Rembrandt Turns 400

Here's another chance for me to show off my Dutch-Canadian roots.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was born 400 years ago on July 15, 1606, in Leiden (the Netherlands). It was the Dutch Golden Age, when Holland was on top of the world. The son of a miller, Rembrandt proved to be an artistic prodigy. He entered university at the age of 14, and by 22 he had students of his own.

Although best known for his 600 plus paintings, he created more than 2,000 drawings and etchings, mostly for his own use. He made more than 60 self-portraits. He is considered to be one the greatest Western artists, and the most important in Dutch history.

In Holland, the year 2006 is being spent in celebration of Rembrandt's 400th birthday. There are special events and displays, especially in Leiden and Amsterdam. This would be a good year to visit the Netherlands.

News

Amsterdam fetes Rembrandt's 400th birthday
Dutch mark Rembrandt's 400th anniversary

Links

Official Website of Rembrandt's 400th Year
Rembrandt 400 in Rijksmuseum
Rembrandt: Life and Works
Rembrandt Wallpaper Downloads
Rembrandt (Wikipedia)
Leiden (Wikipedia)
Amsterdam (Wikipedia)

In Dutch

Rembrandt 400 Jaar (Dutch Public Broadcasting)
Leiden Rembrandtfestival 2006

Happy Fourth of July

O.K., so I'm not an American. I can still enjoy the 4th of July. I don't have a barbecue, either, but I made a point of having a traditional celebration by eating a hamburger at Harvey's. Their flame broiled hamburger is a beautiful thing. They also make the best onion rings.

I even had fireworks today. First there was the successful shuttle launch, then the North Korean missile tests (which were not so successful). I watched a little of the Boston Pops fireworks special, but it loses something in the translation when viewed on TV. I guess a rocket launch is more impressive to me on TV because I've never seen it in person. One of these years (before 2010) I have to go see a live launch. The other day I accidentally came across the website where you can buy the tickets. I guess you could say there's no such thing as a free launch.

Oh, and I watched the World Cup semifinal game between Italy and Germany. Ninety minutes ended without a score. The additional thirty minutes were almost over and I was starting to look forward to a penalty kickoff. With about a minute left, Italy came out of nowhere and scored two goals in rapid succession! There was much rejoicing in Toronto. The Italians will play whoever wins tomorrow. Portugal against France. I have the sinking feeling that the Portuguese will be vicorious this year. They are fast and cunning, but I lost my respect for them last week when they played the Dutch. They are fun to watch, though, and there's nothing prettier than Maniche floating around that field.

Maybe in a few years Canada will be playing in the World Cup. Our first dedicated soccer stadium should be completed in 2007, and it's only a matter of time before we're up to international standards.

Happy Canada Day

There's a lot going on this Canada Day. It's the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme (WWI), the World Cup is in the quarter finals (England lost to Portugal), there was a shuttle launch scheduled (and scrubbed), and the Tour de France sans Lance Armstrong begins this weekend.

More Links

The National Flag of Canada

The Canadian National Anthem

The Battle of the Somme (Wikipedia)

Photo archive of the Somme

Zoomable map of the Somme

Official NASA website

NASA Watch

Tour de France (Wikipedia)