Winter in holland

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5BridgeS plays a 24-carat symphonic prog reminiscent of Genesis Wind & Wuthering / Trick of the Tale period. Artfully crafted , phenomenal instrumentation with loads of synths layered over organ, propulsive drumming and Taurus bass pedals! (yippee!!) . There is excellent theatricality and interplay between the Hacket-esque guitar and the minimoog, and other keys. At times there is a build up to a ‘wall of sound’ as present on one of the epic tracks ‘Amazon & Haven’ , but what is most appreciated is the non traditional song structures that accompany the Gabriel inspired vocals , more like a ’story in sound’ rather than the repetitive chorus and verse repetition in so many ununique bands. Not the case here, thank the prog gods. Another feature I like, that isnt used often in prog anymore, with the exception of Hasse Brunisson of the Flower Kings, is employing percussion like various chimes and tinkling sounds that put a flourish in certain corners of the songs and when this is combined with the keys -it provides that 70’s retro flavor used so effectively by the Flower Kings. 5BridgeS is 2009 Find of the Year and this excellently composed and melodically complex symphonic prog requires the support of the Prog Archives community. I am awarding a 5-Star ***** to 5BridgeS for their delightful efforts and attentions to the details, that is so many times underused or overlooked which harken back to the golden days of prog, that for a first release, it should be celebrated and shared with others of similar listening interests. So, if you want ro revisit the classic albums of Genesis, then look no further than the musical magnificence of 5BridgeS !! Special thanks to Rob Van der Linden (drums) for getting a pre-release of the CD to me and for the opportunity to review it, so others can be rewarded with goosebumps as I was! (www.progarchives.com)

Tracks list:
1. Didymus (7:19)
2. Babylon curse reversed (6:34)
3. On Calpe’s rock (6:16)
4. The spell of eternity (10:11)
5. Martialis’ reveries (1:34)
6. Tricks & treason (8:51)
7. Lovernius’ song (4:01)
8. Batavian revolt (11:54)
9. Amazons & haven (11:13)
10. Sign on the wall (6:24)

Line up:
- Luke d’Araceno / organ, (electric and acoustic) piano, minimoog, digital synths, samples, programming
- Enzo Gallo / electric guitars, acoustic guitar, steel guitar;
- Rob van der Linden / drums, percussion;
- Piet Roelofsen / lead voice, voices, acoustic guitar;
- Martin Thoolen / bass guitars, moog taurus/pedals, voices

Dammit.

I thought Old Man Winter had overlooked these parts.

The weather had remained civilized late into the year, pushing into its final month. November was cold, but certainly not as cold as it could have been. But the final page on my calendar turned, and with it came the darkness of suddenly short days, and the skin-shaving cold.

Currently, it’s unbearable. A smile/frown/grimace plastered itself on my face this morning, as I hopped, turned and twisted, trying to find in motion some measure of warmth. The bus came quickly, and I gratefully boarded.

As usual, the weather stirred some forgotten feelings in me. I began to take stock.

What am I doing here? Besides my tropical blood, I grew up in a temperate (if wet) climate. I’ve had beer on sunny balconies in February. My beard had nary an icicle in it before I moved here.

But then, I take great pleasure in answering the question (why on earth did you move from there, to here?) in the following way:

“Why else would a young, relatively well-educated man move to a city of decidedly less charms?”

“Oh. What’s her name?”

A character in the book I’m reading (Netherland, by Joseph O’Neill, meh, it’s OK) has only one rule: absolutely no regrets. I have none in my decision to move here. Sure, my life is harder in many ways, but in many more it’s better. So much better that I not only have no regrets about moving here, but I celebrate it. I’ve marked the two anniversaries of my settling here in my own private way, with my little indulgence. Its passing is a definite marker, a point where I feel myself getting farther from an existence that had become difficult for me. I suppose it’s trite to say I’ve changed. But I have, in significant and important ways.

Nevermind the misty goings on of my personal development. Something else occured to me riding the bus this morning. An artifact from my hometown is my preference for light, airy, shell jackets, usually layered with Gore-Tex and fused with a water-beading surface treatment. Although perfect for the gales that lash the West Coast, this strategy is less than ideal for one of the driest climates in this country. See, when it gets cold back where I’m from, I put on a fleece before putting on a shell. I thought I would deal with the Edmonton cold by simply adding more layers.

I was wrong. And let me now declare, the difference between “wet” cold and “dry” cold becomes meaningless at around -10. After that point, it’s just plain cold.

My fondness for light shell jackets has meant a growing collection of inadequate warmth layers in my closet, and a legacy of split zippers. This year, I’ve had enough. I can no longer stuff down-filled vests and fleece jackets under my Columbia shells anymore. Besides being inadequate, I am damaging some very nice garments. I will have to enter forsaken territory.

