remains very close.
In Paris, after the rejection of his marriage request, Wiwill throws himself at Paris’ party life and he neglects his own health.
Wiwill was a stubborn person, not easy as a child, not unlike his father. His stubborness was also very apparent during the whole Mattie affair. Other than that didn’t he do much worthwhile. He had great trouble with his status as prince, beside that he grew up between two fighting parents and without the support and leading hand he needed so badly.
My impression is that he was stifled in his skills, though he probably also was a bit lazy and he was definitely stubborn. But I think he was smarter than he showed and had he had the right upbringing and support, he could have been a much better person than he was allowed to be in the end.
He died in Paris 11 June 1879 of a combination of symptons, age 38. Only princes Mathilda, a cousin of his mother’s, and his brother Alexander were at his death bed. Alexander brought him back to the Netherlands by train crying the whole way.
Prince Maurits - Character Study
Maurits was born 15 September 1843.
It’s hard to say much about Maurits; he died age 6 of meningitis. In other words, he didn’t get a fair chance to make an impression. When people write about Maurits you get the information I just gave you. He is sometimes mentioned when people write about Wiwill or Alexander. In those cases he is compared to either of his brothers. That’s how I got to know Maurits a little.
Maurits was easier in behaviour than his older brother Wiwill. Where Wiwill doesn’t strike the hearts of people, Maurits does. Unlike Wiwill, who bangs his head against the floor when he doesn’t get what he wants, Maurits seems more obedient and happy.
Maurits was much more social than his younger brother Alexander would be. But like Alexander later, Maurits was always sickly and weak. He had a pale complexion and had a cold seemingly all the time. Unlike Alexander he was not a shy and nervous boy. Maurits is out going and social. People find the young boy charming. He also had a pretty face with big eyes, like a little angel.
Even his parents see more in Maurits than in Wiwill and Alexander turns out not to be Maurits. Even though he seems to be the preference over his two brothers, there’s nothing much to say about him. He was unfortunate or fortunate enough to die young.
He died 4 June 1850, age 6.
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| Prince Maurits (left) with his older brother Wiwill. |
Maurits was easier in behaviour than his older brother Wiwill. Where Wiwill doesn’t strike the hearts of people, Maurits does. Unlike Wiwill, who bangs his head against the floor when he doesn’t get what he wants, Maurits seems more obedient and happy.
Maurits was much more social than his younger brother Alexander would be. But like Alexander later, Maurits was always sickly and weak. He had a pale complexion and had a cold seemingly all the time. Unlike Alexander he was not a shy and nervous boy. Maurits is out going and social. People find the young boy charming. He also had a pretty face with big eyes, like a little angel.
Even his parents see more in Maurits than in Wiwill and Alexander turns out not to be Maurits. Even though he seems to be the preference over his two brothers, there’s nothing much to say about him. He was unfortunate or fortunate enough to die young.
He died 4 June 1850, age 6.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Prince Alexander - Character Study
Alexander was born 25 August 1851. One year before his birth his older brother Maurits had died of meningitis. Possibly the only reason Alexander’s parents found each other, in a short period of reconciliation, was their sadness over losing Maurits. Whatever the case, Alexander was conceived around Christmas.
Alexander was from birth on a sickly, nervous and shy child. Both his parents found him an ugly baby, with his father saying: “Foei, wat een lelijke jongen” (Damn, what an ugly boy) and he took pleasure from telling his wife how lacking and weak her son was. His mother meanwhile wondered if she was punished for attaching too much value to beauty.
It was soon decided his mother would raise him and her husband let her to it distancing himself from his youngest born son.
When Alexander was growing up it not only became clear how nervous and shy he was, he also turned out to be a clever and sharp minded boy. Undoubtly his mother encouraged him in developing his mind and she was a great influence on the boy. Alexander’s liberal opinions found birth in that period, when he spent most of his time with his mother.
The war between his parents, that had been going on long before Alexander was born, was only slightly tempered by the fact his parents didn’t share their lives together anymore. Since Alexander grew up with his mother he would easily choose his mother’s side in fights with his father. Not that his father ever sought his affections. Obviously, Alexander’s relationship with his father was far from close and would only grow more hostile as time went on.
Alexander grew up to be a clever man. His cleverness can still be found in some letters and the two brochures he wrote. Also in recollections of people he’s said to be a sharp minded and developed man.
Beside clever Alexander was also stubborn. One example is his not being present at the openening of the political year after he became heir aparent to his father. He explained in one letter and the two brochures he was too sad about the losses he had suffered (death of his mother 1877, and brother 1879) he couldn’t be present. That was in 1879. However, Alexander never went to the opening after his brother’s death. From an account from a minister I’ve got the impression that in the end even Alexander didn’t believe in his reasons to stay away anymore.
Another example is the unrest when Alexander became a candidate to become “Grootmeester Nationaal” (Grandmaster- National) of the freemasons. Alexander threw himself in that discussion with gusto.
A more painful proof of his stubborness is his holding on to the past. Alexander never managed to give the death of his mother and brother a place. He felt those losses deeply and that made him even more sad and melancholic, which made him feel the losses even deeper. In other words, Alexander lived in a vicious circel he didn’t want to and couldn’t break free from.
Alexander is most of the time a friendly and sympathetic man. However, if he feels something is not right he would speak his mind. One example is his reaction to a young lady writing a letter in French, which in those times was normal. Alexander wrote her back telling her she could write a letter in Dutch or not at all.
The above mentioned situations are also examples of Alexander’s principles and the way he dealt with those. Only when it concerned more personal matters, like the fact he didn’t seem to be able to come out of grieving, he would retreat and not contact anymore. That his old uncle Frederic found out. His uncle, only worried about his way of living, tried to encourage him to change his ways. Alexander ignored him and they lost contact somewhat. Alexander regretted that when his uncle died not long after their differences. It didn’t take him long to overcome that.
Nothing is known about Alexander’s ambitions. Not because his health wasn’t very promising and after becoming heir aparent he locked himself up in his palace. He kept up with news and developments, because he was aware of his duties as heir aparent, but the general public never saw anything of that. To the outside world he was just a reclusive.
In summary, Alexander was a clever, sharp minded, well developed, (over-)sensitive and fragile person.
Alexander died 21 June 1884 at age 32, today 129 years ago.
It was soon decided his mother would raise him and her husband let her to it distancing himself from his youngest born son.
