I got an email in two days ago through one of those social networking websites that I try so hard to avoid because I don’t feel the need to expose myself in a way like some of my friends do. I’m cautious about certain things and when I notice some of them mix work with pleasure, publish phone numbers, addresses, bank account numbers, job history and what viral diseases they have conquered over the years, it truly makes me wonder if they realise that ignorance ain’t bliss in this case: there are sickos online cruising for this kind of stuff.
Anyway… The email was from my friend B. one of my former Rietveld students. The reason why I mention this is because she told me some disturbing news. My all-time favourite -best Irish pub in Amsterdam- ‘the Tig’ has closed, the place where I would have a meal and meet up with friends. Where I knew some of the regulars, the owner and the manager: both would always say hi and have a chat with me. The pub that was my second home, served the best salads, English breakfast, roasted potato wedges and battered shrimps in town.
(…)
All those little gems that were mine to treasure and share with friends, hidden away from the annoying tourists, the yuppies and the crowds, the spots that make Amsterdam my home, all seem to slowly disappear. B. wrote me: a shame really because it was such a nice place and it always reminded me of you and all the wonderful times we had there… Indeed, good times we had… Farewell my dear old pub, I will always have the wonderful memories of happiness, friends, too many whiskies and trying to cycle home in an intoxicated state.
My birthday at the Tig, one of many happy, fun and hilarious moments there…
Oh
I know the feeling…they were going to close the bakery where I go here and it felt really bad because the owner is so nice and the bread is prepared the traditional way. Luckily I think the neighbours helped him to keep his shop and he is still there 
You know, it’s amazing! Today I received this warning e-mail about these social networks. I sent it to my sis though I had told her in the past to use them but selecting the privacy settings to the maximum just the way I do.
I have closed my hi5 account, removed all my info and pics and facebook I have it but with all the privacy settings so that if someone looks for me with my e-mail address or name won’t find me. According to what I have understood I don’t even show in my friends’ list and never publish too much…there are facebook addicts but I am not one of them. I just have it in case friends find it easier to send messages through it. But I prefer to keep in touch through my blog. I guess it’s a matter of taste as I think that if my friends truly want to keep in touch they would visit my blog and leave comments (they never do though, my Salvadoran friends). I started my blog way before the Facebook craze so now that they are all a fuss about social networks I just don’t feel in the least obliged to keep up with their Facebook updates.
Anyway, the other day they also published something about privacy warning by the European Commisioner. Have a look at it if you like.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Hi Wen, I’m sorry to hear about the bakery, I hope he will manage to keep his business, bakeries are so nice and fresh baked bread is so much better than the factory stuff! How considerate of his neighbours, that’s true community spirit!
I’ve also deleted lots of info not that I had import stuff on there to begin with because I’m extremely cautious but yes, I deleted pictures and such and set most options to private
My friends tried to convince me of getting a profile, I did a few times but after a while I can’t be bothered anymore and most are just there to satisfy their curiosity of others or to show off, I don’t wish to be part of that, not my style
I agree with you about the blog, I know my friends read my posts but it’s extremely rare that they leave me a comment, only when I’m dying… *LOL* I’m sarcastic but that is actually true, they didn’t hear from me for a while when I ended up in hospital and that was the only time they left me a comment
I’m having a blast today: I’m designing and building banners in Flash for the accountant website, which is a bit of coding as well and kinda like producing a small movie, I love doing it! Hope you’re having a great weekend too! Thanks for your visit Wen, you’re always appreciated