Netherlands
Hey There. Welcome to my portfolio page! I write just about everything you can imagine — from news articles to best-of rundowns (and everything in between). I work almost exclusively with online venues and produce articles that inform and entertain. I'm originally from the United States but now live in the Netherlands — Rotterdam, to be exact. Reach out if you have any questions!
Pet Articles
Just reading or hearing the word rabies is enough to strike terror into the hearts of most cat lovers. It's a horrible disease that almost always results in death if left untreated. The frequency of rabies varies greatly from country to country, with the condition having never existed in some regions, eradicated in others, and endemic in many places.
Emerald hued with jade green hillsides, surging brown rivers, and motorbikes-alive is perhaps the only way I can describe Thailand. I travel alone-which has both drawbacks and benefits. I get to go where I want, when I want-totally without negotiation. But, truth be told, complete freedom has its costs, and loneliness, at least for me, is one.
Cat cafés allow people without pets to enjoy the company of friendly kitties. Most offer some refreshments, but the cats are clearly the big draw. From massive cat towers to vertigo-inducing runs hugging the ceiling, these cafés are usually full of toys and cat towers for the felines to nap.
Cats' vision is markedly different from humans, which makes sense since kitties' eyesight is finely tuned to help them function as predators, while human visual abilities developed to allow us to see up close as well as scan the horizon for food and predators.
Scent hounds were initially bred to find and track game, and they're best known for their fantastic olfactory abilities. The group includes several modern breeds, including Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Dachshunds. While they were originally used for hunting, many scent hounds now work as search, rescue, and detection dogs.
You've probably fallen in immediate love if you've ever seen a Persian cat. These gorgeous fluffy kitties are known for their affectionate laid-back natures, tendency to enjoy lounging around, and all-around adaptability. Marylin Monroe had a Persian cat named Mitsou, and one of these regal felines even kept Queen Victoria company.
Bengal cats are gorgeous domestic cats that look like they've just strolled out of the jungle. The International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognized these stunning cats back in 1986, and the organization has admitted three variants, brown, silver, and snow Bengal cats, to championship status.
Most dogs love a good nap, and while some enjoy catching a few z's on the couch, others prefer snoozing in their own doggy beds. Dog beds need regular washing to remain fresh and ready for your pet's next nap.
While it's possible to head to the store to find fun and interesting gifts for your favorite four-footed friend, it can be fun to make something special for your canine all by yourself. Whether you're a serious crafter or just looking for a quick project to fill a few afternoon hours, there are several projects for you to choose from.
Ask almost anyone who has a feline family member if watching the antics of their four-footed companion brings them joy, and you'll most likely get a resounding yes in response. But do cats make their owners happy? There's no scientific evidence suggesting that cat ownership positively impacts long-term happiness.
British Shorthair cats are sweet, round-faced beauties known for their loyal personalities and muscled bodies. While gray British Shorthair kitties often get the most attention, these cats come in shades of black, golden, and even smoke. They're also usually very large, with males weighing up to 18 pounds.
Cats sleep a lot, as most humans who've ever lived with a feline companion can attest. Adult cats often sleep for 15 hours a day, but that can extend to 20 hours! Healthy cats sleep a lot for several reasons, including preserving energy for short, high-energy activity spurts, but cats also sleep when bored or not feeling well.
Rottweilers are medium-large dogs known for their loyalty and tenacity. They're muscular, disciplined, and often work on search and rescue and law enforcement teams. Large males can reach up to 27 inches at the shoulders and weigh close to 135 pounds. Most have sleek black coats with mahogany, rust, or tan highlights.
If you're thinking about adding a Savannah cat to your family, you might wonder how much grooming these stunning kitties with wild markings and elegant long legs requires. If you bring one of these stripped beauties home, will you be signing up for extended daily brushing sessions or just a few minutes of upkeep per month?
If your favorite feline companion gets into your hosta, they'll probably experience vomiting and diarrhea. Also, don't be surprised if your four-footed friend has no desire to eat or is a bit tired after recovering from hosta poisoning. Most cats will get better on their own if they've only ingested a small amount of the plant.
