Topic: Amsterdam

Maria Montessori and 10 famous graduates from her schools

Maria Montessori stands in many ways as the mother of alternative education. The Italian physician and teacher invented a new kind of school, one with self-directed learning, classrooms with mixed age groups, and no grades. Now, on what would have been her 142 birthday, thousands of schools bear her name. These Montessori schools have some very famous alumni, many of which credit the free-flowing classes with teaching them to think differently and allowing them to change the world. Here are 10 of the most prominent.

Hectic day at Amsterdam airport amid WWII bomb discovery, hijack scare

Amsterdam's Schiphol airport suffered delays today as construction workers uncovered an unexploded World War II bomb and Dutch jets responded to a mistaken hijacking report.

How To Watch the Olympics

A book that makes the perfect guide to the Olympics, past and present.

Diplomacy or military intervention in Syria? 7 opinions from around the globe.

After 15 months of violence in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad announced yesterday that the country was facing a full-on civil war, a conflict he would do everything in his power to win.This adds increased pressure to the ongoing international question du jour: Is the answer to Syria’s conflict diplomacy or military intervention? Or something else entirely? From Thailand to Jordan, here are some opinions around the globe.

Dutch bank pays steep price for ignoring US sanctions on Iran and Cuba

Dutch bank ING has agreed to pay a record $619 million fine after admitting that it moved money from Iran and Cuba through US banks despite sanctions forbidding the practice. 

Change Agent 'Repair Cafes' reject a 'toss it out' culture

At Dutch 'Repair Cafes' folks come together to fix – or learn how to fix – their own broken stuff.

Secret CIA informant volunteered to be al-Qaeda bomber (+video)

The intelligence agency had planted a spy in the al-Qaeda organization behind the latest attempt at an underwear bomb; the informant's inside information was what allowed the CIA to bring down the plot and kill its organizer.

Netherlands bans tourists from buying marijuana. Yes, in Amsterdam, too.

The Netherlands has banned non-residents from buying marijuana in the country. Neighboring governments are pleased, but the country's coffee shop owners and opposition party are not.

French gunman the latest of Europe's troubling 'lone wolves'

President Sarkozy said the Toulouse gunman Mohamed Merah acted on his own, highlighting Europe's struggle to curb the radicalization of Muslim youths.

UPS to buy Dutch delivery company TNT Express for $6.8 billion

Atlanta-based UPS is the world's largest delivery company, while TNT, headquartered in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, is the second-biggest express mail company in Europe behind Germany's DHL.

US to seek life sentence for underwear bomber, saying he remains a threat

The sentencing hearing for the so-called underwear bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, takes place Thursday. Prosecutors argue that he remains willing to carry out another martyrdom mission.

Global News Blog Make way for cyclists in Tel Aviv

The 'Amsterdam of the Middle East,' Tel Aviv has miles of urban cycling paths and a new bike-share program.

Giant pandas, on loan from China, now living in Scotland

A pair of giant pandas was loaned to a Scottish zoo by the Chinese government. The pandas arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday.
12/06/2011 11:53 am

Global Viewpoint Why you should love your city more than your country

Patriotism applies to countries, while 'civicism' applies to cities – where more than half the world's population lives. As the world urbanizes, a new class of global cities is competing for the affection of residents and tourists. There are several reasons to welcome this development.
12/01/2011 02:59 pm

Underwear bomber trial: Will it shed light on American cleric killed in Yemen?

The trial of accused underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is set to begin Tuesday. Will testimony support Obama's contention that slain cleric Anwar al-Awlaki 'directed' the failed plot?
10/10/2011 03:54 pm

Denmark's election a litmus test for Europe's far-right politics

Denmark's election Thursday is the first national poll in northern Europe to gauge appeal for radical politics since the Norway killings carried out by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik.
09/14/2011 05:25 pm

Saab bankruptcy plan rejected. Now what?

Saab bankruptcy rejected by Swedish court, saying its financial plan for solvency unclear. Automaker's unions may file bankruptcy petition for Saab.
09/08/2011 12:18 pm

In Pictures Giant reptiles

Terrorism & Security Iranian government may be behind hack of Dutch security firm

The cyberattack, which affected hundreds of thousands of users in Iran, may have been meant to allow the Iranian government to eavesdrop on its citizens via Google, Yahoo, Facebook, and other sites.
09/06/2011 03:16 pm

Skype: Dutch House says mobile carriers can't limit its use

Skype users win victory as Dutch House of Representatives passes law that mobile carriers can't block or charge extra for Skype and other alternatives. Senate vote seen as formality.
06/23/2011 01:27 am

Southwest Airlines sale: More $40 flights ahead?

Southwest Airlines is letting travelers go from, say, Seattle to Boise or Albany to Baltimore for $40. Some experts say the move by Southwest Airlines could spark a fare war in the industry.
06/21/2011 06:22 pm

Photos of the Day Photos of the Day 06/21

Chapter & Verse Rebecca Newberger Goldstein: secular humanist with a soul

Philosopher and novelist Rebecca Newberger Goldstein is a humanist whose life and work have been shaped by religion.
06/10/2011 11:21 am

Digging down to family roots

Internet's easy access has pumped new life into ancestor research.
05/13/2011 05:18 pm

In Pictures Royal wedding kisses