I will have to buy a coat.

Buying a coat has turned out to be a strenuous affair. I am a big man, and finding an adequate coat is not simply a matter of finding the right size. It seems this, the final layering, is the most shape-fickle garment of all. It seems that many a coat makes me look fat.

Also, coats are expensive. I found the perfect coat last year, and it cost $1,500. I suppose I could buy those survival, puffy, down-filled Michelin Man monstrosities that look comfortable and work like a survivalist dream. But you look like an idiot. And you look fat.

I think of all this as I sit in my seat, listening to Cat Power, my body rocking to Jasper Avenue’s pot-holed message to my bones. And I know, by this time next week, I will be the owner of a thick, warmth-trapping, cozy coat. I know I will delight when A. shoulders on my coat because her little body is cold, but also, secretly, becomes it smells of me.

I won’t, however, be able to escape the idea that, no matter how silly the notion, buying a coat will seal the permanence of my stay. Shivering and hopping on the street, under layers of down, wool, fleece and one shell jacket, is a signal that I’m not cut out for this town, and it would be better if I left.

A coat will raise that question in me, make take stock in the change I took two years ago: am I here to stay?

Am I?

Astral Travellers is a band from Noord Brabant, The Netherlands, and has been together in the current line up since 2000. Formerly known by the name Oker – in a period when the band was more of a rock band – but after the musical change working under the current name. We are dealing here with a real progrock band focusing more on the symphonic elements than on the metal side of it. There are five tracks on this self financed demo ‘The Truth Beyond’ which in old school progrock tradition last in total over 45 minutes. The band refers to Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Muse as their musical influences, but I think that they have an unique style and that is a compliment! The lyrics are very profound, the music is well thought-out and they seem to master their instruments nicely. Sufficient ingredients for a great demo.

Gerben Van Oosterhout is a singer with a typical ‘love it or hate it’ voice. He sings in an intense way with plenty of drama. Some will probably find it a bit too much, a bit overdone. People who do not mind this, will enjoy hearing someone sing with a lot of emotion and passion and who has a story to tell. To be fair: I had to get used to his voice but now I find his narrative way of singing very beautiful (and please put the lyrics on the website!). Compliments for the production of keyboard player Jochem Brok. For me personally the heavier parts could have sounded heavier but I don not know if the band wants to emphasize that heavier side of the music. My favourite song is ‘Higher’ because it is really compact and has a very nice ending. The opening track ‘Gather Around’ is the most dramatic song, ‘Whole Damnation’ shows their technical qualities best and the concluding ‘Dance Of Death’ is a beautiful piece of songwriting.

I hope that guitarist Barry Veeke in the future will be allowed more room to play more solos and that drummer Tristan De Rijk will make use of the double bassdrum more. Bassist Maarten finally ensures a very solid and refined base for their music; together with the drums he at times creates a sort of Tool-like atmosphere. For fans of real progrock this is an absolute must; a product of great class. LLPR

Tracklist:
01. Gather Around (9:18)
02. Higher (7:05)
03. Whole Damnation (7:57)
04. As She Goes Down (10:42)
05. Dance Of Death (12:11)

Line up:
Gerben van Oosterhout – Vocals
Jochem Brok – Keyboards
Tristan de Rijk – Drums
Barry Veeke – Guitars
Maarten Vermeulen – Bass

I don’t live in New York City. I don’t play cricket. Why then do I keep picking up books about the disorientation of living in post 9/11 New York (see Chronic City) and the civility of cricket (see Psmith in the City)? Joseph O’Neill came to Salt Lake City and signed copies of Netherland at Winter Institute prior to receiving the PEN/Faulkner Award, so I did have two valid reasons for reading this book. Which leaves the question of timing. Why did I wait until now to read it? I had picked it up earlier but another book interposed it’s way on to my reading list. Had I read Netherland at another time I’m confident I would have enjoyed it more. It is well-written and award-worthy, it has a cast of original characters, and I identified with the malaise that held the protagonist in an inert state despite not sharing his Dutch/Englishman in New York background, his enthusiasm for cricket, or his income bracket. I identified with Hans against my will; I’m weary of the malaise. Netherland is indeed a relevant book, but it’s not the kind of book I’d like to be reading  at the moment. I’ve had enough of New York City. I’m going to hold off on reading Joanna Smith Rakoff’s A Fortunate Age as a result and get back to some non-fiction.

A few weeks ago, I passed this cozy cafe in Eindhoven during the Dutch Design Week in Netherland. After some search work, I found some pictures and text via Dezeen. Amsterdam designers Bearandbunny designed the interior of this cafe, that is located in a disused factory in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Called Grand Cafe Usine, the cafe is located on the ground floor of the building where the Philips light bulbs were once produced.

