The Winter 2005 Issue contains a.o. the following articles:

 
INTERVIEW

Adjiedj Bakas - author of Megatrends Netherlands
Adjiedj Bakas is tired of all the griping, of all the complaints that the world in general, and Holland in particular, is not what it used to be. If it’s not what it used to be, is his philosophy, then make something of what it is. In order to help us do that, and to take away some of the fear for the unknown, Adjiedj has written a book called Megatrends Nederland. In December, the English-language Megatrends Europe will be in the bookstores.
The aim of Megatrends Nederland is to create a picture of what the country will look like in 20 years; will the Netherlands indeed be home to an aging population? What will the level of tolerance be? Will we feel safe in the streets? What will the labor market be like? All these questions, and many more, are dealt with extensively in the book, based partly on developments already visible in this country, partly on developments visible in other countries that are likely to find their way here, partly on wishful thinking and occasionally on a desire to play the devil’s advocate. “I want to present people with ideas, and widen their horizon,” Adjiedj explains. “I want them to think ‘wow, what a great idea!’.”
www.dexter.nl 
 

LEGAL AFFAIRS

Changes in Social security Laws in 2006
A lot of changes are on their way in the area of social security law the coming year. You have undoubtedly heard a lot about what is going on in the area of Health Insurance, but there are also other amendments impending in the area of disability for work and unemployment. In this article, a short introduction to a few of the imminent changes in Dutch social security law, namely in the area of health insurance, disability for work and unemployment.
Nico van Dijk, e-mail: nico.van.dijk@loyensloeff.com

LEISURE

Warm Yourself in Winter with a Few Good Ideas
Winter in Holland. Hmm. An anomaly for some but for others like me, a long-term expat, a reason to stay put. Some might quietly chuckle to themselves, muttering under their breath that winter and summer are practically the same; drab, wet, damp, gray and soaked. Yet, those brave enough to bear the months from December through March in Holland at home can discover many options to amuse themselves and their families. If you belong to the lucky few with a fireplace then I needn’t say a word. Most of us, though, do not have that luxury – so let’s face the music together.
It is not sopping every day! So get out your woolies, insulated warmers, boots, gloves, coats and yes, umbrellas and come take a peek at a few (indoor) spots certain to be a real treat for adults and children alike.
This issue we’ve focused on the province of North Holland in the area around Haarlem, focusing on points of interest such as Teyler's Museum, the Frans Hals Museum, Snowplanet and inline skating...
www.teylersmuseum.nl  
www.franshalsmuseum.nl
www.recreatienoordholland.nl  
www.snowplanet.nl  
www.skeeler.nl 
 

EXPAT LIVING

Positive Aspects of Living in the Netherlands
EXPAT LIVING: Positive Aspects of Living in the Netherlands
Bad news of course, this IOSA report on life in the Netherlands. In the unlikely case you have no clue what I'm referring to: an organisation of this name found out that 77% of 3,400 respondents to their questionnaire in The Hague would like to leave this country for reasons such as bad health care and hard-to-obtain residence permits. Other factors mentioned are the bad weather, unsatisfactory child day care, lack of good housing, and growing xenophobia among the Dutch. Well, at least this is what the Dutch media reported about the report, which hadn’t yet been officially released. Perhaps reflecting the present Dutch tendency for gloom, this might be a rather sensationalist interpretation of the outcome. But even so, who am I to deny the feelings of so many respondents? I do recognise and acknowledge most of these issues, yet let me at least attempt to give a bit of an antidote to the complaints, not for the sake of 'defending my country' but just to put things in a wider perspective and empower those respondents who happen to read this article.
Jacob Vossestein, e-mail: vossestein@tiscali.nl
 

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