Summer has truly started. Given the current wheather, it is nice to be able to have meetings in the park, rather then in a hot office.

After returning from the hospital it was time to collect my little Indian again. They were all very tired after playing for hours in a row.

Three bypasses have been created. All went well with the long operation yesterday. I was very very happy to see my father again. Just seeing all the tubes going in to him and the tape over the big cut gives an impression what he went through. We could only stay for 15 minutes as it was too much for him, so short after the operation. What a relief to see him again.

Today it is 'Indians' day at school. Roderick goes fully dressed up, with one of his favourite toys, a Pokemon ball. He would lose the ball later during the day...

The ON-demand generation is here. Things have moved to flexibility. One of the key strenghts of The Netherlands is the flexibility to pilot new services and creative products and then to export them abroad, using tools as mobility, language ability, trademanship and sofort.

Today was an extremely hot day. Temperatures went up into the high 30's.This morning over 30 was measured, even with everything open. The necessity to wear a hat is clear to me.

Things went well with the operation. Dad is still on Intensive Care, but all is good. A big relief indeed.

My dad will have heart surgery tomorrow morning. Our prays are with him from all of us. Good luck dad, we love you.

18 kilograms, he is becoming bigger and bigger :)

Admiring the fleet of trucks. To Roderick all this space is mind boggling. In Amsterdam everything is so close together and here so much space...

Reading the newspaper on the bench where his father used to read the papers.

Again and again...

Roderick loves going up and down in the elevator that was installed for my mother. The control over the lift is great for a little boy.

But then the man with the hammer comes and the only thing you then want, is to stick close to mama.

After having trained and played for nearly two hours, it is time to do the faces to daddy :)

Roderick is joining the juniors at VRA in Amstelveen. He likes it a lot, but discipline is still to come. He might have a good cricket future being a lefthanded batsman/bowler.

Cricket is a true gentleman's game. Both team play and individual performance are important. It is physical as well as a psychological game where rules are applied vigorously and complaining is not in the book. In short an excellent educational and fun game to play or watch.

The comic book came with two finger puppets. Roderick and I had lots of fun with them.

Roderick is into Japanese comics now. I must admit that this books (though difficult to read) are great fun and are well constructed. Maybe an inspiration for a publisher here.

I want one!

One might argue that this is a strange phonenumber for a sushi restaurant. Potentially driven by the fact that 'go'sushi already was gone. Nice combination of Italian motoring and Japanese food though.

Interesting to see that not the entire world has turned to weblogs as their key medium to send out the message. Even the good old stencilling is still around. Maybe one of the better examples of 'retrofut'.

We had a wonderful evening at Cirque du Soleil. Good atmosphere to reflect on the meeting 'Kids and Telecom' last year and good to prepare for the coming one 'What to watch where' this year. My co-host Marjet van Zuijlen was also present. Looking forward working with her again.

Big billboards are becoming increasingly popular. Next to the giant iPod adds, now also Nokia with their UMTS phones has followed this.

Memories of Japan all around. Like the little lucky puppet connected to the Neonode N1m. Cool? I am not sure....

And he was right. The snuggly fitting earphones (awkward first time you insert them) sound like, well great. Of course it would have been handier if I would have purchased them before my flight to Japan. On the other hand this proves my 'ambassador'-theory where referrals by avid users are the best way of being advised on new purchases.

Paul Molenaar had 12 hours to convince me of the need for and quality of earphones. In the end I selected the 6i, not the ones he recommended. White fitting with the iPod and instant availability made me select this route.

Wrapped in appropriate paper (so I hope at least, my Japanese is a little rusty).

A photobook with picture memories from Tokyo, to be sent off. A Japanese pen is enclosed so that own memories can be added to the pictures.

Truely all over Amsterdam. It will be a music lovers and podcasters summer.

These posters (giant) appear to be all over the place.

The nice wheather is on again. The vivid iPod posters brighten things up even further.

Roderick is happy with ultraman, a gift toy I brought back with me from my business trip. Ultraman can fly around on a fishing line, driven by a propellor at his feet.

The sun creates a beautiful contrast between the green and the wood.

The owners still live here a couple of months a year. For the rest it is visited by tourists such as us.

After having been to Japan for a week, it is very nice to be home again. During the nice moring and afternoon we visited a castle in the middle of Holland.

The Japanese are proud of their technological achievements such as HDTV.

Next to the traditions, the latest and greatest technology is in day to day use.

Putting your wishes on a piece of wood is a nice tradition around the temples which many people still folow today.

Big groups are visiting the ancient and beautifull temples. Of course under strict and fim guidance.

Dead born children are reminded here. it was a striking environment. To imagine what it means to lose a baby...

A full week in Japan was fantastic. The blend of speed, agility and tranquility was intriguing to follow. Next to state-of -the-art gadgets and technology, tradition can be found all around.

Roderick and Caroline, I will miss them coming week. Posting will be minimal probably, so enjoy the archives :)

Babette, he friend from accross the street was one of te humans and was playing 'princess' according to her and Roderick, it was difficult to determine from the audience's perspective. It became clear that we have entered the fully digital age. Almost all of the parents where sporting digital video or photo cameras. Or mobile phones with cameras, or combinations of the three. For many years people will be able to enjoy what was captured today.

Today was a big day since it was the first musical Roderick is performing in. It had something to do with mice and men. Roderick was one of the mice. Unfortunately we did not get to much insight into the story line of the musical.

Given that his father is going to Japan, we gave Roderick a Samurai set, including a long and a short Samurai sword and a bow so he can be an effective indoor archer. The little sword of course had to be taken to school.

The same interview from the perspective of the main studio. People need time to absorp what has happened and listen to the politicians with their initial reactions.Let's hope some all this brings something better for our little country.

The Prime Minister with initial reflection on the outcome, not an easy task, on the other hand it comes with the job.

An arena was created with seats surrounding the centre. With the outcome of the referendum different then expected, the seats were not filled that easily.

The Netherlands said no to the European constitution. The surprise was quite big, especially about the size of the (>60%) group that said no.