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Let's move on to more modern day heroes. Our contributions to the movie industry include directors Paul Verhoeven (Basic Instinct) and Jan de Bont (Speed), famous actors like Jeroen Krabbe (The Fugitive, Living Daylights), Rutger Hauer (Blind Fury, Blade Runner), Renee Soutendijk (Eve of Destruction), Monique van de Ven (The Assault) and Femke Janssen (Don't say a word, I Spy, X-Men).
Although US born, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (X-Men, Femme Fatale) is of Dutch descent on her father's side.
Dutch movies have been present at the Oscars many times, and even won the famous statuette in the foreign language film category for: "The Assault" (De Aanslag) in 1987, "Antonia's Line" (with Dutch actress Willeke van Ammelrooy) in 1995 and "Character" in 1997.
Scientist Wubbo Ockels was the first Dutch astronaut to be part of a space shuttle mission in 1985 with the Challenger, which had its disastrous accident two months later in 1986.
How about some contributions to the music industry? Well, for those of you "old" enough to remember, what about "Venus" by Shocking Blue (1969) or "Radar Love" by the Golden Earring (1974).
They have been around for a long time and still make great music. For those of you who like our "world famous" Dutch rock band the Golden Earring, please check out their web site at www.goldenearring.nl for information on the "Dutch Rolling Stones".
Thanks to Prince, the Klemann sisters (Monique and Suzanne) from the band Loïs Lane, and of course Candy Dulfer (saxophonist) became famous during the 1990s. Candy Dulfer joined Prince recently during his 2002 tour.
World renowned photographer Anton Corbijn (born in 1955) has teamed up with some of the world's greatest artists, like U2. His simple black-and-white style of still photography has earned him the reputation of one of the most sought-after star photographers in the world.
Or what about some of our famous Dutch brands like Heineken or Philips. Heineken for years was America's number one imported beer. Philips Electronics (light bulbs, medical equipment, consumer electronics, semiconductors) is one of the worlds biggest electronics companies and holds a vast amount of patents (compact cassette, CD). Magnavox has been part of Philips for a long time!
I'm not sure Dutch apple pie, Dutch chocolate etc. are typically Dutch, however I do think being frugal is typical for the Dutch: driving around the block to find a parking spot without a parking meter? What do you think?
Usually I warn people for the Dutch banks and insurance companies: they are ruthless and own more stuff then they know what to do with. I was unpleasantly surprised some time ago to find out that a famous San Francisco landmark - the Transamerica Building - was sold to the Dutch insurance company Aegon.
Please think again before you condemn us to clogs, tulips and chocolates next time.
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