The former Philips light tower in Eindhoven is now host to Grand Cafe Usine which is based on the ground floor of this iconic building. In the early days light bulbs for Philips where produced here. Nowadays the building is one of Eindhoven’s well known monuments.

An old Philips poster with the caption: ‘Les plus grandes usines du monde’ was the inspiration for the restaurant. For the concept it was changed into: ‘Usine le plus grand cafe du monde.’ A grand cafe for everyone!

Project Usine concerned the development of an overall concept where the menu, the food as offered, the service as desired, the opening hours, the graphic language and the interior should all bind together.

Bearandbunny therefore first visualised the moments of the day and analysed Usine’s consumers. With these analysis as a base we created the different zones in the restaurant; entrance, kitchen, bar, cafe, brasserie, restaurant, function room, childrens corner, shop, smoking area, office, toilets, storage and the terrace.

When making the lay-out Bearandbunny started by planning the toilet area; we believe that enough space and attention for this particular zone emphasizes the level of service as provided.

A large entrance was created to liaise with the existing architectural language and to get a strong sense of atmosphere. Big windows characterise the architectural aspects of the building and guarantee the interior space has a strong focus towards the outside. However, the raised flooring near the windows creates an intimate atmosphere indoors.

When we refined the details and selected the materials, our main goal was to make the contemporary interior fit flawlessly in the structure and characteristics of this characteristic building.

By combining old and new together in a natural way an atmosphere was created as if Usine has been there already for several years. Bearandbunny was responsable the overall part of the design of the furniture.

Click here for more info and pictures

Photographs are made by Arjen Schmitz.

VISIT BEARANDBUNNY

Boring day Today in Amsterdam the weather is horrible. Lots of rain and wind. Yesterday we’ve got the same weather in the morning. But later on the sun was shining and it became a nice afternoon. I had to do some shopping in the city center. After that is took some shots.

The fist one is a tourist taking a picture of her family. I was impressed by her boots. They are great don’t you think.

The second one I took at one of the canals. I saw some colourful tourist on orange bikes. But when I wanted to take the picture this couple passed them. Well I was happy with it.

The last one is typical Amsterdam I think. All tourists come to Holland for the Red light district, drugs and the canals.

see also on my pictures on FlickR

By J. Michael Bone and Michael R. Walsh

Although parental alienation syndrome (PAS) is a familiar term, there is still a great deal of confusion and unclarity about its nature, dimensions, and, therefore, its detection.(1) Its presence, however, is unmistakable. In a longitudinal study of 700 “high conflict” divorce cases followed over 12 years, it was concluded that elements of PAS are present in the vast majority of the samples.(2) Diagnosis of PAS is reserved for mental health professionals who come to the court in the form of expert witnesses. Diagnostic hallmarks usually are couched in clinical terms that remain vague and open to interpretation and, therefore. susceptible to argument pro and con by opposing experts. The phenomenon of one parent turning the child against the other parent is not a complicated concept, but historically it has been difficult to identify clearly. Consequently, cases involving PAS are heavily litigated, filled with accusations and counter accusations, and thus leave the court with an endless search for details that eventually evaporate into nothing other than rank hearsay. It is our experience that the PAS phenomenon leaves a trail that can be identified more effectively by removing the accusation hysteria, and looking ahead in another positive direction.

For the purpose of this article the authors are assuming a fair degree of familiarity with parental alienation syndrome on the part of the reader.(3) There are many good writings on PAS which the reader may wish to consult now or in the future for general information. Our focus here is much more narrow. Specifically, the goal is twofold. First we will describe four very specific criteria that can be used to identify potential PAS. In most instances, these criteria can be identified through the facts of the case, but also can be revealed by deposition or court testimony. Secondly, we wish to introduce the concept of “attempted” PAS; that is when the criteria of PAS are present, but the child is not successfully alienated from the absent parent. This phenomenon is still quite harmful and the fact of children not being alienated should not be viewed as neutral by the court.

The criteria described below are fairly easy to identify separate and apart from the court file. When there is uncertainty about any of them, these criteria can be used to guide the attorney in the deposing of witnesses as well as in their examination in court.

