Places To ShopPlaces To Shop
Amsterdam's Comic Book Stores
If you are on vacation in Amsterdam, while browsing the museums, taking in the beautiful architecture, shoving croquettes down your gullet and partaking in legalized debauchery, you might want to pause for a moment and think “I wonder what Daredevil is up to this week?” Then take some time to see Amsterdam’s wonderful assortment of comic book stores, specifically, Henk’s, Gojoker, and Lambiek. Now, you might say, “Renzo, you devastatingly handsome expert of the sequential arts, what could three comic book stores have to offer that I couldn’t just get at one?”
That is because the three stores I am looking at today each offer a unique selection of titles depending on whether your tastes are American, European, or lost oddities. But all these stores share in common a vibrant love for comics and are all easily worth your time. Besides, it beats hanging out with obnoxious college kids at the Bulldog.
Henk Comics & Manga (Zeedijk 136C, 1012 BC) represents the best one could look for in an American style comic book store. Though compact in size, it offers a fine selection of mainstream and indie titles from the US (I snagged a copy of Glory, Saga, and Prophet) and new manga releases, action figures, and a few long boxes of assorted oddities (I got my friends a couple old issues of Spiderman in Dutch).
And what’s a good comic book store without a few surprises? Along with the aforementioned Dutch Spidey comics, I also found what I thought to be Japanese pop-idol magazines from the early 90’s, but turned out to be Japanese adult magazines from the early 90’s. Like I said, surprises! The staff was also very helpful and were more than happy to help me find the books I was looking. For the weary traveler looking to catch up on the titles they might be missing back home, Henk’s is an excellent stop.
Gojoker (Zeedijk 31-A 1012 AP, not to be confused with The Jolly Joker, a coffee shop next to Henk) is a hidden treasure. Not far from Henk, the shop window is small and inconspicuous. Unless you have an eagle eye for comic shelves, you could easily pass it by. Gojoker offers a great selection of European (very few in English) comics, many of which are long out of print.
It’s the sort of place to go to if you’re looking for something more unusual or a forgotten gem. The first floor has a wall filled to the brim with a mix of new trade-paperbacks from the US, Marvel Essentials, and new manga releases, but the rest of the floor is European titles, many new releases, but mostly older, harder to find books. But below all this lies Gojoker’s heart: the basement.
The basement is a very odd assortment. When you get down there, it doesn’t look quite as much like a quaint shop, but more like the basement of someone that has been collecting nothing but comics for decades. The walls are completely lined with shelves from floor to ceiling while the rest of the room is filled with tables with long boxes on top.
It is quite possibly the most Spartan presentation of comics I have ever seen in a store, eschewing the usual posters and decorations for bare walls, exposed pipes, and lots and lots comics. But at no point did I ever feel the basement was messy or slapshod. Everything was organized by publisher, or author and the books were all in fine quality.
I picked up a Dutch printing of an issue of Watchmen, a Spanish horror comic from the 60’s, and a colored Judge Dredd collection. Go Joker may look like a hole in the wall at a glance, but it is one of the best stores I’ve seen for vintage and out of print comics.
Lambiek (Kerkstraat 132 1017 GP), opened in 1968, is Amsterdam’s premiere comic book store and one of the world’s first galleries for sequential art. Lambiek is a short walk from the Leidsplein (Amsterdam’s central hub to bars, museums, and general revelry) represents the best in new European comics. It’s pretty clear that Lambiek is very entrenched in the indie comics world when you see that their business card is actually a mini-comic by Jimmy Corrigan author, Chris Ware.
Lambiek is also the largest store of the three. Brightly lit and colorfully decorated, it has a warm and inviting atmosphere
Lambiek’s strength is its wide selection of new European releases, but it also has a great selection of American indie comics like Black Hole and Scott Pilgrim, and vintage comics like Metal Hurlant. The European selection is a great mix of titles for all ages. Kids comics like Spirou and Lou!, along with mind-bending comics by the likes of Alejandro Jodorowsky, Moebius, Milo Manara, Jean-Claude Forest, and more.
I picked up a copy of an excellent Belgian comic called Soda by Bruno Gazzotti about a cop in pre-Giuliani New York that tells his mother he’s a priest so she won’t have a heart-attack. No English editions of this comic exist, so you’ll have to scour the internet for fan-translations, but it is well worth tracking down.
