We have an airline update for you on this fine Thursday morning! No, it’s not about your delay or a canceled flight. Nor is it about traffic backing up at Schiphol. This airline update is about KLM’s official policy about women breastfeeding their child. Did you know that the Dutch airline requires the mother to cover herself when she is breastfeeding so as to not offend anybody?
Yep, it’s true! You can see for yourself here!
Breastfeeding is permitted at KLM flights. However, to ensure that all our passengers of all backgrounds feel comfortable on board, we may request a mother to cover herself while breastfeeding, should other passengers be offended by this.
This whole conversation was started over last weekend when Shelby Angel posted a warning on Facebook, telling mothers who are still breastfeeding their child to be weary with the airline after her experience with them. Long story short, she wanted to breastfeed her one-year-old child because it would help calm her down for the long flight from Amsterdam to San Francisco. It was then that a flight attendant approached her and told her “if you want to continue doing the breastfeeding, you need to cover yourself.” She left her with a warning of having to deal with the “issue” if someone complains. No one around her complained.
KLM’s reaction to this led to wide-spread controversy because people were not having it. Of course, their tweet does not mention anything about the person who might be offended at the sight of a mother feeding her child, because let’s make those people feel a whole lot more comfortable! Honestly KLM…
Personally, I would not have any problem if a woman is breastfeeding her child and obviously, a lot of people agree with me. The woman should be able to take a call about whether she and her child are more comfortable being covered or not. KLM, or anybody else, does not get to have a say in that. People are rejecting this archaic policy that KLM has and took to Twitter to express their anger.
It’s like this Dutch company is going backward in time!
When people realize the Netherlands isn’t actually as liberal as they thought (based on famous examples of Dutch liberalism) #KLM breastfeeding policy causes turbulence https://t.co/WCnV6bIkFnhttps://t.co/EXd1SoatPw
#KLM as a Dad I cannot claim to be a #breastfeeding expert, but you have got it wrong, Mum and baby just do what they want to do, anyone offended give them your eye masks, some earplugs & maybe have a "its not all about YOU conversation" with them. Good luck #heatheryemmpic.twitter.com/OTbPkNfgRj
#KLM none of my children would have put up with a blanket. they would have screamed the plane down. i've seldom seen a woman's breast when she's breast feeding, it's usually covered with her shirt. how hard would this 'offended passenger' have been looking to see her breast?
I'm SHOCKED that a previously wonderful airline would require a mom to cover up while FEEDING HER BABY if someone else is uncomfortable. There are so many reasons that this is wrong, and @KLM should 100% retract their statement. ???#KLM#breastfeeding#breastfeedinginpublic
It would be a welcome change to look at company policies, laws, opinions, and everything out there not worrying so much about controlling everything a woman is doing with her own body, and start focussing on the people who are trying to control it. People are even asking each other about other airlines they could use instead!
I flew with @emirates recently with my baby and breastfed her frequently throughout the flight. Not one person batted an eyelid. Staff were fabulous and attentive
It has been five years since the downing of the flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine in 2014, which took the lives of all 298 people on board (196 of whom were Dutch nationals). As a tribute, a small-scale commemoration was held today at Hilversum, as well as a commemoration at the National Monument MH17 at Park Vijfhuizen.
The memorial at the National Monument MH17. Photo credits: Erikt/Wikimedia commons
The National Monument MH17 at Vijfhuizen
A project started by the relatives of the victims and the MH17 Disaster Foundation (Stichting Vliegramp MH17), it is a forest monument, where there were 298 trees and sunflowers planted in the shape of the commemorative black ribbon.
Chosen by them, it has become the symbol of the tragedy.
Each of the trees that were planted is dedicated to each victim who was lost during the tragedy. You can see this here. The sunflowers are planted around the monument, some of which were specially grown from seeds from Ukraine. They bloom every year during the anniversary of the tragedy.
