One billion euros. That’s how much the Dutch government wants to put aside in their latest attempt to fix the housing crisis plaguing the Netherlands. The methods have been described as ‘unorthodox’ by providing subsidies to municipalities.
A further one billion euros will be set aside for tax rebates for housing corporations committing to new construction. We’re not that good at math, but we know that totals a lot of money.
Is it enough?
In 2018 the Dutch government estimated that they needed a further 75,000 homes each year until 2025 to make up for the shortage. But, an independent analysis by ABF Research and Capital Value found this will still create a shortfall. Why? Because the shortages keep increasing. That’s not good.
Good luck even finding one of these babies, let alone affording one. Image: Pixabay
ABF’s report found that at the start of this year there was a housing shortage of 263,000 dwellings. That means 95,000 to 115,000 dwellings need to be created annually. So if you’re not used to all the Dutch construction already, there could be a lot more coming.
Well, the two-billion dollar plans haven’t been formally announced just yet. While insiders have confirmed leaked reports, the full details won’t be confirmed until Prinsjesdag on September 17.
One. Billion. Euros. *not so evil laugh*
What will the subsidies be?
It’s reported that the government wants to reduce the landlord tax that housing corporations have to pay for social rental housing. They’re also considering scrapping the transfer tax for young people buying a home (starters) and the extra taxing of landlords. But, again, don’t get your hopes up, because anything can happen in Parliament.
Have you been affected by the housing crisis in the Netherlands? What do you think of the new measures? Let us know in the comments below!
Imagine a grocery store with no lines. That means no elderly people counting out their pennies, no harried looking mothers ducking back for one last item, no foreigners getting to the checkout before realising their Visa and Mastercards can’t be used here. What an ideal world!
With a new trial Albert Heijn is undertaking from today, these checkout-less stores could be a reality. Instead, a simple scan of your debit card when walking into the store could be all it would take to complete your grocery shopping. Hello future!
While Albert Heijn already uses self-checkouts and self-scanners as you shop, this new system would remove the need for checkouts entirely. And, you can forget having to register for the service, scanning products on the shelves, or downloading an app – under the new system, anyone can walk in and use the service.
Tapping your card before entering the grocery store. Now we’ve seen everything! Image: Albert Heijn (supplied)
Steps for Grab and Go
The door opens automatically with your debit card or credit card.
In the store, you pack the products you want. The smart-shelves record which products are removed and replaced via sensors.
Walk to the exit where payment takes place automatically and the door opens.
The store is fully autonomous, which means we could be seeing 24-hour versions in the future! Buuut a little concerning about its implications for Dutch jobs.
Watch the cashless store in action! (Dutch only, sorry!)
Where can I use this technology?
Well, that’s the bad news. For the time being, the trial is only being conducted at Albert Heijn’s head office in Zaandam and is only for employees. But if it’s a success, the trial will move to a public location after around two months.
What about privacy?
Ah that age-old decade-old question. Will there be cameras watching my every move? The answer, in short, is yes. But you don’t have to worry about being caught picking your nose in the soup aisle (and later receiving advertisements for decongestants). Instead, you’re reduced to a black bullet-like shape – like a shadow-monster, but less scary.
When will it come to my local AH?
Yeahhh, that’s the other bad news. Despite entering trial phase today, it could be another ten years before it’s implemented throughout the Netherlands. So if you’re keen to get your hands on this cool technology, you might have to be patient. Or, you know, get a job at Albert Heijn’s head office.
What do you think of this new tech? Convenient, or unnecessary? Let us know in the comments below!
Yesterday, Queen Maxima attended several cities in the Achterhoek to promote artificial intelligence and launch a new AI course for children. She was welcomed by young children eager to learn.
Why is such a course necessary?
You’ve been training robots (probably unwittingly) for years. Recall all the times you have been asked to click the pictures which show a green traffic light before you get access to a website. A bunch of randomly generated images will appear and only if you select the images containing a green traffic light will you gain entry. Like this:
Do you know what the purpose of this is? To train driverless cars (aka AI) to identify traffic rules.