Attached to Lambiek is Galerie Lambiek, a collection of various works of original comic art. While the space was not running an exhibition at the time, I spotted hanging on the walls a few pieces by Frank Frazetta and Jaime Hernandez and the space is also frequently used for workshops and drawing classes.
While people don’t usually think of Amsterdam as a comics epicenter, they really should. All three of these stores show a true enthusiasm and love for comics, and I valued seeing them just as much as the Van Gogh Museum or the beautiful architecture.
Henk Comics & Manga Store
Zeedijk 136C
Amsterdam, 1012 BC
Gojoker Strips & Comics
Zeedijk 31A
Amsterdam, 1012 AP
Lambiek
Kerkstraat 132
Amsterdam 1017 GP
Go Green With The Ultimate Green Store
Now is the time to save the earth by going green. Put more green into traveling with eco-friendly travel gears now selling at The Ultimate Green Store. Take an exciting adventure while helping the environment at the same time.
Saving the planet has become essential so natural, organic, and recycled versions of classic travel items are offered here including:
- travel gear
- backpacks
- organic bedding
- towels
- furniture
- reusable bottles
- organic sunscreen
- skincare
The Ultimate Green Store has not only carries travel products but it also offers items for the home and office, as as well clothes for men and women and even pets!
Choose from numerous brands in the following product categories:
- Home
- Office
- Baby
- Kids
- Teens+Dorms
- Pets
- Bath+Body
- Clothing+Bags
- Solar
- Gifts
And while you are thinking about travel keep in mind that trains and buses are over five times more energy-efficient than traveling by car, and produce three to seven times fewer CO2 emissions than flying.
Check out the website for useful items now on sale: http://www.theultimategreenstore.com/default.aspx
Or call 1-800-983-8393.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
There is a lot of pressure to find that right gift for that someone special any time, let 
alone for Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas that should help.
First, let’s deal with those traditional romantic standbys, flowers and sweets:
Rising rents have made both the neighborhood florist and bakery an endangered species. Teleflora, and 1-800-FLOWERS can prepare and deliver practically any bouquet and floral arrangement.
Counting calories should wait for another day, as companies such as Sweet Street, William Greenberg Desserts and Crumbs Bakery are all on the Web and get their sinfully delicious confections to consumers overnight.
If you want a healthier yet still tasty option, Harry & David has a Fruit-of-the-Month Club.
Many scientific studies are showing that red wine is good for heart health. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of Pinot Noir from the Pacific Northwest, such as Oregon’s Benton-Lane Winery. If you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon from Northern California, try a bottle from Sterling Vineyards in Napa Valley or Clos du Bois from Sonoma. Nero d’Avola from D’alessandro in Sicily is another red option that has a full body and mild taste.
If you prefer other spirits, Grey Goose, Svedka and Stolichnaya all make smooth flavored vodkas. Johnny Walker has long been synonymous with quality scotch and there is no better time to enjoy it than in cold weather. Liqueur fans should try Cointreau, and the delightfully named Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, which mixes Tennessee whiskey with cherries.
It is not surprising that Valentine’s Day is more important than the Christmas/Chanukah holiday season for the jewelry industry. If you want to go all out, visit a Judith Ripka boutique.
If you want a quality necklace or bracelet at a reasonable price, there are plenty of options. Companies such as Lia Sophia, Jennifer Fisher, Sweethearts Jewelry and Housewives Jewelry by Nancy Rosen, whose designs are worn by the ladies on Bravo’s various Real Housewives franchises, all sell products with prices under $100.
To keep your jewelry from tarnishing, Shine, a cleaning mousse from Colle Products gets the job done.
Watches are both practical and very cost-efficient. You can get a very stylish timepiece for a
very small price. Fossil, Almar, Rumba Time and Armitron all make top-notch watches that will tell you the same time as such pricy lines as Tag Heuer, Rolex and Movado.
Handbags run the gamut in price and quality. Vera Bradley is popular with women because of its fun patterns, ample space and reasonable prices. Olivia + Joy and designer Danielle Nicole make fine wristlets and clutches.
Domestic goods can add a romantic touch. Luxor Linens, which manufactures plush bathrobes, also makes Egyptian thread bath sheets and high thread count linens.
Christiane Lemieux has quickly become one of New York City’s top interior designers. Kat Burki is another New York-area interior designer whose scented candle collection helps enhance evening ambience. The Museum of Modern Art Design Store is another good source for knickknacks for your home.