It is open and accessible for the public 24 hours a day, except for during the national commemoration on July 17, today. Prime Minister Rutte is attending the ceremony as well.
Five years ago Malaysia Airlines flight #MH17 was shot down. Today, we commemorate the 298 victims at the National Monument and around the world, including in KL, with next of kin of the 43 Malaysian victims. We will never forget. We will continue to stand by you (1st photo: ANP) pic.twitter.com/08wgijtaCK
— Karin Mossenlechner (@Mossenlechner) July 17, 2019
Commemoration for victims of MH17 at Hilversum
Hilversum held a small memorial today in remembrance of all the 298 victims (of whom 196 were Dutch nationals). 15 of the victims came from the region. According to NOS, the Mayor of Hilversum Pieter Broertjes said in his speech, “This long march towards finding the truth is necessary for surviving relatives. Only then can they give the sadness a place to accept fate. Life goes on, even though not a day is the same as before the MH17 disaster. We feel it all of them.”
Downing of MH17: What we know so far
The investigation so far tells us the flight was downed by a BUK missile system, which was fired from a place in Ukraine. It was controlled by pro-Russian separatists at the time of the attack. The missile system is said to have been from the 53rd anti-aircraft brigade of the Russian Armed Forces.
The families of the victims got some closure in terms of holding someone responsible when the Joint Investigation Team revealed the names of four suspects who will be prosecuted next year. They are all going to be tried for murder, and court proceedings will commence in the month of March in 2020. The team was established in 2014 and is comprised of authorities who come from the countries who were most affected (The Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia, Ukraine, and Belgium).
If you want to know more about it, Bellingcat has released its investigative podcast today.
The Bellingcat Podcast – MH17, launches on July 17th. An in-depth look at the events surrounding the downing of MH17 in six parts, with dozens of interviews with investigators, journalists, family members, and experts involved in the case. Available on all good podcast apps. pic.twitter.com/FJwJTagCu4
The streets of the Netherlands will be changing in the next few years to accommodate the installation of tens of thousands of 5G transmitting antennas or masts. They will be installed in public spaces, like for example lampposts, bus shelters, and public buildings, reports RTLNieuws.
Looks like the government is particularly committed to seeing these installations through, as we can see from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate’s plans in a provisional bill, reports AD. As they want super-fast internet, they are going to give permission to the municipalities to install the antennas and masts in public spaces.
As 5G uses higher frequency waves, and they travel a shorter distance, they require a larger number of transmitter masts as compared to say a 4G network. They also need to be closer to ground level to function well.
Is 5G technology already in use in the Netherlands?
The large visible masts and antennas will be making an appearance only in the coming years but there are smaller, hidden ones already installed. We also know that the city of Eindhoven has partnered up with Vodafone, Ziggo, and Ericsson to freely use 5G in some parts of the city. This was announced earlier this year, but we have no update on the status of the project now.
The Netherlands as a whole currently has 46,000 installations, reports RTLNieuws. They are aiming to have 5G technology masts and antennas more widely installed in the country by 2022. The government of The Netherlands believes that 5G internet will enable us to use and operate ‘leading services’ like self-driving cars.
Concerns of 5G technology use
However, there are concerns about 5G networks and the possible health risks the radiation poses. There is no evidence to support those concerns as of yet, but they are keeping a close eye on it.
The technology also raises privacy concerns. As they require a higher number of transmitters installed within short distances of each other, the location privacy of an individual would be compromised. In other words, your device will need to connect to a cell tower or transmitter if they want to use the network. As they are not going to be quite as wide-spread as the 4G network towers, your network provider will be able to pinpoint your location with a closer accuracy.
The government has not yet addressed these privacy concerns. What do you make of this? Are you excited to see what the 5G technology will bring, or would you like to know more about how your privacy will be protected? Let us know in the comments below!
An NS driver showed his loyalty and dedication to his passengers when he made an unplanned stop so a lady didn’t miss her surgery appointment.