Criteria I: Access and Contact Blocking

Criteria I involves the active blocking of access or contact between the child and the absent parent. The rationale used to justify it may well take many different forms. One of the most common is that of protection. It may be argued that the absent parent’s parental judgment is inferior and, therefore, the child is much worse off from the visit. In extreme cases, this will take the form of allegations of child abuse, quite often sexual abuse. This will be addressed in more detail in Criteria II, but suffice it to say that often this is heard as a reason for visitation to be suspended or even terminated. On a more subtle and common level, an argument heard for the blocking of visitation is that seeing the absent parent is “unsettling” to the child, and that they need time “to adjust.” The message here is that the absent parent is treated less like a key family member and more like an annoying acquaintance that the child must see at times. Over time, this pattern can have a seriously erosive effect on the child’s relationship with the absent parent. An even more subtle expression of this is that the visitation is “inconvenient,” thereby relegating it to the status of an errand or chore. Again the result is the erosion of the relationship between the child and the absent or “target” parent. One phenomenon often seen in this context is that any deviation from the schedule is used as a reason to cancel visitation entirely.

The common thread to all of these tactics is that one parent is superior and the other is not and, therefore, should be peripheral to the child’s life. The alienating parent in these circumstances is acting inappropriately as a gatekeeper for the child to see the absent parent. When this occurs for periods of substantial time, the child is given the unspoken but clear message that one parent is senior to the other. Younger children are more vulnerable to this message and tend to take it uncritically; however, one can always detect elements of it echoed even into the teenage years. The important concept here is that each parent is given the responsibility to promote a positive relationship with the other parent. When this principle is violated in the context of blocking access on a consistent basis, one can assume that Criteria I has been, unmistakably identified.

Criteria II: Unfounded Abuse Allegations

The second criteria is related to false or unfounded accusations of abuse against the absent parent. The most strident expression of this is the false accusation of sexual abuse.(4) It has been well studied that the incident of false allegations of sexual abuse account for over half of those reported, when the parents are divorcing or are in conflict over some post dissolution issue.(5) This is especially the situation with small children who are more vulnerable to the manipulations implied by such false allegations. When the record shows that even one report of such abuse is ruled as unfounded, the interviewer is well advised to look for other expressions of false accusations.

Other examples of this might be found in allegations of physical abuse that investigators later rule as being unfounded. Interestingly our experience has been that there are fewer false allegations of physical abuse than of other forms of abuse, presumably because physical abuse leaves visible evidence. It is, of course, much easier to falsely accuse someone of something that leaves no physical sign and has no third party witnesses.

A much more common expression of this pattern would be that of what would be termed emotional abuse. When false allegations of emotional abuse are leveled, one often finds that what is present is actually differing parental judgment that is being framed as “abusive” by the absent parent. For example, one parent may let a child stay up later at night than the other parent would, and this scheduling might be termed as being “abusive” or “detrimental” to the child. Or one parent might introduce a new “significant other” to the child before the other parent believes that they should and this might also be called “abusive” to the child. Alternatively one parent might enroll a child in an activity with which the other parent disagrees and this activity is, in actuality, a difference of parental opinion that is now described as being abusive in nature. These examples, as trivial as they seem individually, may be suggestive of a theme of treating parental difference in inappropriately subjective judgmental terms. If this theme is present, all manner of things can be described in ways that convey the message of abuse, either directly or indirectly. When this phenomenon occurs in literally thousands of different ways and times, each of which seems insignificant on its own, the emotional atmosphere that it creates carries a clearly alienating effect on the child.

Obviously, this type of acrimony is very common in dissolution actions but such conflict should not necessarily be mistaken or be taken as illustrative of the PAS syndrome; however, the criteria is clearly present and identifiable when the parent is eager to hurl abuse allegations, rather than being cautious, careful. and even reluctant to do so. This latter stance is more in keeping with the parent’s responsibility to encourage and affirmatively support a relationship with the other parent. The responsible parent will only allege abuse after he or she has tried and failed to rationalize why the issue at hand is not abusive. Simply put, the responsible parent will give the other parent the benefit of the doubt when such allegations arise. He or she will, if anything, err on the side of denial, whereas the alienating parent will not miss an opportunity to accuse the other parent. When this theme is present in a clear and consistent way, this criteria for PAS is met.

Criteria III: Deterioration in Relationship Since Separation

The third of the criteria necessary for the detection of PAS is probably the least described or identified, but critically is one of the most important. It has to do with the existence of a positive relationship between the minor children and the now absent or nonresidential parent, prior to the marital separation; and a substantial deterioration, of it since then. Such a recognized decline does not occur on its own. It is, therefore, one of the most important indicators of the presence of alienation as well. as a full measure of its relative “success.” By way of example, if a father had a good and involved relationship with the children prior to the separation, and a very distant one since, then one can only assume without explicit proof to the contrary that something caused it to change. If this father is clearly trying to maintain a positive relationship with the children through observance of visitation and other activities and the children do not want to see him or have him involved in their lives, then one can only speculate that an alienation process may have been in operation. Children do not naturally lose interest in and become distant from their nonresidential parent simply by virtue of the absence of that parent. Also, healthy and established parental relationships do not erode naturally of their own accord. They must be attacked. Therefore, any dramatic change in this area is virtually always an indicator of an alienation process that has had some success in the past.