Christmas is an exciting time of year for cats; it's a season full of new scents to explore and stuff to get into. There are trees to climb, ornaments to destroy, and tons of boxes to jump in and out of.
Domestic cats are amazing creatures. They can jump five times their height, tap into the earth's electromagnetic field to navigate, see minute movements in the dark, and feel astonishingly minor changes in airflow with their whiskers. And those aren't the only surprising things cats can do!
Hip dysplasia is a developmental joint condition more commonly seen in large breed dogs. It occurs while your dog is growing and essentially results in a hip joint that's not well formed. Over time this is more likely to result in hip arthritis or degenerative joint disease which causes pain.
It's hard to resist the sweet affection of a golden retriever. The beautiful dogs are the third most popular breed in the United States, and for a good reason. They're smart, easily trainable, loyal, and generally great with kids.
Schefflera are popular subtropical plants that are commonly grown indoors. These pretty houseplants feature oval leaves that appear to drop from a central stem. Some people think the leaf configuration resembles an umbrella. Hence this beautiful houseplant's most common other name: the umbrella plant.
Having a feline companion can be one of the best parts of life, but cats can also be wild-it's one of the reasons we love them! They love to jump, pounce, spring on newspapers, and scratch expensive things like furniture. Some cats get into even more trouble when they get bored.
If you've spent any time online watching cute animal videos, you've probably come across at least one highlighting the relationship between an unlikely pair of friends, like a dog and a cat. If so, it may have led you to wonder whether or not cats can understand dogs or even other cats, for that matter.
Every human cat companion needs a high-quality carrier for their buddy. Even if your cat dislikes leaving the confines of their home, there are times when your cat needs to leave the house. Even the least adventurous kitty has to visit the veterinarian yearly.
Pets are more than companions; they're our friends and members of our families. Having a pet can do wonders for both your mental and physical health. If you're serious about providing the best possible medical care for your buddy, chances are you have pet insurance to ensure all of your four-footed companion's medical needs can be met without having to worry about the expense.
The Philippines is an ethnically, religiously, and geographically diverse country located in Southeast Asia. It's an archipelagic nation featuring more than 7,500 islands. The country has more than 12,000 square miles of land and a population of more than 102 million.
Big wild cats roam vast territories daily to find prey, keep out competitors, and generally keep an eye on their land. The average tiger needs around 20 square miles to sustain itself and can cover anywhere from 5 to 60 miles daily. They can even comfortably swim up to 7 miles to keep watch on their favorite waterways!
Litterboxes and their accouterments may not be the most interesting things to think about, but making the right choices regarding your cat's toilet is essential to your feline buddy's health and happiness.
You might be wondering if it's possible to claim your dog's food as a deduction. Unfortunately, while we understand that your dog is a member of your family, the IRS simply doesn't see it that way.
If your favorite feline companion is looking rotund these days, you might be wondering if there are steps you can take to help them slim down a bit. Managing your cat's weight is one of the most important things you can do to keep your friend happy and healthy.
Dealing with your cat's litter is probably one of the least pleasant elements of having a feline companion. If you live in an apartment and keep your cat's litter box in your bathroom, you might wonder if you can just flush your buddy's litter down the toilet when it's time to change it.
Holland Times Articles
After a brief period of calm during the pandemic, Amsterdam will most likely host more than 20 million visitors in 2023, according to the city's Research and Statistics unit. Post-pandemic tourist numbers in the Netherlands steadily rose last year.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in rising energy prices throughout the European Union, since not more Russian gas is being supplied. Several European nations have taken steps to reduce gas usage, including lowering temperatures in public buildings. Families in the Netherlands have responded to the energy crisis and resultant rising bills by drastically lowering their energy use at home.
At least one-third of Dutch citizens believe the government would be justified in violating democratic norms to resolve pressing issues such as the climate crisis and housing shortage, according to a new report by the Verwey-Jonker Institute on a study into illiberalism in the Netherlands.