This is just one of many examples which demonstrate how ubiquitous AI is in our society. But thanks to a new AI course being launched in Dutch schools, your children might grow up with more awareness of AI than most of us have.
The Course
The course, developed by the National AI, FurutreNL, and UpgradeNL, is to be trialled at De Rank primary school in Toldijk but will soon be available in many other schools throughout the Netherlands. Over 27,000 children are already signed up to complete the five-lesson course.
The course aims to encourage awareness around AI technology and improve technology skills. “In this way they can function optimally in a world in which technology plays an increasingly important role”, the government said to NL times.
Source: geralt on Pixabay
During a speech given at De Rank Primary School in Toldijk, Queen Maxima emphasised the fast pace at which technology has changed and how important it is to learn about AI. The fact “you think you can call your mother all the time. I couldn’t do that when I was growing up”, NOG reports “it is very important that you really know what artificial intelligence is, how you can use it better and, in particular, how it can help you develop your talents better.”
Why do the kids have all the fun?
Don’t worry, a free course for others has also been launched! Earlier this year the ‘Nationale AI-cursus’ began. This is a free (good for us cheap dutchies) online course for all Dutch people which covers the basics about AI like what it is, the rules surrounding AI and the future of work with AI. The course was modelled on a similar initiative created by University of Helsinki.
Jim Stolze, the founder, told the University of Amsterdam that “Artificial intelligence is no longer something of the future. It is intertwined in all aspects of daily life. From (almost) self-driving cars to the newsfeed of Facebook. Everything that has an electrical plug can eventually become a self-learning system.”
Don’t have the time for a course but curious to know more? Brush up your knowledge with this quick YouTube video instead:
Sun, rain, clouds, and a lot of wind – typical Dutch weather? I would say so! The only thing missing from today’s weather is shivering temperatures that make you forget what your face feels like. Don’t worry, it’s going to be around 17 degrees, so it’s not the worst thing! Will this weather continue through the weekend?
Photo: Flickr/Chris Goldberg
Friday
Friday morning is going to start off with mostly dry and cloudy temperatures that promise of something a bit more sinister – rain that will be engulfing the whole country (a bit of melodrama never hurt anybody, right?) through most of the day. The maximum temperatures are predicted to be 20 degrees, and minimum temperatures are a low 11 degrees.
Saturday
There’s not a lot of hope for your weekend outdoor plans because we are going to be seeing a mix of clouds, sun and showers – a recipe for the perfect day spent indoors. You can also expect a thunderstorm. Hallelujah! But temperatures are going to be a comfortable 18 degrees, so we have at least that to cling to.
Sunday and next week
The amazing weather that we’re so used to is going to continue through to Sunday, but with chillier temperatures at 16-17 degrees. The coming week could be a little bit better with moments of sunshine, and comfortable temperatures of 20 degrees, but one can only hope!
Snarkiness about the weather aside, these temperatures are normal for this of the year, giving us some sort of relief from the abnormal, climate-crisis-doomsday-is-approaching heatwaves. But are we still in the clear? Perhaps not, so keep fighting the good fight!
What are your plans for the weekend? Has it been ruined or did you expect this all along? Let us know in the comments below!
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are all set to be packing their bags up to visit the Republic of India (my home country!) from October 14 to 18. They were invited by President Ram Nath Kovind to visit the capital of India, New Delhi, Mumbai and some cities in Kerala.
According to the Royal Family’s website, “The cooperation between India and the European Union and the Netherlands is strategically important, not least in light of India’s emergence as an Asian superpower and its role in the region. India’s economic potential provides opportunities for closer cooperation in such fields as climate, agriculture, and healthcare. ”
Photo credits: Flickr/Floris Looijesteijn
What are they going to be doing in India?
Well, their exact itinerary is not known. We’re not sure if they’re going to be talking of trade, economic relations, and ways to strengthen the two countries’ bi-lateral relations.
However, we do know one thing for sure! Are you a Dutch national living in India? You have a chance to meet the royals on their visit to India! You can attend a reception that will be held in Mumbai on October 16. But you will have register yourself before September 12, so hurry! You don’t have a lot of time. You can do this here.
