Monthly Archives: February 2011

Europe in Three Minutes or Less # 4: The “Hurdy Gurdy Men” of the Lowlands

Here’s part 4 in the “Europe in Three Minutes or Less” series. I have no idea what to call these guys or the giant music boxes that they haul around Leiden on market days. I’ve dubbed them the “Hurdy Gurdy Men,” … Continue reading

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Iron & Wine at the Paradiso

And now a segment from Iron & Wine’s absolutely splendid performance last night at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. Good show! Hear! Hear!

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Jerkwards at Live Shows: an International Epidemic

I’ve been there before and so have you, no doubt. You’re at a show, perhaps even up front a few feet from the band, when two people next to you decide to hold a conversation. They’re completely oblivious to the … Continue reading

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Europe in Three Minutes or Less # 3: A Dutch Market

Part three in the series. This one takes a look at the weekly outdoor market in Leiden, Netherlands.

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Delorean in Haarlem

Portland band Dolorean is currently on their first European tour. I managed to catch their set at a club in Haarlem last Thursday. No, that’s not a typo. The name of the city is, indeed, “Haarlem,” or so I’m told. It was … Continue reading

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In Search of the Holy Grail (of Beer)

Recently, I had the good fortune to land a pretty fantastic freelance gig. The assignment: go to Antwerp and find out what beers are currently popular among Belgians. Along with my friend Marie, I spent a weekend in the city … Continue reading

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Rebuild the Wall

I was in the eighth grade when I first heard about Pink Floyd. One afternoon in algebra class, I was sitting around with a group of my fellow students talking about music. At the time, I was big into Guns … Continue reading

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Trapped at the Bunny Ranch Part 2: Interview With a Prostitute

I turned off Highway 50 and up the steep, winding road that leads to the Bunny Ranch around 5 o’clock. A inauspicious, homemade sign leads the way; the sort of marker you’d typically see pointing towards a car wash fundraiser … Continue reading

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