When Alexander was growing up it not only became clear how nervous and shy he was, he also turned out to be a clever and sharp minded boy. Undoubtly his mother encouraged him in developing his mind and she was a great influence on the boy. Alexander’s liberal opinions found birth in that period, when he spent most of his time with his mother.
The war between his parents, that had been going on long before Alexander was born, was only slightly tempered by the fact his parents didn’t share their lives together anymore. Since Alexander grew up with his mother he would easily choose his mother’s side in fights with his father. Not that his father ever sought his affections. Obviously, Alexander’s relationship with his father was far from close and would only grow more hostile as time went on.
Alexander grew up to be a clever man. His cleverness can still be found in some letters and the two brochures he wrote. Also in recollections of people he’s said to be a sharp minded and developed man.
Another example is the unrest when Alexander became a candidate to become “Grootmeester Nationaal” (Grandmaster- National) of the freemasons. Alexander threw himself in that discussion with gusto.
A more painful proof of his stubborness is his holding on to the past. Alexander never managed to give the death of his mother and brother a place. He felt those losses deeply and that made him even more sad and melancholic, which made him feel the losses even deeper. In other words, Alexander lived in a vicious circel he didn’t want to and couldn’t break free from.
Alexander is most of the time a friendly and sympathetic man. However, if he feels something is not right he would speak his mind. One example is his reaction to a young lady writing a letter in French, which in those times was normal. Alexander wrote her back telling her she could write a letter in Dutch or not at all.
The above mentioned situations are also examples of Alexander’s principles and the way he dealt with those. Only when it concerned more personal matters, like the fact he didn’t seem to be able to come out of grieving, he would retreat and not contact anymore. That his old uncle Frederic found out. His uncle, only worried about his way of living, tried to encourage him to change his ways. Alexander ignored him and they lost contact somewhat. Alexander regretted that when his uncle died not long after their differences. It didn’t take him long to overcome that.
Nothing is known about Alexander’s ambitions. Not because his health wasn’t very promising and after becoming heir aparent he locked himself up in his palace. He kept up with news and developments, because he was aware of his duties as heir aparent, but the general public never saw anything of that. To the outside world he was just a reclusive.
In summary, Alexander was a clever, sharp minded, well developed, (over-)sensitive and fragile person.
Alexander died 21 June 1884 at age 32, today 129 years ago.
Back to the Start - Method of Research
Let’s start at the start for a change.
At an undefined age, it must have been in my twenties, I was aware of the fact that Queen Wilhelmina became queen when she was just a child. I knew the reason she was so young, was that her father, the former king, had died when Wilhelmina was just a child. I also knew that Wilhelmina’s mother, at that age name unknown, became queen-regent for her daughter. And of course I was aware that before Queen Beatrix her mother, Queen Juliana, had been queen right after Wilhelmina.
That was as much as I knew about the royal roots back into the 19th century.
I do vaguely remember finding out there had been other children who had all died before the king died. I do vaguely remember thinking that was rather tragic. That was as far I was willing to look back, at the time.
Now I need to tell you a little how I usually go about researching new interests.
It usually starts with one person, or a band. When I look back I can still pinpoint where and with who my interest started, except for Monty Python. When something, or more likely someone, has captured my attention I start rigorously researching/googling my new subject. I almost literally absorb the information. I read, watch, listen everything I can find or manage to get my hands on. My experience also is that forums are a great source for more detailled information. You can also dose yourself up on an unhealthy shot of discussion, speculation, gossip and fight. It gives you a good impression of the demographic that your subject attracts.
In some cases they grab me, I resist, they hold me, I give in and then start my research. That’s pretty much what happened with Alexander. I wasn’t looking for him, I was finding out about the kings that ruled this country.
The general start tends to be wikipedia or a website about the subject of interest, usually found with google. From there I google on and get into more and more detail, which on Internet is often not very detailled, unless when it’s about popular 20th or 21th century subjects. The real details can be found on fansites, for the above mentioned subjects. Other subjects need to be researched with the help of documentation (in libraries) and books (also libraries or bookshops). Alexander belongs to the latter categorie; the documentation and book research.
Obviously, Internet research is easier than documentation and book research. The Internet is pretty much everywhere available for me these days. Books have to be visited in libraries or bought in shops, which takes more effort, time, and in case of buying, more money. The researching costs me more money, but I don’t think Alexander is going to release an album or tour any time soon, or even at all. If that would happen, I would get a little scared (but it wouldn’t stop me buying tickets to go and see him).
Today it’s the 21st of June 2013. That means exactly 129 years ago Alexander died, age 32. Since I was going to write a character study for all of King Willem III’s family, I decided to kick that off today, on Alexander’s death day. Of course I’m going to start with Alexander.
At an undefined age, it must have been in my twenties, I was aware of the fact that Queen Wilhelmina became queen when she was just a child. I knew the reason she was so young, was that her father, the former king, had died when Wilhelmina was just a child. I also knew that Wilhelmina’s mother, at that age name unknown, became queen-regent for her daughter. And of course I was aware that before Queen Beatrix her mother, Queen Juliana, had been queen right after Wilhelmina.
That was as much as I knew about the royal roots back into the 19th century.
I do vaguely remember finding out there had been other children who had all died before the king died. I do vaguely remember thinking that was rather tragic. That was as far I was willing to look back, at the time.
Now I need to tell you a little how I usually go about researching new interests.
It usually starts with one person, or a band. When I look back I can still pinpoint where and with who my interest started, except for Monty Python. When something, or more likely someone, has captured my attention I start rigorously researching/googling my new subject. I almost literally absorb the information. I read, watch, listen everything I can find or manage to get my hands on. My experience also is that forums are a great source for more detailled information. You can also dose yourself up on an unhealthy shot of discussion, speculation, gossip and fight. It gives you a good impression of the demographic that your subject attracts.
In some cases they grab me, I resist, they hold me, I give in and then start my research. That’s pretty much what happened with Alexander. I wasn’t looking for him, I was finding out about the kings that ruled this country.
The general start tends to be wikipedia or a website about the subject of interest, usually found with google. From there I google on and get into more and more detail, which on Internet is often not very detailled, unless when it’s about popular 20th or 21th century subjects. The real details can be found on fansites, for the above mentioned subjects. Other subjects need to be researched with the help of documentation (in libraries) and books (also libraries or bookshops). Alexander belongs to the latter categorie; the documentation and book research.