You also have to be above 18 years of age and have to prove that you are registered as living in India.
If you’re curious about what’s it likeliving in the Netherlands as an Indian, I’ve already covered my bases 😉 Are you a Dutchie living in India? I’m very curious to know what your experiences have been like. Let us know in the comments below!
If you thought that great events in the Netherlands have finished now that the summer is over, you thought wrong. On Saturday 21 September, Leiden comes alive during the night. The highly popular ‘Night of Discoveries’ is back!
For the 7th edition of this spectacular event, the theme will be ‘Light and Dark.’ Dozens of scientists from all faculties at Leiden University are working together with theatre makers, artists and musicians to create an incredible display.
Performance on the water. Photograph by Jereon Maters
The event promises to appeal to many different curiosities..
Did you know that Leiden astronomers recently discovered 300,000 new galaxies?
Are you interested to know why it is so important for children’s development that they play outside in nature?
Or perhaps you want to know what the Dark Web actually looks like?
Why is a dark bedroom better if you want to lose weight?
Podcast tour: Floating on the canals of Leiden. Photograph by Marius Roos
As if we haven’t sold this incredible event to you already – here are three key reasons why you must attend the Night of Discoveries in Leiden in 2019:
1.The Night of Discoveries 2019: It’s held in Leiden
If you have never been to Leiden then this is the perfect chance to see this beautiful Dutch city. Not only is it incredibly picturesque, with your typical Dutch houses and canals, but the city has a lot of history (and the swag that comes with it). Did you know that Leiden actually has the oldest university in the whole of the Netherlands (1575!), so it has taught tons of students over the years. It’s especially known for sciences and law. In short: the perfect city and venue to hold such an educational event as the Night of Discoveries.
Interactive art displays. Photograph by Jereon Maters
As Leiden is the birthplace of Rembrandt, it’s known for its artistic roots as well. This as well makes Leiden the perfect backdrop to have a ‘Night of Discoveries’ event. If you haven’t been already, then this would be the perfect day to explore the city for yourselves.
2. Variety is the spice of life
The Night of Discoveries in Leiden offers you a variety of different activities and things to do throughout the night. There are lectures, debates, comedy, music, films, art, readings, live science, talk shows, theatre and performance and even an English programme. All of these will be showcased by talented musicians and artists, and many scientists from Leiden University. Having so many different activities means that there will be something for everyone and of all ages.
Not only will there be a variety of different activities, but they will be held at a variety of different beautiful locations around Leiden too. Pieterskerkplein, Rapenburg and Hortus Botanicus will be the home to the official festival grounds, while most of the performances and live science will be taking place both outside and inside the Hortus, the Academiegebouw, the majestic museum of Antiquities, PJ Vethgebouw, Oranjerie, Oude Sterrewacht, RMO, Old School and Gravensteen.
The square in front of the ‘Pieterskerk’The old observatory aka Oude Sterrewacht
3. They have a whole English programme
Like I just stated, there is a variety of different activities at the Night of Discoveries in Leiden, and if your Dutch isn’t up to scratch, you need not worry. At the Night of Discoveries, there is a whole English programme available. Even if you are interested in a programme in Dutch, it’s highly likely that the person taking part will speak English (we are in the Netherlands after all), so go to them at the end and ask them some questions – they’d be more than happy to help out!
Interactive art. Photograph by Martijn Beekman
To show you what kinds of activities are on the English programme, I’ve picked out three awesome events to attend:
#1 The Dark Cellars of Leiden
This event takes you into the dark cellars on an excursion through the dark history of Leiden. Flashlights make the rich past of Leiden visible again in the old cellars. Under the guidance of archaeologist Jasper van Kouwen of the Oudsheidsfabriek you will hear everything about the world underground and archaeological finds become visible.
#2 Why are dictators so popular?
Hosted by André Gerrits, a professor of International Studies at Leiden University, this event asks what makes notorious dictators such as Stalin, Mao and Hitler so bloodthirsty and what are they driven by?
