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An AI course for Dutch children is beginning next month

Freya Sawbridge
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An AI course for Dutch children is beginning next month

You’ve been training robots (probably unwittingly) for years. Recall all the times you have been asked to click the pictures which show a green traffic light before you get access to a website. A bunch of randomly generated images will appear and only if you select the images containing a green traffic light will you gain entry. Do you know what the purpose of this is? To train driverless cars (aka AI) to identify traffic rules.

This is just one of many examples which demonstrate how ubiquitous AI is in our society. But thanks to Queen Maxima, your children might grow up with more AI awareness than most of us have. As of next month, the Netherlands’ first AI course for children will begin. The course aims to encourage awareness around AI technology and improve technology skills. “In this way they can function optimally in a world in which technology plays an increasingly important role”, the government said to NL times.

Source: geralt on Pixabay

The course, developed by the National AI, FurutreNL, and UpgradeNL, will launch in De Rank primary school in Toldijk but will soon be available in many other schools throughout the Netherlands.

Why do the kids have all the fun?

Don’t worry, a free course for Dutchies has been launched! Earlier this year the ‘Nationale AI-cursus’ began. This is a free (good for us cheap dutchies) online course for all Dutch people which covers the basics about AI like what it is, the rules surrounding AI and the future of work with AI. The course was modelled on a similar initiative created by University of Helsinki.

Jim Stolze, the founder, told the University of Amsterdam that “Artificial intelligence is no longer something of the future. It is intertwined in all aspects of daily life. From (almost) self-driving cars to the newsfeed of Facebook. Everything that has an electrical plug can eventually become a self-learning system.”

Don’t have the time for a course but curious to know more? Brush up your knowledge with this quick YouTube video instead: 

Gay Couples Attacked at Amsterdam Pride: Spat On, Hit, And Traumatised

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Gay Couples Attacked at Amsterdam Pride: Spat On, Hit, And Traumatised

Amsterdam Pride was on the weekend, and while the event preached inclusivity, acceptance, and self-identity, it wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Multiple people have come out since the weekend event detailing attacks and verbal abuse.

For many, Pride weekend was all confetti, glitter, and stacks of colour. But for 29-year-old Katya Sazanova and Ana Camboim the day is associated with fear. The lesbian expat couple were holding hands at 5:00am while walking down Zandstraat, a narrow alley near Zuiderkerk, Het Parool reports.

“Can we join you?”

“Oh, you are so hot, can we join you?” shouted one of two men on a black scooter. “Go on, just drive on,” Camboin replied. But the men attacked instead.

Camboin received a blow to her face, sending her to the ground, while Sazanova was also hit in the face. The women were traumatised by the assault, walking away with bruises, a broken lip and a swollen nose.

“It was so frightening. At home we only cried. People sometimes look up when we hold hands, but people have never been physical”, Sazanova told Het Parool.

“My girlfriend is from Brazil and I from Kazakhstan. We might expect something like this in our own countries, but not in Amsterdam. And then it also happened during Pride.”

The women reported the crime to Pink in Blue, the anti-gay violence police department. However, it is unlikely their perpetrators will be caught.

Spat on by an Uber driver

For Luke and his boyfriend, taking an Uber after Pride led to their own trauma. The couple entered the Uber around 8:30pm on the Saturday night, held each others hands in the backseat, and gave each other a kiss, writes NH Nieuws.

“Like any normal couple would do. This is Amsterdam, that’s no problem, we thought,” said Luke. But the driver lashed out, calling them “kankerhomos” (cancer-homo’s) and told them to opkankeren (piss-off).

Just last week Uber implemented a new Discrimination button on the app after an Amsterdam drag queen was refused a ride by an Uber.

Uber said in a statement that they regret the incident. “We … take this complaint extremely seriously and are investigating this incident so that we can take appropriate action. “

However, Luke says Uber still hasn’t been in direct contact. “They say they take the matter extremely seriously, but they never called back. I can’t believe they take this seriously as long as this driver drives around before them.”

Feature Image: Samantha Dixon

Next stop: Advertising! NS to trial ad displays on train screens

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Next stop: Advertising! NS to trial ad displays on train screens

NS will trial selling advertising space on the notification screens in each train. Now, instead of knowing which stop is next, you may be tempted to purchase chewing gum instead. 

The advertising will be shown on the information screens in each train carriage. According to NOS, the screens have proven highly desirable for advertisers.

“The screens in the train are a sought-after place, but the advertising must fit in with our policy and with the travel experience,” said an NS spokesperson.

NS has cautioned that only advertising that fits their “brand” will be shown. “No ads about explicit things, but ads that appeal to a large group of people,” continued the spokesperson.

Gotta be frank, ads that appear on trains that appeal to us are, well, no ads at all.