Obviously, Internet research is easier than documentation and book research. The Internet is pretty much everywhere available for me these days. Books have to be visited in libraries or bought in shops, which takes more effort, time, and in case of buying, more money. The researching costs me more money, but I don’t think Alexander is going to release an album or tour any time soon, or even at all. If that would happen, I would get a little scared (but it wouldn’t stop me buying tickets to go and see him).
Today it’s the 21st of June 2013. That means exactly 129 years ago Alexander died, age 32. Since I was going to write a character study for all of King Willem III’s family, I decided to kick that off today, on Alexander’s death day. Of course I’m going to start with Alexander.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
My Two Weeping Angels
Most of the time it's persistence, sometimes pure luck.
A few nights back I read there's a marbel angel supposedl representing prince Maurits, the angel, holding a little boy on its arm, representing Alexander. Ever since I've been wanting to see that statue, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the Internet. <-- excited="" failed="" i="" make="" sense...="" so="" to="">
Luck has it, in the report, they visited the salon where that statue stands, I saw it in a flash and couldn't believe my luck. Of course I reloaded the report (not only to screencap the "two angels") and made screencaps.
I also managed to screencap a picture of Alexander I had never seen before.
A few nights back I read there's a marbel angel supposedl representing prince Maurits, the angel, holding a little boy on its arm, representing Alexander. Ever since I've been wanting to see that statue, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the Internet. <-- excited="" failed="" i="" make="" sense...="" so="" to="">
Luck has it, in the report, they visited the salon where that statue stands, I saw it in a flash and couldn't believe my luck. Of course I reloaded the report (not only to screencap the "two angels") and made screencaps.
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| Not very clear, but the best I could do |
the Last William - King Gorilla
In my research for everything about Alexander I found several websites dedicated to the Dutch royals. Several of those sites have individual entries on the many members. Usually the texts are very general and have small errors. Nothing to worry about, though it irritates me sometimes. One of those sites is http://koningshuis.wordpress.com. On every entry you can comment. I usually don’t accept when I find there are big mistakes or when other people have asked questions, which happened on this particular site. I think I fill most of the comments area.
The person asking the questions has posted a link to a report from a Dutch news show called “Brandpunt”. The report was called “De laatste Willem” (the last William) It was quite interesting, if I hadn’t known as much as I do. The reason I’m blogging about it is the blunt way they talked about Alexander. Let me see if I can find the exact words said about Alexander:
“…getormenteerde ziekelijke homoseksueel die niet wilde deugen..”
Translation: “…a tormented, sickly, homosexual, who didn’t want to be ok…”
And:
“…mismaakt, intelligent…”
Translation: “…deformed, intelligent, …”
The one blatant mistake “deformed” I have to adress. He was not deformed; he wore a corset in his teens to make sure he wouldn’t become so. What annoys me, but what I can’t help, is the minimal painting of the person he was. I’m sure he was much more than that, but he didn’t do anything to prove that.
Maybe it’s just very easy to offend me by saying anything about Alexander. Of course, I had no problem with "intelligent".
Other than that, I really enjoyed that report. I loved the little anecdotes about the king. Something you can now laugh about, because it’s been more than 100 years ago. And the fact they couldn’t find a statue of King William III. In the end they found one, but they never even bothered to put some bronze on it. It was covered in an unflattering plastic cover.
Well, so far for King Gorilla.
The report: De Laatste Willem
 |
| Original design for a King Gorilla statue Source: original |
“…getormenteerde ziekelijke homoseksueel die niet wilde deugen..”
Translation: “…a tormented, sickly, homosexual, who didn’t want to be ok…”
And:
“…mismaakt, intelligent…”
Translation: “…deformed, intelligent, …”
The one blatant mistake “deformed” I have to adress. He was not deformed; he wore a corset in his teens to make sure he wouldn’t become so. What annoys me, but what I can’t help, is the minimal painting of the person he was. I’m sure he was much more than that, but he didn’t do anything to prove that.
Maybe it’s just very easy to offend me by saying anything about Alexander. Of course, I had no problem with "intelligent".
Other than that, I really enjoyed that report. I loved the little anecdotes about the king. Something you can now laugh about, because it’s been more than 100 years ago. And the fact they couldn’t find a statue of King William III. In the end they found one, but they never even bothered to put some bronze on it. It was covered in an unflattering plastic cover.
Well, so far for King Gorilla.
The report: De Laatste Willem
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Ah, It's Queen William II
I could joke about it, but it was really rather tragic. Still, the "Koniningin" Willem II was very funny to me.
He was also known as the hero of Waterloo. He fought there against Napoleon and got wounded.
How deserved that title was, I'm not sure. There are no clear records of what the (then) prince did at Waterloo. Not as well documented as the troubles he got in later.
His reign was a particular short one, from 1840 to 1848, if I'm not mistaken. He was also the king who signed the Dutch constitution as we know it today. Worth something, I would say. Eventhough he admitted himself: "He went from being very conservative to very liberal in one night."
Okay....
Jake Update
Last Monday I incidentally checked Jake on YouTube. He appeared at the Tony awards. The same feeling I had when I saw him present two awards. It’s something Becky once said and it’s something I agree on; Jake doesn’t seem to enjoy what he does anymore. When I watched him presenting the nominees all I could think was: “Get out! Go do something else.” Such a shame, because Jake’s got a marvelous smile.
Maybe he’s taking himself and his job a bit too serious at the moment? That’s another thought I had. Or maybe his private life isn’t fullfilling at the moment? I think he’s still single, isn’t he? Or are the rumours right this time? Well, anyway…if he’s got a girlfriend now, he doesn’t come across as over the moon in love.
Wow! A post about the Gyllenhaal. Something I haven’t done for a while, and someone I haven’t been paying much attention to lately. Even though Jake is quite different compared to Alexander, they both got something tragic about them. Jake as well, more and more. What’s the matter with that man? Why doesn’t he smile that often anymore? What happened to his playful and cheerful nature? Has someone been telling him the truth? Or did he finally catch up on the truth himself?
Whatever the case, there’s nothing I can do about it. But, Jake, if you want to talk…
 |
| A bit playful, but not as enthusiastic as in the past |
Maybe he’s taking himself and his job a bit too serious at the moment? That’s another thought I had. Or maybe his private life isn’t fullfilling at the moment? I think he’s still single, isn’t he? Or are the rumours right this time? Well, anyway…if he’s got a girlfriend now, he doesn’t come across as over the moon in love.