Most notably, if a careful evaluation of the pre-separation parental relationship is not made, its omission creates an impression that the troubled or even alienated status that exists since is more or lees an accurate summary of what existed previously. Note that nothing could be further from the truth! An alienated or even partially or intermittently alienated relationship with the nonresidential parent and the children after the separation is more accurately a distortion of the real parental relationship in question. Its follow-through is often overlooked in the hysterical atmosphere that is often present in these cases. A careful practitioner well knows that a close examination is warranted and that it must be conducted with the utmost detail and scrutiny.

If this piece of the puzzle is left out, the consequences can be quite devastating for the survival of this relationship. Also, without this component, the court can be easily swayed into premature closure or fooled into thinking that the turmoil of the separation environment is representative of the true parent-child relationship. Once this ruling is made by the court, it is an exacting challenge to correct its perception.

In a separate but related issue, a word should be said about the use of experts. First, it must be understood that all mental health professionals are not aware of nor know how to treat the PAS phenomenon. In fact, when a mental health professional unfamiliar with PAS is called upon to make a recommendation about custody, access, or related issues, he or she potentially can do more harm than good. For example, if the psychologist fails to investigate the pre-separation relationship of the nonresidential parent and the children, he or she may very easily mistake the current acrimony in that relationship to be representative of it, and recommend that the children should have less visitation with that parent, obviously supporting the undiagnosed PAS that is still in progress. If that expert also fails to evaluate critically the abuse claims or the agenda of the claimant, they may be taken at face value and again potentially support the undiagnosed PAS. If that professional is not also sensitive to the subtleties of access and contact blocking as its motivator, he or she may potentially support it, thereby contributing to the PAS process. When these things occur, the mental health professional expert has actually become part of the PAS, albeit unwittingly. Alarmingly, this happens often. Suffice it to say, if PAS is suspected, the attorney should closely and carefully evaluate the mental health professional’s investigation and conclusion. Failure to do so can cause irreparable harm to the case, and, ultimately to the children.

Criteria IV: Intense Fear Reaction by Children

The fourth criteria necessary for the detection of PAS is admittedly more psychological than the first three. It refers to an obvious fear reaction on the part of the children, of displeasing or disagreeing with the potentially alienating parent in regard to the absent or potential target parent. Simply put, an alienating parent operates by the adage, “My way or the highway.” If the children disobey this directive, especially in expressing positive approval of the absent parent, the consequences can be very serious. It is not uncommon for an alienating parent to reject the child(ren), often telling him or her that they should go live with the target parent. When this does occur one often sees that this threat is not carried out, yet it operates more as a message of constant warning. The child, in effect, is put into a position of being the alienating parent’s “agent” and is continually being put through various loyalty tests. The important issue here is that the alienating patent thus forces the child to choose parents. This, of course, is in direct opposition to a child’s emotional well being.

In order to fully appreciate this scenario, one must realize that the PAS process operates in a “fear based” environment. It is the installation of fear by the alienating parent to the minor children that is the fuel by which this pattern is driven; this fear taps into what psychoanalysis tell us is the most basic emotion inherent in human nature–the fear of abandonment. Children under these conditions live in a state of chronic upset and threat of reprisal. When the child does dare to defy the alienating parent, they quickly learn that there is a serious price to pay. Consequently, children who live such lives develop an acute sense of vigilance over displeasing the alienating parent. The sensitized observer can see this in visitation plans that suddenly change for no apparent reason. For example, when the appointed time approaches, the child suddenly changes his or her tune and begins to loudly protest a visit that was not previously complained about. It is in these instances that a court, once suspecting PAS must enforce in strict terms the visitation schedule which otherwise would not have occurred or would have been ignored.