However, NS assures that travel information will always be the priority for their passengers.

What can we expect?

The trial will begin next month in 137 of more than 400 intercity trains. At the end of the year, Dutch Railways will investigate how travellers have been affected by the new advertising.

It’s the latest in an increasing encroachment of advertising into the public space. Given the price of train tickets, we were hoping this area could remain advertising free. Let’s hope a Ryan Airways approach isn’t next.

Could this be the future of NS? Image: Ruthann from Western Ireland on Wikimedia. CC 2.0.

NS has remained quiet so far on what the extra money will go towards. Here at DutchReview we have our fingers crossed for some more timely trains, better air-conditioning, or, god bless, cheaper tickets! Ah, a website can dream, right?

What do you think about the new advertising on trains? Should NS pocket the money, or pass on the cash? Let us know in the comments below!

Gay Blacklists: how Amsterdam wasn’t always the gay-friendly capital

Bobby Salomons
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Gay Blacklists: how Amsterdam wasn’t always the gay-friendly capital

Gay friendly Amsterdam? Not always. In the past Amsterdam had Gay Blacklists – not quite the rainbow paradise it is today. 

Every nation, arguably every town, has had a shameful history of gay discrimination at some point. But when you’re now considered the ‘Gay Capital’ of the country, Europe and maybe even the world – remembering that is a little bit extra painful. Unfortunately, in 2017 Amsterdam’s city archive workers found a painful reminder that the city’s attitudes were quite different a mere sixty years ago.

Committee for Ethical Conduct: 1500 names and backgrounds

The archive workers found so much documentation that it measured several meters long, with the names of 1500 city job applicants, including further background information. This ‘Ethical Committee’ wasn’t sparse in their judgment; even having homosexual friends could be enough to be turned down for a job as a city worker.

Out of all the names in the list, at least 15% were turned down because of their sexuality, or even a mere suspicion. Those who were found ‘gay’ were blacklisted forever and could never work for the city.

Gay Friendly Amsterdam? Not so much…

The city of Amsterdam was surprised and disappointed. “A shocking discovery, discrimination against personnel on the basis of their sexuality is completely unacceptable,” a spokeswoman said. “It doesn’t fit the city’s human resources policy and even much less our organization’s inclusive policies of today.”

She pointed out however that the documents go six decades back. “Thankfully this is no longer part of our practices here in Amsterdam for a long time. Regardless that doesn’t make it any less shocking.”

(Not so-) Gay Friendly Amsterdam: investigation and compensation

According to Amsterdam-based national newspaper Het Parool, the city council unanimously voted for the City to apologize and open large-scale investigations into the subject.

For now, the documentation has been sealed off so no one will have access to them. After all, some of the subjects on the lists may still be well and alive today – being ‘outed’ could be disastrous for their private lives.

The Netherlands’ national LGBT-organization COC, also founded and seated in Amsterdam, expressed hurt and asked for further inquiries. “We believe it necessary for there to be new investigations into government treatment of homosexuals. We’re under the impression that there’s bad circumstances going on,” said a COC spokesman.

The COC asked that other cities also investigate if there used to be similar blacklists, if the individuals on it are still alive, and whether or not they want some form of compensation.

Global history of mistreatment of homosexuals

In 2017, Canadian Prime-Minister Justin Trudeau tearfully apologized for his country’s treatment of homosexuals – who faced serious mistreatment and were ostracized as the norm.

Other modern Western countries with a painful past of gay discrimination are Great Britain, who incarcerated homosexuals up until the 1950’s; Germany, whose “Third Reich” focused on the complete eradication of homosexuals during the Holocaust; and of course the United States, which saw a new wave of anti-gay sentiment after the 2016 Elections.

What has your experience been of homophobia in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below. 

Feature Image: WikimediaImages/Pixabay

PrEP pill program for HIV prevention starts in the Netherlands

Kavana Desai
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PrEP pill program for HIV prevention starts in the Netherlands

Provisions for the Pre-Exposition Prophylaxis pill or the PrEP pill for HIV prevention have been started since yesterday. This pill is mostly for homosexual men who have a higher risk of contracting HIV. The Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) estimates that 8500 participants will be interested in getting the pill, reports NOS.

However, the GGDs are going to be receiving a subsidy from the Ministry of Health of 22 million euros. This amount is based on 6500 participants and will be given over a period of five years.

Therefore, Rinske van der Bij of the national PrEP coordination team from the GGD says that they will be giving priority to certain groups of men. She says, “for example, we can look at homosexual men under the age of 25 because they often have varying sexual contacts. But homosexual asylum seekers are also at risk. We cannot serve everyone.”