Everyone wants to look their glowing youthful best, and it's no wonder that the skin care business is a billion dollar industry.
You can’t go wrong with body lotions, moisturizers and washes from such leading companies as Avon, Thymes, Clarins, Davines, Comfort Zone, Jack Black and Burt’s Bees.
The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works are good brick and mortar retailers that sell quality personal care products that fit nearly every budget. Sephora’s Lorac brand has quickly become one of the biggest selling cosmetics lines.
Amway’s ARTISTRY® brand has a new line that promises to get rid of wrinkles and other aging signs rapidly. You don’t need to know an Amway rep, as you can purchase products at the Amway website.
Women still outnumber men when it comes to consuming a lot of grooming products, and a few companies are smartly using humor to attract guys.
Demeter Fragrances, run by Great Neck resident and long-suffering NY Mets season ticket holder Mark Crames, has colognes that remind one of bubble gum, dirt, vanilla cake batter, and gin & tonic.
Not to be outdone, a company which calls itself Hey Dude (so much for subtlety!) makes shaving and other dermal products intended only for men.
Grit N Glory sells ManCans, which are candles made from recycled cans and have such masculine scents as gunpowder, pizza and sawdust.
You can always bring the elements of a spa home to you. Brookstone and Sharper Image have foot and calf massagers that relieve the inexorable aches and pains that come from exercising and merely standing. (Even though they’ve closed their retail stores, they still sell products via their websi
tes. )
2(x)ist and Victoria's Secret's Pink line make playful and sexy undergarments for guys and gals, respectively.
Victoria’s Secret and Forever 21 are just some of the many retailers who sell NFL Women’s Apparel. Guys, if you want your girlfriend or wife to spend Sunday afternoons on the couch with you, this could be a smart purchase!
Smartbox, similar to the Entertainment books, lists spas, restaurants and myriad other activities one can share with that special someone at a bargain price.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Teleflora
www.teleflora.com
1-800-FLOWERS
(1-800-356-9377)
www.1800flowers.com
Sweet Street
www.sweetstreet.com
William Greenberg Desserts
1100 Madison Avenue
New York City
212-861-1340
Harry & David
www.harryanddavid.com
Benton-Lane Winery
23924 Territorial Hwy.
Monroe, OR 97456
541-847-5792
www.benton-lane.com
Sterling Vineyards
1111 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-942-3300
800-726-6136
www.sterlingvineyards.com
Clos Du Bois Winery
19410 Geyserville Ave
Geyserville, CA 95441
800-222-3189
closdubois.com
d'Alessandro - Azienda Agricola
www.dalmin.it
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
903 Parkway - Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-699
www.olesmokymoonshine.com
Judith Ripka
www.judithripka.com
Lia Sophia
www.liasophia.com
Jennifer Fisher Jewelry
jenniferfisherjewelry.com
Sweethearts Jewelry
www.sweetheartsjewelry.com
Housewives Jewelry
www.housewivesjewelry.com
Fossil
www.fossil.com
Rumba Time
www.rumbatime.com
Tag Heuer
us.tagheuer.com
Rolex
www.rolex.com
Movado
www.movado.com
For more jewelry options, see
www.thelimited.com
www.endless.com.
Vera Bradley
www.verabradley.com
Olivia + Joy
oliviaandjoy.com
Danielle Nicole
danielle-nicole.com
Luxor Linens
www.luxorlinens.com
Christiane Lemieux
DwellStudio
155 Sixth Ave, 7th Floor
New York City
877-99-DWELL (877-993-9355)
www.dwellstudio.com
Kat Burki
175 Post Road West
Westport, CT 06880
888-881-7677
203-222-1700
www.katburki.com
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Design Store
800-793-3167
www.momastore.org
Davines
www.davines.com
Amway - ARTISTRY®
www.amway.com
Demeter Fragrance
www.demeterfragrance.com
Grit N Glory
186 Orchard St.
New York, NY 10002
212-253-2775
gritnglory.tumblr.com
Brookstone
www.brookstone.com
The Sharper Image
877-819 4734
www.sharperimage.com
2xist
www.2xist.com
Victoria's Secret
www.victoriassecret.com
Smartbox
(www.smartbox.com)
Travel Shopping Tips: Father's Day Gift Guide
There is no way for anyone to truly express their gratitude to the man who most shaped ou
r lives, but Father’s Day is a great time to show appreciation. Here are some reasonably priced gift ideas.