The alienating parent can most often be found posturing bewilderment regarding the sudden change in their child’s feelings about the visit. In fact, the alienating parent often will appear to be the one supporting visitation. This scenario is a very common one in PAS families. It is standard because it encapsulates and exposes, if only for an instant, the fear-based core of the alienation process. Another way to express this concept would be that whenever the child is given any significant choice in the visitation, he or she is put in the position to act out a loyalty to the alienating parent’s wishes by refusing to have the visitation at all with the absent parent. Failure to do so opens the door for that child’s being abandoned by the parent with whom the child lives the vast majority of the time. Children, under these circumstances, will simply not opt on their own far a free choice. The court must thus act expeditiously to protect them and employ a host of specific and available remedies.(6)

As a consequence of the foregoing, these children learn to manipulate. Children often play one parent against the other in an effort to gain some advantage. In the case of PAS, the same dynamic operates at more desperate level. No longer manipulating to gain advantage, these children learn to manipulate just to survive. They become expert beyond their years at reading the emotional environment, telling partial truths, and then telling out-and-out lies. One must, however, remember that these are survival strategies that they were forced to learn in order to keep peace at home and avoid emotional attack by the residential parent. Given this understanding, it is perhaps easier to see why children, in an effort to cope with this situation, often find it easier if they begin to internalize the alienating parent’s perceptions of the absent parent and begin to echo these feelings. This is one of the most compelling and dramatic effects of PAS, that is, hearing a child vilifying the absent parent and joining the alienating parent in such attacks. If one is not sensitive to the “fear-based” core at the heart of this, it is difficult not to take the child’s protests at face value. This, of course, is compounded when the expert is also not sensitive to this powerful fear component, and believes that the child is voicing his or her own inner feelings in endorsing the “no visitation” plan.

Conclusion

All the criteria listed above can be found independent of each other in highly contested dissolutions, but remember that the appearance of some of them does not always constitute PAS. When all four are clearly present, however, add the possibility of real abuse has been reasonably ruled out, the parental alienation process is operative. This does not necessarily mean, however, that it is succeeding in that the children are being successfully alienated from the target parent. The best predictor of successful alienation is directly related to the success of the alienating parent at keeping the children from the target parent. When there are substantial periods in which they do not see the other parent, the children are more likely to be poisoned by the process. Another variable that predicts success is the child’s age. Younger children generally are more vulnerable than older ones. Also, another variable is the depth and degree of involvement of the pre-separation parent-child relationship. The longer and more involved that relationship, the less vulnerable will be the children to successful alienation. The final predictor is the parental tenacity of the target parent. A targeted parent often gives up and walks away, thus greatly increasing the chances of successful alienation.

The question remains: What if all four criteria are present, but the children are not successfully alienated? Should this failure at alienation be seen as nullifying the attempt at alienation? The answer to that should be a resounding “No!” It should be, but often it is not. It is very common to read a psychological evaluation or a GAL’s report that identified PAS but then notes that since it was not successful, it should not be taken very seriously. Nothing could be further from the truth. Any attempt at alienating the children from the other parent should be seen as a direct and willful violation of one of the prime duties of parenthood, which is to promote and encourage a positive and loving relationship with the other parent, and the concept of shared parental responsibility.

It is our feeling that when attempted PAS has been identified, successful or not, it must be dealt with swiftly by the court. If it is not, it will contaminate and quietly control all other parenting issues and then lead only to unhappiness, frustration, and, lastly, parental estrangement.

Published by: ABP World Group International Child Recovery Service

Visit our web site at: www.abpworld.com

Guarding Against International Parental Child Abduction

Source: U.S Department of State

Parental child abduction is a federal crime.  It is also a tragedy that jeopardizes children and has substantial long-term consequences for the “left-behind” parent, the child, the family, and society. Children who are abducted by their parents are often suddenly isolated from their extended families, friends, and classmates. They are at risk of serious emotional and psychological problems. Similarly, left-behind parents experience a wide range of emotions including betrayal, loss, anger, and depression. In international cases, they often face unfamiliar legal, cultural, and linguistic barriers that compound these emotions.

In this section of our Web site, learn about the measures you can take to prevent your child from being wrongfully taken to or wrongfully kept in another country.  In addition to the materials below, also see these important links:

• Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program
• Passport Requirements for Minors
• Additional Prevention Tools
• For Attorneys & Judges

International Parental Child Abduction Is Illegal

Under the laws of the United States and many foreign countries, international parental child abduction is crime.  Removing a child from the United States against another parent’s wishes can be considered a crime in every U.S. state.  In some cases an abducting parent may be charged with a Federal crime under the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act (IPKCA).  This can be the case even when neither parent holds a custody decree prior to the abduction. Nevertheless, a custody decree can be helpful to prevent an international parental child abduction, or to recover your child if he/she is abducted.

The Importance of a Custody Decree

A well-written custody decree is an important line of defense against international parental child abduction. In your custody decree, it may be advisable to include a statement that prohibits your child from traveling abroad without your permission or that of the court. Ask your attorney if you should obtain a decree of sole custody or a decree that prohibits the travel of your child without your permission or that of the court.  If you have or would prefer to have a joint custody decree, you may want to make certain that it prohibits your child from traveling abroad without your permission or that of the court.

If your child is at risk of being taken to a country that partners with the United States under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), your custody decree should include the terms of the Hague Abduction Convention that apply if there is an abduction or wrongful retention (see country list).

