Category Archives: vice

The Whitewashing of the Red Light

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Brandon

Quartier Putain is just one of the many examples of how Amsterdam is trying to essentially erase its status as Europe’s Sin City. Recent city initiatives like Project 1012 have shuttered several of its iconic prostitute windows and continue to … Continue reading →

Posted in coffee, Holland, politics, vice | Comments Off on The Whitewashing of the Red Light

Showgirls is a serious drama!

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Brandon

This morning, one of the Dutch channels was airing a chat with John Wilson, the founder of the Golden Raspberry Awards. The interviewer decided to grill him about Showgirls, the super-campy film directed by Netherlands native Paul Verhoeven. The interview couldn’t … Continue reading →

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Dirty Postcards

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Brandon

I went on my first trip to Europe in the autumn of 2007. My friend Dan lent me his REI backpack for the journey and, to return the favor, I sent him a dirty postcard from every country I visited. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, politics, vice | Comments Off on Dirty Postcards

Tales From De Wallen, Episode 2

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Brandon

So this whole thing has survived long enough to see a second installment. Huzzah! Here’s some context for the following. I was walking around Amsterdam several Saturdays back when I spotted a group of college-aged gents walking towards me, laughing, … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Holland, Tales From De Wallen, vice | 2 Comments

Tales From De Wallen, Episode 1

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Brandon

Here’s the first, and no doubt last, installment of a comic strip series I’ve created titled “Tales From De Wallen.” The following could probably use some context. I was hiking back to Amsterdam Centraal last Saturday afternoon, completely oblivious to … Continue reading →

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The Perils of Public Nudity: European Edition

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Brandon

Spas/saunas are popular here in the Netherlands but they’re quite a bit different than the ones you’ll find in the states. First off, men actually frequent them and they’re not a haven exclusively for women in search of a few hours … Continue reading →

Posted in Holland, vice, weird | Comments Off on The Perils of Public Nudity: European Edition

Infinite Jest Will Set You Free….But Not Until It’s Finished With You

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Brandon

On December 22nd, the first day of winter, I set out to resolve some “unfinished business.”  I decided it was time to finally read David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest from cover to cover. I had attempted this feat twice prior, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, vice | 10 Comments

The Wine, Women and Smokers of Cologne

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Brandon

Perhaps more so than any other country in Europe, Christmas is huge in Germany. Gigantic markets devoted to the holiday can be found in nearly every city between Hamburg and Lindau, all of them offering visitors things like exotic meats, … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Germany, holidays, vice | Comments Off on The Wine, Women and Smokers of Cologne

In Defense of Reno

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Brandon

For many, Reno is one of those hellish American cities that’s best avoided, a locale who’s glory days are long gone and one that serves as an ideal target for condescending mockery. It might find good company among other burnt-out metropolises … Continue reading →

Posted in United States, vice | 2 Comments

Europe in Three Minutes or Less # 15 – Behold! The Red Light District

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Brandon

Yeah, this is what it looks like on a Friday night. Also: I went pretty far over my self-imposed three minute time limit.

Posted in Europe, Holland, vice, video | 2 Comments