Watches are still the most popular and functional jewelry pieces for men. Sure, it would be nice to be able to afford a Rolex, Tag Heuer or Tissot for your father, but both Timex and Fossil make stylish timepieces that fit nearly all budgets. Long Island City-based Armitron also has durable and luxurious watches at all price points.
It is no secret that most guys are more fashion-conscious than ever. Joseph Abboud and Armani Exchange make sporty blazers that can be worn for all occasions and for all seasons.
Land's End has quietly become a major player in men’s summer fashions with their Canvas line of shirts, pants and jackets which take their inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s summers in Hyannis. Land's End also produces mesh polo shirts which are perfect for casual Fridays at the office.
Everyone needs a good pair of comfortable dress shoes, and Auri Footwear has long been a favorite of mine because of their styles, comfort and reasonable prices.
Just as m
ore men are more aware of style, they are also cognizant of the importance of taking care of their skin to prevent both premature aging and preventable skin cancers. Jack Black’s (not the comedy actor) Texture Cream, Dirty Beauty’s Body Butter, Dr. Loretta Essential Supplements, Anthony Logistics, ReVive Renewal, and Clarins Men’s Super Moisture Gel are all very good and reasonably priced skin regimens.
Sunglasses can provide important protection from harmful ultraviolet rays to one’s face and eyes, and of course, they can make a fashion statement as well. Carrera aviators and Oakley wraparounds offer optical protection as well as making you look like a movie star.
There is no question that exercise is a key to longevity and being able to enjoy a quality life. Reebok’s RealFlex and ZigTech shoes are both great for jogging, while K-Swiss’s Classic SDE is a fine walking sneaker. If dad still likes to shoot some hoops on the weekend, Above The Rim (known in the athletic shoe game by its initials, ATR) liberally borrows its look from, and has a similar quality to, Nike’s Air Jordan (which is still regarded as the Tiffany of sneakers) but is a lot less expens
ive.
Champion’s C9, Under Armour’s Charged Cotton, and Helly Hansen’s Hydro Tech are lightweight workout shirts that dry quickly from perspiration.
Golf, while still a pricy sport, has come down a bit in price because of the recession. If you want to get on the links with Dad without paying an exorbitant greens fee, check out the website, TheEarlyBirdie.com.
Of course, whenever you golf you should wear Franklin or Callaway golf gloves to avoid getting needless blisters.
While on the topic of exercise, nearly every gym chain such as New York Sports Club, LA Fitness, and the New York Health & Racket Club sell membership gift certificates.
The popularity of Fox’s Hell’s Kitchen TV show, as well as an endless list of shows on cable TV’s Bravo and the Food Network, make it clear that a lot of men take pride in cooking. 360 Cookware’s stainless steel pots and pans are easy to clean and will last for years. Hamilton Beach’s Ind
oor Grill costs around $50 and is perfect for burgers, franks and chicken. Hamilton Beach also makes outdoor grills for summer barbecuing, while Zippo lighters are a good, safe choice for turning on the charcoals.
Red wine has widely been reported to be beneficial for heart health. Italy has long been famous for its reds, and now Sicily is becoming a major player. D’Alessandro Wineries, which was started five years ago on the southwest coast of the island, produces tasty Syrah as well as red blends. Another great Italian vino option are the Masi Agricola wines from Northeast Italy.
When it comes to liquor, you can never wrong with basics such as Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, New Amsterdam Gin, and Samuel Adams Utopia Beer which comes in a handcrafted copper decanter. If you want alcohol that is a bit more offbeat, try Bacardi’s Arctic Grape Rum.
Cigars and spirits go together for special occasions. Macanudo and Camacho are premium stogies for aficionados.
Father’s Day Gift Guide - On the Road
There is no way for anyone to truly express their gratitude to the man who m
ost shaped our lives, but Father’s Day is a great time to show appreciation. Here are some reasonably priced getaway gift ideas.
A lot of us have dads who taught us how to ride a bicycle. Just because you have grown up a little doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a bike ride together. Raleigh and Schwinn make bikes for recreational riders of all ages, while Diamondback and Cannondale produce the racing variety that you see watching the Tour de France.
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