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

23-year-old Stabbed Young Women, then Pleasured Himself

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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23-year-old Stabbed Young Women, then Pleasured Himself

A 23-year-old held responsible for stabbing four women on four different occasions revealed in a statement he did it because he ‘got a kick’ out of it. It’s also suspected Rene V. threatened six other victims. 

“I told you that I stuck my arm out of the car with a sharp object at various moments,” said the man’s statement to the court. “I wanted to scare people, I didn’t want to hurt or kill anyone. It gave me a kick.”

According to AD, Rene V. faced a pro-forma hearing yesterday where he is facing the Public Prosecutor. He confessed to the attacks after his arrest on April 24th following month of investigations.

Series of attacks

The man’s stabbing spree began in November last year, when his first victim was a 52-year-old jogger and an 18-year-old cyclist in Castricum. He allegedly stabbed both from his SUV, injuring the joggers arm and collapsing the cyclists lung.

Just four days later he allegedly attacked an 18-year-old female jogger in Edmond. The woman collapsed, then spent days in intensive care with injuries to her lung and heart.

For almost two months Rene V. lay low. However, on January 26th he stabbed a young cyclist in Barsingerhorn. She was only fifteen years old.

After each incident Rene V. satisfied himself after becoming sexually stimulated by the stabbings, RTL Nieuws reports.

Troubled psychological state

The man said in his statement that he had just gotten his life in order. He was seeing a psychologist, had a girlfriend, and had a new job as a truck driver. The girlfriend was present during the pro-forma hearing yesterday.

“With the psychologist I hoped to find out what is wrong with me. I have to work on myself. I know what is right and what is wrong,” he said.

When the judge asked Rene V. if he had a message for the victims he simply said he has “many regrets, words fail.” He is cooperating with the investigation into his psychological state.

Rene V. is facing charges of attempted murder and attempted manslaughter. He is also suspected of stalking and threatening six women in January. He will remain in custody until the trial starts on October 17th.

Feature Image: Ev on Unsplash

Have you seen this pregnant woman missing in Leiden?

Kavana Desai
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Have you seen this pregnant woman missing in Leiden?

There’s a pregnant woman missing from the city of Leiden. Her name is Sabrine Amir and was last seen on July 23rd when she attended her medical appointment. She did not attend her next appointment on July 29th.

The police released her photo on Thursday and say that she is in need of urgent medical care. She is 26 years old and is 35 weeks pregnant. She has dark hair and brown eyes.

If you have any tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to the police at 0800-6070 or through their online tip form. We hope Sabrine is found soon and gets the medical attention she requires. 

Feature image source: www.politie.nl

Smartphones on Bikes Were Banned a Month Ago – But Did it Work?

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Smartphones on Bikes Were Banned a Month Ago – But Did it Work?

Using Whatsapp op de fiets? €95. Google-mapping your way to a broodje? €95. Skipping songs from that Bach symphony to a Tay-Tay hit? €95. Using a phone while on the bike has been forbidden for one month now. But, a recent survey shows that most cyclists have refused to change their behaviour. 

The new law banned all cyclists from having electronic devices in hand while travelling, or risk facing a €95 fine. It was a huge change for the Dutch, who were used to doing whatever they pleased on the bike.

Nearly half of all 3000 respondents in the poll conducted by RTL Nieuws said that they didn’t pay any attention to the phone ban since it was implemented.

What did the public say?

Of the respondents, only 18 people had been unlucky enough to be fined by police, despite a crackdown during the first week of the law. Seven others were stopped by police, but escaped with just a warning.

Read More: 6 things you need to know about the smartphone ban for cyclists in the Netherlands

Almost 60% percent of those surveyed said they leave their phones in their pocket or handbag, while 42% find the need to WhatsApp more important than the law.

Is the law working?

The police service will not provide any figures on how many fines have been issued. Regardless, around 50% have changed their behaviour in some way. Of course, the young guns are using their phones more than those from an older generation. Some cyclists completely disregard the rule. Others keep their phones out of sight.

Some only use their phones now depending on the situation, but less than they used to. Other respondents were utilising phone holders that clip onto the steering bar, while others use a headset or smartwatch.

Inventive Solutions

Interestingly, some readers chose to put their phone out of use completely: on airplane mode in the bottom of the bag, or use an app that remde inds them not to use their phone while travelling.

And of course there are those that don’t care about the law, as long as they don’t get caught. A quick scan for police, and app away.

Have you been resisting the temptation to use your phone while on the bike? Been subject to a fine? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Kevin Phillips on Pixabay

Chance of rain, thunder, clouds, and sun: Make way for typical Dutch summer weather!

