Welfare paradise is debating itself, but is it still about welfare?

In 1983, a band that called themselves 'The Dutch', had a modest hit with their catchy song "This is Welfare (Paradise)". It was, as you might have guessed, a Dutch band from Amstelveen, and the subject of their song was, as you guessed again, their country, my country, The Netherlands. What you did not guess is that their song was not picturing The Netherlands as a welfare paradise, au contraire, but The Netherlands were seen by many as Welfare Paradise at the time, with an excellent social system only topped by Scandinavian countries.

In the Dutch language, the word 'welfare' can be translated by 'prosperous', as referred to by the Dutch in their song, but it can also be translated by 'well-being, in good health'. That is the meaning I am referring to in this blog, as health these days, ironically enough, is more and more linked to prosperity and finance.

Best TV series ever - is it possible to pick just one?

It is summer time, apart from the ongoing Euro crisis and the upcoming Olympics (next week) there is not a lot to blog about. I figured it was time to take a light subject, as it is, for most people at least, vacation time. People love top 10 lists, as they give us a chance to agree with (and feel connected to) other people or to disagree with (but still feel connected as it is about arguing taste in a positive way) other people. Usually top 10 lists are discussed at home with the family, or at social events with friends. Usually in a light and positive setting, with people you relate to.

I have chosen the subject of the best TV series ever. Not to put together a top 10 list, but to pick one!

Summer of Sports - blessing or disguise?

We all know the expression in the English language: a blessing in disguise. The meaning of this expression is clear to everyone, I think. It means that something that seems bad on the surface may turn out to be good. OK, that is what I figured, but what does it mean in the context of this story? Why relate this to a blog about sports? Not just to any sports, but to the summer of sports of 2012! You will know once you have finished reading this blog.

IMF - saviour or demon?

The German magazine 'Der Spiegel' (the mirror) headlines today that European leaders in Brussels have been informed about the intention of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stop the financial aid to suffering euro country Greece, because Greece is not following the agreed path to reform their economy and bring down government spending.

How the Dutch coalition model ends in extremes and how to prevent this.

As Europe is searching a way out of the quicksand of the Euro crisis, one of the Euro sceptic countries of the past, who voted NO against the European constitution in 2006, is becoming more and more sceptical once again in the wake of upcoming elections in September.

Europe: the search for a new New World.

In the second half of the 19th century, many people migrated from Europe to America in search for happiness and prosperity. They dreamed of a better life in the new world. I don't know if people from my family were among them, but why not? What would I have done if I had lived back then?