Over the past two years, online shopping has drastically increased in the Netherlands. According to numbers released by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM), Dutch shoppers purchased more goods and services online in 2020 and 2021 than ever before. Online sales of products such as clothes and electronic devices grew by 41% between 2019 and 2020.
Recent steps taken by Amsterdam's city council to reduce problems associated with overtourism appear to be paying off - the number of tourist rentals advertised on platforms such as Airbnb fell substantially as a result of a registration number requirement that took effect on 4 October: from 16,648 in March of this year to 2,924 on 4 October.
More than two years after the world went into lockdown to limit the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19, doctors are still learning about this constantly changing disease. While the disease causes few problems for many patients, particularly younger individuals, others end up with extensive physical damage even if they survive the initial infection.
With the introduction of the second lockdown in December 2020, several Dutch industries are facing the looming spectre of bankruptcy. Two industries have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 regulations: cultural institutions and retail, leaving museum directors and store owners struggling to develop creative ways to stay afloat.
The Netherlands entered its first lockdown on 15 March 2020 - since then, the country has lived and worked under social distancing and gathering restrictions designed to limit the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to decrease the pressure on the healthcare sector.
As of 1 January 2023, social housing associations will no longer be required to pay a tax on rental income, as a result of an agreement reached between the Dutch government, renters' advocates, housing associations and municipalities throughout the nation.
Dutch municipalities will receive 1.3 billion additional euros next year to improve youth services under an agreement reached with the national government. The support will augment the 300 million euros already promised for 2022 to address budget shortfalls.
KLM recently announced plans to launch a package-travel division, KLM Holidays, to sell vacations directly to consumers. The company will offer travelers packaged vacations in which flights, hotels, tours and rental cars can be booked in one purchase.
The corona crisis has had several effects, from the mental health impacts of social isolation to income lost in the travel and hospitality sectors. Now that the economy is partly up and running again, many employers are struggling to meet their labour needs.
The Dutch government spent €116 billion on health and welfare in 2020 - a number which corresponds to an increase of approximately 8.3 percent or €8.9 billion compared to the year before, according to a Statistics Netherlands (CBS) report released at the end of June.
This year, for the first time in its history, the University of Amsterdam (UVA) enrolled more than 40,000 students. According to university numbers, there were 39,051 undergraduate and master's students attending the university last year. That number rose to 41,206 for the 2021/22 academic year, an increase of approximately 6 percent.
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Edition 28 June 2019, by Lorre Luther A Volkskrant investigation conducted earlier this year revealed that at least 60 Dutch municipalities engage in Wi- Fi tracking. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hengelo, Leiden and Alkmaar regularly use this controversial technology to monitor the size of crowds and make public safety decisions, such as where to focus police resources.
Edition 31 October 2019, By Lorre Luther On 5 July, various Dutch teachers' unions sent a letter to Arie Slob, Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, demanding the government make more money available to address deficiencies in Dutch primary and secondary education.
Edition 30 October 2018, by Lorre Luther On Prinsjesdag 2018, the Dutch government announced an important change in the duration of the 30% tax rule. Starting next year, workers will only be able to take advantage of the plan for a period of five years, instead of the currently permitted eight.
Edition 29 May 2018, by Lorre Luther On April 26, 2018, the Dutch House of Representatives debated a proposal that would allow employers to pay disabled workers less than the minimum wage. Tamara Van Ark, State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment, introduced the measure. Unemployment among handicapped workers in the Netherlands is extremely common.
Edition 28 December, by Lorre Luther In the last months of 2017 a limited number of passengers flying out of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport had the opportunity to participate in the Personal Security Pass program trial. During the two week experiment that lasted from November 28 until December 11, travelers were able to book specific security screening times.
Edition 30 August, by Lorre Luther After Wilko Siderius moved from Beekbergen to Leeuwarden early in 2018, he attempted to find a local family physician close to his new home. Although suffering from life-threatening colon cancer, Siderius was unable to find a general practitioner willing to oversee his care.