Event from 2018. Photograph by Marius Roos
#3 Dancing in the Moonlight
We usually associate the dark with being scared but it doesn’t have to be that way. This dance group will take the audience on a journey back to a time when the ‘Moon Queen’ was bright and illuminated everyone’s path. Attend this even if you wish to be enchanted by this spectacular modern dance performance about light and dark.
Dance event from 2018 captured by Marius Roos
And these are only a taster of what activities will be at the Night of Discoveries in Leiden in English, not to mention the equally as extensive programme in Dutch!
So, there you have it, 3 reasons why you must go to the Night of Discoveries in Leiden this year! For more information on their extensive programme and ticket sales, don’t forget to check out their website.
Photo by Martijn Beekman
What are you most looking forward to at the Night of Discoveries in Leiden? Let us know in the comments!
The feelings of crippling loneliness might have crept into most of our lives, and oftentimes we don’t know what light of hope to cling on to. Join Us, a not-for-profit foundation has set up a hotline to be that beacon to help people between the ages of 12 to 30.
They want to bring lonely youngsters together so that they can build their social lives. Don’t feel up to calling them? That’s okay, you can reach out to them through their website www.join-us.nu. They currently only have 11 locations in Brabant but are hoping to expand to the other parts of the country as they have got numerous callers from everywhere.
The tweet that started it all
The foundation’s hotline was set up as a reaction to Nadï van de Watering’s tweet a few weeks ago.
Ik zit elke dag alleen. Ik heb hooguit 30min fysio. Zover mijn sociale leven. Werken, studeren, uitgaan, sporten gaat niet.
Maar na 9jr elke dag in mijn eentje.. Ik wil n netwerk in #Nijmegen! Maatjes zijn er niet via @HumanitasNL@swonnijmegen waar vind ik 'n sociaal leven?
It roughly translates to: “I’m on my own every day. I only have 30 minutes of physio. As far as my social life. Working, studying, going out, exercising is not possible. But after 9 years every day on my own .. I want a network in #Nijmegen ! Friends are not through @HumanitasNL @swonnijmegenwhere can I find a social life?”
Her tweet spread like wildfire where she got hundreds of responses from young people who were able to relate to her situation. They expressed their feelings under the hashtag #maatjegezocht. To think that’s all it is: a moment of authentic vulnerability that led to something beautiful being born!
According to a study, around 3 -10% of young people feel lonely, a percentage based on international studies. So if you’ve ever felt lonely, remember that you’re not the only one having those feelings.
Well, being a young person living with a mental illness myself, there are many reasons as to why I have felt loneliness sometimes in my short life. Oftentimes it is the mental illness clouding my judgment and holding me back and other times, it is just my circumstance. Although I am someone who knows how to make the distinction between being alone and feeling lonely, things can get murky when your situation does not afford you much hope.
It also becomes difficult to maintain friendships, the stress of everyday life becomes insurmountable, and you forget what a healthy sleep cycle feels like. However, I have been lucky enough to have a very attentive and patient support group (a big shout to them! Y’all know who you are).
My personal causes are echoed by Gerine Lodder in RTLNieuws, one of the few researchers in the Netherlands looking into loneliness in young people. She outlines three main causes for loneliness: unable to make social contact and build social support because of physical (like Nadï) or mental limitations, difficulty to maintain friendships, and a dark outlook on life and themselves.
Consequences of prolonged loneliness
Be sure to reach out and find help before it gets worse as prolonged loneliness has proven to increase the chances of having “depression, stress, and suicidal thoughts”. There are proven physical consequences as well like a weaker immune system, sleep problems and, alcohol and drug abuse.
Have you felt lonely since you moved here to the Netherlands? How are you coping? Do you have any tips for anyone? Let us know in the comments below!
Prince Harry from the United Kingdom flew over to Amsterdam to launch Travalyst, a sustainable travel initiative. He partnered with travel organisations Booking.com, Skyscanner, Ctrip, TripAdvisor and Visa.
Travalyst
The initiative, which is named by combining the words travel and catalyst, launched yesterday. It aims to generate awareness around travelling sustainably and spark a global movement toward more conscious travel.