Wow! A post about the Gyllenhaal. Something I haven’t done for a while, and someone I haven’t been paying much attention to lately. Even though Jake is quite different compared to Alexander, they both got something tragic about them. Jake as well, more and more. What’s the matter with that man? Why doesn’t he smile that often anymore? What happened to his playful and cheerful nature? Has someone been telling him the truth? Or did he finally catch up on the truth himself?
Whatever the case, there’s nothing I can do about it. But, Jake, if you want to talk…
Monday, June 17, 2013
Quick Update
Just to let you know that I didn't forget my promise. I'm, in fact, reading two books at once; 1) Sophie's biography and minister Weitzel's diaries. Both interesting looks at the period King Willem III was king.
I know it's been a week. I know a few weeks back I was posting two posts a day. I simply don't have the time for that at the moment. It's getting quite busy at work, and I really need to do things. Besides that, I want to make my study as complete and correct as possible. Which means I'll be reading some more for a bit longer and then I'll have a good think about all the information gathered. I do think I am getting a fairly complete and clear view. Obviously, I can only shed my own light on everything.
I think it's fair to say that the whole family, that includes Willem III, Sophie and their sons, were by nature good people. They just never had the support they always needed. I think a lot of pain and misery could have been avoided. But I say that with my 21th amateur knowledge.
To be continued...
Weitzel's diaries
I know it's been a week. I know a few weeks back I was posting two posts a day. I simply don't have the time for that at the moment. It's getting quite busy at work, and I really need to do things. Besides that, I want to make my study as complete and correct as possible. Which means I'll be reading some more for a bit longer and then I'll have a good think about all the information gathered. I do think I am getting a fairly complete and clear view. Obviously, I can only shed my own light on everything.
I think it's fair to say that the whole family, that includes Willem III, Sophie and their sons, were by nature good people. They just never had the support they always needed. I think a lot of pain and misery could have been avoided. But I say that with my 21th amateur knowledge.
To be continued...
Weitzel's diaries
Monday, June 10, 2013
Alexander
Something I tend to do is mirroring my heroes lifes to mine. Jason Mraz’s life and his tendency to preach had me look at myself wondering if I did, or didn’t, whichever applied. Only in Jason’s case I found myself disagreeing quite a bit. In case of Jake’s life, I could only conclude not only his life is quite different from mine, so is his character, and a lot of the times I didn’t agree with him. John Mayer was a bit strange. There was nothing profound he said that had me looking at myself. Well, there have been a few, but those were so minor and uninteresting I decided it didn’t matter.
How many weeks has it been since we got a new King? Nearly two months. Which means it’s been nearly two months since I discovered Alexander. It’s been about one month longer than I thought it would occupy my mind. The initial shock has worn off for sure, but Alexander’s face and his life still lingers in the back of my mind sometimes forcing itself to the foreground.
In the first week his once existence jolted me to the chore. I had a few evenings falling asleep with his face in my head and waking up in the morning with him still very vividly with me. I can still recall the quiet shock caused by…by what exactly? And still. Writing this I’m almost simultaneously looking at his face on the left side of my screen and it catches my heart again. I still don’t know why. Typically, it’s a very untypical picture of him. Typical, because it seems I always first find the untypical photo. Untypical, because he’s wearing glasses. It’s the only picture of him I found in which he’s wearing glasses. What those glasses do is hiding his eyes. It gives his whole face a different look; more intellectual and sophisticated versus a bit haunted with squinting eyes.
What hasn’t changed is the offence I take when I read people calling him “ugly by appearance”. All the drawings and photo’s I’ve seen of him don’t leave the impression of an ugly man. Yes, he’s got small squinty eyes. His nose is a bit weirdly formed as is his mouth, but it’s all just minor. So minor it certainly doesn’t disturb his overall look. In some photo’s I even find him rather handsome. Neither can I imagine it would make much of a difference if the photo’s were in colour. Maybe he got a bit of a grey colour to him? It might be so. Or maybe it’s time doing that. Maybe taste has changed in such way, what was ugly then is not so ugly now. Who knows?
This is ridiculous, this pining over him. It’s ridiculous to feel anything than interest in him. Even the slightest sliver of interest in him seems somewhat out of place. He’s done nothing important. At the end of his life the only thing he did actively was hiding in his little palace. Nothing to be seen of him, nothing to be heard of him. It’s his tragedy and his tragic life and tragic being. It’s everything he could have been, but never became. It’s all things he could have done, but never did. It’s the mystery that was him and that became him. It was the mystery he fed and was fed by others and by objects and the things we never heard and we will probably never know of. It’s all that. That is Alexander’s legacy is; Mystery and tragedy.
I have been reflecting my life, or in better words, I have been taking this as a sign to open de windows and look outside. Compared to Alexander, I’m not doing bad. I’m going to work, I dragon boat, I walk in the park or the city, I’m learning new stuff and now I have to get moving concerning my career. The only thing I’m really not doing well is paying bills and doing other mail related stuff. Well, last week I paid most of my bills, but found out I lost a pile of mail. In any case, a bad case.
We’re like two silent dancers
Dancing lonley too
Seperated by time
I opened a window to come closer
But all I could find was wind
Maybe that’s why he kept the shutters closed
To evade the wind and not find I wasn’t there
So we’re dancing solo again
In quiet contemplation
Maybe one day we’ll meet
Amazing, the ability to make myself feel really very lonely. I’m almost impressed.
 |
| He looks a bit haunted. Though to me he smiles. |
In the first week his once existence jolted me to the chore. I had a few evenings falling asleep with his face in my head and waking up in the morning with him still very vividly with me. I can still recall the quiet shock caused by…by what exactly? And still. Writing this I’m almost simultaneously looking at his face on the left side of my screen and it catches my heart again. I still don’t know why. Typically, it’s a very untypical picture of him. Typical, because it seems I always first find the untypical photo. Untypical, because he’s wearing glasses. It’s the only picture of him I found in which he’s wearing glasses. What those glasses do is hiding his eyes. It gives his whole face a different look; more intellectual and sophisticated versus a bit haunted with squinting eyes.
What hasn’t changed is the offence I take when I read people calling him “ugly by appearance”. All the drawings and photo’s I’ve seen of him don’t leave the impression of an ugly man. Yes, he’s got small squinty eyes. His nose is a bit weirdly formed as is his mouth, but it’s all just minor. So minor it certainly doesn’t disturb his overall look. In some photo’s I even find him rather handsome. Neither can I imagine it would make much of a difference if the photo’s were in colour. Maybe he got a bit of a grey colour to him? It might be so. Or maybe it’s time doing that. Maybe taste has changed in such way, what was ugly then is not so ugly now. Who knows?