Hilde Wind accidentally boarded the wrong train that was bound for Zwolle and upon realising her mistake, fretted that she would miss her important appointment. Wind commented that it must have been the nerves that made her get on the wrong train. After explaining her dilemma to the conductor, he arranged for the intercity train to make an extra stop in Hoogeveen so that the woman could get to the hospital on time.
After learning that the conductor had arranged for the train to make an extra stop in Hoogeveen, Wind said she was overwhelmed. She tells RTV Drenthe “I am very happy with the action of the conductor and the other people involved at NS. Without knowing all the details of my appointment, they decided to stop the train. That is very special..If I had to go to Zwolle first, I would have missed my operation. I’m going to send them flowers.”
Blasting through a vacuum tube at incredible speeds isn’t something from a futuristic movie. Rather, it’s something that the TU Delft Hyperloop team are working on every day. And one day? Instead of heading to the nearest train station for your next trip, it could instead be a hyperloop station.
A newly released video shows just what this station may look like – and it’s every bit as futuristic as you can imagine. In the video, hyperloop trains glide silently away in the spacious station, while signs hang suspended from above advertising destinations like Vienna and Frankfurt. The neutral wood tones paired with green offer a comforting, but futuristic atmosphere.
Researchers at TU Delft have been working on the design of the hyperloop train for years. The model is designed around a train that flies through a tube that has little or no air resistance, allowing incredible speeds.
It’s an exciting time for Delft Hyperloop who are gearing up for an international competition for hyperloop capsules in an attempt to set a new speed record. The team has already been internationally recognised after winning the Hyperloop competition in 2017, created by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.
Our favourite feature from the video? The video-panelled skylight that simulates an outside environment. Fair to say we’ll be jumping on board very enthusiastically.
What aspect of hyperloop trains are you most excited for? Where would you like to see included on the network? Let us know in the comments below!
Have you been sitting inside, staring out at the rain like you’re in some soppy movie? Been sighing every morning as you pull on pants while staring longingly at your short-shorts? Been sliding off your bike wet from the pouring rain instead of soaked from a sun-sweat? We feel your pain, mate.
But, never fear! Our good friends at Buienradar have predicted that warmer weather is on the way. That means you can say goodbye gloomy July, and hello sunshine!
While we are still tucked up in our light cloud blanket today, Mother Earth will rip that baby off this afternoon and evening and send us to clear-sky land.
Where has Summer been?
We’ve been searching for it ever since the heatwave at the end of June got all our hopes up to actually get a banging tan this year. But, like the cold reality of life hitting us in the face with a wet herring, it was ripped away from us and hidden under a shield of clouds and rain.
In fact, average temperatures for this time of year have been 1.5°C less than normal for this time of year (was it something we said?!). We haven’t had a colder July than this since 2011!
So give us the good (weather) news!
Alrighty, it may not be perfect to begin with – in the north the weather is predicted to remain unstable tomorrow, while the south should be warming up. But rest-assured we’ll be entertaining a visit from sunshine later this week, with temperatures hovering between 21°C and 24°C.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know it’s not full summer yet. Buuuut, there is a chance that tropical temperatures could be headed our way. The southeast is in with a chance of a regional heatwave by the weekend.
Heatwave or no heatwave, the weekend temperatures should remain warm with the west and northwest reaching 23°C to 25°C, and the middle of the country reaching 26°C to 28°C.
So slap on some sunscreen, prop up your sun lounger on your deck, this is not a drill – summer could really be here!
Have you been enjoying the ‘summer’ so far? Got a top rainy-day activity? Let us know in the comments!
In an attempt to gain a few euros, a Dutch man has copped a fine of €550 after being caught wet-handed stealing coins from the Piazza Navona fountain in Rome.
The 38-year-old tried to hide the loot after realising police had seen him climb into the Fontana del Moro of Bernini and Giacomo della Porte, NOS reports.
