Theo Bruinsma — Poet

The people of the Netherlands are told they live in a democracy. But do they really? In the picture above, King Willem-Alexander stands next to President Trump, with his wife Queen Máxima beside him. Standing off to the side is Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the elected leader of the Netherlands. This arrangement is highly symbolic. The elected representative of the people is placed on the sideline — “offside,” to use a soccer term — while the unelected monarchs occupy the center of the frame.

The investigation into the "Dossiers du Rocher" continues to make headlines in Monaco. At the center is Patrice Pastor, chairman of Groupe Pastor. Pastor is represented by Thierry Herzog, one of France’s most prominent lawyers. The scandal has raised questions about influence and real estate dealings in Monaco’s highest circles. Prince Albert II has distanced himself from those implicated in the scandal by throwing his advisers under the bus.  The Dossiers du Rocher has raised questions about how much Prince Albert himself knew about the corruption. And who is to say Prince Albert wasn’t on the take himself. In Monaco his crown may be above the law, but he is not above the temptations of greed, immorality and vanity. History has shown this to be the diet of all European monarchs.  Patrice Pastor, despite denying any involvement in leaking the emails that exposed the Dossiers du Rocher scandal, may ironically be one of the unlikely heroes in this saga — exposing what many beli...

  Patrice Pastor in the Village of Monaco: A Real-World Reflection of Patrick McGoohan's 'The Prisoner' After arriving underground by train from Nice, I walked up the stairs, stepped into Monaco, and immediately noticed how clean the streets were. I looked up at the buildings and saw how perfectly maintained they were. Everything around me seemed new and fresh.

The crane is the most common bird in Monaco The Inspiration Behind the Poem This poem explores the changing landscape of Monaco, contrasting the literal construction cranes dominating the skyline with the political atmosphere surrounding the palace. It touches upon themes of modern development, privacy, and the hidden tensions within a famous monarchy. The air in Monaco is always clean Sometimes a raven can be seen But the crane bird is everywhere Buildings rising here and there All the cranes bear the same name From a family with great fame They rule the skies of Monaco Better to be their friend than their foe In the distance is the palace Where the Prince is pacing with malice Another day another scandal The priest shook his head and lit a candle Who had leaked the dirt? To cause the monarchy so much hurt Who made the man with the crown Look like such a clown? Surrounded by the wrong men Punished by a poison pen Though he still has his crown Many greet him with a hidden frown In Mona...

  The History and Themes Behind the Satire This satirical poem draws inspiration from the dramatic events surrounding Dutch politics, specifically mirroring the tension and sudden tragedy of historical political assassinations. By using a fairy-tale motif ("Mirror Mirror" and "The Neverlands"), the poem provides a biting commentary on the relationship between systemic corruption, the monarchy, and political silencing. "Mirror Mirror on the wall Who is the most popular of them all" "Professor Pim" the mirror said The man the Queen wanted dead The Queen hated Professor Pim For he had called her son dumb and dim With only a few days away Professor Pim would have a say The Queen's ministers had warned her The election was around the corner If Professor Pim would become the Prime Minister of the Neverlands He would hold her future in his hands Without a poison apple around A useful idiot had to be found The Queen's men found such a man And qui...

  There was a song during the eighties by the Scottish rock band, Simple Minds, called “ Promised You a Miracle .” But I always heard it as “Promised You America.”

As a teenager growing-up in Holland, I used to watch numerous American TV shows. The one that I really liked was Miami Vice starring Don Johnson. At this time in Holland there were only two television channels, and they didn’t commence until 3pm in the afternoon and ended slightly passed 11pm. Another one I really liked was  Magnum, P.I.  starring Tom Selleck. And though Magnum, P.I. was featured only once a week, it provided me with enough inspiration to enter the world of palm trees, white beaches, beautiful women and a red Ferrari. But if not a red Ferrari, I would have gladly settled for the convertible Rolls-Royce Corniche as occasionally featured in my other favorite TV show, Hart to Hart , starring Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. For me, Don Johnson, Tom Selleck, and Robert Wagner as portrayed on television were the ideal men living in the ideal world.

Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly in High Society (1956) Frank Sinatra Singing for the Princess Grace Foundation of Monaco in Dallas, Texas DALLAS, TEXAS: In October 1986, a significant event took place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel (then called the Loews Anatole): the Princess Grace Foundation gala, and the royal family of Monaco was in attendance. Several days before the event, all staff scheduled to work underwent background checks. Though we waiters were not privy to specific details, we noticed numerous men in suits loitering around and we suspected they were federal agents.

Elitism vs. Elegance: Encounters with Wolfgang Puck, Robert Duvall, and Depeche Mode at the Crescent Court Hotel DALLAS, TEXAS -- 1985-89: Luckily, a new hotel had opened-up in Dallas, and I was able to work some banquet shifts there. It was a 5 star hotel called The Crescent Court Hotel.