This is ridiculous, this pining over him. It’s ridiculous to feel anything than interest in him. Even the slightest sliver of interest in him seems somewhat out of place. He’s done nothing important. At the end of his life the only thing he did actively was hiding in his little palace. Nothing to be seen of him, nothing to be heard of him. It’s his tragedy and his tragic life and tragic being. It’s everything he could have been, but never became. It’s all things he could have done, but never did. It’s the mystery that was him and that became him. It was the mystery he fed and was fed by others and by objects and the things we never heard and we will probably never know of. It’s all that. That is Alexander’s legacy is; Mystery and tragedy.
I have been reflecting my life, or in better words, I have been taking this as a sign to open de windows and look outside. Compared to Alexander, I’m not doing bad. I’m going to work, I dragon boat, I walk in the park or the city, I’m learning new stuff and now I have to get moving concerning my career. The only thing I’m really not doing well is paying bills and doing other mail related stuff. Well, last week I paid most of my bills, but found out I lost a pile of mail. In any case, a bad case.
We’re like two silent dancers
Dancing lonley too
Seperated by time
I opened a window to come closer
But all I could find was wind
Maybe that’s why he kept the shutters closed
To evade the wind and not find I wasn’t there
So we’re dancing solo again
In quiet contemplation
Maybe one day we’ll meet
Amazing, the ability to make myself feel really very lonely. I’m almost impressed.
Dragon Boating
Did I ever talk about dragonboating? If so, it certainly wasn’t much.
The last two weekends I spent the Sunday at a canal or lake, reading my book, biding my time and, oh yes, racing a few races.
I’m a member (as of yet still unpaid) of the first Dutch dragonboat club (Eerste Hollandse Drakenboot Club EHDC). Ours is the oldest and also a very small club. It’s a very mixed company and at the moment I am the youngest member. The oldest member is somewhere around 70 years old. Our club is now so small, we have trouble finding enough people to paddle in contests. Last year that was the reason we missed most of the contests and therefore didn’t really compete.
We still don’t really compete. It’s not only a lack of people, but also a lack of training that’s breaking us up. I must admit, I’m definitely not the most motivated member. Especially in weather like yesterday’s. It was just that bit too windy and cold to make it enjoyable. At the start of the day we weren’t even sure if we were going to race. In the end we were, after scrabbling together people from other teams who were willing to join in our boat. In the end we didn’t do too bad.
Yesterday, to make the races as fair as possible, which wasn’t too fair in the end, every team was limited to 16 people. We were 6. After asking people to join us, we were 12; 4 people less than in other boats. I think we managed at least once to come in second (three boats in every race).
Times yesterday were very strange. It turned out the water sucked the boats which made racing tough. It also turned out the lanes were shallow and uneven influencing the races. The boats were real slow needing more than 1 minute to finish. Normal times for 200 meter races are around 55 seconds.
It was not a very exciting day for me. I found my book about Queen Sophie much more interesting. That’s also what I remember from yesterday; reading about Queen Sophie and eating pasta. And it was cold and unpleasant.
That’s probably the reason I never really post about dragonboating.
This is our website: http://www.ehdc.nl/
The last two weekends I spent the Sunday at a canal or lake, reading my book, biding my time and, oh yes, racing a few races.
I’m a member (as of yet still unpaid) of the first Dutch dragonboat club (Eerste Hollandse Drakenboot Club EHDC). Ours is the oldest and also a very small club. It’s a very mixed company and at the moment I am the youngest member. The oldest member is somewhere around 70 years old. Our club is now so small, we have trouble finding enough people to paddle in contests. Last year that was the reason we missed most of the contests and therefore didn’t really compete.
We still don’t really compete. It’s not only a lack of people, but also a lack of training that’s breaking us up. I must admit, I’m definitely not the most motivated member. Especially in weather like yesterday’s. It was just that bit too windy and cold to make it enjoyable. At the start of the day we weren’t even sure if we were going to race. In the end we were, after scrabbling together people from other teams who were willing to join in our boat. In the end we didn’t do too bad.
Times yesterday were very strange. It turned out the water sucked the boats which made racing tough. It also turned out the lanes were shallow and uneven influencing the races. The boats were real slow needing more than 1 minute to finish. Normal times for 200 meter races are around 55 seconds.
It was not a very exciting day for me. I found my book about Queen Sophie much more interesting. That’s also what I remember from yesterday; reading about Queen Sophie and eating pasta. And it was cold and unpleasant.
That’s probably the reason I never really post about dragonboating.
This is our website: http://www.ehdc.nl/
Friday, June 7, 2013
First Impressions of Sophie
People seem to be very judgemental in those days. Or is that us now, lifting out impressions on people from people out of diaries and letters? It’s probably true we are these days less judgemental and more self-involved. Not necessarily a good thing.
These days we do give impressions of people. We still critizise them, but more than before we search for the positive assets, rather than the negative. Well, not me, obviously. I’m always searching for the negatives. One negative characteristic of Sophie is, she’s very judgemental.
Her first meeting with her future husband is quite intersting. She doesn’t know him yet and things he’s charming. She even has a great time spending with him and his brother. Later she’ll also dislikes his brother.
What is a little disturbing to me is that she seems to like things I like and she seems to dislike the things I dislike in people. We might have some things in common, but even more sets us apart.
I should be careful not to reveal too much. I still want to put it all together in one post to analyze why her three sons died so young.
Her first meeting with her future husband is quite intersting. She doesn’t know him yet and things he’s charming. She even has a great time spending with him and his brother. Later she’ll also dislikes his brother.
What is a little disturbing to me is that she seems to like things I like and she seems to dislike the things I dislike in people. We might have some things in common, but even more sets us apart.
I should be careful not to reveal too much. I still want to put it all together in one post to analyze why her three sons died so young.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Females Rule
Yes, yes; filling my quota.
In the TV-series “Wij Alexander”, some hotel employee remarks mockingly to a shop owner:
Yes, that’s right. Or like a poster on a forum puts it:
Source: Google forum
I posted this, because I noticed it as well. They were smart enough to marry in strong women, who in turn gave them some more weak males. Since they were marrying family, cousins most of the time, it’s hardly a surprise. No wonder the 20th century went by fairly smoothly under female rule.