The city of Rome has been enforcing a crackdown on rude and uncivilised behaviour of tourists in recent months. Bathing in fountains is forbidden, and drinking alcohol on the street after 23:00 is no longer allowed.
The city is threatening strict and increasing penalties for tourists who do not obey the rules, so if you’re planning on going to Rome on a bender it’s time to reconsider.
This is just of many Western European cities that is falling victim to tourists who don’t follow the rules. Amsterdam has long been experiencing problems with tourists, launching a campaign last year to encourage visitors to respect the city.
What do you think of this daring theft? Have you seen tourists behaving inappropriately in other cities?
A robot delivering your groceries seems like it belongs in The Jetsons. But, from today, this futuristic idea has been turned into a reality in the Netherlands.
Albert Heijn, the largest Dutch supermarket chain, is trialling the “bezorgrobot,” a robot delivery service at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven for the next two weeks.
How does the delivery robot work?
Delivery-desiring customers can jump onto their smartphones and place their much-needed groceries into the app. Employees at the store then store the groceries inside the robot.
Then, your little robot friend will hit the road, cruising down the streets with the help of some cameras and sensors. Ding! Your groceries have arrived, better run outside and remove them. (Don’t forget to say Domo Arigato, Mr Roboto!)
Who made the delivery robots?
The Albert Heijn model used comes from the German-Swiss company Teleretail and can zoom along at about eight kilometres an hour.
However, in coming years we could see a mass amount of similar delivery-bots on the streets, with multiple international companies working on similar projects.
Are the delivery robots legal?
Speaking technically, these delivery robots are not allowed on Dutch streets just yet. However, Albert Heijns trial is taking place on private property, giving them the ultimate place to test out the tech. So don’t stress, you won’t be encountering these alien-beings on the bike paths just yet!
However, Albert Heijn has plans to implement the system far wider as soon as the legislation is amended. For now, the supermarket chain will take ten working days to see if it is viable.
Will you be receiving your groceries via robot? Or will you keep hanging them on your handlebars and avoid the robot-revolution? Let us know in the comments below!
You’re ready to make the change. Maybe you want to lose a few pounds, strengthen your muscles or/and train for a challenge. It’s no secret that many of us struggle with motivation when we decide to join our local gym – however, it doesn’t have to be like this. So, what choices can we make that ensures that we make an actual lifestyle change and stay motivated? If you are in or around Amstelveen, put the stroopwafel down and read on because this boutique gym is just for you.
We were new to all this, so we took a trip to Next Level AMS in Amstelveen to check out a boutique gym with a heartfelt background story.
How Next Level AMS came to be: The origin story
We’re used to the usual ‘well I just woke up one morning and thought of this great idea’ – but this time around there really is a story behind how this boutique gym came to be. Tal, the founder of Next Level AMS began this journey over 20 years ago when a truck hit him while he was driving his scooter. This resulted in a very serious injury which left him unable to walk or even stand for 6 months (let alone do this fitness stuff). Tal was wheelchair-bound during this period and had to adapt to this new way of life, a change that would eventually lead him to own his own boutique studio.
If this dude could complete a marathon after buggering up his legs like this then we surely all can get into shape (source: nextlevelams)
Hailing from Israel, Tal caught the travel bug to explore the world. He then realized that his dream was to have a job helping people change their lives when he was looking for a career change. That’s how he ended up in Amsterdam in 2013. After his time working in IT, he felt a bit lost about what to do in life (many of us understand this feeling too well). Tal got certified as a personal trainer and started working part-time with clients while working fulltime in IT. And after realizing the potential of his pursuits in personal training, he tried to recruit new clients with much success.
Fitness became a big part of his life and he embraced the ‘don’t take your life for granted’ motto and grabbed it with both hands.
Fast-forward to 2019 and he spends his time helping other people improve their fitness and wellbeing at his ‘Next Level AMS’ boutique gym in Amstelveen.
Hey Tal!