The American Bar Association also suggests requesting the court, if the other parent is not a U.S. citizen or has significant ties to a foreign country, to require that parent to post a bond. This may be useful both as a deterrent to abduction and, if forfeited because of an abduction, as a source of revenue for you in your efforts to locate and recover your child.

REMINDER: Obtain several certified copies of your custody decree from the court that issued it. Give a copy to your child’s school and advise school personnel to whom your child may be released.

Two Parent Signature Law for a Passport

The United States does not have exit controls on its borders for holders of a valid passport.  This makes preventing a passport from being issued to your child without your consent very important.  Generally, if your child has a passport, it can be difficult to prevent the other parent from removing the child to another country without your permission.

U.S. law requires the signature of both parents, or the child’s legal guardians, prior to issuance of a U.S. passport to children under the age of 16.  To obtain a U.S. passport for a child under the age of 16, both parents (or the child’s legal guardians) must execute the child’s passport application and provide documentary evidence demonstrating that they are the parents or guardians.  If this cannot be done, the person executing the passport application must provide documentary evidence that he or she has sole custody of the child, has the consent of the other parent to the issuance of the passport, or is acting in place of the parents and has the consent of both parents (or of a parent/legal guardian with sole custody over the child to the issuance of the passport).

EXCEPTIONS: The law does provide two exceptions to this requirement: (1) for exigent circumstances, such as those involving the health or welfare of he child, or (2) when the Secretary of State determines that issuance of a passport is warranted by special family circumstances.

Read more: Passport Requirements for Minors

Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program

You may also ask that your child’s name be entered into the State Department’s Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP).  Entering your child into the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program will enable the Department to notify you or your attorney if an application for a U.S. passport for the child is received anywhere in the United States or at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. If you have a court order that either grants you sole custody, joint legal custody, or prohibits your child from traveling without your permission or the permission of the court, the Department may refuse to issue a new or renewal U.S. passport for your child. The Department may not, however, revoke a passport that has already been issued to the child. There is also no way to track the use of a passport once it has been issued, since there are no exit controls for people leaving the U.S. If your child already has a passport, you should take steps to ensure that it is kept from a potential abductor by asking the court or attorneys to hold it.

IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. The United States does not have exit controls.
2. The Department of State may not revoke a passport that has been issued to a child, but you can ask a court to hold onto it.
3. There is no way to track the use of a passport once it has been issued.
4. Your child might also be a citizen of another country (dual nationality).  Even if he/she does not have a U.S. passport, your child may be able to travel on the other country’s passport.

The Privacy Act and Passports

Passport information is protected by the provisions of the Privacy Act (PL 93-579) passed by Congress in 1974. Information regarding a minor’s passport is available to either parent. Information regarding adults may be available to law enforcement officials or pursuant to a court order issued by the court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with (22 CFR 51.27). For further information regarding the issuance or denial of United States passports to minors involved in custody disputes, please contact Passport Services.

Published by: ABP World Group International Child Recovery Service

Visit our web site at: www.abpworld.com

1999 Netherland
illustration by Hergé (1907-1983)

I think this is from ‘Explorers on the Moon’, one of the series of ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ by the great comic writer and artist.  I ofetn think about Cuteness or simply what appeal to me – this case, it is clearly Snowy, the dog… in a space suit with tail location.

『タンタンの冒険旅行』の中の一作『月世界探検』からの2コマと思われます。何かを見て「かわいい！」と反応してしまう要素って何だろう？と考えることがあるのですが、この場合は間違いなくタンタンのお供スノーウィーの、、、「しっぽまで曲がるように出来ている宇宙飛行士の服」ですね。

25 November 1997 Netherland
‘Christmas telepathy’
design by Julia Kaiser

These stamps were posted by a friend of mine Ineke, a class mate from college, after she returned to her country.  I was familiar with British stamps by that time, but these Dutch colourful and very contemporary stamps made me very excited.  I normally do not like to remove self-adhesive stamps from envelope, but this time I used light fuel and enjoyed to collect them.