Even now it's the women making the strongest impression. Just look at our former Queen Beatrix and at our current Queen Maxima. Then look at our King Willem-Alexander.
Our next head of the kingdom will be Amalia, Willem-Alexander's and Maxima's oldest daughter. Another Queen.
In the TV-series “Wij Alexander”, some hotel employee remarks mockingly to a shop owner:
“Didn’t only the females survive in the Dutch Royal family?”(paraphrased)
Yes, that’s right. Or like a poster on a forum puts it:
"The Orange Dynasty needs the women to survive."The males have a tendency to die young, unmarried, or childless and in quite a few cases all of those.
"Willem II had 4 sons -- Willem III -- Alexander (died at 29, never married) -- Hendrik (died 59, married twice, no children) -- Ernst (died as infant).These weak males were often the cause of the original Orange-Nassau becoming extinct.
If Willem III had not married a second wife - one third of his age and produced Wilhelmina - dynastic disaster would have struck.
He married Emma on 7 Jan 1879
brother Hendrik died 13 Jan 1879
son Willem died 11 June 1879
daughter Wilhelmina born 31 Aug 1880
son Alexander died 21 Jun 1884
The Dutch royal family was three people - King, Queen, Princess
Next closest relations were Willem III's sister Sophie and her family. She had married the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.
The Dutch royal family has been singularly unsuccessful in producing males that live and reproduce.
Willem II's offspring are noted above -- He was one of two sons of Willem I -- His only brother Frederik had two sons - one died as an infant, the second lived to be almost 10!!
Willem I was the only surviving son of Willem V Stadhoulder - His first son died on the date of his birth; son #3 died at 25 unmarried."
"(The Orange-Nassaus are one of those IRRITATING dynasties that keep dying out, branch after branch after branch. The Vasas and the Jagiellons went the same way. I prefer dynasties that implode majestically, like the Plantagenets.)"Don't we all? Or no, we don't, it’s good for a lot of gossip and rumour. It keeps the family interesting and somewhat tragically fairytale.
"Wiwill (the prince, as he was called) exiled himself and died in Paris after fornicating, gambling and drinking himself to death - in the good copany of the future Edward VII as we are always fond to add."Love the last sentence. At that point the prince had grown out of his nickname of Wiwil and was now Willem. He was just rarely called that, rather Willem or the more fruity variation of Le Prince de Citron.
Source: Google forum
I posted this, because I noticed it as well. They were smart enough to marry in strong women, who in turn gave them some more weak males. Since they were marrying family, cousins most of the time, it’s hardly a surprise. No wonder the 20th century went by fairly smoothly under female rule.
Even now it's the women making the strongest impression. Just look at our former Queen Beatrix and at our current Queen Maxima. Then look at our King Willem-Alexander.
 |
| Yeah, sure. We know who's boss. |
 |
| From left to right: Princess Ariane, Princess Alexia and Princess Amalia |
Reflecting on the book “Wiwill”
Yesterday I finished reading the book about prince Willem IV, Alexander’s older brother.
To me it seems the prince’s governor, De Casembroot, really didn’t like the Queen, Sophie from Württemberg, King Willem III’s first wife, and gave a very coloured impression of her. The other way around is true too; the Queen didn’t like him much either, which might have influenced her behaviour towards De Casembroot. The book is not a very good basis to build a judgement on. Yet, I don’t like her much.
According to other sources, like the book about the Queen, to her friends she was a warm, intelligent, developed and sharp person. She might well have been, but it’s also known she found it easy to dislike people or thought them beneath her. She would behave according to her opinion on someone; not necessarily pleasant and all the above.
The only standard, in no way different view to others, is the view on the King. As is well known, the King was unpredictable, mean and unreasonable, but could also be jovial, generous and friendly. He even managed a few times to say something wise. Most of the time, however, he was the ogre we all know and love.
There were things said about Maurits, but it was so little and so insignificant, I can’t even remember it. The poor child never got a fair chance to make an impression on his own instead of being compared to his brothers who did live to be grownups.
Bol.com Google Literatuurplein
Writers Guild of America Have Made a List
Source: http://www.avclub.com
I take it the intro was an attempt at comedic writing. If not, I might cry.
Quite honestly, I really don’t know what to do with that intro. There’s so much dumbass, not funny babbling going on.
For example, quote:
Wrong. What it will tell you is that in this particular poll it was awarded a number to say something about its place in the quality scale of shows. It doesn’t say anything about “devotion” since the quality was polled.
Another example:
That piece of writing is a glorious achievement of stuffing two paragraphs full with non-facts and untrues.
Go ahead, critize my grammer and spelling.
I take it the intro was an attempt at comedic writing. If not, I might cry.
Quite honestly, I really don’t know what to do with that intro. There’s so much dumbass, not funny babbling going on.
For example, quote:
“…which rewards a writer's craft by putting numbers next to it, so that others can now say definitively that one writer’s devotion was greater than another’s by a clear numerical factor.”
Wrong. What it will tell you is that in this particular poll it was awarded a number to say something about its place in the quality scale of shows. It doesn’t say anything about “devotion” since the quality was polled.
Another example:
“Furthermore, the list was also compiled through online voting…” and “Quibbling with the idea that The Sopranos is the best-written show, you may as well be quibbling with math.”Yes, because results in mathematical proofs are decided by online voting. Wrong again.
“No more will anyone argue whether, say, Mad Men is a better-written show than Breaking Bad.”Yes, they will.
“Meanwhile, more modern favorites Parks And Recreation or Community exist beyond the list as some incalculable uncertainty only Stephen Hawking could probably define, like string theory or Charles In Charge.”Yes, I’m sure Stephen Hawking is dying to disproof their non-existence in the list. I might even have a stab at it. Let’s see. Yes…here we go: These are young shows which have not yet have the chance to proof themselves and therefore can’t compete with the classics of which we know they’ll deliver or delivered. I think that’s fairly bulletproof. Eat your heart out, Stephen Hawking.
That piece of writing is a glorious achievement of stuffing two paragraphs full with non-facts and untrues.
Go ahead, critize my grammer and spelling.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
The Dutch Identity
According to Maxima “the Dutch man doesn’t exist”. It’s easy to take that and twist it beyond the initial meaning. What she meant to say was, the Dutch have so many different cultural backgrounds, it’s almost impossible to decide what the Dutch identity is. These lowlands have been attractive to foreigners for centuries. Result was a lot of inhabitants of the land had their origin somewhere else. They came for the possibilities, the development, the liberal stance and the wealth. Everything was possible, because we allowed it and that attracted the manpower to do even more. We flourished in return for a clear Dutch identity.