This boutique gym in Amstelveen, an expat hotspot, only opened a few months ago, so we dropped in to meet him and check it out for ourselves.
*To see the full story about his accident, his goal to complete a marathon and about how this boutique came to be, check out his blog – it’s a really inspiring story (he even completed the marathon by the way!)
Why a boutique gym over conventional gyms?
Let’s be honest with ourselves now: Do we ever stick around at a conventional gym long enough to see results? Long-lasting results? Some of us can, but most of us spend our lives joining and rejoining gyms over the years. I for one have had my weight yo-yo up and down since living in the Netherlands (those damn bitterballen and stroopwafels) and if you really want to make the change, it’s usually going to take more than a quick gym registration.
Humans are awesome:
When you first sign up for a conventional gym, you get a membership card, you swipe in and get going. There’s nothing personal about it, nobody is going to check to see how you’re doing and when you begin to lose motivation and stop going, the gym isn’t going to ask you if you’re okay and if you actually want to come back.
Then there’s also the fact that the group classes are small and not crowded, just to allow the coaches to make sure you move correctly when exercising. And the same goes for the weights room, there’s a maximum of 4 people training by themselves at any given time.
That’s the difference between boutique fitness and a traditional gym experience – you’re not a number, you’re a person; a much cared-for person. If you’re not showing up like you used to, they will reach out to you and encourage you to come back. Think of it like a trusty friend who drops in to see how you’re doing when they haven’t heard from you in a while. That’s the kind of experience that places like Next Level AMS give you.
The staff at Next Level AMS were so accommodating – they even let us have a little work out (sorry Abu!)
Image: Next Level AMS/Supplied
You will receive a tailor-made workout
When you go to the gym on your own, you tend to circuit around the different machines and usually have a favourite that you tend to stick to. Unless you know a lot about fitness (through courses/degrees or being a trainer yourself), chances are you aren’t going to know what exercises work for your needs and for your body type.
Push it Abu!
When you start out at Next Level AMS for your personal training, you will be invited for a free intake session – here is your chance to let them know what your goals are, to tell them about you and to figure out if any health problems or injuries have occurred. Their Osteopath team member will weigh in on how to customize the training plan as well. The Osteopath will help in planning so that your fitness or health goals will be realized without letting any previous injuries and health problems put you off exercise! Tal told us that it was something that he also spent his time worrying about when recovering from his injury. In fact, resting any longer than it needs actually weakens it. With the correct advice, support, and training, you can feel strong again. Take it from the guy who started this in the first place!
Image: Next Level AMS/Supplied
Once you start working out you will have continuous 1-1 support. Next Level AMS even has VIP rooms where it can just be you and your trainer and no one else. This way there will be no distractions and you can be comfortable during your whole workout (you can even put on your playlist to play during your session – Britney, anyone?)
You’re even hooked up to a heart rate monitor to monitor your fitness level throughout your workouts!
No one:… Absolutely no one:… Abuzer: lifts shirt and shows off his heart monitor.Image: Next Level AMS/Supplied
Boutique gym: Access to great facilities in a homely environment
Next Level AMS is a compact, yet airy gym with a large variety of equipment located on three floors of the boutique gym. The first thing we noticed when we walked in was how bright it was. The gym has a lot of natural light streaming in through the windows, which is really different to tradition gyms where it’s usually a ‘basement’ gym and very dark. It makes it so much more inviting when you go inside. It still kept the ‘industrial’ look though, so it’s got a lot of character.
Next Level AMS appeals to all different kinds of people. If you want 1-1 sessions you have a personal trainer and group exercise for if you want to exercise in a small group and have fun while you do it. It’s all about what works best for you and your schedule, that goes for time (early mornings till late evenings) and frequency too.