He shares his motivation for Travalyst on his instagram, “through my travels I have observed the unique relationship between community and environment and noticed something alarming. There wasn’t the symbiosis or connection there needed to be.. I want to (use my platform) to tackle hard problems in the hope of finding a solution…”
Source: @sussexroyal
Prince Harry’s private jet backlash
Prince Harry has used private jets in the past and received widespread criticism for doing so. People questioned how he could be an advocate for the environment and encourage people to live more consciously if he was using private jets. He broke his silence on the matter today and said although 99 percent of his flights were commercial, his “unique circumstances” of his family’s safety made it sometimes necessary, the Telegraph reports. He pledges to “balance out the impact that I have”.
At the launch event yesterday in Amsterdam, Harry said he was given the motivation to begin Travalyst after meeting a seven-year-old boy on a trip to the Caribbean who told him, “Because of your country, my country’s coral reef is dying”, the Guardian reports.
Eco-friendly travel
Prince Harry doesn’t believe stopping plane travel is necessary as seeing the world can broaden peoples minds.
He openly admits he is no expert but believes we should all be trying to help the environment. “Just because it is such a massive undertaking, doesn’t mean we can’t all play our part”, the Telegraph reports.
What do you think about this? Is it hypocritical for him to fly in a private jet? Or is everything in life about balance?
That’s all for Summer 2019 folks, two national heatwaves and three regional heatwaves. Which is, well, pretty damn good for the Netherlands! But all those rain jackets and umbrellas we own will be put to good use in the upcoming week as rain is on the way..
Strong winds from the North Sea will bring the first lot of rain Wednesday morning and reduce temperatures to around 15 degrees. Between 5 and 15 mm of precipitation is expected but more could easily fall in the west and north of the Netherlands.
Showers will continue into Thursday and temperatures will remain nippy. Friday and the weekend are forecasted to be drizzly as well but the temperatures will rise a little to around 19 degrees.
Weet je het nog, de #zomer van 2019? Het lijkt met het huidige weer alweer zo lang geleden… Zit er nog een nazomertje aan te komen, of houdt het weer zich aan de weerkundige #herfst? Lees onze blog: https://t.co/hZavTaqbxNpic.twitter.com/KOo2VDRyZt
Maurice from Burienradar tells RTL News “Fortunately, the month of September lasts a long time, so there is a chance that we will have a late summer. October can also cause surprises.”
Let’s see if we get lucky and manage to swim in late September or enjoy all the wonderful terraced restaurants! Are you looking forward to the rainy season?
Jawed S, driven to ‘defend his prophet’, stabbed two American tourists last year at Amsterdam Central Station. Earlier today, the Public Prosecution announced they believe 25 years in jail is the sentence he should be given.
As well as the prison sentence, monetary compensation for the victims is also recommended. Both victims have claimed over 3 million euros.
Gruesome images shown in court for evidence
Shocking images revealed how Jawed stood for a while, surveying the area before making his attack in the central station ticket line. Both tourist’s wives stood close by.
S slowly drew the concealed knife from his backpack, took a step forward and planted it in the first victims back. He then lunged and stabbed the other man.
Police responded to the situation immediately and shot S with two bullets causing him to collapse. One of the police officers on the scene explained how he was PTSD and went on to lambast “You stabbed two people before my eyes. What a cowardly deed, may God damn you for what you did. I hope you can stay in jail for the rest of your life” RTL News reports.
The victims
One of the victims, who is now in a wheelchair after the stabbing damaged his spinal cord, said to S “You may think your actions are a symbol of good work, but I assure you: you are mistaken. Your attack from behind proves your weakness”, RTL News reports.
The other victim was stabbed in the arm and torso but managed to survive the attack after emergency surgery.
The wife of one of the victims suffered a miscarriage after dealing with intense trauma caused by witnessing the stabbing. She said in court “In the United States I suffered a miscarriage. I am convinced that this was the result of the emotional and physical toll that the attack on my life has taken. I am still devastated.”
Father back in Afghanistan is very proud
A bugged conversation from Jawed’s home village in Afghanistan shows his father is very proud of him, NOS reports.