So what identifies a Dutch man from other men (…or women)?
Is it even possible to define the Dutch identity? Should we go back to the roots? Where do these roots lie? How does a typical Dutch man behave?
So, when was the Dutch identity created? Was it only 200 years ago, when the Kingdom of the Netherlands was born? Or was it before that, when the lands were the Republic with some provinces being a member and some not. The problem is, the Netherlands as we know it now didn’t exist 300 years ago. Even if we put that fact aside, the immigration of different nationalities was often so much, the Dutch identity was always somewhat vague because of the import of different cultures. And it goes on today?
I think there is something you can call the Dutch identity. It’s hard to put a finger on it, however. It comes out in how we talk to each other, mainly. There’s a harshness to it that, to the untrained ear, might sound confronting and even offending. Most of the time they just don’t like to kick around the bush; they’ll tell you straight how they think about things. Also in the humour it comes out, which is just as hard and direct. Most of the times there is no intention to willfully hurt someone. It’s just mocking the situation or person.
I think those traits are what sets the Dutch apart from the other West-Europeans.
So what identifies a Dutch man from other men (…or women)?
Is it even possible to define the Dutch identity? Should we go back to the roots? Where do these roots lie? How does a typical Dutch man behave?
 |
| Whatever that means |
I think there is something you can call the Dutch identity. It’s hard to put a finger on it, however. It comes out in how we talk to each other, mainly. There’s a harshness to it that, to the untrained ear, might sound confronting and even offending. Most of the time they just don’t like to kick around the bush; they’ll tell you straight how they think about things. Also in the humour it comes out, which is just as hard and direct. Most of the times there is no intention to willfully hurt someone. It’s just mocking the situation or person.
I think those traits are what sets the Dutch apart from the other West-Europeans.
Professional Advice Skills
Last week I started on a new training to develop my advicing skills and pick up tips & tricks. I now know I play an “Expert” role which means my advices are often followed up. You might wonder what the problem is, why do I think I need training, everything seems to go well. First of all, nearly one year ago I changed department and my advicing skills are more counted on. We work according to certain architecture rules. We noticed our clients are not always willing to follow those architecture rules, because it takes them more time and money to implement. Also, finding more and new tips & tricks is always helpful.
I suppose I want to point out the implications of an expert role. The reason an expert’s advice is followed up is because the other parties simply don’t know what’s best, so they trust the expert’s advice. That gives you a certain amount of power, and I must admit, I have used that power to get things done in applications I was responsible for.
However, that power might strand on a couple of assets, like money or time. Everything always has to be done yesterday and for no money. Obviously, that’s impossible, but it does often inflame the discussions we seem to be having on a daily basis. Sometimes the client is deaf for our arguments and is intend on evading our advice. Yesterday we had such a discussion. In the end my colleague suggested the client approach the CTO to have the discussion there. Whatever the CTO decides in this case, will be binding. Let’s see what will come of that.
I must say, the training is very pleasant and informative. Though there is not much time to focus deep on subjects. There’s only three days of training and two weeks between every training in which we are supposed to do homework, which I haven’t done yet. What’d you expect; I’m desperately bad with homework.
That’s where things are at in my professional life. Not very interesting to you, I imagine.
I suppose I want to point out the implications of an expert role. The reason an expert’s advice is followed up is because the other parties simply don’t know what’s best, so they trust the expert’s advice. That gives you a certain amount of power, and I must admit, I have used that power to get things done in applications I was responsible for.
However, that power might strand on a couple of assets, like money or time. Everything always has to be done yesterday and for no money. Obviously, that’s impossible, but it does often inflame the discussions we seem to be having on a daily basis. Sometimes the client is deaf for our arguments and is intend on evading our advice. Yesterday we had such a discussion. In the end my colleague suggested the client approach the CTO to have the discussion there. Whatever the CTO decides in this case, will be binding. Let’s see what will come of that.
I must say, the training is very pleasant and informative. Though there is not much time to focus deep on subjects. There’s only three days of training and two weeks between every training in which we are supposed to do homework, which I haven’t done yet. What’d you expect; I’m desperately bad with homework.
That’s where things are at in my professional life. Not very interesting to you, I imagine.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
the Doctor Has Resigned
Old news by now, but Matt Smith is leaving the TARDIS in this year's Christmas special.
So who will be the next Doctor? Several old discussions have started again. Should the next Doctor be female? Should the next Doctor be even younger than Matt Smith?
It seems to me the departure and arrival of Doctors is more exciting than the actual story telling. Not only do we get a new regeneration, probably a new style and new story lines, but this point within the series is where we, the fans and everybody else, really interact with the universe of the Doctor, by planting a new actor in the lead role.
I'm sad to see Matt leave. If I should apoint the title "My Doctor" to a Doctor, it would probably be the eleventh. The reason is that with Matt I really started to watch and submerge myself in the Who-niverse. Of course, Matt is a fantastic Doctor, a brilliant Doctor even. However, he's not my favourite, as I probably have said about a million times before. His energy doesn't quite match mine.
Since I'm blabbering about Doctor Who, I would also like to point out that one wish I had is granted: The eleventh meets and interacts with the tenth. Finding out they get along well was no surprise to me. I always felt those last two Doctors have pretty much the same energy. Trying to work out how their interaction would go always amused me. Obviously, now I'm looking forward to the Anniversary special even more.
One thing though, how is this more Doctor Who than ever? We will only have half a series and two specials this year. That's only ten episodes, three less than when a complete series runs in one year. I'm a bit miffed about that.
However, we are going to get a Gatiss docu-drama about the shows history. I'm really looking forward to that too. Apparently, the casting is superb. I know the history, but it's more interesting than the usual documentaries with the same ol' talking heads.
So, those thoughts about Doctor Who have been floating around in my head for a few months now. You're probably totally not interested, but there it is anyway.
If you like to join in, in discussing Matt's leave. There are several forums for that. Here are two:
Digitalspy forum Doctor Who Forum: Gallifrey Base
So who will be the next Doctor? Several old discussions have started again. Should the next Doctor be female? Should the next Doctor be even younger than Matt Smith?
It seems to me the departure and arrival of Doctors is more exciting than the actual story telling. Not only do we get a new regeneration, probably a new style and new story lines, but this point within the series is where we, the fans and everybody else, really interact with the universe of the Doctor, by planting a new actor in the lead role.