Whatever your journey, you’re not doing it alone
As we’ve said across the article, motivation is one of the biggest reasons for failing to make that lifestyle change. It isn’t easy, so it’s understandable that many of us take a slip up. Next Level AMS want to make sure that you keep that motivation going. When you join the small group classes, you become a part of a community and you can join WhatsApp groups, events, can work out together and attend fun events put on by them. You’re really not alone on your journey and that’s the difference when you join a boutique gym – you’re part of a community and it’s more personal.
Juggling work, a social life, hobbies, children, study AND working is no mean feat. That’s another great thing about boutique gyms like Next Level AMS – they understand this and so it’s perfect for a busy schedule. You can choose when you want to work out and seeing as they are open 7 days a week (7 am – 10 pm), there is bound to be a time of day to suit your needs. You’re in control. That’s a big one here.
You will also have the opportunity to meet all of the trainers and experience a session with them. Every personal trainer works differently and it’s important that not only that you find a match when it comes to training, but also on a personal level (where you can build a great rapport). The added bonus is that through experiencing different personal trainers, your journey will be more exciting and challenging!
Tal is one of them and he was a really caring guy. With PTs from all over the world, you also can have a trainer who speaks your mother tongue (well, for the most part!)
Taking that first step to a healthy lifestyle takes a lot of willpower because it never just be a quick fix, but an actual lifestyle change.
Exercise is only part of the journey…
You can exercise as much as you like, but if you’re going home and scoffing those stroopwafels and poffertjes, then you’re trying to win a losing battle (we’ve mentioned stroopwafels three times now, can you see the trend?). Life in the Netherlands can get hectic — so much to see and do and so little time.
If you’re struggling with your eating habits, a boutique gym like Next Level AMS will be able to refer you to a home nutritionist. Your goal will be easier to reach if you optimize your new diet around your new exercise regime and that’s why it’s important. They want to make sure your whole lifestyle is healthy where you will be encouraged to switch your bad habits out with good ones through physical activity and nutritional diet changes.
And hey, they even have delicious protein shakes and smoothies to help you on your way.
All in all, this boutique gym in Amstelveen had a great homely vibe with lots of friendly faces. So if you’re willing to take the next step, they’ll do it right with you. Need a bit more incentive to join this gym? They are offering a 10% discount on all packages because they have opened only recently! Just mention DutchReview and it should all be fine!
As they say: We do not believe in the phrase “I cannot!”, but we believe in “Let’s do this together.”
A plan to increase the maximum of parents in a Dutch family from two to four has failed to pass in the Dutch cabinet. Despite being in talks for years, the decision was handed down this afternoon, a blow for an increasing number of multi-parent families.
The final decision ignores the recommendation of a state committee which advocated for four legally recognised parents in 2016. Stepparents, foster parents, surrogates, and other family members raising children will be affected the most, particularly children of a gay or lesbian couple with the ‘rule-of-two’ set to stay.
Although it looked like an agreement was reached and several websites reported so, the cabinet has shot down a proposal to allow multiple parents in one family. It seems that the ‘liberal’ VVD and D66 have caved in for the ‘Christian’ CDA and CU.
What Will Happen for Dutch Multi-Parents Families Instead?
Instead, these ‘informal’ parents will need to make do with a form of parental authority, instead of a parental rights, NU.nl reports. This will be the only accommodation for the new types of families that have been emerging and becoming increasingly common over time.
For simple matters, those with parental authority will be able to get information from the school, or take the child to the doctor. However, when it comes to more complex issues, such as radical medical treatment, only the two legal parents will be allowed to make the decision.
If the two legal parents die, the guardianship of the child or children will not automatically transfer to the ‘informal’ parents. However, they will receive a preferential position when considering the new legal guardians.
New Rules for Dutch Surrogate Mothers
In the same meeting, the government chose to implement a new scheme for surrogate mothers used in instances where couples cannot have children. Currently, the surrogate mother is the legal parent, but under the new regulations this role would pass on to the intended parents – following a court decision, of course.
For adopted children, children of surrogate mothers, or children conceived via donation, another decision today gives them access to a new central register to discover the biological descent.
