Category Archives: ani-pals

Some Thoughts on Jurassic World (And Its Inevitable Sequel)

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Brandon

Is Jurassic World a perfect movie? Not by a long shot but I haven’t had that much fun in a movie theater since I saw….uhhhh….OK, Mad Max: Fury Road last month. I loved every totally ridiculous fan-servicing second of this … Continue reading →

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An Obituary For an Extraordinary Cat

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Brandon

I first spotted Danger Cat climbing around on the roof of the student house across the street from our apartment in the spring of 2012. My first thought: “what kind of a maniac would allow their kitten to run around … Continue reading →

Posted in ani-pals, Holland | 1 Comment

A Shop Cat in De 9 Straatjes

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Brandon

De 9 Straatjes (“The Nine Streets”) is a series of side streets in Amsterdam lined with boutiques, restaurants and places where you can pay 60 Euros for a haircut. It’s all totally adorable. Tourists and locals alike go there to … Continue reading →

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Mutant Minnie Mouses, Strange Clowns and Songs About Blood – Eels @ the Paradiso, April 1st, 2013

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Brandon

What defines a great rock show? For me, it’s not so much the music as it is the enthusiasm and passion of the band on stage. I’ve seen some shows that have been brilliant, on the musical level, but completely … Continue reading →

Posted in ani-pals, Holland, music, video, weird | 2 Comments

The Furballs of Leiden

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Brandon

There’s plenty of familiar faces in the historic center of Leiden. The butcher, the baker and the…yeah, there’s probably a candlestick maker around here somewhere. There’s also plenty of furry faces that are always hanging around. Here’s just a few … Continue reading →

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BioShock Meets Alice in Wonderland

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Brandon

“BioShock Meets Alice in Wonderland” = the best analogy I can think of to describe the incredibly weird exhibit that invaded Leiden’s Lakenhal Museum a few months ago. Titled Pearls in the Arts, it integrates the museum’s existing galleries with … Continue reading →

Posted in ani-pals, art, Holland, weird | 4 Comments

A Comprehensive Rundown on Every Olympics Mascot Ever

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Brandon

Rejected articles. They’re an unpleasant drawback that comes with trying to make a living as a freelance writer. For reasons ranging from miscommunication to tight deadlines to a million other reasons, or some combination thereof, every once in a while … Continue reading →

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Trans-Europe Express: A Tour of the Netherlands’ Best Food Carts

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Brandon

At last count, over 500 food carts can be found within the borders of my hometown of Portland, OR. When I was still living there, I made routine trips to ones like Big-Ass Sandwich, Koi Fusion, Bangkok Duck and Chicken, … Continue reading →

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Spider Monkeys in the Mist

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Brandon

Apenheul  is a lot like Sea World. Except with primates. Primates that jump on your head and poop with wanton abandon. I realize this is the second post I’ve written in a row involving animals and their bathroom habits. Please, bear with … Continue reading →

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Deep in the Heart, er, Bowels of Texas

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Brandon

It’s the middle of Texas’ driest year on record and a group of yapping spectators are gathered around a pool table in a windowless honkey-tonk on Austin’s Burnet Road. With sweating bottles of Lone Star in one hand and red … Continue reading →

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