大学院を終え故国に帰ったオランダ人の級友イネカがクリスマスカードに貼ってくれた切手。イギリスの切手には馴染んでいたけれど、このカラフルで力強いイラストにはびっくりしました。手描きなのに、とてもコンテンポラリー！普通はあまり好きでないセルフのりの切手ですが、楽しんではがしてアルバムに入れた最初のオランダの切手です。

Rachel Stein 戰前是犹太藉荷蘭歌星, 二次大戰開始就四周躲避納粹黨的追捕, 被一個自稱為地下抗爭組織的人出賣, 父母兄弟均死於納粹黨的槍下,Rachel被地下抗爭組織的人救起改名Ellis 和Hans 假扮情侶偷禁藥和發报機,在一次火車途中Ellis 為逃避納粹的搜查借德國軍官Ludwig Munze之便而脫險. 地下組織領袖的兒子被納粹捉拿, 派Ellis色誘Munze,而得情報迎救他們. 因戰爭而家破人亡的Munze和Ellis同病相憐, 兩人發生真情, Ellis發現當年殺死自己全家的軍官正為Munze工作和當年自稱為地下抗爭組織的人串通騙有錢的犹太人, 殺人之後掠奪他們的財產, Ellis誓報此仇, Munze愿瞞著上司幫Ellis殺了自稱為地下抗爭組織的人.

Ludwig Munze開始懷疑Ellis的身份, Ellis道出了其手下私殺犹太人謀財之惡行, Munze欲追究卻被其反咬一口上告其和地下抗爭組織的人談判的事而入獄被判死刑.在整救行動中遭德軍埋伏,只有Hans逃脫. Ellis被陷害是出賣者. 更被德軍捉進牢獄, Munze手下舊將和Ellis在德軍工作的朋友合作救出了Ellis和Munze, Ellis和Munze均認為律師是奸細,出賣地下抗爭組織,不料律師被殺, 死前交給Ellis一本黑色記事本. Munze被捉,被德軍處死. Hans在女牢裡救出Ellis, 告知Munze已死, Ellis傷心欲絕,全身顫抖, Hans為Ellis打針,Ellis發現是胰島素,Ellis逃脫,查看黑色記事本才發現Hans才是提供有錢的犹太人名單并出賣他們的人. Ellis告知地下抗爭組織首長還其清白,并合力殺死Hans.

Fabbrica, is a Italian restaurant designed by Tjep, located in Rotterdam, Netherland. After the success of restaurant Praq, one of our favorite clients commissioned a new restaurant to be located in the Rotterdam harbor, right between the boats and the cranes. Fabbrica struck us as the most convenient name for this new Italian restaurant.

Fabbrica meaning factory in Italian, we envisioned the canteen of a very special factory: a very romantic factory where pleasure is produced for guests.

Like in the canteen of a factory you will find long tables and benches at Fabbrica, but than colored in Italian ice-cream shop style colors: pink and pistachio green. The oven is placed in a huge tank, covered with italian mosaic. A large wall composed of crane elements is used to store wood to fire the oven.

Every detail combines industrial sturdiness with soft colors or decorative elements. We chose not to intervene with the authentic industrial character of this nineteenth century warehouse so we left all the structures in original state. The walls for example are left intact, in several places large glass panels were placed in front of them covered with Italian wallpaper patterns.

The result is that the patterns seem to float in front of the wall in a complex game of reflections. Lovers get to sit in a train structure that floats in the center of the space. The logo of Fabbrica is based on a font in which the point on the i resembles the beautiful shape of a hand made pizza, but one can also see a full moon, as it enlightens Fabbrica at night.

Photographes are made by Daniel Nicolas

VISIT TJEP DESIGNERS

7 October 1986 Netherland
Storm Surge Map
design by Irene Klinkenberg and Nicole van Schouwenburg

Celebrating their works on delta protection completed, it shows how the storm tamed within controlled bay – so their birds are secured, too.  Again, a lot of information in small stamp – but nicely designed.  I like the little ‘c’ is located between 6 and 5, otherwise easy to be missed out.  75 cent stamp has illustration of people hand in hand, creating levee… a bit over-descriptive, isn’t it?

防水事業の完成を祝っている1986年のオランダの切手。高ぶる波も堤防を越えず、野鳥も保護されているようです。小さな面積にたくさんの情報が詰め込まれていますが、色合いのおかげかすっきりしています。一枚目、数字6と5の間にこっそりあるセントの「c」がかわいい。2枚目の75セントは人々が手に手をとって堤防を築き、、、というのがちょっと説明過多な気がするのはわたしだけでしょうか？

1 March 1983 Netherland
100 years of A.N.W.B.
design by Hans Kruit and René van Raalte

ANWB stands for Algemene Nederlandse Wielrijders Bond (Dutch automobile association).  This is designed in typical manner of 1980’s Doutch stamps, with a lot of informatio in multicolour, together with photograph – but done in nice way.

ANWBとはオランダのAA（車が故障した時のために会員になっておいて、助けに来てくれる、あのサービス）のようです。この切手は自転車の描かれた道路標識が目について買ったものです。1980年代のオランダの切手に特徴的な多色印刷で写真も使われ、少し情報過多なのですが、色合いが好きで見入ってしまう一枚。