Kavana Desai
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Chance of rain, thunder, clouds, and sun: Make way for typical Dutch summer weather!
What is “typical Dutch summer” weather? Well, you’re going to be experiencing it for the rest of this week, says RTLNieuws. We are going to be looking at the end of the (alarmingly) warm weather as there’s a high chance of showers, or even a thunderstorm, today and tomorrow.
But the rain gods are smiling down on us because the weekend is said to stay mostly dry, reports Weeronline. Importantly, these are typical temperatures to be experiencing at this time of the year.
So do you want to know what temperatures you can expect for the rest of the week? Read on!

Today

You must’ve woken up to some rain in the north, or a cloudy overcast in other parts of the country. This is going to continue for the rest of today, so we hope you didn’t forget your umbrellas and raincoats for the people living in the north! Good news for the people living in the south of the country – it is mostly going to stay dry for you guys for the rest of today, with temperatures ranging from 20 – 25 degrees.

Friday

There is a chance of showers, but it may still remain dry in the south. The weather could go either way so just treat your rain gear as your best friend, and don’t leave it behind when you’re leaving home. You’re probably not going to be enjoying those terraces, but you sure can cozy up with something hot to drink in the gezellig bar.

Weekend

Both RTLNieuws and Weeronline say that the weekend is going to be mostly dry, so time to rejoice and head to the great outdoors! The weather is a definite contrast to the days before (which is what makes it typical Dutch weather) where it’s going to stay mostly dry with the sun shining through some interspersed clouds.

So what plans do you have for this weekend? How perfectly does the weather align up with your plans? It sure does for me! Let us know in the comments below!

Feature image source: Rudy and Peter Skitterians/Pixabay

7 Free Things to do in August 2019 in the Netherlands

Veronika Licheva
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7 Free Things to do in August 2019 in the Netherlands

In desperate need for some free things to do this month? We’ve got you covered! Here are 7 free things to do in August in the Netherlands.

#1 Amsterdam Gay Pride

When: Saturday July 27 – Sunday Aug 4, 2019

Where: Amsterdam

One of the best free events in August is the ongoing gay pride festival in Amsterdam. Amsterdam Gay Pride is one of the most colourful and fun outdoor parties of the year! The most popular event, is of course Canal Pride, where more than 80 decorated boats sail on the Prinsengracht canal. Other than that, there are multiple festivities and celebrations going on in the streets. Amsterdam becomes one big party for all! So if you’re in the mood for a whole lot of fun, join Amsterdam Gay Pride and celebrate equality in the Netherlands.

Pride Parade
Pride Parade

#2 Floating Flower Parade

When: 2nd August – 4th of August 2018

Where: South Holland

The Floating Flower Parade, also known as the Varend Corso, is one of Holland’s most loved summer events. During the parade, more than 50 boats are decorated with hundreds of flowers, plants, fruits, and vegetables. The boats are then boarded by music bands and performing artists, putting on a great show for everyone in sight. During the parade, the boats pass through the canals of different cities within the Netherlands. If you want to know more about the Floating Flower Parade and the program, you can read more about the event here.

#3 Uitmarkt

When: 23 – 25 August 2019

Where: Museumplein and Leidseplein in Amsterdam

This is one of the Netherlands most popular cultural events and attracts more than 400,000 visitors. Over this weekend, over 300 shows are performed ranging from Jazz to Hip Hop to kid-friendly shows – there is something for everyone to enjoy!

#4 Vondelpark Open-air Theater

When: 2 May – 31 August 2019

Where: Vondelpark, Amsterdam

The Open-air theater in Vondelpark offers a diverse program throughout the warmer seasons. You can experience theatrical performances, music festivals, children’s shows, and cabaret performances. And all of this under the open sky, for free! All you have to do is head over to Vondelpark in Amsterdam, find a good spot to chill, and enjoy the show all summer long.

#5 Grachten Festival

When: 9 August – 18 August

Where: Amsterdam

The Grachten Festival takes place in 94 locations around Amsterdam. This unique festival allows anyone who stumbles upon it to enjoy both classical and modern music. Revel in performances by both Dutch and international performers who tell a story through the use of music. And because the festival takes place in so many unique locations, you can choose to visit the one that best suits your taste. But if you’re just casually walking through Amsterdam and happen to stumble upon this music festival, just be grateful for this moment of serendipity and enjoy some quality music.

#6 Haarlem Culinair

When: 1 August – 4 August 2019 

Where: Haarlem

Enjoy food? Who doesn’t?! Restaurants in Haarlem band together and showcase their favourite dishes at affordable prices. This culinary festival that attracts over 70,000 visitors and is a great way to taste a myriad of different cuisines from different restaurants.

Image by Christina Kooiker

#7 Sneekweek

When:  – 

Where: Friesland

Sneekweek is the biggest sailing regatta on European inland waterways. It is an amazing display of competition but there are also other festivities such as a market that provide entertainment for all!

Source: Susanna_Sieg on Pixabay

So there you have it – 7 free things to do in August in the Netherlands! Which event are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!

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