Month: September 2024

Journalist

The Exodus from Singapore

The Exodus from Singapore: A City of Broken Dreams

antonfoek Amsterdam, September, 27th, 2024  – Singapore, once hailed as an economic miracle, is now witnessing an exodus of its residents. The city-state, renowned for its rapid development and prosperity, has become a place where many feel left behind. The glittering skyline and bustling financial districts mask the struggles of those who find it increasingly…
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New Amsterdam Postcard

The Rise of New Amsterdam

antonfoek Amsterdam, September 24th, 2024 – In the early 17th century, the Dutch established a bustling settlement called New Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan Island. This colony quickly became a vital hub for trade and commerce, attracting settlers from various parts of Europe. The strategic location and the natural harbor made it an ideal…
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The Amazon Rainforest: A Symphony of Life

The Amazon Rainforest: A Symphony of Life

antonfoek A Tapestry of Green The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vast expanse of lush greenery that stretches across nine countries in South America. Covering approximately 6.7 million square kilometers, it is the largest tropical rainforest in the world1. The dense canopy of trees, interspersed with winding…
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The Power of Language: How English United Singapore and Fueled Its Success

antonfoek Lee Kuan Yew’s decision to make English the common language in Singapore was a strategic move that significantly contributed to the country’s success. Here are a few key ways this decision helped: Facilitating Economic Growth By adopting English as the lingua franca, Singapore positioned itself as an attractive destination for multinational corporations and foreign…
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In memoriam Pim de la Parra (1940-2024)

In memoriam Parra de la Pim (1940-2024)

Enfant terrible and bon vivant Text Armand Snijders – Image Iwan Brave Filmmaker, columnist and bon vivant Pim de la Parra died Friday at the age of 84. A look back at the turbulent life of the director of the iconic classic ‘Wan Pipel’, with which generations of Surinamese grew up. But who was also…
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Bill Viola the Raft

The Visionary Filmmaker: Bill Viola

antonfoek Bill Viola, a pioneer in the field of video art, has been captivating audiences with his profound and immersive installations for decades. His works often explore themes of human experience, spirituality, and the passage of time. One of his most compelling pieces, “The Raft,” exemplifies his ability to evoke deep emotional responses and provoke…
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The Enchanting Dance of the Birds-of-Paradise

The Enchanting Dance of the Birds-of-Paradise

antonfoek A Symphony of Colors and Movements Amsterdam, September 3rd, 2024 – In the dense rainforests of New Guinea, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds as the male birds-of-paradise prepare to woo their potential mates. These avian artists transform the forest floor into a stage, where every movement is a carefully choreographed step in their courtship dance.…
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