I'm sad to see Matt leave. If I should apoint the title "My Doctor" to a Doctor, it would probably be the eleventh. The reason is that with Matt I really started to watch and submerge myself in the Who-niverse. Of course, Matt is a fantastic Doctor, a brilliant Doctor even. However, he's not my favourite, as I probably have said about a million times before. His energy doesn't quite match mine.
Since I'm blabbering about Doctor Who, I would also like to point out that one wish I had is granted: The eleventh meets and interacts with the tenth. Finding out they get along well was no surprise to me. I always felt those last two Doctors have pretty much the same energy. Trying to work out how their interaction would go always amused me. Obviously, now I'm looking forward to the Anniversary special even more.
One thing though, how is this more Doctor Who than ever? We will only have half a series and two specials this year. That's only ten episodes, three less than when a complete series runs in one year. I'm a bit miffed about that.
However, we are going to get a Gatiss docu-drama about the shows history. I'm really looking forward to that too. Apparently, the casting is superb. I know the history, but it's more interesting than the usual documentaries with the same ol' talking heads.
So, those thoughts about Doctor Who have been floating around in my head for a few months now. You're probably totally not interested, but there it is anyway.
If you like to join in, in discussing Matt's leave. There are several forums for that. Here are two:
Digitalspy forum Doctor Who Forum: Gallifrey Base
Monday, June 3, 2013
the book "Prins Wiwill"
Whether he was smart, I don’t know. According to Wiwipedia he might have been, according to other sources, which I can’t remember, he wasn’t particularly. Over the last couple of days I read, almost finished, the book “Prins Wiwill”. The book is a dramatized telling of events. Though an interesting and easy read, it does force the author’s interpretations and opinions about people and events on the reader. I wonder how many times the prince really was in tears and how many times the author decided the prince was.
One such thing, or rather person, victimized by this approach is Queen Sophie. In part the strong opinion ventilated in the book has been brought on by the prince’s personal care taker. This man, De Casembroot, has written a diary in the period he was responsible for the prince’s upbringing. The book is based on that diary. Very likely the author’s opinion about the Queen is mainly based on what De Casembroot wrote. According to De Casembroot, the Queen is a manipulative wench who’s not afraid to use everybody, including her own son, to oppose everything the King says, does and might think and does. In some accounts it is even said she was teaching her son where to lie down on the ground and how to press his ear to the floor to hear best what was going on in the room below.
I’m not sure how much of that is true. I’ve got the feeling a lot of those rumours are what they are; rumours, passed on by all the personnel. Maybe it is true, but there’s no way we’re going to see any evidence for that.
Not only the Queen doesn’t come off lightly, Prince Wiwil doesn’t come off very well either. According to the book he’s an uninspired, lazy, indifferent kid who’s suffering from tantrums and sometimes even shows behaviour foul and mad as his dad’s. Just like his mom, in this book, the view that is shed on him is pepperred in the opninions and ignorance of the time he lived in.
In both cases I believe parts of it, because I read it somewhere else, or because I observed, for as far as I can, certain behaviour before. A lot I will write off as “the view of the time”. For instance, De Casembroot is against everything Thorbeckian, which is very liberal, especially for the time. Thorbecke was once a minister in the 19th century Dutch government. He wrote the constitution we’re living on and extract our rights from to this day. I think it’s no surprise I am, to use the 19th century expression, a Thorbeckian.
In the coming week I planned to read a book about Queen Sophie, based on her letters, if I’m not mistaken. In this case I’m going to have to remind myself, Queen Sophie liked to dramatize everything. That has become very clear from the books about Wiwil and Alexander.
What will be left is to read about Willem III, their father. I think I have a fair amount of information about the man so far. What I’m interested in, in the King’s case, is why his marriage with Sophie didn’t work, but did work with Emma. What were the differences? What did Sophie do to tick the King off and what did Emma do to calm him down?
All this study is to try and understand Wiwil and Alexander. Their tragedy, especially their demise, puzzles me. Both did nothing to save themselves. More and more I start to believe Sophie has been the great cause for that. Sure, King Willem III didn’t help, yet, Queen Wilhelmina talks about her “dear father” and she turned out to be a good Queen. I know Emma has a very big hand in that one. Still, Wilhelmina’s “dear father” stands so far apart from the hatred both Wiwil and Alexander felt. Can one man really manage to have such different and strong effects on persons all by himself. Even so, could the King?
I’m not sure how much of that is true. I’ve got the feeling a lot of those rumours are what they are; rumours, passed on by all the personnel. Maybe it is true, but there’s no way we’re going to see any evidence for that.
Not only the Queen doesn’t come off lightly, Prince Wiwil doesn’t come off very well either. According to the book he’s an uninspired, lazy, indifferent kid who’s suffering from tantrums and sometimes even shows behaviour foul and mad as his dad’s. Just like his mom, in this book, the view that is shed on him is pepperred in the opninions and ignorance of the time he lived in.
In both cases I believe parts of it, because I read it somewhere else, or because I observed, for as far as I can, certain behaviour before. A lot I will write off as “the view of the time”. For instance, De Casembroot is against everything Thorbeckian, which is very liberal, especially for the time. Thorbecke was once a minister in the 19th century Dutch government. He wrote the constitution we’re living on and extract our rights from to this day. I think it’s no surprise I am, to use the 19th century expression, a Thorbeckian.
In the coming week I planned to read a book about Queen Sophie, based on her letters, if I’m not mistaken. In this case I’m going to have to remind myself, Queen Sophie liked to dramatize everything. That has become very clear from the books about Wiwil and Alexander.
What will be left is to read about Willem III, their father. I think I have a fair amount of information about the man so far. What I’m interested in, in the King’s case, is why his marriage with Sophie didn’t work, but did work with Emma. What were the differences? What did Sophie do to tick the King off and what did Emma do to calm him down?
All this study is to try and understand Wiwil and Alexander. Their tragedy, especially their demise, puzzles me. Both did nothing to save themselves. More and more I start to believe Sophie has been the great cause for that. Sure, King Willem III didn’t help, yet, Queen Wilhelmina talks about her “dear father” and she turned out to be a good Queen. I know Emma has a very big hand in that one. Still, Wilhelmina’s “dear father” stands so far apart from the hatred both Wiwil and Alexander felt. Can one man really manage to have such different and strong effects on persons all by himself. Even so, could the King?
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