Edition 28 June 2018, by Lorre Luther In the last week of May, a judge ruled Volkert van der Graaf, the man who shot and killed politician Pim Fortuyn, will no longer be required to meet with the parole department in order to comply with the rules of his conditional release.
Written by By Lorre Luther The first paycheck of 2018 brought welcome news for most employees in the Netherlands- more take home pay. The amount of money that will be deposited into affected employees' bank accounts this year will increase even if their gross wages remain the same.
Edition 26 October, by Lorre Luther On September 29th of this year, the Botlek bridge near Spijkenisse malfunctioned for the 100th time. Around six o'clock on Friday morning, the bridge went up and refused to come back down. The stand off lasted for just over two hours.
Travel Writing
You don't have to search too hard to find beautiful people in Miami, Florida. And the sun sure likes to shine on this city of champagne and beaches. So if you're heading to Miami for a few days of rest and relaxation, good choice.
Craft has met, and then become, art for centuries in Cremona, Italy. In this city of craft, Andrea Amati designed the first violin for Lorenzo de Medici, and Antonio Stradivari and Andrea Guarneri learned and perfected the art of violin making. Cremona's history rests comfortably in its streets; its past creating the present.
Gouda is a medium-sized city, in the province of South Holland, known for its unique city hall and Sint-Janskerk. Het Stadhuis, or City Hall, is a frequently photographed, stone, Gothic building, with stunning red shutters, that sits on the edge of the main market square, in the historic center of the city.
During the Industrial Revolution, Troy was wealthy and on the move. The Erie Canal, Hudson River, and several major rail road lines all came together in this small town that once sparkled with the wealth and trappings of the Gilded Age.
There's no shortage of fun things to do in Toronto, Canada. From Fort York to the Royal Ontario Museum, there are more than enough things to occupy a traveler for weeks on end. How about going on a delicious food tour to structure your exploration of the city?
L'Aquila sits in a quiet valley, safely enclosed within its medieval walls. The Apennine Mountains rise around this city, founded in the 13th-century, which is now the capital of Abruzzo and the province of L'Aquila. The winding streets, Baroque churches, Renaissance buildings, and beautiful plazas of this city will charm you.
You can indulge in just about every type of cuisine imaginable in New York City, USA. From fine dining to food trucks, the ways to feed your culinary imagination just don't end in this brash and vibrant city. People from all over the world bring their drive and dreams to this city that embraces effort and creativity.
Lviv, Ukraine is an architectural and cultural treasure. UNESCO declared the historic center of the city a world heritage site. Expanding outward from Rynok Square, the streets of Lviv's historic center overflow with stunning masterpieces of artistic craftsmanship. Italian architects and German builders worked alongside local artisans to create the beauty of Lviv's historic downtown.
Savannah, a sultry city full of southern charm, lies on the banks of the Savannah River just 20 miles (32 kilometers) inland from the Atlantic Ocean. This reserved subtropical town comes graciously alive once you get to know its charms. Founded in 1733, Savannah, once the British capital of the Province of Georgia, played an important role in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Osoyoos, Canada is a small town in the far south of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. With an inviting landscape of rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and gorgeous orchards, the valley is full of British Columbia's famous outdoor beauty. It's also one of the finest wine growing regions in the world.
Curitiba is a dynamic, mid-sized city in southeastern Brazil. Full of parks, green spaces, and remarkably free of traffic congestion, this capital of the state of Paraná is internationally recognized for its innovative urban planning.
Miscellaneous Roundup
Muscle Monster Energy Drinks are a popular choice among those seriously committed to fitness. You may be wondering if the tasty beverages...
If you're considering putting your coffee grounds in the compost heap, you need to know: will they attract rats and mice? The truth is...
Are you tired of looking at that same old bathroom countertop? Are you in the mood to give your bathroom a quick update? If so, you might be wondering if it's possible to paint your old countertop. The answer, thankfully, is yes.