Last week's news of Michael Jackson's passing moved Amsterdammers ...literally. On the afternoon of Friday, June 26, a group of about 150 fans gathered on Museumplein as a local DJ created an impromptu dance party by blasting MJ tunes out of the back of his van. After police broke up the noisy nod to the King of Pop, the van did move on...fans fell into a parade, following the music in celebration.

This Thursday, July 2, the Paradiso, one of Amsterdam's best live-music venues will host a more formal tribute to Jackson. Several Dutch artists will perform favorite MJ hits and the Dutch Michael Jackson Fan Club will offer up archival photos and video footage.

Be warned: because entrance is free and the Paradiso only holds 1,500, the crowds are expected to be huge. Rumor has it that the venue may set up an outdoor screen to cater to more fans. Doors open at 7 p.m. Fans will surely wanna be startin' somethin' by the time the show kicks off at 8.

One of my favorite things about being an Amsterdammer is having an intense relationship with the sun. Not like that of beach-bums and California girls...no, this is more like a long-distance relationship, and we all know that going weeks without seeing your loved one only makes the heart grow fonder.

When the sun is out here, we drop everything to enjoy its company. Find out where you can spend the most time getting flushed in one of my picks for Sunniest Spots in Amsterdam.

One of my favorite ways to spend a fair-weather, summer day in Amsterdam is browsing Amsterdam's best markets. These hubs of activity provide hours' worth of perusing pleasure, whether you're buying flowers, food, antiques, art or nothing at all. The markets aren't limited to the summer months -- most are open year-round and many in the cooler seasons.

Want a peek at what you'll find? Check out these scenes from Amsterdam's outdoor markets.

^{Pictured: A stall at Amsterdam's Noordermarkt flea market sells former WWII army gear bags rejuvenated with vintage Swedish fabrics
Photo © 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com}

Mastering public transportation in a new travel destination can be a real challenge. But with this new English-language itinerary planner, you'll know exactly how to get where you're going, and how long it will take you. Never has navigating Amsterdam -- and the Netherlands, for that matter -- been so convenient.